By Sean Connolly

So far, so good. This Euro had a slow start but now is beginning to pick up as it should. We are now at the knockout stage with Russia upsetting Sweden in the final decisive game to get to the knockout round. Already I am salivating at most of the match ups…mainly Portugal against Germany.

Portugal vs. Germany- Coming into this game the better side is obviously Portugal. They easily won group A and showed their firepower throughout. Germany on the other hand limp into the knockout stage beat up and bruised. They will be without their coach, Joakim Low, after UEFA issued a one game ban for arguing in the game against Austria. Their top scorer in Lucas Podolski is tired and beat up and his fitness is in question. But don’t ever count out the Germans. They come in playing their best soccer after beating Austria, and Ballack’s masterful free kick might be just what the German captain needed. As for Portugal they have steadily improved throughout this tournament and in the last game against Switzerland they were able to rest a majority of their starters. I just think that Portugal is fitter and playing much better soccer at the moment. Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t seemed phased by the trade rumors going on between Manchester United and Real Madrid and the same goes for Deco and his possible exit out of Barcelona. Portugal right now is the better side and I see a 2-1 win for Scolari and his Portuguese.

Croatia vs. Turkey- After one of the best comebacks in Euro history, Turkey comes into the knockout round with an heir of invincibility and a great deal of confidence. Turkey is the only team to come back from a deficit in the tournament, achieving that feat in two separate games. Their upset comeback over Petr Cech’s Czech Republic solidified that Turkey is no fluke and have the team that could make it deep into this tournament. As for Croatia, well they have simply played great in their last two games. In their first game, a 1-0 win over hosts Austria, it looked as if Croatia may be in trouble against Germany. They easily handled the Germans and went on to win group B with an outstanding 9 points. This should be a magnificent game with another late Turkey comeback. I expect a Croatian goal though in extra time to give Croatia a 2-1 victory over Turkey.

Netherlands vs. Russia- After easily beating a heavily favored Sweden side, Gus Hiddink has proved that the magic he has performed in the past was indeed no fluke. It looks as if this young Russian squad could be another one of Hiddik’s teams that surprise everyone. Hiddink did it with his counterpart in Netherlands several years ago and they match up in the knock out round. Netherlands came out of the “Group of Death” which included France, Italy, and Romania, without even breaking a sweat and quickly proved that they are the strongest, deepest team in the tournament. I fear though that Russian’s young side will be no match for the well rounded Dutch. 3-1 Netherlands in another easy game for the Dutchmen.

Spain vs. Italy- The Italians have been a bit of a mystery in this tournament. They were blown out by Netherlands in the first game, nearly lost to the Romanians if not for Buffon’s amazing penalty save on Romania’s Mutu, and they beat up on the French. So, what will come of the Italian side in the knockout round? I’m not sure, but what I am sure of is that Spain has the firepower to rip apart any defense at any time during the game. Italy’s great defense has been anything but in this tournament and I think Fernando Torres and David Villa will easily put a few past Buffon. I’m only going against Italy because they have played so erratically. Spain have played well in all their games and I predict a 2-1 win for the Spanish.

By Sean Connolly

Bastian Schweinsteiger showed his immaturity today when he pushed Croatian Jerko Leko stopping the last minute run by Germany. After a blast from Podolski in the 79th minute Germany looked like they might steal a tie from Croatia.

After a mild challenge from Jerko Leko, Schweinsteiger who came in for Gomez in the game, erupted pushing Leko to the ground. Referee Frank De Bleeckre immediately issued Scweinsteiger a red card, dismissing him from the game, ruining any chance to come back and possibly ending their Euro 2008 run.

This immature move by Schweinsteiger will be looked back as the reason Germany will not make it out of the group stage. Schweinsteiger was an immediate spark to the German squad, creating chances and ultimately setting up Podolski’s strike for the first goal.

Germany will play Austria next sans Schweinsteiger because of his red card. It seemed as if with the way Schweinsteiger was playing that he could possibly get the start against Austria. This was a poor move on so many levels as it affected both this game and the next game.

Schweinsteiger’s push of Leko was certainly dumb, but let’s not discount the great play of the Croatians. After a mediocre performance against Austria in which they won 1-0, the Croatian squad came out and straight up outplayed Germany for about the first 80 minutes. In the final 13 minutes or so Germany took momentum, but it simply wasn’t enough.

What set up this victory was the sound, tactical play of the Croatian side. They picked apart the sluggish Ballack who looked horrible today, and took total control. On the first goal by Srna, Croatia completed 15 consecutive passes before the goal. It looked as if they were doing a set play in practice as they slowly took apart the German defense. They made their way up the field, used one switch to get the German squad off balance. Pranjic put a ball across the box and Srna buried the ball in the back of the net. This set the tone for the game.

Another reason for Croatia’s victory was Germany’s fool in goal, Jens Lehman. On the second, and ultimately deciding goal, Lehman was beat near post from about 20 yards out, as the ball hit the post which directed straight to Olic who was in the middle just waiting for a goal. Lehman looked nervous and unsure about every move he made throughout the game and cost his side the match.

Germany have to be upset with this game for several reasons. Jens Lehman looked horrible in goal. Michael Ballack looked slow and could not complete passes. And finally, Germany’s one spark off the bench Bastian Schweinsteiger showed how dumb he is by getting a red card with only minutes left in the game. Keep your hands to yourself, Schweinsteiger.