Euro 2012 Quarterfinals: Breaking Down the Rivalries Set to Play Out

With all the group games completed we now know who will be participating in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals.

While there are no real rivalry games at this stage, if certain results occur in the quarterfinals we could be set for two very interesting semifinal ties.

Had France won their group, we would be talking about a rivalry match between them and Italy in the quarterfinal, but that is not the case.

For the most part, the teams that could participate in these semifinal games are favoured. Portugal plays the Czech Republic in the first knockout game, and they are expected to go through.

Should they win, they would meet the winner of Spain vs. France. While some fans and critics may be annoyed with the Spaniards style of play and results at this point, no one can deny that they have the upper hand in that tie.

If those expected results occur, Spain and Portugal would play out their Iberian rivalry in what should be a fascinating game.

The last time these two met competitively (in the 16th Round of the 2010 World Cup), Spain came out 1-0 winners. Just a few months later they met again in a friendly which Portugal won 4-0.

On the other side of things, old rivals Germany and England could meet in the other semifinal. Germany plays Greece and should win that match. Things aren't so easy for England.

They have been given a boost by the return of Wayne Rooney but face a very tough opponent in Italy. It should be an interesting tactical match between these sides and may end up being decided by one mistake or one moment of genius.

Still, the English could very easily meet their old rivals and will hope to exact some revenge. These teams' last competitive meeting was also in the 2010 World Cup, and Germany ran out 4-1 winners.

Fans of all these teams will be hoping for their teams to go through. For the Portuguese and the English, it would present a chance for revenge. Both Spain and Germany will want to justify their pre-tournament favourite tags and meet, as they did four years ago, in the final.