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If you missed yesterday’s Euro 2008 semifinal between Germany and Turkey I beg you to find a replay of the match or find a friend who TiVo’d it and watch it, immediately. Unlike the drab Spain and Italy encounter, which pitted two talented teams, playing scared, Turkey and Germany played a thrilling pulse-racing affair. Turkey, which was missing nine players could have packed it in and hoped to get the game to PK’s, but instead the Turks attacked the Germans and looked like the better team, even with a C-side. Germany meanwhile looked tentative and unsure of itself until its overwhelming talent and experience took over.

It’s a shame that Turkey’s run had to end. The cardiac Turks were one of the most entertaining teams to watch, producing memorable comeback after memorable comeback. The side showed tremendous resiliency and never believed it was defeated.

Turkey’s run to the semis was unlike the boring, pack-it-in mentality Greece-another undermanned and less talented side-showed in winning Euro 2004.

While most believed Turkey’s amazing run was going to end against the Germans I was disappointed to see it end. Unfortunately the clock had to strike midnight at some point. Too bad it was one game too early.

Well Spain did what every other group stage winner at Euro 2008 couldn’t do; get into the semifinals.

If anything Euro 2008 has taught us that group play means nothing. Croatia, Portugal and the Netherlands were the toast of the tournament after breezing through their groups in convincing fashion, but when the knockout round began that same form eluded them all, except Spain.

Spain was a deserving winner of Italy, which looked from the outset like it only wanted to play for penalties. The Italians continually crowded as many men behind the ball as they could, albeit quite effectively, to snuff out Spain’s intricate passing attack. The problem with this is that it created a dull game at times. Would it have killed the Italians to try and put more than just Luca Toni in the box at times?

Overall, Spain got a big win (first win over Italy in a major tournament since 1920) and proved doubters wrong in a big game.

Now the real pressure comes into play when Spain faces Russia in a semifinal rematch. Spain won the first match 4-1 in group play, but Russia was missing its one man tour-de-force, Andrei Arshavin who missed the first two games of the tournament because of suspension. Arshavin’s return to the Russian side has been immense as he has scored two goals and assisted on the game winner against the Netherlands in Russia’s 3-1 quarterfinal win. Russia is better than most people give them credit for (see: me) and in Arshavin have a leader they can rally around. Also, never count out a team with Guus Hiddink leading it.

Spain will have to fight over-confidence and not let out too big of a sigh of relief. After all, the real work has just begun for them if they want to shed that underachiever label. Winning Euro 2008 might be the only way to do that. I wish Spain versus Russia could be the tournament’s final, but alas UEFA doesn’t set the brackets up using common sense. My heart says Russia, my head says Spain (as long as Luis Aragones does not sub Fernando Torres off for Dani Guiza again!) and even after going 1-3 in my semifinal picks I’m going with Spain to win 2-1 and break the plucky Russians’ hearts in the process.

Meanwhile on the other side of the bracket I cannot see how Germany does not get past Turkey to the final. As it is with all of the suspensions and injuries Turkey has in its squad, it’s going to have a hard time finding 11 warm bodies to put on the pitch! If Germany loses it will be a major upset and it might prove fate is on Turkey’s side after the slew of comebacks and nail-biting wins it has escaped with so far in the tournament. I just see Turkey’s remarkable run coming to an end with Germany prevailing 2-0.

Well we are halfway to the Euro 2008 semifinals and I am a sterling 0-2 in my picks.

But enough about me, lets talk football.

Two stunning matches have produced a pairing of Germany and Turkey in the first semifinal pairing. The way the two sides reached this point was equally impressive.

Germany shook itself out of its pool play doldrums for a 3-2 win over Portugal, which had looked like one of the more impressive teams in group play. The Germans out-muscled and overwhelmed the Portugal defense and goalie Ricardo on set pieces. Michael Ballack has recovered from a poor performance against Croatia to look like one of, if not the, most complete midfielder in the tournament. A scary thought for Turkey is that Miroslav Klose finally found the back of the net after being silenced in group play. Germany showed that it is a battle-tested and savvy side in its dismantling of Portugal and it will be hard to count them out from reaching the finals or winning it all.

