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We are now done with the Quarter finals. EURO ’12, one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year, finally reaches to it’s semi-finals. We have seen giants like England, France and World Cup 2010 runners up Netherlands crashing out of the championship. On the other hand, Portugal, Spain, Germany and Italy secured their semi – final berth.
The first semi-final encounter will be held between Spain and Portugal, both of which started their championship as favorites. Although Spain (World No. 1) are not looking as lethal as witnessed in the last edition of EURO 2008 as well as in the World Cup 2010, they do have a team with vast potential and are quite confident to grab the championship this time also. Portugal did survive from the “group of death” and their captain CR7 is looking in sublime form. As witnessed in the previous matches, the world’s most expensive player has the ability to change the game in his own individual capacity.
So before the first semi final kick-off starts lets take a close look at some of the players who will be important for their respective teams.
XAVI - The Barcelona midfield maestro controls the heart of Spain’s attack from the defence line. With his extraordinary vision, passing range and ball control, the playmaker has always been concidered as a phenomenal footballer for Barca. Named as the Player of the Tournament in Euro 2008, he has become one of the most consistent footballer today. Finishing fifth in the Ballon d’Or nominees of 2008, third in 2009 and 2010. Failing to put his name up on the score-sheet so far in the tournament, he will be very eager to crack that dead lock against Portugal.
IKER CASILLAS - Spain’s No. 1 and the Real Madrid custodian became the first goal keeper to lift the European Championship as skipper in 2008. Two years later in South Africa he captained the national team to World Cup glory. Casillas also holds the honour of being his country’s most capped player. He has already made some superb saves in the elimination round. It will be a pleasure to see how he saves shots from his Madrid counter-part Cristiano Ronaldo.
XABI ALONSO - Besides Xavi, Alonso also has a part in Spain’s attack. In the quarter final against France, he scored both the goals. With his long rangers and understanding with Xavi he may be unstoppable against Portugal.
SERGIO RAMOS - Missing Carlos Puyol, Ramos and Gerrard Pique are maintaining Spain’s defence superbly. The Bernabeu star, Ramos, has the ability to provide some extra pace in the attack as well. In the Portugal match he will most likely have to cover Manchester United’s Nani. Lets see how he performs.
PORTUGAL:
WARSAW, POLAND – JUNE 21: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal controls the ball during the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter final match between Czech Republic and Portugal at The National Stadium on June 21, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
CHRISTIANO RONALDO - He has proved all the critics wrong, after demolishing Denmark and Netherlands in the group stage and beating Czech Republic quite convincingly in the quarter-finals. Portugal’s hope to reach the Final of the championship will lie mostly in the hands of their captain. The Real Madrid star has been doing a good job even during the team’s most difficult moments. Ronaldo perhaps is the most iconic player of EURO 2012 with his speed, technique and powerful right foot, which have become key elements on Portugal’s left wing.NANI - The winger took longer than Cristiano Ronaldo to cement his position in Portugal’s regular line up. His performance in the last two seasons at Manchester United has been witnessed in his international displays. Though overshadowed by Ronaldo’s status most of the time, Nani has proved that he is a key player, both in attacking and in defensive situations. One must not forget that Nani was the second-highest goal-scorer during the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign for Portugal with five goals. He will be desperate to open his goal account in this edition of EURO against Spain.
FABIO COENTRAO - A natural left-winger, Coentrao has all the key ingredients required in a modern full-back. Spectacular in defense, he is quite capable of adding some pace in attack with his speed, precise passing and crossing. His performance from the very first match against Germany, attracted a lot of attention. Along with Pepe and Bruno Alves, Portugal need to rely on this Real Madrid star to save their defense.
