Jordan Watch : Euro 2008: Preview of Quarter Finals

I am writing this post in the few hours before the Turkey-Croatia game trying to put my expectations of the three remaining matches of the Quarter Finals of the Euro 2008.

I was thrilled to see Germany defeat Portugal. It seems that we Circassians have a special affiliation with Germany. Maybe two in each three Circassian people I know support Germany. I am not an avid supporter of the German team but I admire their effeciency. Yesterday they were very well prepared and took the game to the skilled Portugal from the first minute. The way the first goal was scored is brilliant. One of the highlights of the tournament was Podolski's run from the left and the one second look he took on the penalty area to see his colleague running and executing the perfect cross.

http://www.d1g.com/video/show/2060973

Portugal are a fantastic team but I was little bit happy to see Cristiano out. Despite his skills he is a cheater and I still recall how he fooled the referee to send off his colleague in Manchester United Wayne Rooney in the 2006 World Cup.

Tonight's match between Croatia and Turkey is exciting because it is between two contrasting teams. Croatia play with skillful passing and neat organization and have one of the best future prospects of European Football: Luca Modric. Turkey are always on a roller-coaster and bring excitment and heart attacks to their supporters. I do not expect another comeback tonight and maybe the game will go to extratime and penalties. It should be a great match between Germany and Turkey in the semi-final but I still feel Croatia will win.

Holland will have a big test against the rejuvinated Russians who are now playing with the Zenit spirit that won them the UEFA cup. Slick and electrifying passes and quick attacking from various positions. Holland will need to show their strength now when it really matters. In the end of the day I believe the experience and thrust of the Dutch will be enough to win, and we should not neglect the massive impact of Van Der Sar. My expectation is a 2-1 victory for Holland.

The fourth match is the most nervous for me. It is one of those irritating occassions where my favourite team (Spain) plays the team I most dislike (Italy) in a knock out match. My record in such matches is dismal. I rarely recall a recent match where my favourite team gave me the satisfaction of beating the team I dislike. The odds are against Spain. They have not beaten Italy in an official match since 88 years! Spain have lost all their previous quarter finals on June 22nd in penalties. (against Belgium in World Cup 86, against England in Euro 2006 and against S. Korea in World Cup 2002 when Gamal Ghandour committed crimes against Spain).

I should prepare myself for another heart breaker. The way Italy beat France is another indication of how luck can go all the way with them. Although I would love to see Torres, Fabrigas and Villa in the semifinal against Holland, I am afraid I will have to settle for Luca Toni again. Italy's win is not likely to come from open play but from penalties or some extraordinary misfortune for Spain like a sending-off or an own goal.

I hope I will be proven wrong.