UEFA Euro 2012: Predicting Winners for Rest of Tournament
It is down to the final four at the 2012 UEFA European Championship, and if you can't wait to find out who is going to win the final three matches, just read on. I have all the answers.
Spain and Germany stand on opposite sides of the brackets as the favorites to advance, and for good reasons. These two have been the favorites since the beginning of the tournament and neither has lost a match in this tournament, but they both won't make the championship match.
Semifinals
Portugal vs. Spain
Winner: Portugal
The world is catching up to Spain. The best way to attack Spain is to advance the ball on the flanks and then centering to a potent goal scorer.
Portugal is well-suited for this kind of attack. Nani, Fabio Coentrao, Joao Moutinho and Joao Pereira are all extremely capable players on the outside, and of course, they have Cristiano Ronaldo to finish it all off.
Meanwhile, Spain has struggled a bit to score. Portugal will open up an early lead, and Spain's disappearing attack leaves them at a disadvantage to come from behind.
Portugal will win, 2-1.
Germany vs. Italy
Winner: Germany
Everything is coming up roses for the Germans. They are cruising, and Italy will not be able to stop them.
Italy's offense has been wildly erratic, and they are going to have a hard time getting on track against the tough German defense.
Germany advanced unblemished from the "group of death," and they celebrated by unleashing a four-goal effort against Greece in the quarters.
Germany is in a nice groove, and they will win this one easily, 2-0.
Championship
Germany vs. Portugal
Winner: Germany
In case you couldn't tell from the above prediction, I am on the Germany bandwagon. Portugal will enter this match riding high after their upset of Spain, but that confidence will come quickly crashing down as the Germans' defense stifles their attack.
Germany will control possession in this match, and that will leave Portugal frustrated and pressing. This will lead to errors, and this precision-based German team is not one you can make errors against.
Germany will roll out their second straight convincing 2-0 victory, and they will have a 2012 European Championship to show for their efforts.
