Season's Over gives it's best predictions for the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

By Mike Corasaniti
Editor-in-Chief

Not to toot our own horn, but Season's Over did pretty well in it's Round of 16 predictions...give or take a heartbreaking loss by the United States.

The final eight teams in the World Cup get back to work Friday after some drama filled elimination matches to start the knockout rounds. After all was said and done it's hard to say there were many upsets, besides maybe Uruguay, but they really never reached their World Cup potential especially after the Suarez fiasco.

The matches that will decide the semifinals in this year's World Cup though are all but up in the air. Some of the favorites like Brazil and Germany have showed that they're flawed, while newcomers on the big stage like Costa Rica and Belgium are playing strong in trying to make their own mark.

Only a week and a half separate us from the final match of the 2014 World Cup, and the next four contests may very well be the most exciting yet.

France v. Germany – Friday, July 4 at 12 p.m. (ESPN2)

France didn't have to exactly run the gauntlet to get to the Round of 16, but their defeat of Nigeria further grounded the Group E winners as one of the best remaining teams in the field. Karim Benzema has proven he's an excellent scorer but it seems that almost any Frenchmen has been able to find the back of the net. The fact that France was one of only three teams to get past their opponent this round without any overtime was another positive sign. 

It's unfortunate that Germany is running into such a hot France squad at a time when they're not playing their best soccer. The Germans easily have one of the Top 4 teams remaining in the bracket, but they haven't showed top form since blowing out Portugal in their opening match. There's no way to avoid the fact that Germany dodged a bullet against Algeria and a similar performance won't do against this French squad. Prediction: France 1-0

Brazil v. Colombia – Friday, July 4 at 4 p.m. (ESPN)

As heroic as Julio Cesar's performance was in penalty kicks against Chile, Brazil will need to take a stand much earlier on against Colombia if it wants a shot at advancing to its first semifinal since 2002. Brazil's talented midfield and attack needs to get over the flaws that have been trying to doom it all tournament. Colombia is a much more terrifying opponent than Chile and Brazil is going to need to treat them as such.

The excellent James Rodriguez is front and center on the international stage and again took control on Saturday for them to get past a disheveled Uruguay. Friday's match has the opportunity to be a classic offensive contest between the likes of Rodriguez and his Brazilian counterpart Neymar. If the host nation can indeed get past the Colombians then they might be good enough to go all the way, but that's a very big "if". Prediction: Colombia 2-1

Argentina v. Belgium – Saturday, July 5 at 12 p.m. (ESPN2)

This may be a matchup of the two weakest teams of the quarterginals but it will garner an interesting result regardless: Either the best player in the world makes it to the semifinals, or Belgium becomes one of the biggest Cinderella's the World Cup has ever seen. That shouldn't take away from the fact that many guessed Belgium would give a strong showing to begin with, but their meeting expectations is still something to be celebrated.

Neither team dominated their knockout round opener. It took late goals from both to get to the quarterfinals, but Argentina played like a struggling squad while Belgium played like a great team against a stellar goalkeeper. It would be a shock to see Argentina fall short of their ultimate goal, but they are yet to prove this tournament that they're a team capable of winning it all. They can't rely on Lionel Messi alone forever. Prediction: Belgium 3-2

Netherlands v. Costa Rica – Saturday, July 5 at 4 p.m. (ESPN)

You can call the Netherlands's comeback win over Mexico luck or you can call it talent, but the Dutch will only have one thing on their minds regardless and its getting back to the World Cup Final. An offensive showing from Wesley Sneijder showed that the Netherlands are more than just the 1-2 punch of Robben and Van Persie. Now the Dutch only have the upstart Costa Rican squad to ensure a return trip to the semifinals.

