Today is a big day! 

A day where we have two matches that could easily be the final of the European Championship. But no, we are still in the Quarterfinals.

What to expect from these matches?

A slightly longer summary of the teams and my predictions.

Let’s go!

Spain vs Germany

A match that will test those teams which, for me, have met the expectations given their athletes’ quality. 

They have been surprising, especially Spain. 

Few would have bet that Spain would show the best football and be a serious contender for the title so far. 

This is a young, inexperienced team, yet they have been impressive.

However, they are not perfect, and I have some doubts about some players.

Here, my opinion about the Spanish squad:

• Starting with the goalkeeper, Unai Simon seems overly confident with the ball at his feet, which can cause unpredictability for his teammates. Nonetheless, his agility and positioning make up for it. 
• Then, Morata. He is a good player but not a superstar. Despite being fast and technically reasonable, he is a somewhat predictable player in his actions and, in the best season of his career (interestingly the one that has now ended), he scored 21 goals.
• The central defenders, Le Normand and Laporte, have grown as a duo throughout the competition. However, there has been some up and down in their performances. 
• If Laporte already has a greater career and experience behind him, it was not (as other athletes from other teams have demonstrated) being in the Saudi Arabian Championship, which left him less able to present himself very well physically and with the offensive quality that we always recognize in him.
• Le Normand, it has an impressive physical profile, fast and efficient, despite being less technically refined. But you don’t need it, honestly.
• Carvajal, arguably the best right-back in Europe over the last year, and Cucurella have been exceptional in their positions during the competition. 
• Rodri, Pedri, and Fabian Ruiz provide technical prowess and versatility, 
• Nico Williams and Yamine Lamal adding dribbling and unpredictability. They are what allow many situations to be unlocked against more compact and retreating defenses, as has been the (unsuccessful) attempt of some teams. Add to this speed, which against teams that try to have more moments of attack – as expected from Germany – can be fundamental, in Offensive Transition situations. Let’s just remind ourselves of Williams’ goal against Georgia.

Germany, on the other side, though a contender initially, has also been a pleasant surprise. Namely, if we take into account the last games, whether in the Qualification Phase or in the Preparation Phase.

However, like all of them, there are elements that raise greater doubts, as:

• The central defenders Tah and Rüdiger were not entirely stable, but Schlotterbeck’s inclusion has improved their defense. However, who will play? Tah and Rüdiger played throughout the Group stage.
• Andrich and Kroos have been efficient, with Gündogan, at the top vertex and closer to Havertz. Gündogan’s role will also have the function of removing Rodri’s ability to compete – almost alone in several games – for second balls, as well as his influence on the Positional Attack, even though this is not his strongest point. Therefore, the question regarding the German midfield will be: what will its capacity and defensive organization be like against Spain?
• Musiala has been superb on the flanks, though Sané and Wirtz have been less consistent.
• Havertz contributes to the team’s play but lacks aggression in the box. In other words, it adds and is an associative player that gives a lot to the team’s play, but in moments of crossing or combinations closer to the area, it always seems to appear more out of its natural position, which is always expected in finishing zones.

There are, therefore, more doubts that arise regarding Germany and its ability to maintain a high performance against a Spain that has been superior to everyone.
However, both will face the strongest opponent yet.

And, if it is valid that Andrich, Kroos and Gündogan can suffer in moments of Defensive Organization, it will be equally challenging for Rodri, Pedri and Ruiz.

Let’s wait for the match and observe with attention!

Portugal vs France

Unfortunately, this will likely be a more boring and tight match. 

For me, these teams have the best squads in this Euro, but that hasn’t translated on the pitch.

France, led by Deschamps for many years, is known for its pragmatic approach, relying on individual quality rather than offensive prowess. 

It is, of course, a disappointment, because when you look at the present quality, you expect more.

I believe that, following his traditional approach, Deschamps might opt for a muscular midfield with Tchouaméni, Kanté, and Camavinga. 

The forward line could see Griezmann, Thuram, and Mbappé, or Dembelé (replacing Thuram) with Griezmann in a central role.

I believe more on the muscular midfield, with Griezmann in the center and Mbappé and Dembelé putting the Portuguese defense on alert. 

In any case, the non-inclusion of Dembelé could remove a fundamental weapon in the counterattack, leaving this moment almost exclusively for Mbappé, who, as he is not at all easy to stop, naturally makes the moment itself more predictable.

In the defensive line, despite not being perfect, it is a physically super-powerful defense, fast and capable of stopping any counterattack. It certainly has more limitations in the Offensive Process, and may be forced to make more mistakes, if Portugal is proactive on it.

Portugal, on their side, has struggled throughout the Tournament, showing dominance only against Turkey. 

Honestly, Martinez’s best strategy for this match is uncertain. 

Maintaining the same lineup means leaving the defense exposed to Mbappé, Griezmann, and Dembelé. However, changing to a three-center-back system could provide more support but might not be beneficial. 

To take in serious consideration, defensive errors made by Mendes and Cancelo need addressing, and synergy among Bruno, Bernardo, Leāo, and Ronaldo needs improvement.

I just hope that, with the 30 Training Sessions Martinez recently spoke, these were considered and improved.

Despite doubts, Martinez is unlikely to make significant changes. 

Let’s see if Portugal’s quality players could shine against an attacking team.

My Predictions?

Spain and Portugal advance to the semifinals.

Let the games begin!