Euro 2012 Bracket: Germany and Spain Remain on Title Game Collision Course

Germany and Spain were favored to reach the finals when Euro 2012 began two weeks ago. Nothing happened during the group stage to change that outlook.

No team has been more impressive than Germany. Not only did Die Mannschaft survive the "Group of Death," they dominated it en route to winning all three group games. It's the type of display that gives them a good chance to end Spain's run atop the sport.

Mario Gomez has led the way with three goals. The Bayern Munich striker spent a lot of time playing in the shadow of Miroslav Klose during his early years with the national team, but he's proving that he's capable of carrying the load himself.

He's backed up by a dynamic group of midfielders. Mesut Ozil continues to show why he's one of the best young playmakers in the world. While he doesn't get as much respect as elite goal scorers, he's just as important to Germany's attack.

Ozil is flanked by fellow young gun Thomas Muller. It's a duo that not only makes Die Mannschaft a threat to win this title, but many more in the future.

Germany also has the one thing every title team must have: a reliable goalkeeper. Manuel Neuer is one of the position's rising stars and nearly led Bayern Munich to a Champions League triumph, preparing him for the pressure that's yet to come.

While the Germans have looked unstoppable, they should not expect Spain to relinquish the championship without a fight.

After an opening draw with Italy, manager Vicente del Bosque inserted Fernando Torres in the starting lineup and La Roja proceeded to outscore Ireland and Croatia by a combined 5-0 score. The move brought much-needed balance to the squad.

Although not having David Villa available due to injury has caused some issues for the Spanish attack, the team still has more than enough firepower to make a deep run, especially if Torres can keep building confidence.

Like Germany, Spain relies on its tremendous midfield to control games. Andres Iniesta and David Silva provide support for Torres while Xavi and Xabi Alonso serve as the distributors. La Roja are the only team in the tournament capable of standing tall against the Germans in the middle.

Since Netherlands, another team that was highly regarded coming into the tournament, was eliminated in the group stage, Spain and Germany appear to be a step above every other team left.

As long as both teams can avoid an uncharacteristic lackluster performance, a meeting for the championship remains likely.

Right now, Germany has the slight edge.