Euro 2012 TV Schedule: Viewing Info and Stars to Watch in Germany vs. Greece

Germany was able to survive the Group of Death without any problem, winning all three games and confirming its status as a championship contender. Die Mannschaft must make sure not to take Greece lightly in the quarterfinals, however.

The Galanolefki stunned Russia in their final group stage match to advance to the knockout round. Even though they don't have nearly as many superstars as the German squad, their style of play always makes them difficult to play against and a tough out.

Let's take a look at all the vital information for today's game and examine three players who will have a major impact when it comes to deciding which team reaches the semifinals and which one goes home.

When: Friday, June 22 at 2:45 p.m. ET

Where: PGE Arena in Gdansk, Poland

Watch: ESPN (Full Euro 2012 TV schedule)

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Players to Watch

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

A key member of Germany's dynamic midfield, Schweinsteiger picked up two assists in the team's victory over the Netherlands, which was a turning point for both teams. He's an elite playmaker who's more than capable of taking over the game.

The best word to describe him would be workhorse. His amazing stamina allows him to continue excelling deep into games when most players are starting to fade. That serves him well in a tournament like this with so many games in a short period.

Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira have been the perfect midfield tandem so far. Greece will attempt to slow down the game to limit Germany's chances, so the duo has to exercise a lot of patience to avoid counterattacks while also setting up goal scorers for good looks.

Lukas Podolski (Germany)

Podolski just picked up his 100th cap for the German national team, a benchmark only one other player on the roster has reached. He has 44 goals over that period, including one to open the scoring against Denmark in the group stage finale.

He has been tabbed by Arsenal to help give the team more offensive depth next season, but before that he's focused on helping Germany end Spain's reign atop the sport. La Roja are the defending European and World Cup champions.

Based on Die Mannschaft's play through three matches, however, that streak is in serious jeopardy. The Germans have so many weapons, including an in-form Podolski, that it's difficult to keep them in check. Especially when Podolski is playing so well.

Theofanis Gekas (Greece)

Gekas has established himself as Greece's go-to guy on the attack. He'll be under more pressure than ever against Germany, though, because captain Giorgos Karagounis will miss the match due to a suspension.

That means Gekas will have to pick up the slack. The veteran has scored 22 goals in 61 international matches. He's struggled to make a major impact at Euro 2012 as back lines have started to key on him to make sure he doesn't break loose.

If Greece is going to pull off an upset, that will have to change. A strong technical game can only carry the team so far. Eventually somebody will have to step up in the attacking third, and Gekas is the most likely candidate.