Calidad wrote: Bashmachkin wrote:Portugal vs Germany - I know it has been said, but I don't think this side of the draw is that strong. None of the four teams have overwhelmed me. Portugal have been the best of the lot, but they still have a few problems - I didn't see their final game where they made lots of changes, but in their second game, their centre backs struggled from a couple of corners, their full backs have failed to get forward to add to the play, and the team still lacks a quality centre forward. I don't really see Portugal having a huge deal more quality than they've had in the past, though their midfield and wingers are excellent. Germany were poor in the group stages and look in a bit of a state - they don't look right mentally, they seem a bit like the opposite of the Netherlands - all the negative features of the team are standing out at the moment. The defence looked very slow and unsure; the central midfielders sometimes didn't see a lot of the ball - Kas's point about the play not going through them enough was very valid - but when Frings did receive the ball, his passing was poor; Gomez is looking terrible. I think the midfield battle is interesting for this game - Deco, Moutinho against Ballack and whoever partners him. Ultimately, I just feel that Germany will edge it.
Croatia vs Turkey - I expected Turkey to get out of the group stages, they have some nice players, but even with Nihat's great strike in the last game I think they struggle to score goals, and their defence isn't great. This game is the clearest in the quarters for me - I expect Croatia to win by a couple of goals.
Holland vs Russia - these are both teams I like a lot. I think the technique of some of the Holland players, some of the midfielders and wide players, is second to none, they can be so nice to watch. And Holland are on a roll obviously, and it has been impressive how well van Nistelrooy has lead the attack, how versatile he has been, and how well the Dutch defence has played both in defence and in attack. I've backed Russia in this tournament, and so I have to go for them to win - I think the game will actually be close, and it should be great to watch, the openness of both teams should be complementary.
Italy vs Spain - I think the closer we get to this game, the more I will feel that Italy will take it. Spain were mixed in the group stages. My instinct is to think that their playing the two strikers is a good idea, but a number of Spanish posters, Ole and Oleguer, made some really interesting points to the contrary over the last few days - the attack looks like it struggles at times to penetrate defences, and I don't like the lack of wide players Spain have. Italy haven't been great so far, but they improved last night - De Rossi and Pirlo played better, Toni at least got into the right positions, their fullbacks attacked much better. I like Aquilani and I'd be inclined to start him once Pirlo is back, and on into the future for Italy, but I think Pirlo's absence will hurt Italy. And whilst I think that they are likely to improve as and if their tournament progresses, still I think Spain could pip them as things are, with Italy still struggling for form and missing a key player.
I predominantly agree. Portugal go in as marginal favourites, but their form hasn't been as great as some would have you believe. It's an incredibly tight one to call, but for some reason I think the German's might scrape through after a less than convincing performance.
Turkey/Croatia is another tight one. The battle between Arda Turan and Corluka will be an interesting one. I feel Croatia will monopolise possession, and I think that will be the difference. I'm not sure Turkey will be able to deal with thier movement and fluidity either. That said, Turkey remain an enigma, and they are definitely capable of causing an upset.
I too am looking forward to the
Russia-Turkey game, and am hoping for a fast paced, exicting game. I think the Dutch will have that extra quality to make it through. Though I can see Arshavin giving Bhoularouz a torrid time. The Russian FB's who seem to play a key part in their gameplan, may have to be slightly more cautious, or they risk getting ripped apart by the likes of Robben, RVP, Kuyt on the wings. Again, I think the Dutch will monopolise the possession.
As for the last game, I'd like Spain to go through, but I think they'll find it difficult to impose their game upon Italy. I didn't see Spain today, but Iniesta has looked off-colour this tournament, and over the past 18 months he has been a key part of Spain's success, and he will need to step up. I also feel Aragones has missed a trick not taking a winger or two, Joaquin would have been perfect for exploiting the lack of pace in the Italian side, and would have given Grosso a wretched time. As for Italy, Pirlo's loss will be huge, and I hope Aquilani can step up, because he is a player I like. Both defences have looked less than solid, and I can see Toni causing all manner of problems in the Spanish defence. Will be a very tight game IMO.
All in all, I guess I'm sitting on the fence, I genuinely think all games are going to be very tight. Russia & Turkey I guess are in danger of getting a hiding, but I don't either will.
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