Euro 2012 Semifinals: Biggest Storylines Heading into Massive Matchups

After nearly two years of qualifying and tournament play, Euro 2012 has finally reached its final four.

Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain are the last four nations standing with hopes to win the second most prestigious prize in world soccer. 

The four teams all had high hopes coming into the event, and all of the squads have had success with their current roster of players.

Spain of course is the defending 2008 Euro Cup Champions and 2010 World Cup Champions. If Spain is able to win the championship, it will become the first nation in history to retain the European Championship.

Germany ranks third in the world rankings and have gone through the first four matches in the tournament with a dominant 4-0 record including victories over Portugal, Denmark, Holland and Greece.

Portugal has rebounded after an opening loss against the Germans with three straight must win matchups over the Netherlands, Denmark and the Czech Republic. This mark's the country's third semifinal appearance in the last four European Championships.

Italy has rebounded nicely after a disappointing attempt at a repeat championship in the 2010 World Cup. The Italians managed two draws and a win during the group stage and then bested England in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout to make the semifinals.

With all four teams looking like they could become champions, there are several stories to look at with just three matches to go.

Bastian Schweinsteiger Injury 

For Germany, key midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has said he will play in Germany's semifinal match against Italy on Thursday.

"I'm very happy and I feel OK," Schweinsteiger said. "I know how to deal with the situation. I'm looking forward to the game, and trying my best to be ready."

Schweinsteiger has been suffering from a torn ligament in his ankle that occurred in February but did not heal properly.

If Schweinsteiger had not been able to go, it would have put the Germans at a tremendous disadvantage given his leadership on the pitch. 

With him back in the lineup, they have to be considered favorites against the Italians given their impressive pedigree during the tournament thus far.

Spain's Defense Continues to Dominate

Having allowed just one goal in its four Euro Cup matches thus far, Spain is showing why it remains the No. 1 ranked team in the world.

Led by goaltender Iker Casillas, Spain's defense has been nearly unbreakable in this tournament, and if Portugal is going to break through it will need a strong performance out of its superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo has scored three of Portugal's five goals in this tournament, and he may be Portugal's best bet to get on the board in this match.

For Spain, their style of defense first has proven to be tremendously successful, but scoring against Portugal will be no easy feat either.

Spain will rely on its trio of star forwards, Xavi, David Silva and Andres Iniesta, to keep the Spanish attack moving forward. 

The Spanish also will likely bring their secret weapon striker, Fernando Torres, off the bench in the second half to provide a boost. 

Italy and Portugal Look to Prevent Epic Showdown

Although it would be foolish to count out Italy and Portugal since those nations rank in the top-12 in the world, there is no doubting that Spain and Germany are the favorites (as they have been all tournament) to meet in the championship game on July 1.

Only Uruguay at No. 2 would stop that potential matchup from featuring the top two ranked teams in the world, and outside of Italy and Portugal, Spain vs. Germany is the matchup that most fans want to see.

If that matchup is to be prevented, the underdog Portuguese and Italian squads will have to play solid lockdown defense and score timely goals or outlast a draw into penalties.

If indeed it does end up becoming a matchup between Spain and Germany, the winner would likely become the favorites heading into the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil.