Euro 2012: Predictions for the Semifinals and Final

Out of the 16 teams that have graced this year's prestigious Euro 2012 tournament, the top four teams remain. Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal will now battle it out to lift the coveted trophy in Kiev this Sunday.

The semifinal stage separates the great national sides like Spain and Germany from the oh-so-close national teams like England, and for this reason alone, the remaining matches are must-watch fixtures.

Here are some of my predictions for the remaining fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo Is Stopped by the Spanish Back Four...

It's hardly necessary to say that the Spainish will dominate the Portuguese. They have enjoyed over 60 percent possession in every single match and have had no problems suppressing some of the most exciting front lines in France and Italy.

Sergio Ramos, Pique, Alba and Arbeloa will have work to do to keep Ronaldo, Postiga and Nani at bay, but due to the lack of time, the three will have the ball and they will do so with ease.

I expect Xabi Alonso or Busquets to be keeping close tabs on Ronaldo in particular, and I expect a relatively subdued performance from the best player at the tournament.

...Yet Will Still Score

It only takes a second to score.

Spain will be dominant throughout, flexing their technical superiority, but Portugal, who excel on the counter, will be handed at least a couple of chances due to the forwards' movement.

Expect Ronaldo to get one clear-cut chance and expect him to score.

And so Will Torres

Fernando Torres has hit some kind of form.

It's not surprising—it was inevitable.

The Torres of old has come back and his movement is top class. Expect Torres to have a handful of chances tonight against a somewhat suspect Portuguese defence. Expect him to score at least once.

Spain to Win 3-1

To put this simply, I believe that the only side capable of beating the Spanish at the moment is Germany. Spanish technical brilliance coupled with experience and flair make up an almost unbeatable combination that Portugal will succumb to tonight.

I expect Spain to be leading coming into the last 10 minutes and to add a third goal when Portugal push up to attack near the death.

Germany to Dominate Italy

Italy dominated England in every way possible on Sunday. However, come Thursday, the Italians will be on the receiving end of a dominating German display.

Expect a goal from the Italians, but at least two more from the Germans, who will outclass the Italians to set up a repeat final of Euro 2008.

The Dream Final Will Not Disappoint

I firmly believe the final will be the one everyone expected. Spain and Germany are the best two teams in the world at the moment. They both possess a balance between youth and experience, as well as fantastic technical experience and two fantastic managers.

Though Spain and Germany will both be used to dominating the games, expect a much more balanced game with Germany hitting on the counterattack.

I think the game will go into extra time, and I think Germany will snatch a winner in a classic final.

Not very bold, in my opinion. However, entertaining nonetheless.

Thanks for reading.