Euro 2012: Why There Are No Surprises in Store for Germany vs. Greece

Greece went on a shocking run to win Euro 2004, but there will be nothing unexpected in the team’s quarterfinal matchup with Germany.

The Germans were the only team to win all three games in the group stage, and they will make it four in a row against the Greeks. 

Greece pulled out a courageous 1-0 victory against Russia to sneak out of Group A. The team will have flashbacks to eight years ago when they won the tournament with three consecutive 1-0 victories in the knockout stages, but the Germans simply will not let this happen. 

Germany’s perfect record in Group B is incredibly impressive considering all three of the teams they beat are ranked in the top 10 in the world. 

The Germans are one of the favorites to win the tournament, along with Spain, and for good reason. 

The team has world-class talent at every position. The Germans have one of the strongest defenses in the tournament led by Philipp Lahm, Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil make their midfield extremely strong, and Mario Gomez has been in goal-scoring form.

As for the Greeks, they took a major blow when they lost starting center back Avraam Papadopoulos to a knee injury in the opening match.

The Greek defense was the key to their incredible run in 2004, but the depleted unit will not be able to pull off another miracle.

The Germans are remarkably talented and playing extremely well. Their statistics have been impressive, but not spectacular, and they are 10th in the tournament in shots per game, fourth in pass success percentage and fifth in possession, according to Whoscored.com. 

But statistics mean little when they do not match up with results, and no team has won more games than Germany. 

Germany has been playing like the favorites while Greece limped into the quarterfinals.

The 2008 finalists appear to be on their way to a second straight appearance in the championship match, and Greece is far too weak to stop them.

There will be nothing unexpected in this match, and Germany will dominate from start to finish and post another convincing victory.