Costa Rica had to sneak past Greece to make it this far, somewhat diminishing their strong performance in the group stage. Their defense though could make things difficult for the Dutch and their earlier wins against Uruguay and Italy have shown that they won't be the pushover the Netherlands may be hoping for. You should still expect a close match, but a match where the clear-cut better team comes out on top in the end. Prediction: Netherlands 2-0

Season's Over gives it's best predictions for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

By Mike Corasaniti
Editor-in-Chief

Brazil v. Chile – Saturday, June 28 at 12 p.m. (ABC)

Chile was exposed in its 2-0 loss to the Dutch, but was playing some of the best soccer of the entire field until then. Second place in Group B secured an elimination match against Brazil, who played strong enough to lock up Group A despite an unexpected challenge against Mexico.

Luckily for the host nation, budding megastar Neymar has played up to his monster expectations coming into the World Cup with four goals in group play. If Neymar can continue to lead the sometimes inconsistent Brazilians, they should continue to cruise even with a heavy challenger in the way. Prediction: Brazil 2-1

Colombia v. Uruguay – Saturday, June 28 at 4 p.m. (ABC)

Once Uruguay recovered from its opening loss to Costa Rica, it started to look like a team that could make another deep run. But then Luis Suarez bit an opponent for the third time in his career and now Uruguay is looking a little less threatening to Group C winner Colombia.

James Rodriguez has led the Colombian squad after flying well under the radar heading in to the World Cup. The 22-year-old has has had one of the best showings with his 3 goals and 2 assists, and Uruguay's solid defense but shaken up lineup won't have enough to ground him. Prediction: Colombia 2-0

Netherlands v. Mexico – Sunday, June 29 at 12 p.m. (ESPN)

Robin Van Persie may still have the goal of the tournament, but Arjen Robben is playing better than everyone other than Messi. His three goals and one assist make Robben the leader for an extremely deep team that's eyeing a return trip to to the World Cup Final. 

Standing in the way of 2014's most prolific offense is Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who's shutout against Brazil was one of the most impressive of the tournament. Miguel Herrera has also provided formidable offense, but unfortunately for Mexico, it's nothing that rivals Robben and Van Persie's accompanying firepower. The Dutch are just too loaded to stop. Prediction: Netherlands 3-0

Costa Rica v. Greece – Sunday, June 29 at 4 p.m. (ESPN)

Considering that it's still difficult to fathom how Greece made it out of Group C, it's even more difficult to see them getting any further. Not to diminish Greece's battling back against Ivory Coast to, but their lackluster performances against Colombia and Japan to start the tournament are enough to convince anyone that their run won't make it past the surprise Costa Rican powerhouse.

Don't let their 0-0 tie against the hapless Brits fool you, Joel Campbell and Co. are for real. And if their 1-0 victory over Italy showed how hard they can fight against an evenly matched opponent, their dismantling of Uruguay to begin group play proved that they won't back down against a higher ranked squad. If Greece can make it to the quarterfinals it would be the biggest upset of the knockout round. But don't bet on it. Prediction: Costa Rica 2-0

France v. Nigeria – Monday, June 30 at 12 p.m. (ESPN)

Group E, one of the weaker groups in the tournament, was France's division to lose. Thankfully for them they came out firing. With eight goals in their first two games, the French squad was able to tie Ecuador to finish group play without any concern for their hopes of moving on to the Round of 16 for the third time in the last three World Cups.

The luck of the draw will continue on for the French who will play Nigeria, one of the weakest teams to make it out of the group stage, for a shot at the quarterfinals. Nigeria showed its upside with their two goals against Argentina, but don't expect Emmanuel Emenike's offensive production to continue against France. Prediction: France 1-0

Germany v. Algeria – Monday, June 30 at 4 p.m. (ESPN)

Algeria has certainly been a fun team to watch so far this year, and if not for giving up two late goals to Belgium they may have come out on top of Group H instead of just squeezing by. But Algeria's weapons could still give Germany a few headaches, especially considering that the Germans have already had some trouble against an African opponent when they were forced to battle back against Ghana.

