EURO 2012: Knockout Stage Predictions

With the Group Stage gone, only eight teams remain in EURO 2012. By Sunday night, there will only be four. I didn't have the best of times predicting the Group Stage games or winners, but the Knockout Stage is upon us, so I've got another shot to make myself look smart, or, more realistically, make myself look like a well informed idiot.

Knockout Stage 1: Quarter Finals

Portugal 2 - 0 Czech Republic

Now we get into the problems of Group A. While the group was balanced and exciting in the group stage, they were by far the weakest group, and I just can't see either of the advancing teams advancing beyond the Quarter Final. Portugal held strong to see off a shabby Holland last game, with Cristiano Ronaldo ending his goal duck with a brace. Portugal should be able to hold enough possession to cover up their deficiencies, so I see a 2-0 win with goals from Helder Postiga and Cristiano Ronaldo sending them through.

Germany 1 - 0 Greece

Greece is a team that could well provide an upset, but they're too defensive to stop might Germany, who won all three in Group B. Greece puts up a valiant defensive effort, but parks the bus in their own half all match. Germany should be able to provide a breakthrough, and I recon Thomas Muller can provide the goal to send the Greeks home.

Spain 2 - 1 France (aet)

Spain has had some issues in EURO 2012, with controversy over who should lead the line and defensive struggles marring the defending champions campaign. France, on the other had, has been solid, if somewhat unconvincing. While they have very few major weaknesses, it seems that no player wants to be the man who drives them forward. Benzema has been cold, Menez and Ribery have created plenty of chance and failed to finish, and M'Vila has looked great, but his fitness is still and issue. Both these teams should provide a good game, and I figure them to be on level pegging at this point. All square in a well played 90 minutes, with goals from Samir Nasri and David Silva, before Cesc Fabregas provides the break through in the extra 30 minutes.

Italy 1 - 1 England (5-3 on penalties)

The question may not be who will win, rather, who will leave their own end first. Both England and France have been relatively negative this tournament, with Roy Hodgson's side looking generally unwilling to leave their own end, and Italy unable to shake their historically defensive personality. I was originally going to pick England to win 2-1, but then I realized how ridiculous picking England to score twice was. I've loved their organization and mentality, but goal scoring is simply not going to happen for the Three Lions in this tournament. Wayne Rooney and Antonio di Natale score in regular time, but it's the English who hold their nerve in the shootout. 

Future Round Predictions

Here's my rundown of the future rounds for future reference, just in case I get them right:

Semi Finals:

Germany def. England, Spain def. Portugal

Final

Germany def. Spain

Third Place Game

England def. Portugal

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Kevin Kryston

Host, Football Central w/ Matt and Kevin

Thurs. 6-8 (Aug. thru April) on 99.5 and 98.1 WUDR Dayton Flyer Radio