Ian Walton/Getty Images Four of the Euro 2012's eight quarterfinalists have been determined. Now, it's time to cut that number in half.
The Czech Republic and Portugal play in the tournament's first quarterfinal Thursday in Warsaw. The winner will advance to play either the winner of Group C or the Group D runner-up in the semifinals.
Here are five bold predictions for what could be an intriguing quarterfinal.
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Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky is doubtful for Thursday's match after injuring his Achilles tendon in the win over Greece (per BBC).
Unless he's physically unable to walk, Rosicky will find a way onto the pitch. Bank on it.
At 31, Rosicky doesn't have many chances left at the highest level of international football. This tournament represents perhaps his last chance for glory at the European Championship.
Such personal motivation should mean Rosicky is more likely to play hurt than he otherwise might. What's more, he's a key member of the Czech Republic team as its midfield general and main creative force.
Unless he's on crutches, expect to see Rosicky feature at some point for the Czechs. Just don't think he'll play the full 90.
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Helder Postiga has started all three matches at centre-forward for Portugal. That streak could end against the Czech Republic.
Postiga scored in Portugal's 3-2 win over Denmark, but he's been subbed out of every match so far.
And despite scoring once, Postiga has drawn criticism for his form (via the Associated Press).
Don't be surprised if manager Paulo Bento opts for Nelson Oliveira in the attack ahead of Postiga.
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Nani produced a vintage performance against Holland, setting up Cristiano Ronaldo's second goal and running riot all over Portugal's right flank.
With that performance in mind, one would expect the Czech Republic to make stopping Nani a priority in the quarterfinals. But there's a problem.
What about Ronaldo?
If Ronaldo plays a free role again Thursday as he did against the Dutch, he'll give the Czech defense trouble all over the attacking third for 90 long minutes. That should liberate some of his teammates and set up scoring opportunities for them.
Nani could benefit.
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Few probably rate the Czech Republic highly enough to predict an upset, and most probably expect them to lose badly.
But after their opening-match debacle against Russia, the Czechs tightened up and played as a more cohesive unit. In fact, with Tomas Rosicky in the lineup, they were a dangerous attacking threat.
If Rosicky plays, and if the Czechs can withstand an early onslaught from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, expect them to be in this game until the end.
That's not to say they'll win. That's only to say they'll remain within sight of Portugal in the closing minutes.
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Even so, Portugal will win this game.
The Czechs are good enough to keep the score close throughout, and it stands to reason that they'll be pushing for an equalizer late in the second half.
But Portugal's ability to counter rapidly and dangerously will produce the final goal, a breakaway effort courtesy of, well, you know.
And that will give the Portugal—suddenly a trendy dark-horse pick—a two-goal victory.
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