Algeria is enough to keep Miroslav Klose and Thomas Müller from looking ahead to a quarterfinal matchup against France for now. But after showing their ability to both dominate games and play well with their backs to the wall against the likes of Ghana, Portugal, and the United States, they also aren't looking at Algeria as their biggest threat. Not by a long shot. Prediction: Germany 3-1

Argentina v. Switzerland – Tuesday, July 1 at 12 p.m. (ESPN)

Seven goals in their opening matches were enough to get Switzerland comfortably out of Group E, but injuries to the Swiss back line are never good news with an opponent like Argentina on the docket. What Switzerland should look to take advantage though is the surprising inconsistency out of Argentina. Though they won all three games in Group F, none of them were as dominant as their fans would have hoped to see.

Still, Lionel Messi has lived up to his lofty World Cup expectations with four huge goals. And if it's been said once it's been said a million times: Argentina's World Cup hopes live and die with Messi. So if the best player on the planet can continue his success in the knockout stages, nobody can stand in their way. It's unfortunate for Switzerland that they're the first one's up. Prediction: Argentina 3-2

Belgium v. United States (ESPN) – Tuesday, July 1 at 4 p.m. (ESPN)

Belgium didn't necessarily have to get through the Group of Death to make it to their first Round of 16 since 2002, but their Golden Generation has still shown why their young squad has been given such high expectations. 23-year-old Eden Hazard could be one of the most dangerous strikers remaining in the field and could give the United States a lot to worry about.

The United States have proved though that they don't mind being the underdogs. Jürgen Klinsmann's men were considered by many to be long shots to even make it this far in the World Cup. If the jury is out on any of these elimination games it's this one, but it's hard to bet against the team that showed the better quality of play (Even if the results don't show it) in the tougher group to start the tournament. Prediction: United States 2-1

Season’s Over looks at the possibility of Brazil and Argentina meeting in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final and how the matchup would pan out.

By Mike Corasaniti

With the World Cup only moments away from taking over the world’s attention, it’s important to further recognize the special opportunity this year’s Brazil squad has: Cementing its mold even more as the best World Cup team of all time – on it’s home turf. But with this opportunity also comes a painful amount of pressure.

Brazil and its five World Cups are the most all time, but the country has also failed to emerge past the quarterfinals since its last title in 2002. A quarterfinal exit won’t please anyone this time around; a similar sentiment shared by Brazil’s South American counterpart and challenger Argentina.

Lionel Messi’s squad has not seen recent success past the quarterfinals either, a frustrating reality for a squad that has showed so much talent and potential over the past years. Is this the year both nations exorcize some demons to once again reclaim their status on the world stage?

A Word on Brazil

There may not be any other team in the history of the World Cup who has had more of a “Win or Bust” mentality than this year’s Brazil team. Even considering countries like Spain, Germany, and the other excellent teams the field is offering this year, nothing will taste as sweet unless the home team is securing it’s sixth World Cup.

Neymar, one of the game’s still-rising elite players, will be the backbone and lightning rod for this years lineup as he matches up against Messi, his opposing goal scorer and Barcelona teammate. The 22-year-old forward plays even better than his billing when he is free to improvise and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

But there is promise there is also a good deal of caution to take too when evaluating Neymar and his potential for this World Cup season: How much can we take away from his last season in Barcelona where his goal scoring became less and less prolific? Fellow attackers like Thiago Silva and David Luiz will provide solid if not excellent support, but it’s hard to list them as unstoppable just yet.

A Word on Argentina

Argentina was dismantling to the hands of Germany in the 2010 quarterfinals was nothing short of a shocker, which is why you would be hard pressed to find anyone betting against Argentina to make it further this time around. And just like Brazil, Argentina’s chances for another World Cup live and die upon the feet of their superstar.

Messi is already a hero to his come country but a successful World Cup showing would elevate him to further legendary status. Arguably the best finisher in the game right now and for the past few years, there really is no reason to bet against the 26-year-old now making his third World Cup appearance. And the scary thing for opponents to realize is that even without their goal scorer, Argentina is still a deep and threatening squad.

If you’re looking for a weak link from this team, then look no further than its defense. But between Messi and fellow goal scorers like Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina’s best defense is a terrifying offense, and they will bank on that for as long as they can.