Meanwhile Turkey is putting its fans and viewers on quite the rollercoaster ride. After a remarkable comeback against the Czech Republic to reach the quarterfinals, Turkey needed a deflected shot from Semih Senturk in the second minute of added time in the second over time period, just two minutes after Croatia had taken a 1-0 lead, to send the match to penalty kicks. There Turkey won 3-1 to move on. If there is one thing about Turkey, it is that it cannot be counted out. However, it will have to summon its entire resiliency against the Germans as Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik will miss the match because of yellow card accumulation. After what’s happened so far, it’s hard to bet against Turkey.

All I know is that I’m anticipating a thrilling match up of unlikely, yet worthy, opponents.

I won’t give away my fearless prediction just yet, I want to see how the quarters end first!

Bring on the quarterfinals.

After a stirring round of group stage games that rewarded attacking football (thank you Netherlands, Croatia, Portugal and Spain) and threw out old, conventionality (see you France, Greece and Sweden) Euro 2008 moves into the knock-out stages where one bad game is all it takes for you to be sent packing.

With that in mind let us take a peak at the four upcoming matches and gaze into our crystal ball to see who will make it into the semifinals.

Portugal vs. Germany

The Germans needed a Michael Ballack thunderbolt in their final group game against an underwhelming Austrian side. Germany has rarely looked like a pre-tournament favorite it was billed as, coming in behind Croatia in its group.

If not for Lukas Podolski scoring three of Germany’s four goals, the Germans would most likely be heading home right now. Too bad he might miss the quarterfinal with a calf injury. That will leave Miroslav Klose (a shadow of his 2006 World Cup self), Mario Gomez (a shadow of his Bundesliga form, including some laughable misses) and Kevin Kuranyi to try and break through.

Meanwhile Portugal looked solid in winning its group with its only loss coming in its last match with a B-side taking the field. Cristiano Ronaldo will pose problems for whoever tries to mark him and Germany’s center backs have been less than stellar. Portugal’s only real drawback is its goalie, Ricardo and the lack of top-flight striker. However, Ronaldo and the center defense pairing of Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho make up for that. Throw in all the attacking options Portugal has in the midfield and it should be able to put the pressure on Germany if it continues to attack like it did in its first two matches.

Portugal 2, Germany 0

Croatia vs. Turkey

While Turkey needed three goals in the final 14 minutes to beat the Czech Republc and advance to the quarters, Croatia looked impressive in winning its group. Luka Modric has looked like a future star. The Tottenham Hotspur recruit is the key to Croatia’s attack. However, Croatia has gotten balanced play all over the field and showed discipline in its attack and shape. Its play has been a pleasant surprise in the tournament.

I don’t know much about Turkey, but Nihat and Hamit Altintop and Arda Turan are all classy players. Nihat can finish; look at what he did to the Czech’s. However, Turkey’s goalkeeper Volkan Demirel has been suspended two matches after receiving a red card for shoving Jan Koller in the previous match.

Croatia 1, Turkey 0

Netherlands vs. Russia

So far Netherlands has been the team of the tournament. They won their three group games by a 9-1 combines score, including demolishing France and Turkey before the substitutes mopped up Romania. The Dutch have been a joy to watch and Marco van Basten has pulled all the right strings. The 4-2-3-1 formation has worked to perfection allowing the Dutch to counter-attack with deadly precision.

Russia got to the quarters with a superb 2-0 win over Sweden in which influential playmaker Andrei Arshavin returned, and scored. Manager Guus Hiddink will be eager to get a win over his home country.

However, the Dutch are flying high and as long as they keep the pedal pushed down, Wesley Sneijder and company will be too much.

