SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Aside from the huge upset with the quick elimination of favorite Holland, no big surprises so far as the group stage of Euro 2012 comes to an end and the quarterfinals kick off Thursday, June 21.
The Dutch have been the biggest disappointment of the tournament after they lost all 3 matches in Group B, the so-called “Group of Death” alongside Germany, Portugal and Denmark. Germany on the other hand, has been the most impressive squad so far having triumphed in all of their games thus far.
Holland, current World Cup runner-up, failed to live up to the expectations that this time they would lift the trophy with the same blend of attacking football they gained praise for the only time the Netherlands won the Euro in 1988.
Other groups had more exciting matchups, with several eliminations reliant on one crucial game, but in the end, the toughest teams were left behind and 7 teams exited early, among them the two hosts: Poland and Ukraine.
Portugal vs. Czech Republic
The first game has the potential to be an exciting one, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal against the Czech Republic led by Chelsea star Peter Cech, arguably the best goalkeeper in the world.
After two lackluster performances in the first two matches, Ronaldo forgot his battle for world dominance with Barcelona’s Leo Messi and scored twice against the Dutch, enabling his team to advance and brushing off his personal critics.
The Czechs recovered from their initial 4-1 loss against Russia to finish the group stage with a convincing 1-0 victory over Poland.
Rappler pick: Portugal
Germany vs. Greece
On Friday, June 22, Europe’s strongest economy, Germany, will face off against perpetually underestimated Greece. The Greeks, as they were in 2004 when they won, was ignored by everyone until they knocked out Russia in Group A.
If it is just about football, there is no contest here: the Germans are now top favorites to lift the cup after 3 consecutive victories over top teams and even Mario Gomez from Bayern Munich is finally proving to be the effective center-forward the team needs.
But the Greek economy is in such a mess that the players will battle it out like warriors to bring some good news to the country, on the brink of pulling out of the euro. Heart may just be a huge determining factor on who comes out victorious.
Rappler pick: Germany
Spain vs. France
The next day, June 23, will feature defending champion Spain versus the tough and determined French squad.
Vicente del Bosque’s La Roja has not looked as good as Germany so far, but their passing game was about as good as it gets against Ireland, and that game marked the apparent recovery of attacker Fernando Torres, who went from almost not getting picked for the tournament to now being first-choice striker.
Nevertheless, France comes in as the the underdog, as the generation commanded by Real Madrid’s Karin Benzema still has to prove it has the talent to succeed the likes of Zinedine Zidane or Thierry Henry, especially after losing unexpectedly 2-0 to Sweden in the last game of the group round.
Rappler pick: Spain
England vs. Italy
It was not looking good for England, but Wayne Rooney is back, and that is the best news manager Roy Hogdson could get.
The Manchester United striker played his first game of the tournament after a two-game suspension against Ukraine, and scored the only goal of the match to clinch a 1-0 victory.
But England still seems shaky. The defense has conceded too many goals and they and are up against impressive Italy in their first game, with attackers Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli in top shape.
Rappler pick: Italy
All the games start at 2.45 a.m. of the next day, Manila time. – Rappler.com
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