Prediction

Logistically, for both teams to meet in the World Cup Final they both need to come out on top of their respective groups. This shouldn’t be too difficult of a problem for either squad, but getting past the likes of teams like Spain, Germany, Portugal, etc., will be the real obstacles for a South American showdown on July 13.

Both teams have their weaknesses and they both come way back from their opponent’s goal. But whereas Argentina’s defense and goalkeeper offer some uncertainty, Brazil’s offer a much more serious threat to their chances. Look for their biggest question mark to be Julio Cesar, who hasn’t impressed many in his current state of play.

And despite its breadth of promise and young talent, Brazil’s attack has some question marks as well. And against them may be Argentina, where Messi and his supporting cast now have the chance to prove their post-2010 doubters wrong. And everyone should plan on them doing so: They may be one of the best of all time.

Argentina 3-0

Season’s Over looks at the possibility of Spain and Germany meeting in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and how the matchup would pan out.

By Mike Corasaniti

The two best teams in the world could be on track for a rematch of their 2010 semifinal matchup, which Spain won 1-0 en route to its first World Cup.

Spain, considered the favorite to win the whole thing by many, will have its hands full in Group B with the Netherlands and Chile. Nobody is seriously doubting that the world’s best team will make it to the Round of 16, but two tough tests right off the bat will certainly be a good warm-up for this veteran team.

Germany on the other hand, a nation that has been knocking on the door for years now, is looking to avoid its third consecutive third place finish at the World Cup. If they could get past the likes of Spain and other challengers, this may finally be the year the Germans break through for their first World Cup title in 24 years.

Their toughest scheduled match will be their opener against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on June 16, which just might give the world a great idea on the chances for this year’s Germany team.

A Word on Spain

After suffering for long period of time throughout their history, Spain has been great for the better part of the last six years. This year’s club might not come off as intimidating as Spain did four years ago, but they’re still on the short list of favorites to win it all once again..

Since its victory in the 2008 European Championship, the Spanish have set the standard for excellent soccer on the international level, a standard that could very well continue on for years to come. Spain’s prospects to become just the third repeat winners in World Cup history will require more than just a continuation of their recent success.

Some of their best, Xavi and Andres Iniesta most among them, may be heading past their prime but are still performing quite handsomely. So Spain’s chances may hinge most dramatically upon the likes of Sergio Ramos and the defensive side of the ball. Ramos has been one of the best defenders in the world when he’s at his peak but has also showed disastrous potential when he loses his concentration. Spain will need much more of the former from Ramos if they hope to leave Brazil smiling.

A Word on Germany

Germany was billed by many to be the team to watch next time around after coming up just short in 2010 against the eventual champions. And with three World Cups and countless other championship-caliber squads lining their history books, the Germans are always good at setting themselves up for a position to win. 2014 is no different.

Some role players may have changed for Germany but the core of the team for the past years has remained pretty much the same. For another World Cup season, Germany will look greatly to Bastian Schweinsteiger to lead them to prosperity, although he represents only one of the many weapons Germany has brought to the table. With Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, and others playing at the top of their games, Germany may have the deepest squad in the entire tournament.

To say that it is championship or bust for the Germans may be a bit of an overstatement. But the potential for a fourth World Cup victory is just as great as it’s ever been for one of the most consistently successful teams in international soccer’s history.

Prediction

There’s no doubt the talent and experience is there for Spain to walk away from Brazil 2014 with their fourth consecutive major international championship, but it’s difficult to know whether the collective mind and body are willing. 

Spain is comprised of a team of stars that has made a habit of winning big championships over the past few years, but the majority of them are only getting older and a step slower. Not to say that a fourth consecutive major international championship isn’t within the grasp of this year’s top-rated team, but the obstacles look bigger when you look at potential challengers such as Germany.

Yes, if there are any giants that need to be taken down for others to rise this World Cup, it will be La Furia Roja and its relentless attack. But third place dwellers no more; this could very well be the year that Germany finally breaks through.

