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Before the tournament, I predicted Germany would win, beating Italy in the final.  After the first group match, and the 3-0 loss to Holland, I have had to take another look at my predictions.  I'm still quite confident that Group A and B will go as I predicted - Portugal and Germany will win their respective groups, the Czech Republic and Croatia will be the runners up.  Group C is the one that changes the most - after France's lacklustre display against Romania, I could see them ending up third, behind Italy, who I believe will bounce back against Romania, and Holland.  In Group D I predicted Spain to win and Russia to come second, although I now think that Sweden might be able to grab the second spot.

In the quarter finals I see Portugal dispatching Croatia with little difficulty, and Germany dispatching the Czech Republic as easily.  Holland vs. Sweden shouldn't be too taxing for the Dutch; despite Ibrahimovic's ability up front the Swedes don't have enough quality to counter the Dutch midfield and strike force.  The most interesting match of the quarter finals should be Italy vs. Spain, which I see the Spanish edging.  Unless the Italians find defensive strength without their captain Cannavaro, I can't see them being able to stand up to the attacking talents of Torres and Villa.

The semi finals should be high quality affairs - I believe Germany will edge Portugal; with the German's defensive strength I believe they will be able to cancel out Ronaldo and co.  Spain vs. Holland could be the best match of the tournament - the attacking talent of both Spain and Holland is high quality.  However, I am going to pick Spain over Holland; I have doubts over Holland's back four if they're put under serious pressure.

 The Germany vs. Spain final I believe will be heartbreak for Spain, trying to win their first major tournament since 1964.  I think that it could be a very close match, but that Germany will go the distance, with Podolski scoring the winning goal.  In the third-fourth place playoff, I'm going to predict Portugal to pip Holland to third.