QUARTER-FINAL PREDICTIONS EURO 2008

Here are my predictions for the Uefa Euro 2008 quarter-final matches:


GERMANY 2 - 1 PORTUGAL
Yes, Ronaldo's great. Yes, Deco can find the killer pass. But Schweinsteiger has been more influential than either of them, and I think the Germans will just squeak past the Portuguese.

CROATIA 1 - 2 TURKEY
The TV pundits think this is a shoe-in for the Croats, given Turkish goalkeeper Demirel's suspension. but I'm impressed with the Turkish mobility in midfield and am taking a contrarian position.

NETHERLANDS 2 - 0 RUSSIA
Every fan of attacking football should be looking forward to this game, and scores of 10-9 have been predicted. Can Guus Hiddink continue the Russian fairy tale? Methinks not. There is too much experience - and much more mobility - in the Dutch squad to be taken apart as easily as the labouring Swedes. If the Dutch midfield can close down Arshavin, it's goodnight Russia. Remember the Russians also have to get past Holland goalkeeper Van der Sar.

ITALY 1 - 0 SPAIN
Toni to tower over the soft Spanish defence, perhaps in extra time. David Villa and Fernando Torres of course are a double threat to the Italian goal. Could this be a battle between goalkeepers Casillas and Buffon? Spain were the bookmakers' second favourite to win the tournament (after Germany), but I fancy the Italian defence to overcome the Spanish attack.