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TURKEY
Turkey finished brilliant third in the 2002 World Cup, but even that achievement has been rivalled by their astonishing comeback against the Czechs to book a quarter-final spot here. Even their lauded manager Fatih Terim admits he does not know who he'll pick or which formation they'll play. With Bayern Munich's midfield powerhouse Hamit Altintop, free-scoring Villareal striker Nihat Kahveci, precociously skilful young winger Arda Turan and a surprise package in London-born Colin Kazim-Richards they will certainly carry a threat. But their defence is calamity-prone, and whoever plays in goal, so far Volkan Demirel, is just as unreliable. But their tails are up at the moment and that means a lot.
Quarter final: Croatia (June 20)
GERMANY
German teams, helped by winning all their penalty shoot-outs since losing in 1976, always punch above their weight at major championships. Nobody embodies their spirit more than Bayern Munich's Miroslav Klose, an often anonymous striker whose 10 goals have helped seemingly lightweight sides to the final and semi-final of the last two World Cups. Behind him, captain Michael Ballack of Chelsea will provide energy and inspiration to a team that has discipline but a distinct lack of pace. Jens Lehmann, ignored last season by Arsenal, is in goal. They will need all their guile to progress further in this tournament after finishing second in their group following a defeat to Croatia. Coach Joachim Low has been banished to the stands after an altercation with his Austrian counterpart in the group game, and the Germans may be pleased not to be playing in a game with historical significance.
Quarter final: Portugal (W 3-2)
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SPAIN
With a brilliant domestic league and a technically accomplished style of play, Spanish sides have tended to be over-hyped and then swiftly disappear from major tournaments. So far Euro 2008 has been different - in that they are still there and the hype seems justified. Coach Luis Aragones' side has a spine as good as any they'll face - Iker Casillas, still only 27, is one of the world's best keepers, and defender Sergio Ramos, midfielder Cesc Fabregas - who has not even been first choice in the centre - and electric striker Fernando Torres are certain superstars of the next decade. Alongside Torres in the most potent attack the tournament has seen is David Villa, who already has four goals to his name.
Quarter final: Italy (W 0-0/4-2 pens)
RUSSIA
Despite a thriving domestic league and a world-class manager in Guus Hiddink, Russia were an unknown quantity coming into Euro 2008. They started badly against Spain - crushed 4-1 - but wins over Greece and Sweden have seen them through to the quarters. Striker Andrei Arshavin, who starred in Zenit St Petersburg's UEFA cup triumph, is world-class and made his return from suspension against the Swedes. Fellow striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has also impressed and full-back Yuri Zhirkov is also showing himself to be a potential superstar. Yet the defence is suspect in the air, and the midfield suspect in defence.
Quarter final: Holland (W 3-1)
- Guide by HARRY UNDERWOOD and JONATHAN HARWOOD
FIRST POSTED JUNE 24, 2008
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