Euro 2012: 8 Stars Who Must Shine in the Quarterfinals

With group play now complete, the quarterfinals are set and ready to begin tomorrow. Every team left in this tournament possesses game changing talent capable of shining on the biggest stage against the best European competition.   

Advancing past the quarterfinals is no easy task because it requires not only solid play from every player on the pitch but an outstanding performance from each teams superstar. Here is one player from each squad that must play like a superstar if their team wants to advance to the next round of Euro 2012. 

Petr Cech

With the injury to Tomas Rosicky, the Czechs will be looking for a star to shine against Portugal. 

The best weapon for this team is goalkeeper Petr Cech whose contribution will ultimately decide the fate of the Czechs. Cech has played much better since his collapse in the first match against Russia, only allowing one goal in the last two games and has propelled the Czechs surprise run to the quarterfinals. 

If Cech black head gear and all, can stifle the deadly Portugal attack then expect success for the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. 

Cristiano Ronaldo

With a trip to the quarterfinals on the line, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals for the Portuguese propelling them to a 2-1 victory over Denmark. Ronaldo sparked the attack and made life miserable for Denmark all afternoon.

Ronaldo is a threat whenever he touches the ball and his ability to score will be vitally important to the success of the Portuguese. If Portugal wants to advance to the semi-finals, Ronaldo must duplicate his most recent performance and put balls in the back of the net. 

Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose has come up relatively quiet to this point in the goal department throughout group play but nothing would satisfy Germany more than a tremendous game from their striker.

Due to the success of Mario Gomez and Bastian Schweinsteiger during group play much of the attention has gone away from the deadly Klose. If the Germans want to advance however, Klose must be the star for Germany.  

Klose is a legitimate scorer who understands what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage. He will use his savvy ball skills and Euro experience to be part of a key goal to give Germany the boost they will need against the scrappy Greek squad. 

 

Giorgos Karagounis

Giorgos Karagounis has been the main spark behind Greece's run to the quarterfinals. Karagounis has played tremendously for Greece with no moment being larger than his first half game-winning goal against Russia, securing their spot in the quarters. 

If the Greeks want to defeat the heavily favored German squad than Karagounis must continue to attack the net and capitalize on his chances off set pieces. The Greeks need a great performance from their star Karagounis if they want to replicate their championship performance in the 2004 Euro Cup. 

Cesc Fabregas

Fernando Torres might be stealing the show in the goal department for the Spanish but if this squad wants to defeat the French in the quarters, Cesc Fabregas must play spectacular. 

Fabregas does a tremendous job at midfield moving the ball to strikers and attacking defenses who are looking to coil up and limit passing lanes for the Spanish. This team strives on tick tack passing and Fabregas is the glue behind their well built machine plaguing opposing defenses this tournament. 

For the Spanish to reach the semi-finals Fabregas must play well by continuing to distribute the ball to the plethora of Spanish strikers.  

Samir Nasri

The French came out flat against Sweden and if the tides are going to turn for this squad, Samir Nasri must return to form. 

Nasri scored the game tying goal against England in the opening match for the French and has played a vital role in France's early success at Euro 2012. Nasri created chances and fueling a formidable attack that caused problems for Ukraine and England in group play.

If Nasri can play at this level and fuel a consistent French attack unlike against Sweden, then this team can defeat their rivals Spain and make a trip to the semi-finals. 

Wayne Rooney

Welcome back Wayne Rooney. Rooney came up huge for the English by scoring the game-winning goal against Ukraine securing the top spot in Group D. 

After missing the first two games due to suspension, Rooney played in sync with the offense and had no problems causing havoc for Ukraine all afternoon. The combination of Rooney and Danny Welbeck makes this English team dangerous on the offensive end.

Rooney however is the superstar of this team and must play sensational in the quarterfinals if England wants to defeat the confident Italian squad.  

Andrea Pirlo

No player has been more important to his teams success in group play than Andrea Pirlo. Throughout the groups stage, Pirlo has carried a large majority of the load for this team and expect him to continue this trend in the quarterfinals.

Pirlo has been a consistent force with the ball and does a tremendous job of attacking the defense by setting up his teammates with opportunities to score. If the Italians want to win they must keep riding the great play of Andrea Pirlo all the way to the next round.