Euro 2012 Schedule: Answering Key Strategic Questions in the Semifinals

For all of the tactics being employed at the semifinals of the 2012 European Championships, the best laid plans are always a crazy bounce away from being rendered moot.

At any moment, Cristiano Ronaldo may simply take on two defenders before unleashing a crazy shot from distance that zips past a bewildered goalie, or Mario Balotelli may muscle his way in the box and line himself up for a completely unexpected bicycle kick.

But while individual performances always color a game, the tactics and personnel decisions sketch the first draft of the picture. And while all of the teams have a wonderful idea of who they are and how they must play—they didn't get to the semifinals by luck, after all—several tactical questions must be answered.

Let's get answering. And be sure to check out the remaining tournament schedule below.

Date	Matchup	Time	Round	Watch
6/27/2012	Portugal vs. Spain	2:45 p.m. ET	Semifinals	ESPN/ESPN3
6/28/2012	Germany vs. Italy	2:45 p.m. ET	Semifinals	ESPN/ESPN3
7/1/2012	Portugal/Spain vs. Germany/Italy	2:45 p.m. ET	Finals	ESPN/ESPN3

Spain: Cesc Fabregas or Fernando Torres?

Fabregas is the better playmaker (and footballer in general) but is playing out of position. Torres is the better pure finisher, but is inconsistent and often frustrating.

So who should get the start?

I would go with Fabregas. Against Portugal, maintaining possession and limiting the counter-attacks will be very important, and Fabregas is simply better in that regard than Torres, who I swear creeps offside once every four minutes and isn't as steady on the ball.

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus agrees (via Stefan Coerts of Goal.com):

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"For Portugal, it would be better if Fernando Torres plays. I understand Del Bosque's decision to play Fabregas up front," the Benfica coach stated to Marca.

"Hopefully he will play Torres again in the semi-finals, because that would be easier for Portugal."

"Fabregas tries to find space all over the pitch and is everywhere. He helps Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta and his running is very confusing for a defence. It's much easier to mark Torres as a clear striker. I, too, would play with Cesc."

"

Should Spain fall behind in the first half or simply display a total lack of punch, Torres would still be available as a second-half spark. But against Portugal, Fabregas makes more sense early on.

Germany: Should Lukas Podolski Get the Start?

There aren't many questions surrounding this German side, but one that must be asked is whether Podolski should start for the team.

Over the entirety of the tournament, ESPN studio analyst Michael Ballack has called for a different option to pair with Thomas Muller on the wing, citing both Marco Reus and Andre Schurrle. And Reus played quite well against Greece.

Much as I would like to see Reus given more time—his flair and probing runs offer Germany a different dynamic—Podolski's experience will be vital against the Italians. If the Germans need a second-half infusion of pace or creativity, bringing in Reus or Schurrle is always an option.

Italy: Back to a 3-5-2?

Probably not. That was effective in clogging the passing lanes against Spain's overloaded and ridiculously talented midfield, but against Germany's pressing and attack-minded 4-2-3-1, having four on the back line is the better option.

The Italians played a 4-4-2 with a diamond in the midfield against England (essentially a 4-1-2-1-2) and they controlled the midfield throughout (aided by England consistently sinking into its own box, it should be added).

Plus, that formation sets up an interesting clash of world-class midfielders—Germany's Mesut Ozil in the attacking third against Italy's Andrea Pirlo, who plays the deep central role in Italy's diamond. Watching one contest the other while each orchestrates his team's movement and attack would be a treat.

If Italy happens to advance and meets Spain, yes, they should return to the 3-5-2. But against Germany, the 4-4-2 will force Germany out wide and leave Italy better prepared to quickly turn defense to offense on the counter attack.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets hit the mark more often than Spain's passing.