Euro 2012 Bracket: Latest Breakdown of Remaining Teams

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Euro 2012 is getting into full swing as the knockout round is upon us. One team—Portugal—is already through to the semifinals after a win over the Czech Republic in the quarters on Thursday. By the end of the weekend, the field will be down to four. 

The tournament is up in the air as anybody can win it at this point. Spain, though without a loss in group play, looks beatable. Portugal and England are gathering momentum with each match played. In the knockout round, there are no sure things. The next week will be an exciting one as the field is narrowed one by one until a champion is crowned. 

Portugal

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How They Got Here:

Group Play

Lost to Germany 1-0

Beat Denmark 3-2

Beat Netherlands 2-1

Quarterfinals

Beat Czech Republic 1-0

On Thursday, Portugal became the first team to secure a bid to the semifinals of Euro 2012 with a victory over the Czech Republic. Ronaldo scored late on a header to finally break the tie in the 79th minute. They continue to gain steam as the tournament moves on, and have a real chance at the finals. 

A matchup with defending Euro and World Cup Champion Spain would be a tough one, but would set up an exhilarating semifinal at Donbass Arena. Portugal is a serious contender for the title, and look to win their first ever European Championship in 2012.

Next Match:

Winner of Spain/France vs. Portugal - Wednesday, June 27, 2:45 PM ET

Germany

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How They Got Here:

Group Play

Beat Portugal 1-0

Beat Netherlands 2-1

Beat Denmark 2-1

The only team to win all three of its group matches, Germany looks to be one of the front-runners for the title. The runners-up in the 2008 European Championship are seeking revenge and a possible semifinals matchup with either England or Italy with a win over Greece. 

Mario Gomez has played brilliantly, with three goals and an assist in group play. If he can keep playing at this level, it will be hard to beat Germany. They should take care of Greece in the quarterfinals before a tough matchup in the final four. 

Next Match:

Germany vs. Greece - Friday, June 22, 2:45 PM ET

Prediction: 2-0 Germany

Greece

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How They Got Here:

Group Play

Drew Poland 1-1

Lost to Czech Republic 2-1

Beat Russia 1-0

Greece will need to play flawless football to beat a powerhouse German team today. They went through group play scoring as many goals as they gave up, three. The name of the game will be defense for Greece in the quarters. 

They must shut down Mario Gomez and the German attack for them to have a chance of advancing. Two goals from Germany is more than enough to win, and just a single tally might be enough to do the trick. 

Next Match:

Germany vs. Greece - Friday, June 22, 2:45 PM ET

Prediction: 2-0 Germany

Spain

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How They Got Here:

Group Play

Drew Italy 1-1

Beat Republic of Ireland 4-0

Beat Croatia 1-0

Coming into the tournament, the defending European and World Cup Champion Spain was one of the favorites to reach the finals this year. Though they won their group with two wins and one draw, the club doesn't look as dominating as in previous years.

They were outplayed by Italy in their opening match, and squeaked past a Croatian team that could have knocked them out of the tournament early. That being said, France doesn't look any better. Expect a tight one tomorrow as Spain looks to regain its championship form. 

Next Match:

Spain vs. France - Saturday, June 23, 2:45 PM ET

Prediction: 1-0 Spain

France

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How They Got Here:

Group Play

Drew England 1-1

Beat Ukraine 2-0

Lost to Sweden 2-0

France is another team that needs to find its stride to have a shot at reaching the Euro final. They drew an England team without Wayne Rooney, and lost to Sweden in an ugly game. That match could have cost them a spot in the knockout round had it not been for England's victory over Ukraine. 

France is the last team to eliminate Spain from a major tournament, in the 2006 World Cup. The club will have to come out of the gates strong and get out to an early lead to overtake Spain. France must play a solid all-around game to avoid Spain's relentless attack and move on to the semifinals. 

Next Match:

Spain vs. France - Saturday, June 23, 2:45 PM ET

Prediction: 1-0 Spain

England

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How They Got Here:

Group Play

Drew France 1-1

Beat Sweden 3-2

Beat Ukraine 1-0

The addition of Wayne Rooney makes England one of the most dangerous teams in Euro 2012. They have a lot of momentum heading into their match on Sunday against Italy with wins against Sweden and Ukraine to take first place in Group D. 

They will face their biggest test yet in the quarterfinals, and Wayne Rooney needs to capitalize on his scoring opportunities as he did in England's win over Ukraine to be victorious. Joe Hart must also continue his solid play at keeper for the club to advance. 

Next Match:

England vs. Italy - Sunday, June 24, 2:45 PM ET

Prediction: 2-1 Italy (PK)

Italy

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How They Got Here:

Group Play

Drew Spain 1-1

Drew Croatia 1-1

Beat Republic of Ireland 2-0

The 2006 World Cup Champions had moderate success in the group stage, outplaying Spain but ending in a draw. They also held an early lead against Croatia before limiting the attack, resulting in constant pressure on their defense and an eventual equalizer. 

The Italians will have to keep Rooney in check and Buffon must continue his solid play in net. If the club gets out to an early lead, they must keep on the attack and not retreat as they did versus Croatia. A match against the winner of Germany/Greece is up next if they advance. 

Next Match:

England vs. Italy - Sunday, June 24, 2:45 PM ET

Prediction: 2-1 Italy (PK)