The group rounds saw 16 teams cut down to eight with the Czech Republic and Greece surviving group A, Portugal and Germany group B, Spain and Italy group C and finally, England and France group D.
On the 21st June, the Czech Republic and Portugal opened the quarter-finals in the National Stadium, Warsaw. Portugal had impressed, with Cristiano Ronaldo slowly becoming the player he is for his club side.
The Czech’s were thrashed 4-1 in their opener to Russia but had recovered to go through and, while not boasting the same technical talent as Portugal, still had the quality to reach the semis.
Despite this, the night was to be Ronaldo’s: just how he likes it. After clipping the post with a free kick, the Real Madrid man latched onto a Joao Moutinho cross and headed powerfully past Petr Cech.
Portugal held onto their lead for the 11 minutes remaining and progress to play the winner of Germany and Greece who played the next night in Gdansk.
Undoubtedly politically charged, Greece had their work cut out against a star- studded team of Germans. Greece were trying to replicate their 2004 Euro victory but the odds were against them.
Even the most ardent of Germanophiles would have felt sorry for what was to befall the Greeks. The first of the night did not come from any of Germany’s many attacking options but captain, Philip Lahm on 39 minutes.
Perhaps the most shocking event of the night occurred on 55 minutes when up stepped perennial misser and all-round row Z botherer, Giorgos Samaras. Knocking in from five yards he drew the Greeks level and briefly gave them hope.
Germany’s Sami Khedira made it 2-1 with a fantastic volley and veteran Miroslav Klose headed in from a Mesut Ozil cross. Marco Reus made sure of the victory when he struck the ball off the crossbar and in. The Greeks won a penalty in the 89th minute and Dimitris Salpingidis slotted the ball in the bottom right hand corner.
After the first two quarter-finals were done and dusted, the Czechs and Greeks made way while Portugal and Germany both looked strong and will go in to the semi-finals with confidence.
The third, and possibly most anticipated match, was played out by reigning champions Spain and Euro 2000 champions France. Attacking football was promised with both teams containing world-class forwards but unfortunately the match turned into a bit of an anti-climax.
France sacrificed their attack to prevent Spain scoring but it only took the world champions 19 minutes for Xabi Alonso to head past Hugo Lloris the French captain.
Despite some good hold up play from Karim Benzema and some nice touches by Franck Ribery, Les Bleus never looked like threatening the Spanish keeper, Iker Casillas.
After Pedro was pushed over in the box, the referee pointed to the spot and Alonso scored his second of the evening. Spain march on to face their Iberian neighbours Portugal, while Les Bleus will need to reevaluate.
The final quarter- final, played out between England and Italy in the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, was a tense affair with both sides having chances to snatch a victory and a shot at the Germans.
Andrea Pirlo controlled much of the match and, despite good opportunities for Glen Johnson and Wayne Rooney, Italy looked the more likely to score. After 90 minutes, and added-on time, neither team had broken the deadlock.
Penalties followed and once again there was heartbreak for the Three Lions. Initially the Italians went behind after Riccardo Montolivo missed the target but the two Ashleys, Young and Cole, failed to convert for England.
In the end the semi-finalists were fully deserved of their places. Portugal have looked strong, so have Italy, the Germans and Spanish boast sides that have the quality to win any tournament.
Sam Murray
thefootballjourneyman 