Germany 2-0

The whole world will be watching in the coming weeks toward a possible UEFA Champions League matchup between famed rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, who could meet each other as early as the quarterfinals.

By Mike Corasaniti

The two Spanish clubs have some of the stiffest competition standing in their way of a quarterfinal matchup. 

But both teams have the tools to advance, and set up another El Clasico with much more on the line.

How Madrid gets there

It’s not Manchester United’s season by a long shot, but they did still dominate their play in the group stages, albeit in one of the weaker groups in play.

Madrid has shown that they can shut down offensive attacks, but will they be able to slow down RVP? That alone will probably decide the fate of the series.

How Barcelona gets there

There’s no one better in the world right now than FC Barcelona. Behind Lionel Messi and his record-setting 2012 has the opportunity to match it’s potency in this upcoming year as well.

They should have little trouble with AC Milan who have been struggling so far this season, currently in seventh place with just 27 place in Serie A play. With all of their different player transaction distractions, it’s hard to imagine Milan being focused enough to pull off what would turn out to be a major upset.

The Matchup

It’s Sunday, so I’ll keep this one short.

If Madrid can prove that they have the defensive capability to shut down the likes of RVP and the rest of the Man United attack, than that’s a step in the right direction in shutting down Barcelona. Unfortunately, they’re going to need much more than a step if they want to shut down Messi, especially after the year he just had.

FC Barcelona 4-1

By Michael Lepoutre

The first game of the Euro 2012 quarterfinals are about to kickoff. Before they do, take a look at who will decide who makes it to the next round who gets sent home:

Greece: The Whole Team

Okay, it's not a single player, but Greece is following the same formula that won them the Euro in 04:  a defensively committed side that's opportunistic on the break.  But in order to get past the Germans they will have to play a near perfect game.

Czech Republic: Tomas Rosicky

The captain was sidelined in their final game which saw them clinch first place in the group, but before that he was phenomenal.  His vision has never been questioned and they will need him to pick apart a speedy Portugal side.

Germany: Mario Gomez

The German forward scored the decisive goals against the Netherlands and Portugal and is one of the leading scorers in the tournament.  The Germans should advance against Greece but will need Gomez’s scoring to beat Portugal (assuming they beat Czech Republic) in the semifinals.

Portugal: Christiano Ronaldo

Although he didn’t play to his capability in the first two games, Ronaldo certainly earned Man of the Match honors against the Netherlands in their final game.  With a near hat trick, Ronaldo is hitting his finest form at the right time.  The Czech Republic have a difficult task ahead of them.

Spain: Iker Casillas

Spain required timely saves from their keeper to ensure the draw against Italy and the victory against Croatia.  Without him Spain might have been relying upon Italy to secure a victory rather than the other way around. 

Italy: Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo has one of the goals of the tournament so far with his curling free kick against Ireland.  When teams allow him time and space to play in the midfield he carves them up.  Italy will have to rely on him to get past a defensive minded England side.

England: Steven Gerrard

England’s strategy seems to be sitting back and capitalizing on set pieces.  There are few players in the world with Gerrard’s ability on set pieces.  He set up Lescott for the goal against France and will have to do the same to help the 3 Lions defeat the Italians.

France: Midfield

France stuttered in their final game to end their 23 unbeaten match streak.  Prior to that the French scored by committee and mostly from the midfield.  Between Ribery, Nasri, M’vila, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, and Menez the French have viable options.  Who steps up in the knockout stages remains to be seen. 