Netherlands 3, Russia 1

Spain vs. Italy

Spain was probably the second most impressive team in the group stages behind the Netherlands. Italy was disappointing, but did what it had to, like usual, to advance. Normally I would pick Italy to advance with a gritty win as Spain’s label of an underachieving side grows some more, but with midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso out because of suspension due to yellow cards I can’t see the Italian midfield matching the likes of Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta, Senna, Xabi Alonso or whoever else Luis Aragones throws out.

Also, David Villa has been in scorching form and looks settled in his partnership with Fernando Torres. Meanwhile Luca Toni has not looked as dangerous as he did this past season with Bayern Munich and a consistent second option in attack has not been found.

Spain 2, Italy 1

Well, what do you think?

After the Euro 2008 Group D game between Spain and Sweden in Innsbruck, reports surfaced that several players and staff members from the Spanish national team verbally attacked the head referee, Pieter Vink.

According to eyewitnesses, the head referee and his assistants were met between the main tunnel and referee dressing room by several Spanish players and staff members during halftime of the game.

Allegedly, the Spaniards were upset with Vink for not calling a penalty kick after Sweden’s center back Olof Mellberg played the ball with his hand in side of the Sweden penalty box during the first half. […]

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Just a quick note or two about the first round of group stage games at Euro 2008.

How good did Holland look? Sick, but of course the Dutch always have to be surrounded with controversy. Ruud - offside or not? - they absolutely destroyed the reigning world champs of futbol. But, we all know the Dutch can never seal the deal.

Spain beat a very disappointing Russia team 4-1 and things don’t look good for a Russian team that had high hopes coming in. They need to re-group quickly.

Portugal looked strong, even though the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, wasn’t all that impressive.

France, blah - but that is how they started out in the 2006 World Cup - and they went to the finals.

Switzerland was a dark horse - but they are done after losing their captain and best player/striker in Frei.

I think Germany might have been the second best looking team so far, and if Klose and Toni get going and Podolski can stay on form - Holy Crap!!! That’s it - that’s all I have to say - 10 hours and 30 minutes (at least when I’m typing this) until the Czechs and Portugal play - I don’t think I will sleep a wink.

Go England - oh wait….never mind!!

What England players will be doing during Euro 2008 this month:

1. Calling David Beckham to see if they can come crash at his pad in L.A. on holiday.

2.  Watching their WAGS spend their money.

3. Seeing if Sven Goran Eriksson can help them obtain dual citizenship to play for Mexico.

4. Finding footage from the 1966 World Cup to re-live the glory days of English football.

5. Cursing Croatia.

6. Consoling John Terry.

7. Helping Fabio Capello learn English.

8. Preparing to crash out of 2010 World Cup qualifying.

9. Convincing themselves that they are still an international superpower.

10. Watching the tournament from their homes-just like you!

Next Saturday EURO 2008 starts in Austria and Switzerland. Sixteen of best European nations will compete for the enormous privilege being the champion of Europe.
The countries are divided in four groups of four teams. The best of the two teams from each group will advance to elimination matches that will take best of two from this stage to the finale game scheduled for June 29 in Vienna.

All matches will be on ESPN2. (Game times are EST)

GROUP A
Saturday June 7
11 a.m. Switzerland vs. Czech Republic at Basel - St. Jakob-Park
1:45 p.m. Portugal vs. Turkey at Geneva - Stade de Genève
Wednesday June 11
11 a.m. Czech Republic vs. Portugal at Geneva - Stade de Genève
1:45 p.m. Switzerland vs. Turkey at Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Sunday June 15
1:45 p.m. Switzerland vs. Portugal at Basel - St. Jakob-Park
1:45 p.m. Turkey vs. Czech Republic at Geneva - Stade de Genève

GROUP B
Sunday June 8
11 a.m. Austria vs. Croatia at Vienna - Ernst Happel
1:45 p.m. Germany vs. Poland at Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
Thursday June 12
11 a.m. Croatia vs. Germany at Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
1:45 p.m. Austria at Poland at Vienna - Ernst Happel
Monday June 16
11 a.m. Poland vs. Croatia at Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
1:45 p.m. Austria at Germany at Vienna - Ernst Happel

