Euro 2008 Quarter Finals Review

Euro 2008 tournament has finished its Quarter Finals match ups, some of the results has been predicted, but most certainly, it was a brilliant Quarter Final with lots of exciting matches, surprising results, and really delivers the official slogan "Expect Emotions".

Germany has proven to the world that to never write them off. They have always been a tournament specialist. Like in 1996 when they won the European Cup for the last time, Germany are slowly but surely play better and better football. Portugal, despite having the World's best player in their team, just doesn't have the mental toughness that Germany have for the most important matches.

Turkey VS Croatia was one of the craziest and definitely one of the best football match ever. Turkey is one tough dog-fighting team. They never gave up. If you think their comeback from 2-0 down against the Czech was crazy, check out of how they equalized at the very last second of the extra time against Croatia. It was a vital goal, as it brought back the momentum to them prior to the penalty shoot out. The disappointed Croatians were so crushed mentally that they only scored once in the shoot out via Darjo Srna. Whatever the result was, both teams have shown the world what fearless and gutsy football was all about.

And Russia, who would've thought that they would beat Holland at their own game ? Holland was supposed to be the dominant inventor of the "Total Football" concept, but instead they were shown by the Russians on how to play Total Football the right way. It made me wonder for one second, probably Holland weren't that great after all in the group stage, but instead it was Italy and France who were crap.

Italy shown their best defensive performance against Spain. They managed to hold the world's best striking duo in Torress and Villa for a full 120 minutes. But defense alone won't win you championships in football, Toni's lack of accuracy and Italy's midfielder lacks of inspiration due to the absence of Pirlo costed them big time. In the end, Casillas stood tall against his hero Gianluigi Buffon.

So, what will happen in the semi finals ?

Anything can happen. After watching how Turkey played, who would bet that Germany will easily beat them ? I can't even decide who will win this one, since Germany was well known for their never say die attitude, while Turkey, in this tournament, really embodies the German's spirit within their team.

And then Russia VS Spain. Total Football meets with the fluid attacking style of the Spanish team. This match has the potential of having a goals galore written all over it, and I sure do hope that both teams won't disappoint ?

The unique thing about the Semi Final match ups is that all four teams who match up with each other have a very similar playing style and approach of the game. Expect Emotions boys, I mean really....