Today I saw my Poland vs Switzerland prediction get pretty close to being 100% correct! It went into extra time like I thought it might and Poland came out with the win. Unfortunately for me and the 100% accuracy of my prediction, the game went into penalties. Wales didn't dominate Northern Ireland as much as I thought they would; they seemed put off being the team in the favorite role. Still, Bale and co. pulled out the win to advance to the quarter finals. Portugal vs Croatia was a game in which I predicted Croatia to win, and I really wanted them to beat Portugal. Ricardo Quaresma denied me of my dreams when he headed in the rebound off Ronaldo's shot in the 117th minute. Hopefully Poland can give Portugal trouble in the quarterfinals.
"The Harder Side"
Germany vs Slovakia
As mentioned in my last post, one side of the knockout round bracket is seen as much easier than the other side. Germany takes on Slovakia in one of the matches on the so called harder side. Germany is the defending world champion and the Germans should be able to handle Slovakia. Slovakia is not a terrible team; they held England to a nil-nil draw and beat Russia 2-1. Slovakia and their star man Marek Hamsik will definitely put up a fight but in the end I think Germany just has too much power. Germany will advance to the quarter finals.
Italy vs Spain
Italy and Spain were the two teams in the finals at Euro 2012; one of them will be leaving after the round of 16 in this year's competition. This is an intriguing matchup to happen so early in the tournament. Spain has been on a decline since winning the Euros in 2012. They did not advance out of the group stage in the 2014 World Cup and got humiliated 5-1 by the Netherlands in the process of not advancing. But Spain are still Spain, and they have a lot of talent. Although Italy lost to Ireland 1-0 in their final group stage game, Italy already knew they were going to be first in the group so that game might not be the best reflection the Italian side. They did beat Belgium 2-0 and Sweden 1-0 in their first two games; Italy's defense is about as solid as anyone's in the tournament. The likes of Iniesta and David Silva will really have to work hard to get through Italy's back line. I have to pick Italy to win this one. It should be a pretty good game to watch and hopefully the Azzuri can pull out a victory.
France vs Ireland
As the host nation takes the pitch in Lyon tomorrow they will want to put in a dominate performance over Ireland. The Irish got a late winner from Robbie Brady against Italy to send them into the knockout rounds. I have always loved Ireland for some reason and I love supporting them in every match they play. I even have an Ireland jersey with my last name on the back. Unfortunately for me and the Irish the French team should win this game tomorrow. France let one or two of their starters rest in their last group stage match including their star man Dimitri Payet. These players should be rested and ready to play. Ireland could put up a little resistance but France will win the game.
Iceland vs England
I actually think this will be a good match. Iceland, despite only having a population of around 330,000, have proved they are not a bad side at all. Iceland tied Portugal and Hungary and THEN BEAT AUSTRIA! Iceland works together great as a team, they have a star man in Gylfi Sigurdsson, and their keeper is outstanding. England is having a typical England tournament. Lots of hype and expectations surrounded them when coming into the tournament and then they drew Russia, barely beat Wales, and drew Slovakia. Both teams have quality and this is a great matchup. I love Iceland, I was excited when I heard they qualified for the competition and I cheer wildly when I watch them play. This game is hard for me to call because my love for Iceland might be clouding my judgment. I think it will be close and it might depend on who Hodgson decides to play for England. This might not be my best prediction ever, but I have Iceland winning this one in a tight and thrilling match.
Thanks for reading! More to come!
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