By Michael Lepoutre

Season's Over's Euro 2012 predictions went 50/50 it's first time out. Version 2.0 looks at the Final 8 as they head into the knockout stages later tonight. Who will come out on top? Let's take a look:

Quarterfinals

Germany vs. Greece

Germany continue their dominant form and do what is necessary to advance.  The Greeks in a valiant effort drop out of the tournament thanks to a late goal from the Germans. Germany 1-0

Portugal vs. Czech Republic

With Ronaldo heating up after scoring 2 goals against the Netherlands the Portugese are looking very dangerous.  They can score with the best of them but they will need to be organized defensively to advance. Portugal 2-0

Spain vs. France

The weakness of the French is in the air and thankfully for them the Spanish are one of the smallest teams and don’t have a target man like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.  If they did it would be hard to pick Les Bleus to come out on top. France 2-1

England vs. Italy

Both teams will play timidly and worry about not allowing a goal rather than going out and scoring one.  Thankfully for the Italians they have the creative edge against the English and I see them coming out on top. Italy 1-0


Semifinals

Portugal vs. Germany

The Portuguese will enter this game in a great vein of form but it won’t be enough to top the Germans.  I think this is Germany’s year. Germany 3-2

France vs. Italy

In the rematch of the ’06 World Cup final the French exact their revenge against the Italians.  Mario Balotelli will be extremely frustrated and get a red card. France 1-0


Final

France vs. Germany

The French will not match up well against the German side.  Unfortunately for Les Bleus and the French the Germans will come out on top with two goals from set pieces and a third to seal the deal. Germany 3-1

By Michael Lepoutre

We're now about two weeks into Euro 2012 and about two weeks removed from my predictions on who would make it out of the group stages alive. 

Greece once again is surprising people, Italy is sticking it out like their old selves, and the Dutch played with their tails between their legs for three straight games.  Through these occurrences and others, I would say I didn't do half bad in my predictions. So,  in baseball terminology, here are my grades for my own predictions for the opening rounds of the tourney:

Group A

My predictions: Russia, Poland
Reality: Czech Republic, Greece

I flat out blew it on this one.  Both Poland and Russia had a chance to qualify for the knockout stages with wins in their final games but the Czech Republic and Greece had other plans.  As for my key player predictions, Sczezny didn’t play a single minute (my bad) and Arshavin was less than stellar compared to the young gun Dzagoev. Grade: I struck out swinging for the fences on this one.


Group B

My predictions: Germany, Netherlands
Reality: Germany, Portugal

I came pretty close on this one.  Germany captured all 9 points as I predicted and the final game between Portugal and the Netherlands did decide their fate.  However, Portugal prevailed over a very disappointing Netherlands side that set a record they’d rather not repeat (losing 3 straight group games).  And credit to Denmark for making it interesting. Grade: I left a runner in scoring position in Group B.


Group C

My predictions: Spain, Ireland
Reality: Spain, Italy

In retrospect, picking Ireland was more than hopeful; it was a dream that would never have come to fruition.  That being said, Spain qualified handily and Italy, with some help from the reigning champions, handled their business as well.  Grade: I got caught trying to steal third in Group C,  no luck of the Irish for me.


Group D

My predictions: France, England
Reality: England, France

As I predicted both England and France qualified but it wasn’t as easy for Les Bleus as I would have hoped.  Thankfully England took care of business against Ukraine in the final game securing their spot atop the group and more importantly Ukraine’s in third.  Grade: I managed to score a run here, but it wasn’t pretty.

So there you go, my Euro group stage report card. As far as predictions for the rest of the bracket goes, stay tuned for my revised predictions (coming to a Season's Over near you).

By Michael Lepoutre

How's Euro 2012 going down? A repeat for Spain? Another Cinderella run like eight years ago? Let's take a look:

Group Stage

Group A

I don’t see the ’04 Cinderellas making it out of this competitive group.  With no clear favorite I think experienced Russians win the group and Poland play stingy defense and score just enough to qualify for the knockout stages.

Group B

Denmark has no shot.  It’s a 3 horse race that I see Portugal finishing last in.  I think Germany wins it outright without dropping a sinlge point and the Netherlands sneak by with a victory against Portugal in their final game of the group respectively.

Group C

Spain, although lacking the same fire power that helped them win the Euros in 08 and World Cup two years ago, still are heads above the rest of the group.  A young and promising Italy team is in rather weak form approaching the Euros and thus will take an early exit with Croatia.  Ireland, often on the wrong end of critical referee, finally claws their way into the knockout stage.

