By The quarter finals of Euro 2008 will feature the following four matches:
Portugal vs Germany
Expect to see a different Portugal side from the one that lost their final group game when the core of the team was rested. Germany didn't have such a luxury after losing to Croatia and had to field a full strength side in their last group game. As long as the Portuguese players don't get dragged into a physical battle with the much bigger German side I can still see Portugal progressing.
Croatia vs Turkey
Croatia surprised a lot of people by beating Germany in their group and are rewarded with a game against Turkey. I haven't been all that impressed with Turkey and I think Croatia will edge a scrappy game.
Netherlands vs Russia
I, like everybody else, have been blown away by the Dutch performances so far. Masterful victories over France and Italy were followed by a relaxed, but still victorious, outing against Romania. I'm not convinced Russia were a better side than Sweden but they managed to get out of the group anyway. I honestly can't see the Russians winning this game and I'm backing the Dutch.
Spain vs Italy
A potential mouth-watering prospect for Sunday night. It really depends if the Italians turn up and play or just sit back defensively and try to snatch a winner, has been their modus operandi in the past. If they sit back I envisage a dour game with the Spanish valiantly trying to break them down. However, if the Italians come out and play a nice, attacking game then I can see this being a very good game. This game could go either way but I think the Spanish will prevail.
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