Calm nerves key to quarterfinals

Germany defender Jerome Boateng, who plays at centre back, has been the best passer of the long ball thus far. PHOTO BY AFP

Match Forecast

Spain 2 Italy 1

Until La Roja became the dominant force of world football, Italy were their bogey side. However, the evolution of Spanish football, which also saw their clubs take over as the preeminent teams in Uefa competitions, give Spain the edge. I expect a closely contested affair, with Vicente de Bosque’s two-time defending champions getting the better of Antonio Conte’s Azzuri.

Poland 1 Switzerland 0
There isn’t much to choose between these sides. I am going for Poland because they came out of a tougher group unscathed and they have the better individual players. I was satisfied with the manner in which Poland coped with world champions Germany whereas I feel the Swiss were a tad lucky to beat 10-man Albania. Tip 1X.

Croatia 2 Portugal 1
I am disregarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s superstar status and going with Croatia. Firstly, Croatia play a deeply tactical well thought out game. They proved it by beating champions Spain when their full pitch pressing speedy counter attacking game delivered dividends. Secondly, Portugal cannot defend.

England 1 Iceland 0
I admire the spirit with which Iceland play their game. They give everything and more. No wonder they qualified at the expense of 1988 champions Holland. But you have to wonder how many of their players would get into England’s team. Only their wonderful keeper Hannes Halldorsson. I am tipping the Three Lions to subdue the neutrals’ favourites.

Germany 2 Slovakia 0

I know Slovakia beat the world champions Germany 3-1 in a friendly just one month ago. However, there is nothing to suggest they can match Joachim Loew’s juggernaut in a competitive setting. Germany are creating chances aplenty and Thomas Muller will not be as profligate as he was against Northern Ireland. This is a sure stonewall Germany win.

France 1 Ireland 0
Republic of Ireland left it late, before beating Italy to ensure all four teams from the British Isles reached the last 16 at Euro 2016. Host-nation France start as favourites but they must sort out team selection and start scoring early. The exciting pair of mid-fielders Paul Pogba and Dmitri Payet have the keys to unlock what is certain to be a tight game.

Wales 0 N. Ireland 0

Has there been a better player in the group stages than Wales talisman Gareth Bale? I don’t think so. He will once again carry the main threat against Michael O’Neill’s hard battling Irishmen. I can see a non goal-scoring stalemate, resulting into extra time.

Hungary 0 Belgium 1
Hungary have not set the tournament alight despite winning their group. Belgium are the team with the better players. They have recovered well from the 2-0 loss to Italy with big wins over Republic of Ireland and Sweden. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard will be too good for Hungary.

COMMANDER IN CHIEF

It says everything about the growing authority of Jerome Boateng within the German camp that the Bayern centre-back saw fit to tell a few home truths to the side’s attackers in the wake of the disappointing goalless draw with Poland in Paris (” Offensively, we produced far too little. We have to improve in a hurry or run the risk of going home early. “) Too quick, powerful and switched on for most strikers, Boateng is the man who holds the Nationalmannschaft back-line together and as long as he is around, the DFB brigade have to be contenders for their fourth continental title. Coach Joachim Loew will be hoping Boateng, who is yet to score in 62 appearances for his country, passes a very late fitness test.