Joined: Mar '12
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 40 (M)
Posts: 1277
Exciting games!
Who do you think will come out on top?
Obviously the pre tournament favourites Germany and Spain could make the final, but I think it's gonna be Germany vs Portugal.
Germany and Portugal will be fresher, they'll have had extra rest.
Germany are a superior side to Italy who rely too much on Pirlo to pull the strings - after the England game there's no way Low is going to allow Pirlo space, he'll be man marked I'd imagine or at least constantly harassed by the forwards. Germany have several dimensions to their play and I just think they'll have too much for a tired Italy.
Spain vs Portugal - Spain are favourites for most but I think Portugal have a genuine chance here to get to another final. Ronaldo looks better and better and Portugal are imrpoving as the tournament goes on which is what you want.
Spain by Del Bosque's own admission are drained and get less rest - plus they have been playing well below their potential. The rivalry will fire both sides up a bit but I think Portugal can edge this. The only problem is they are a one man team, if Cronaldo doesn't turn up they don't win whereas Spain have plenty good players, they just haven't been playing great lately. They only beat a very average French team 2-0 and one goal was thanks to a late fairly soft penalty.
Joined: Nov '11
Location: Poland
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 1081
I don't like Germany... but they have the strongest team in this champs...
They played good football - maybe not much spectacular but incredibly effectively. Gomez, Podolski, Klose, Khedira and rest will crunch every team on their road...
