Sizing up the quarter-final match ups at Euro 2008...
Turkey vs. Croatia
Turkish Delight:
Turkey pulled one of the all-time great comebacks at this tournament by scoring three unanswered goals in 15 minutes (who said soccer is offensively challenged?) to beat the under-whelming Czech Republic 3-2 in group play and secure a spot in the quarterfinals where they will now face Croatia. “We’re no turkeys!” was the headline in Istanbul, I hear.
The victory, however, did come at a price. Turkey goes into the game, like, without their whole team. Seven or eight players are out with injuries and suspensions. Since they were my pre-tournament dark horse, expect Croatia to wreak havoc on the depleted Turkish side.
Portugal vs. Germany
Red and Green vs. the Heat Colours of Germany:
On cue, Portugal won the group and will now face a slipping German side that is now without Torsten Frings and coach Joachim Lowe. Is it me or did Lowe make an appearance with Dieter on Sprockets back in the 1990s? For those of you not au courant with pop culture, look up Mike Myers, SNL, Sprockets.
This is a tough one to call. Never underestimate Germany, but this time around you may be able to get away with it. Tortsten’s replacement, Bastian Schweinsteiger, will have to step in and do magical things alongside Michael Ballack to provide the Germans with an offensive spark.
As for Portugal, while they tend to play individualistically, they have matured (especially on defense) as a team. Indeed, this is not the same side that fell 3-1 to Germany in the semi-finals in 2006. Edge has to go to Portugal based on overall talent and recent form.
Spain vs. Italy
World Champions Live to Play Another Day:
Italy stumbles into the last eight thanks to a 2-0 victory over France and a Holland win over Romania. In addition to being without Fabio Cannavaro (the heart and soul of the Azzurri), the Italians will have to make do without the sublime genius of Andrea Pirlo. From a soccer fan’s perspective, this is unfortunate as we are now deprived of watching Pirlo and Cesc Fabregas work magic in the middle of the field.
Article comments
1 - pokemon
I like page three. It contains one word.
The Netherlands will defeat Russia 4-0. Then Putin will declare war on Georgia to make himself feel better.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
Amended, thanks for noticing.