Having failed to successfully forecast the outcome of a single quarter-final, I'm reluctant to embarrass myself any further by sticking my neck out for the semis but, feck it, here goes. It is hard to see past the Germans against Turkey, although the Turks have already shown they don't know the meaning of defeat, and Spain tend to be favoured to see off Russia, despite the impressive impact Andrei Arshavin has made since being free of suspension. I'm not so sure. One thing is certain, neither is a foregone conclusion.
Germany's record in major toutrnaments, slow-burners who come good as the competition progresses, is well documented. Yet the European Championships have not been a particularly happy hunting ground for them of late. After winning Euro96 at Wembley, they lost all three games at Euro2000 and went out at the group stage without winning a game in Portugal four years ago. Jurgen Klinsmann restored some pride when they hosted the World Cup of 2006 but the word in the grapevine coming into Euro2008 was that all was far from well in the German camp.
A lot hinged on their opening game against Poland and, without setting the heather on fire, they were comfortable winners, only for all the old doubts to resurface when they lost to Croatia. Victory over Austria in their final group game was easier than the 1-0 scoreline suggested but they were not fancied to beat Portugal. All of which made the German performance in Basel so much more impressive. They took the game to the Portuguese and, although the magic of Deco and Ronaldo pinned Germany back for periods, they withstood the assault and were worthy winners.
Turkey's approach to the quarter-final will be very interesting. They have gone into all their games intent on keeping things tight until the final 10/15 minutes before venturing forward. It was almost as if, against the Czechs and Croatia, they knew they couldn't match their more talented opponents for 90 minutes but, turning both into mini games, they were prepared to take their chances in the latter stages. Hey, it worked, so who am I to knock it? But I just can't see the same strategy paying off against the Germans.
The other semi-final promises to be a much more free-flowing and exciting contest. Spain's 4-1 destruction of the Russians in their opening group game was very easy on the eye but the scoreline flattered the Spaniards. At various stages in the game, Russia bossed the play and a break at the right time would have changed the complexion of things. Arshavin's absence was significant and, with him in the side, they are a totally different proposition. Having been suitably impressed by Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Final and seen the national team play in a similar style, I'm beginning to believe Russia can go all the way.
Having beaten Italy for the first time in yonks in the semis, Spain will fancy their chances but I've a sneaking feeling they might have shown too much of their hand in that previous meeting in Innsbruck. David Villa and Fernando Torres won't be allowed anything like the space they enjoyed that day and, having seen them frustrated by Italy, this game will be a major test for the Spaniards. Their chances could hinge on the ability of others to shoulder the responsibilty of getting the all-important goals.
Without any great degree of confidence, I'm going for Germany to see off the Turks and for Russia to upset the highly-fancied Spanish. So get your dosh on Germany 2 Turkey 1 and Russia 2 Spain 1. Then again, in light of my previous in this area, cynics might now believe a Spain v Turkey final is a sure-fire certainty.
LITTLE BOY BLUE