What are you guys thinking about the semis?

I'm going with Germany and Spain. I think Germany gets by Italy w/o much issue.

Spain v. Portugal is interesting. Spain will obviously dominate in time of possession but they haven't capitalized on as many scoring chances as I expected them to through the tourney so far. Portugal on the other hand will be content to sit back and wait for a counter attack opportunity. So, who's got the advantage in that one? I want to see Spain play Germany, but it wouldn't be out of the question to see Portugal win with the way Ronaldo seems to be taking advantage of his opportunities.

Many of the Spanish players know Ronaldo from La Liga & will be ready & wary but I think that the Real striker is poised for finishing with a very good tournament. Spain has obviously the better team on paper, but Ronaldo is on fire right now & could be the deciding factor vs a Spanish team whose club ties divide them.

Germany looks to be hitting on all cylinders but never count out a Italian side that always seems to do well under adversity. A few weeks ago the Italian PM was calling for a full invest into Serie A & the abandoning the Euro cup quest (withdrawing from the tournament). The US vs the world mentality is in full swing & Italy seemed very good vs a lackluster English side.

I think in the end the German team speed wins it out for them while I have to go with Portugal as my upset special. An early Ronaldo goal deflates Spain & the internal bickering starts.

Btw Spain is looking to be the 1st side to win 3 major tournaments in a row. Ever.

Deutchland uber alles

I'm reading that Italy has two defenders (Chiellini and Abate) who will be less than 100%, if they are able to play. Plus, De Rossi's sciatic nerve issues that forced him out of the game against England are still an issue. Throw in that with Maggio being inelligible due to yellow cards and the Azuri could be pretty exposed defensively. Especially against a much bigger, more skilled and quicker German attack than what they faced against England. I won't write off the Italians, but it'll take something special to beat a German team that seems to be getting better offensively as the tournament rolls along.

The one silver lining for Italy is that the German's have shown a lack of focus on defense at times. We'll see if that comes back to bite them.

Kickoff for Spain & Portugal!
I am watching here as I work
Watch Live Portugal vs. Spain Online Video UEFA Euro 2012 - Football

0-0 Por-Esp @ HT
Spain has the possession 53-47
Nothing remarkable in terms the chances
but Portugal is definitely being agreessive

0-0 Por-Esp @ FT
Spain 57% POSS
Spain has used all 3 subs
Portugal only 1
Extra time starting now....

Spain are through 4-2 on PKs
The Dream lives on of 3 in a row