EURO 2016 - European giants square off in quarter finals News

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EURO 2016 - European giants square off in quarter finals

By Daily Sports on June 30, 2016

World champions Germany are seeking to end an eight-game winless run against Italy in the standout clash of the Euro 2016 quarterfinals, while Iceland's fairytale run continues against hosts France.

POLAND V PORTUGAL

Two of Europe's most prolific marksmen collide as Robert Lewandowski's Poland aim to end Cristiano Ronaldo's dreams of finally landing an international trophy with Portugal on Thursday.

Lewandowski has failed to score in four games in France with most of Poland's chances falling to the wasteful Arkadiusz Milik.

The Bayern Munich hot-shot netted 42 goals for the Bavarian giants last season, but 'Lewo' was Poland's playmaker in their last-16 win on penalties over Switzerland.

Poland have been rock solid at the back, conceding just once in four games, and have teenage midfielder Bartosz Kapustka back from suspension.

Ronaldo is one goal shy of Michel Platini's all-time record of nine at Euro finals and produced two superb goals in the 3-3 group stage draw with Hungary.

WALES V BELGIUM

Belgium have centre-back Thomas Vermaelen suspended for their quarterfinal against Wales on Friday as Chris Coleman's Dragons look to extend their run.

Wales are through to their first quarterfinal at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

The two teams met both in their qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 and the 2014 World Cup.

In their two most recent meetings, a goalless draw in Brussels was followed by a 1-0 win for Wales in Cardiff in June 2015.

Kevin De Bruyne wants the Lille clash to be like a home game for Belgium with the Stade Pierre-Mauroy just 10 kilometres from the border.

The Manchester City star has described Wales as "a technically and defensively astute side".

But Coleman has said Belgium's captain Eden Hazard has the talent to destroy any plans to shackle the Chelsea star.

Belgium, however, have to stop Wales' talisman Gareth Bale, who has netted three goals so far in France and provided crucial assists.

GERMANY V ITALY

A clash of the Titans beckons when the world champions and the Azzurri square off in the plum tie of the last eight on Saturday.

Die Mannschaft have never beaten Italy in eight previous meetings at major tournaments, but romped to a 4-1 win in a friendly in March.

The Azzurri are buoyed by Monday's 2-0 win over defending champions Spain in the last 16.

Italy will be without the suspended Thiago Motta as Germany hunt revenge for their 2-1 semifinal defeat at Euro 2012 in Warsaw.

"We are playing against the best side in the Euros bar none and we will need a titanic effort on Saturday," said Italy coach Antonio Conte.

Joachim Loew has said Germany has no Italian complex despite their Azzurri curse in big tournaments.

"We don't have any fear of them, just trust in our own skills," said Germany's head coach.

"For me that's cold coffee. I'd rather have a fresh espresso. We'll see how it tastes on Saturday," he added when reminded of Germany's previous results against Italy on the big stage.

Loew has no injury worries, but Sami Khedira has a slight groin problem, while centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are carrying knocks. "It will be an unbelievably tight game," added Loew.

FRANCE V ICELAND

France will be missing both midfielder N'Golo Kante and defender Adil Rami on Sunday due to suspension against battling Iceland, who are fresh from beating England.

Iceland are making their debut appearance at a major tournament and their 2-1 win over the Three Lions in the last 16 will go down as one of the biggest shocks in the competition's history.

With a population of just 330 000, Iceland is the smallest nation to have appeared at any major tournament but the Scandinavian minnows refuse to be overawed by the occasion.

"We always believe. That's our attitude," said their captain, Cardiff City midfielder Aron Gunnarsson. Antoine Griezmann will be the key man for France after scoring both their goals in their 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in the last 16 in Lyon. Yohan Cabaye is expected to replace Kante in midfield while Rami's absence has left the door open for Samuel Umtiti of Lyon to win his first cap.

•Culled fom supersports.com.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 30, 2016