The quarter-final fixtures for the European Championships were confirmed last night as Russia breezed past the Swedes. With no let-up in the schedule, the first knockout game is this evening when Portugal face Germany.
Form would favour the Portugese but how many times have we seen the Germans respond at this stage of tournaments when the odds are against them. It would be great for the competition if Ronaldo, Deco and Co could blow the functional Germans away with some of the attacking flair they have shown so far but you suspect that the Germans will stand up to them and dictate the style of play. If they can do that and stifle Portugese ambitions from midfield, then they may get a chance or two to test the Portugese back four. If Germany score first I will go for them to maintain their advanatge and get the result. Portugal probably need to get a 2-0 lead to look as secure.
The others quarter-finals also promise much; Croatia will carry my flag against the Turks tomorrow, then we will see the all conquering Dutch have to match-up against Russia before the mouth-watering tie of Spain v Italy. All-in-all a weekend of great football in prospect.
Back on Planet Charlton there is little news. Stuart Fleetwood is using his elevation to the Championship to pitch for a Welsh cap. I remember Andy Gray saying just the same thing when he arrived. Still, shouldn't knock ambition I guess.
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The Russia v Holland match looks scintilating - the bets two passing sides so far. And of course they get a cream crackered pitch to play on....
ReplyDeleteOn quality its either of them two, Portugal or Spain that should win. So its the Gernams or Italians to scrape the final on pens!
Pembury Addick
I had a final four at the start of the tournament of Spain, Portugal, Germany & Russia.
ReplyDeleteI can now see Italy beating Spain and Germany beating Portugal. The game of the round is Holland v Russia though - should be a cracker.
I remember Chris Iwelumo doing the same thing too.
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