Greece's qualification
is perhaps the biggest surprise, what with their opener against Poland where
they were to be found one nil down and with only ten men on the pitch, quite a
turnaround then to see them beating group favourites Russia in the last game
with a goal from captain, and now joint most capped player, Giorgos Karagounis.
It is that kind of fighting spirit, akin to 2004, that they will need to show
again if they are to have any chance against Germany. Starting Salpingdis would
seem like a good idea given the impact he made in the Poland game, Samaras will
also need to pick up his game, he has shown glimpses of his talent, but not
enough as of yet. Young defender Papadopoulos has been one of the standout
players, and he will need to be at his very best to handle the in form Mario
Gomez.
Germany will be
everyone’s favourites to progress to the semi-finals, they comfortably won
their group and don’t look to have hit top gear as of yet which will be a
worrying sign for the rest of the teams left in the competition. They have a
stellar midfield, Bastien Schwiensteiger as ever has been excellent, and both
Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil look to have grown immeasurably in their two years
at Real Madrid since the World Cup. Mario Gomez has a real point to prove it
seems, after the disappointment of the Champions League final, and criticism
from some factions of the German press, he is in sparking form with three goals
so far. Mats Hummels at centre back will have been a revelation to many
viewers, comfortable on the ball, a great range of passing and great
positioning being the hallmarks of his game, off the back of winning the double
with Dortmund his confidence will be sky high. It is hard to see anything other
than a comfortable German win in this one.
Predicted result:
Germany 3-0 Greece
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