Over the next 2 days, there will be 2 matches to decide the finalists for the Final. In the first semi-final tonight, Germany takes on Turkey. In the second tie, Spain and Russia face off two nights from now.
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GERMANY vs TURKEY
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This affair looks a foregone conclusion as it is one-sided on paper. Germany is increasingly and impressively improving on its pedigree with recent superb performances in the past few tournaments. To be among the top 4 in this tournament will no longer be enough for them. It is time to satiate the appetite of the German fans with a place in the final.
I had expected Turkey's star to finally fade in this tournament but they have proven to be stubborn and fierce adversaries time and again coming from behind to score spectacular victories. Such hard-fought wins however have not come without a price, and Turkey have paid heavily for achieving at least 4th spot. They face Germany with an injury-ravaged squad and their Euro 2008 title aspirations may be finally derailed by German precision.
My predictions have sucked but surely Germany will win this one 2-0.
I had expected Turkey's star to finally fade in this tournament but they have proven to be stubborn and fierce adversaries time and again coming from behind to score spectacular victories. Such hard-fought wins however have not come without a price, and Turkey have paid heavily for achieving at least 4th spot. They face Germany with an injury-ravaged squad and their Euro 2008 title aspirations may be finally derailed by German precision.
My predictions have sucked but surely Germany will win this one 2-0.
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RUSSIA vs SPAIN
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Russia have peaked at the right time. Guus Hiddink has masterminded another fantastic run in a major international tournament that will probably have him served with caviar all his life, though I am not sure if he likes caviar. Not many of the Russians have put a foot wrong at Euro 2008 and they will want to put one over Spain given the heavy 4-1 defeat handed to them in the group stages. Win or lose, Russia has already endeared many fans with great football notably inspired by one Andrei Arshavin. Expect him and Pavlyuchenko to continue building on their chemistry.
Spain has finally overcome the dogged jinx that has been snapping at their heels coming in the form of being underachievers, flops, failures, whatever terms you may have for them. Apart from the last match against Italy, their football has been nothing but top notch. The team spirit seems to be sizzling and the pace and panache have had fans purring with delight. While Torres has not been exactly taking the tourney by storm, I expect him to hit red hot form.
Spain to win in extra time 2-1 after a 1-1 normal time draw.
Spain has finally overcome the dogged jinx that has been snapping at their heels coming in the form of being underachievers, flops, failures, whatever terms you may have for them. Apart from the last match against Italy, their football has been nothing but top notch. The team spirit seems to be sizzling and the pace and panache have had fans purring with delight. While Torres has not been exactly taking the tourney by storm, I expect him to hit red hot form.
Spain to win in extra time 2-1 after a 1-1 normal time draw.
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akim - the Italian fan
akim - the Italian fan