GROUP C
Monday June 9
11 a.m. Romania vs. France at Zurich - Letzigrund
1:45 p.m. Netherlands vs. Italy at Berne - Stade de Suisse
Friday June 13
11 a.m. Italy vs. Romania at Zurich - Letzigrund
1:45 p.m. Netherlands vs. Franceat Berne - Stade de Suisse
Tuesday June 17
1:45 p.m. Netherlands vs. Romania at Berne - Stade de Suisse
1:45 p.m. France vs. Italy at Zurich - Letzigrund

GROUP D
Tuesday June 10
11 a.m. Spain vs. Russia at Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
1:45 p.m. Greece vs. Sweden at Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
Saturday June 14
11 a.m. Sweden vs. Spain at Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
1:45 p.m. Greece vs. Russia at Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
Wednesday June 18
1:45 p.m. Greece vs. Spain at Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
1:45 p.m. Russia vs. Sweden at Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu

Main favorites: Italy, Germany, Portugal, and France.
Possible Cinderella Stories: Russia, Greece, and Czech Republic.
Players to watch:
Luca Toni, Andrea Pirlo, and Alessandro Del Piero (ITALY)
Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose (GERMANY)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma (PORTUGAL)
Ruud van Nisterlrooy and Rafael van der Vaart (HOLLAND)
Frank Ribery and Karim Benzema (FRANCE)
Fernando Torres, David Villa, and Iker Casillas (SPAIN)
Petr Chech and Tomas Galasek (CZECH REPUBLIC)
Giorgos Karagounis and Angelos Charisteas (GREECE)
Andrei Arshavin and Pavel Pogrebnyak (RUSSIA)
Luka Modric and Ivan Klasnic (CROATIA)

Well folks, it will be a good one! So, sit back, relax ,and enjoy! We will make sure that you get all of the results and all of the news here on SoccerProse.com.

Nearly seven hours after being unofficially announced as the new Internazionale manager, Jose Mourinho has still not won any trophies for the storied Milan club. In interviews following the announcement of the appointment, the self-proclaimed “Special One” announced his utter disapproval toward everyone who is not himself as well as reassuring the Nerazzurri fans that trophies should be flying into the San Siro display case “at any moment” because of his mere presence.

Mr. Mourinho was also quoted in broken Italian as saying, “I love Inter — I always have — so if I don’t win everything here at Inter, that doesn’t matter because I will go to another club and make millions of Euro there and win every [trophy].”

After a dismal four-year run under previous manager Roberto Mancini, Inter Milan only managed to win three Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia twice, and the Super Coppa Italia twice. Inter Milan see itself as a sinking ship and in recent weeks Chairman Massimo Moratti has had to be content with his clubs rich winning tradition and current stock of world-class talent. Obviously, Inter are wanting to turn things around as quickly as possible and the appointment of the often snide Mourinho to the helm of the San Siro club can be seen as a clear signal to the footballing world that settling for anything less than professional arrogance in victory is not an option.

Mr. Mourinho will bring his unique style of management to the San Siro when the new season kicks off next fall, but he is expecting to win trophies and championships even before that time because he is “so amazing.” He has had previous success on the European stage with FC Porto of Portugal, winning the coveted Champions League and back-to-back English Premier League titles in his last position with Chelsea.

When pressed to elaborate on how he plans to win trophies without a squad and during the summer, when Serie A league games are not actually being held, Mourinho shrugged and pursed his lips saying, ‘I win. I win championships. That’s what I — who I am. What I am doing. What am I doing now? Right now even I am winning everything. If the referee treats Inter players like other players on the pitch, we will win. If we don’t win, it is someone else’s fault.’

Mr. Mourinho is due to be formally unveiled at a press conference to be held at 11:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday at the San Siro, on the condition that he doesn’t kill the planet first.