Cristiano Ronaldo was the difference in last night’s game scoring the only goal to lead Portugal past the Czech’s, and into the semi-finals where they will play the winner of Saturdays clash between Spain, and France. The Real Madrid striker now thinks that the Portuguese have a great chance of making the final saying: “Our great aim is to get to the final. We have a great squad and now I’d say the chances are 50-50 and we just have to believe. “We are very mature, so we are ready for the fight.”
Summing up the game against the Czech republic Ronaldo added: “I think it was a fantastic game for Portugal,” “In the first 20 minutes we weren’t that good but we improved a lot. It was a perfect game for us, with a lot of opportunities. The Czechs didn’t have one opportunity.
“We always had the quality to reach the semi-finals. We are happy but know the next match will be difficult but the team is very mature and we are ready.”
Germany v Greece PGE Arena, Gdansk Friday 22 June Kick-off 20:45 CET
In what has been dubbed the bailout match, the much fancied German machine go up against a Greek side determined to beat Germany for the harsh austerity measures that have been imposed on Greece following the bailout of its economy. On paper the Germans look the far superior team capable of beating Greece easily, but we all remember how the Greeks pulled off a surprise win in the 2004 Euro’s, and will be looking to do the same again by playing the same defensive tactics, and hoping to get that one breakaway goal.
Football pundit Guy Mowbray sums the game up perfectly for me when he says: “Greece have over-achieved massively in reaching the last eight and they deserve credit for doing that but they will not be going any further. I see them getting a pasting here.
“Germany is looking strong and they will walk it, because they are getting better and better and I see no reason to change them as my tip for the tournament.
“Mario Gomez could get three here and end up as the tournament’s top scorer by a distance, with Miroslav Klose to come on and get the other one just to rub it in.”
In a game that is difficult to separate sports from politics both countries newspapers have been poking fun at each other.
“Be happy dear Greeks, the defeat on Friday is a gift. Against Jogi Loew, no rescue fund will help you.” Headline from German newspaper Bild. Here is a favourite cartoon from the Guardian.
My prediction for the match is that Germany will win easily the question is how many goals they want to score.
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