The UEFA European Football Championship group stages are over and it is now down to the final 8. It’s KNOCKOUT time! So what happens now? Who are your picks to advance? I was not the most successful with my group stage picks. I only correctly picked three teams from my original picks; Germany, Spain, and France. Not very good, but hey they are picks. It is all a gamble. So, continue to read and listen to me at your own free will.
Quarterfinals
The Czech Republic v. Portugal match-up has become very intriguing. The Czech’s somehow won their group and Portugal played very well in the Group of Death. Ronaldo seems to be on his game and will be too much for the Czechs. Portugal wins 2-0.
Spain v. France has the makings of an epic matchup between two teams that can’t seam to find an identity. Spain had the benefit of a weak group, yet looked vulnerable against Italy and Croatia. France started the tournament well before their stinker against Sweden. Maybe they just didn’t care knowing they were almost a close lock to advance. Torres has been a difference maker and will be on June 23rd. My mind tells me Spain would be an easy pick at 2-1 but my gut is pushing me towards an upset by France. They have a lot of exciting talent that will come together facing a superior opponent. I’ll give the nod to France, 2-1.
Germany v. Greece looks very lopsided. Germany has looked fairly strong, while Greece seemed to back into the quarterfinals. They did beat Russia who started strong. I think Germany wins 3-0.
England v. Italy is a match-up of two teams I thought would crash and burn, just like in World Cup 2010. But, these two strong nations always bounce back and are never down in multiple major tournaments. It is a toss up, but after England got the lucky break of the missed goal by the Ukraine, I see Lady Luck hanging on their side. Italy’s only win came against an under performing Ireland side. England wins 1-0 in a defensive battle.
Semifinals
Since my picks usually go wrong I won’t focus a lot of time on discussing what I think will happen after the quarterfinals. But, I think Portugal will top France 2-1 and Germany will top England 1-0 to set up a final between Portugal and Germany.
Finals
They beat them once and they will beat them again. Germany will top Portugal in another tight battle, 2-1. Golden boot will go to ‘Super’ Mario Gomez who already has 3 goals and should get one more.
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Neither England or France looked spectacular. I saw a vulnerable defense from both. Joe Hart seemed to get real lucky on a number a France’s scoring chances. I was not surprised by the draw. What I was surprised by was Ukraine rolling over Sweden led by the oldest striker in the tournement, Andriy Shevchenko. Host nations do get a boost from the home crowd, but this was something else. I think this helped England more than it helped Ukraine. I originally picked France and Sweden to advance, but I think France and England should pass through as I don’t expect Ukraine to have the same luck with their other games.
