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Euro 2008 semi-finals suspense: who is your favourite?

by Yuliya Talmazan | June 24, 2008 at 04:36 pm

226 views | 10 Recommendations | 3 comments

While it’s break time at the Euro 2008 right now with no soccer action, the semi-finals are fast approaching on June 25th and 26th, featuring teams most observers considered underdogs going into the tournament. Germany and Turkey are facing off on June 25th, while Russia will take on Spain the day after. It’s hard to talk about favoutires, as all teams have something special of their own to offer. Germany has its usual discipline and experience to showcase, while Spain has its young talent and speed to boast. Russia and Turkey head into semi-finals with one great longing to win the championships while still savouring their terrific albeit unexpected quarter-finals wins against Croatia and Netherlands. But will it be enough? There are doubts as to whether the youngest and the least experienced Russian team can keep its morale together. Turkey is in the worst position of the four with just 13 players available to play on Wednesday after key players sustained injuries or were booked.

Euro 2008 semifinals are set after some thrilling matches and big upsets over the weekend. There are now two clear cut favorites in the semifinals with Germany facing Turkey and Spain playing Russia. The Germans will be the biggest favorite in the semifinals as very few people are giving Turkey a chance, especially since they will be missing as many as nine starters for their match on Wednesday. Germany will definitely be favored and expected to win that match.

Spain is favored over Russia in the other semifinal match on Thursday. The Spanish team was able to get by Italy on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.

Russia was able to get to the semifinals by shocking the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Many people had penciled the Netherlands into the Final but Russia had other plans. Russia scored twice in extra time to win 3-1 and had more energy down the stretch than the Netherlands. That could be a big key again in their match against Spain. Russia definitely has a coach that knows how to win.

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JeffHuang

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 16:49 on June 24th, 2008

yuls.source, I like this story. It's good stuff. GO SPAIN!

kferaday

at 18:08 on June 24th, 2008

Germany for sure against Turkey -- they'll play their typical defensive style and use set pieces to make the difference. As far a Russia/Spain, Spain just has too much power with Torres, Fabregas and Villa. Plus I'm a Liverpool supporter (Reina, Alonso, Torres) so it would be one for the home side.