Germany vs. Greece: Euro 2012 Quarterfinal Preview

It will truly be a David versus Goliath matchup when Germany takes on Greece in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals on Friday.  The Germans have the advantage at every position, and they have the better manager in Joachim Loew.  The Greeks face a very tall order.  Germany won their group games with relative ease, and they have not lost since the 2010 World Cup semi-final.  If the Greeks are to have any chance, they must rekindle the spirit of their Spartan ancestors at Thermopylae.

 The Greeks will follow one of two strategies.  The first is to play for a 0-0 draw from the outset.  They will play nine or ten men deep and defend.  Their second is to initiate counter attacks that result in set pieces.  Set pieces are Greece’s best hope to put one past Manuel Neuer.  Unfortunately for the Greeks, Germany is usually strong on set pieces.  If they should knock in the opening goal, they will bunker down and look to shock the world.

Without disrespecting Greece, this game is all about Germany.  Die Mannschaft is on another level.  They will come out and play a high tempo.  However, the Greek strategy will be to slow the game down.  They will allow the Germans to control the ball with ease around a thirty-yard perimeter from the net.  Penetrating their defense will not be easy.  However, playmakers such as Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger will create gaps and slide through balls to Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller.  In addition, the Germans will swing numerous crosses in from both flanks that should result in a goal or two.

After Germany scores the initial goal, the Greeks will be forced to attack.  This will give Germany room to tear apart the Greek defense.  This game should be a mere warm-up for the semi-finals against Italy or England. 

Prediction: Germany 3 – Greece 0

Germany cruises to another victory.  Loew's squad will not overlook the Greeks.  They will be prepared.  They will be sharp.  Their defense will not be vulnerable to a counter attack.  They will finish their scoring chances and put the game away.

By Jeff Graceffo