Czech Rep. 0 - 1 Portugal
Spain 2 - 0 France
Germany 4 - 2 Greece
England 0 - 0 Italy (Italy wins 4-2 on penalty kicks)
I have no doubt that the four remaining teams are the best in Europe. They will meet in the following semi-finals:
Wednesday, June 27, 2012: Portugal v. Spain (in Donetsk, Ukraine)
Spain are widely regarded as the best team in the world, and one of the greatest teams of all time. They won this tournament in 2008, and won the World Cup in 2010, and they have been very strong in their games so far this tournament. It would be stunning if they lost. Still, this is a rivalry game, and Portugal would love to pull the upset.
Thursday, June 28, 2012: Germany v. Italy (in Warsaw):
Historically, these are the two best soccer-playing nations in Europe, and their matches against each other usually carry significant weight. Germany has been red-hot in this tournament, so they will be favored. But Italy's whole system is designed to frustrate red-hot teams by controlling the ball and playing solid defense. This should be a great game, although I expect Germany to prevail, thus setting up what should be an epic final between Spain and Germany.
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