Group D

After a disappointing and embarrassing World Cup campaign for Les Bleus, Laurent Blanc the head coach, has the team destined for greatness.  A creative midfield will help them get by England and the rest of the group.  Despite the opening loss for the 3 lions, they right the ship and live to see another day in the knockout stages.  


Quarter Final Matchups

Russia vs. Netherlands

Russia has had the easier path getting to this point, while the Netherlands earned their spot in the knockout stages.  Netherlands will dominate the Russians all over the park because of their pedigree at every position. Netherlands 3-0.

Poland vs. Germany

Germany outplays Poland with aggressive pressure and clinical finishing.  Nothing against the co-hosts, but Germany’s history in tournaments is impressive and nothing about that changes here. Germany 2-0

Spain vs. England

The Roy Hodgson era begins well with England’s advance to the knockout stage but takes a vacation after the Spain match.  Spain’s midfield will keep most of the possession, leaving England with few possessions to capitalize on. Spain 2-1

Ireland vs. France

After the controversial Henry handball, eliminating Ireland from the last World Cup, the Irish will be out for revenge.  Unfortunately for them,  France will not need to rely on a referee’s decision to advance. France 2-0


Semifinals

Netherlands vs. Spain

Rematch of the World Cup final, the Netherlands will match up pound for pound against the Spanish champions but fall short in the goals category.  Spain can sneak the one goal they need. Spain 1-0

Germany vs. France

These two played a friendly earlier this year with France winning against the young German side.  Although the German side will be more prepared, the creativity of France’s midfield will generate chances for their lone striker Benzema or Giroud to put the Germans away. France 2-1


Final

Spain vs. France

The winner will be the team that can control the middle of the park.  M’villa’s fitness is huge.  Without him I don’t know if the pairings of Ribery, Nasri, Malouda, or whoever else Blanc decides to play in the midfield can handle the dominant play of Xavi and Iniesta.  And in keeping with my previous note of the importance of the centre-back pairing, Koscielny and Rami will have to play a near perfect game.  Les Bleus, with the odds stacked against them, come out on top. France 2-0

By Michael Lepoutre

With Euro 2012 kicking off tomorrow, Season's Over takes a look at some of the team and players that will ultimately decide who will hoist the trophy later this summer.

Germany: Mueller

If his substitution in the Champions League final taught us anything it’s that he needs to be on the pitch.  His adaptability in the midfield and forward positions is vital for German success.  Ozil cannot be the only creator on the pitch for Germany.

Russia: Andrei Arshavin

The tricky Russian needs to impress during the Euros to convince the Zenit coach to sign him away from Arsenal this summer.  He has the talent to do it, without him Russia will struggle.

Poland: Szczesny

The Arsenal #1 had an excellent campaign for his club and will have to repeat that form in order to help Poland advance.  Look for Szczesny to add to his highlight reel with some stunning saves.

Netherlands: Robin van Persie

The PFA player of the year must keep the form that secured champions league football for Arsenal in order for the Dutch to escape the group of death.  Without him, Portugal may overtake them for the second spot.
Spain: Fernando Llorente

Assuming he gets the nod to start over Torres, which he should, the potent forward will have to recreate the success that David Villa had four years ago in order for Spain to win it all again.

Ireland: Robbie Keane

If Ireland is going to advance over the favored Italians it will be because of Keane.  The striker has been the Irish talisman for many years and his experience will help them prevail.

France: Centre-back Pairing

France’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows their creative midfield to interchange and flow with attacking outside backs and the lone stiker (Benzema/Giroud).  They need to sure up the back line to eliminate sloppy goals that have plagued them in the past.  Personally I would give Koscielny the nod over Mexes and pair him with Rami.  

England: Oxlade-Chamberlain

Roy Hodgson, if he’s smart, will give the start to the young star.  In their last game before the Euros against Belgium he showed his true potential.  He’s fast, has an excellent dribbling ability and is very direct with the ball.  He attacks outside backs constantly.  And if he starts, super sub Walcott can then exploit the outside backs late in the match.