The Final Four: Preview and Predictions

So, with the semi-finals looming, let's take a look at the four remaining teams in Euro 2012.

Portugal


Results:

L 0-1 to Germany
W 3-2 over Denmark
W 2-1 over Netherlands
W 1-0 over Czech Republic

Star man: Cristiano Ronaldo

All eyes will be on the Real Madrid superstar.  Ronaldo has met the other-worldly expectations that the football universe has placed on his shoulders (so far, at least), scoring three important goals in the last two matches.  The Portuguese attack relies so heavily on their superstar wingers, Ronaldo and Nani, but it will be the former that the football world will expect to deliver yet again.


One to watch: Pepe

The Portugal defense has been solid all tournament, with Pepe and Bruno Alves proving a difficult central pairing to break down.  Whether or not it will hold up for 90 minutes of Spanish probing is a big question, however.  The continued success of Portugal's defense will hinge on the play of Pepe, who has plenty of experience playing with, and against many of Spain's superstars.

Spain


Results:

D 1-1 with Italy
W 4-0 over Ireland
W 1-0 over Croatia
W 2-0 over France

Star man:  Andres Iniesta

Spain is the epitome of team football.  However,  the most influential player in the team right now is attacking midfielder/winger Andres Iniesta.  The Barcelona star has a hand in seemingly every Spanish goal, and the Portugal defense will have to keep his surging runs and incisive passing in check.

One to watch:  Alvaro Arbeloa

Arbeloa is by no means one of the stars in the Spain team.  However,  the Spanish right-back will be pivotal in minimizing Cristiano Ronaldo's impact on the game.  Ronaldo loves to operate on the left wing, and it will be Arbeloa's job to negate Ronaldo's counter-attacking threat on that side of the pitch.



Prediction: Spain 1-0 Portugal
Spain makes use of all the possession they will undoubtedly have in this one, scoring an early 2nd half goal.  Portugal has to settle for only a few chances on the counter, and Ronaldo's  Euro magic is stifled by the Spanish defense yet again (just like World Cup 2010).




Germany


Results:

W 1-0 over Portugal
W 2-1 over Netherlands
W 2-1 over Denmark
W 4-2 over Greece

Star man: Mesut Ozil

Ozil is the maestro behind the German attacking juggernaut.  As we've seen in this tournament, it doesn't matter who starts up top, (Gomez or Klose) or who else is around him (Podolski and Muller, or Reus and Schurrle), Ozil will create opportunities for you.

One to watch: Mario Gomez

Gomez was clinical in front of goal through the group stages, scoring three goals.  However, Gomez was dropped from the starting lineup in favor of Miroslav Klose for the Germany quarterfinal win over Greece.  It will be interesting to see whether Gomez picks up where he left off, or if his confidence takes a hit because of this.  Either way, his presence will be vital to breaking down the defensively stout Italians.

Italy


Results:

D 1-1 with Spain
D 1-1 with Croatia
W 2-0 over Ireland
W 0-0 (penalties) over England

Star man: Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo is 33 years old, yet he is still the heartbeat of this Italian side.  Pirlo dictates the game for the Italians with his passing and awareness.  If the Germans allow the deep-lying midfielder time and space on the ball, they could be in for a long and hard-fought night.

One to watch: Gianluigi Buffon

The Italians won't win a high scoring game against the Germans.  They simply cannot boast the same offensive firepower.  It will be up to the Italian captain Buffon to keep the game within reach, so that maybe the likes of Mario Balotelli or Antonio Cassano can steal a late winner from the Germans.

Prediction: Germany 2-0 Italy
Germany breaks down the determined Italian defense late in the first half, forcing the Italians to come out and attack more in the second.  Germany buries another on the counter-attack, setting up a Euro 2012 Final with the two best sides in the world, and a rematch of the Euro 2008 Final, Spain vs Germany.