We are down to the semi finals and only two of my original top five are still standing. The quarterfinals were a bit rocky for me, and I’m sure a lot of other people. Even so, I really enjoyed them. Most of the games were nail biters and some were just plain crazy at the end. The Turkey/Croatia game was just unreal. With all the games played the Semi Finals look like this.
Germany vs. Turkey
Spain vs. Russia
These are fairly interesting matchups. There are clearly two underdogs in Turkey and Russia, but I’d hardly count either of them out. Lets give a little look at how each team got here and my prediction / assessment of the match ups.
Germany
Group Stage
06.08.08 v Poland – 2 : 0 W
06.12.08 v Croatia – 1 : 2 L
06.16.08 v Austria – 1 : 0 W
Round of 8
06.19.08 v Portugal – 3 : 2 W
Turkey
Group Stage
06.07.08 v Portugal – 0 : 2 L
06.11.08 v Switzerland – 2 : 1 W
06.15.08 v Czech Republic – 3 : 2 W
Round of 8
06.20.08 v Croatia – 1 : 1 W via Penalty Kicks
Germany is definitely the favorite in the match up vs. Turkey, and Turkey didn’t look that strong in their match against Croatia. However I think they will put up a pretty solid game and have a decent chance for the upset.
My Prediction
Germany 2 : Turkey 0
Spain
Group Stage
06.10.08 v Russia – 4 : 1 W
06.14.08 v Sweden – 2 : 1 W
06.18.08 v Greece – 2 : 1 W
Round of 8
06.22.08 v Italy – 0 : 0 W via Penalty Kicks
Russia
Group Stage
06.10.08 v Spain – 1 : 4 L
06.14.08 v Greece – 1 : 0 W
06.18.08 v Sweden – 2 : 0 W
Round of 8
06.21.08 v Netherlands – 3 : 1 W
This is going to be a fun game to watch. I know Russia lost to Spain pretty badly the first time they played, but the game was much closer than the score shows. Russia just didn’t capitalize on it’s chances and Spain did. Spain is the only undefeated team left in the tourney and they only team to win their group. This game is going to be a shootout.
My Prediction
Spain 4 : Russia 2
That shit gonna be crazy...