Soccer - Knock Out Stage
After Russia’s convincing victory over Sweden yesterday the knockout bracket has been filled and should provide for some amazing games. Now looking back I think I did a pretty decent job with some of my predictions but I will say that after watching yesterdays game calling Group D the weakest group was unfair. Russia looked dominant against Sweden in a 2-0 win that very easily could have been 6-0. Even Greece looked a bit better but still couldn’t pull off a win against Spain’s bench. With all of that said its time for some more predictions.
Portugal vs. Germany - This should be an absolutely amazing game with two heavyweights of football going head to head with bragging rights and a spot in the next round on the line. Germany’s coach Joachim Low has been banned from the match which could prove costly to the German side who are now being seen as underdogs. Portugal also rested their starters in the last game of the the group stage so they should be ready to go. Look for this game to be won by whichever team can control the midfield as both teams have world class athletes patrolling this area of the pitch.
Prediction: Germany 2-1 Portugal
Croatia vs. Turkey - This game could potentially be one of the best games of the tournament as Turkey is such an exciting team to watch and Croatia is no slouch itself. Unfortunately the Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel recieved a red card in Turkeys last match so he will be unable to play. With that in mind it should make things much easier for Croatia. But if I have learned one lesson this Euro 2008 it is never to count out Turkey.
Prediction: Croatia 1-0 Turkey
Netherlans vs. Russia - This is the game that I will be looking forward to the most as the Netherlands are my favorite team and pick to win it all. They are usually well known for having tremendous talent but no chemistry as a team but this tournament they have been outstanding. Their counter attack has been magical and they have gotten world class efforts out of Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie. Even Ruud van Nistelrooy has been playing well and not simpling parking himself in front of goal and waiting for crosses. Russia has also been playing very well but their inability to show finish against Sweden makes me belive they are not ready for the Dutch.
Prediction: Netherlands 3 - 0 Russia
Spain vs. Italy - The Spainish have looked dominant so far in the tournament and have made excellent teams look like house leaguers who got lost on their way to a tournament. They showed the depth of their bench yesterday by beating Greece and David Villa has looked sublime so far. Italy on the other hand tied Romania and that was only after Gianluigi Buffon stopped a penalty late. They looked a bit better against France but this tournament that isnt saying much. Italy cant be counted out entirely but I feel that the traffic will be one way in this game and Buffon had better be ready.
Prediction: Spain 2 - 0 Italy
However the games turn out it should be great football. Luckily for me its the weekend and I will be able to actually watch all of the games instead of catching glimpses at work.
