Euro 2004 Gets Serious

The European Championships enter the knock-out phase this week as the eight teams who survived the group stage fight it out in one-match contests for the four semi-final places. For these nations, it's time to get serious. At the end of each of these quarter-finals, one team will remain -- there are no second chances.

Portugal v England

Thursday 24 June, Luz, Lisbon

The hosts take on the improving English in what the Portuguese are calling their "second" final after overcoming the "first" against Iberian neighbors Spain. If Portugal are to progress to a third or even fourth final, they are going to have to deal with an England team which is shedding self-consciousness by the game. After ditching the pre-occupation with how other teams play, England are now concentrating on how to play their own game and have brought the physical Premiership League style to Euro 2004. However, while the marauding midfield and striking wunderkind Wayne Rooney may be making all the right headlines so far, England's mostly pint-sized defense will have to deal with Christiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo sending in high crosses and dangerous set-pieces -- something England have suffered from so far. Expect this first quarter-final to be of a high tempo.

Result: Portugal 2-2 England (After extra-time). Portugal win 6-5 on penalties and play the winner of the Sweden-Holland game in the first semi-final on June 30.

France v Greece

Friday 25 June, Jose Alvalade, Lisbon

The champions have yet to get going and it could be Greece who gets the first whipping at the feet of Zidane and Co. as France look to defend their crown in a manner befitting title holders. The 3-1 victory over Switzerland showed the potential Les Bleus hold deep inside them to take apart lesser opposition but there was still a lack of consistency and cutting edge. As the stakes get higher, it could be time for the French to step up a gear or two. Greece should be aware of this fact but should not dwell on it. The Greeks have played with no fear so far and have achieved remarkable, if not surprising, results by doing so. The quarter-final is unchartered waters for Otto Rehhagel's team and is already a milestone in the nation's soccer history so anything they achieve from now on in will be more than they ever hoped for at Euro 2004. With no expectations ahead of Friday's clash, Greece could play without pressure and if they encounter a lackluster France on the day, who can say that they won't cause another shock?

Sweden v Holland

Saturday 26 June, Faro-Loulé

Two teams with the potential to run amok with attacking flair and tear opponents to pieces, Sweden and Holland offer the best of European soccer when at their best. At their worst, they can both be fractious sides capable of in-fighting and wrecking their own chances. For the Dutch, this has been a problem at all of the last few international tournaments they have taken part in but this time, the worst storms have apparently been weathered. The group stages offered Holland with the opportunity to implode but the important win over Latvia on Tuesday showed a team spirit which has been missing in recent Dutch teams. It may be that the differences have been put aside in time for Holland to advance and fulfill their potential. Sweden has shown a resilience to go along with their attacking style and look to be gelling well when they need it most. They have shown that even when they are behind, the Swedes can dig deep without taking pot-shots at each other. If they remain cool, the Swedes can match the flee-flowing Dutch by hitting Holland with a taste of their own medicine -- fast attacks targeting weak links in defense. It could be full of goals, this one.

Czech Rep v Denmark

Sunday 27 June, Dragao, Porto

Denmark is another side which find themselves in a position that few would have thought before the tournament opened. With Italy, Bulgaria and Sweden in their qualifying group, the Danes were written-off as third spot losers before a ball was kicked. But the fuse on the Danish Dynamite is fizzing now, even if it has failed to fully ignite. Jon Dahl Tomasson is gaining confidence with every game and goal and will not fear the Czech defense as he and his attacking partners aim to shoot down the tournaments most in-form team. Where the Danes could come unstuck is in their own final third of the pitch. Baros, Nedved, Koller, Rosicky and Poborski are all on fire and if the Czech rearguard can hold, the attacking formation from forwards to maverick midfield should dampen the flame.