Four teams remain in Euro 2008, including the two favorites (Germany and Spain) and two Cinderella stories (Turkey and Russia). If Germany and Spain advance to Sunday’s championship game, it would be the final many predicted. If Turkey and Russia advance, it would be the final nobody saw coming.
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Germany vs. Turkey
Wednesday, 1:45 p.m., ESPN
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Is Michael Ballack destined to come up short once again? Ballack’s club team, Chelsea, just missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester United on the last day of the season and then lost in the Champions League final on penalty kicks to United.
Can Turkey overcome its depleted roster? Don’t expect the Turkey team that rallied the last three games. The roster has been hit so hard by injuries and suspensions, the third-string goalkeeper could make an appearance. The Turks could be without up to nine players, including goalkeeper Volkan Demirel (red card). Stepping in will be Rustu Recber — once considered among the best keepers in the world.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lukas Podolski, Germany: Just as in the 2006 World Cup, Podolski is thriving on a big stage. The 23-year-old forward has three goals and an assist in four games.
Semih Senturk, Turkey: Senturk scored the last-minute goal against Croatia that sent the game to penalty kicks. With Nihat Kahveci out (thigh), the Turks will need Senturk to deliver another miracle.
QUOTABLE
“Turkey is certainly not better than us tactically, technically and in terms of individual players. But they are unpredictable and they won’t underestimate any of us … they almost have a bit of the German mentality about them.” – Germany midfielder Michael Ballack
“You can be lucky once, maybe twice. But when a side constantly manages to turn around difficult situations, you must consider its character and unity.” – Ex-Turkey manager Mustafa Denizli.
PREDICTION
Turkey is missing too many key players to have a realistic chance of pulling off the upset. It was a fun ride, Turkey (especially for the viewers) but Germany will take it from here. Germany 3-0
Spain vs. Russia
Thursday, 1:45 p.m. ESPN2
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Will Spain shake its “underachiever” reputation? Regardless of how good Spain may look leading up to a tournament or even in the group stage, the Spanish almost always seem to find a way to lose. The Furia Roja (Red Fury) has never won a World Cup and has not won a European Championship since 1964.
Does Andrei Arshavin have another standout performance left in him? Arshavin led his Russian club to the UEFA Cup title this past year, but it’s his Euro 2008 performance that has people buzzing. The Russian playmaker displayed great vision and technical skills against Sweden and the Netherlands, scoring a goal in both games.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
David Villa, Spain: Villa has stepped up to lead all players with four goals in Euro 2008 — including three against Russia.
Andrei Arshavin, Russia: Arshavin is already being called the player of the tournament — and he didn’t even play the first two games (suspension).
QUOTABLE
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“We certainly haven’t become over-confident. There is no danger of that with this team nor with this coach. We got lucky in the penalties against Italy but in this game you have to make your own luck.” – Spain midfielder Xavi.
“It is tremendous to have these experiences. It’s those rare moments in the sport where you have to enjoy it. When you can enjoy it, normally you play at your best. We don’t pressurize ourselves, we just want to play football.” – Russia manager Guus Hiddink
PREDICTION
Russia didn’t get lucky in its 3-1 upset over the Netherlands — it simply outplayed the Dutch. Still, Spain looks more stable than it has in past tournaments and it gained some much needed confidence after eliminating Italy, the 2006 World Cup champions. Spain 2-1
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