<div style="width: 291px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class=" " src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/06/03/article-0-05563BB80000044D-456_468x507.jpg" alt="" width="281" height="304"></figure></div><p class="wp-caption-text">Podolski Is The Neighbourhood Hero At Koln.</p></div>
<p>FC Koln manager Zvonimir Soldo will be disappointed with the way things are going for his side this season. With only four points from their first five games, and disappointing losses to Kaiserslautern, Mainz and Werder Bremen, Soldo will definitely be looking for a change of pace against Hoffenheim on Friday. Hoffenheim manager Ralf Rangnick, however, will be looking to attack what has been a very defensive-minded Koln side. Even though Hoffenheim are on the road here, they boast a wealth of stronf, offensive players who will look to get forward at every opportunity.</p>
<p>Lukas Podolski will be the man Koln look to for goals, despite his knack for only turning his game on at the international level. In the press recently, Podolski has spoken out about Koln’s defensive style, and a desire for his side to press on more often and look for the lead. Against Hoffenheim, however, a defensive approach might be the right option for coach Zvonimir Soldo, who will be wary of Hoffenheim’s counter-attacking threat.</p>
<p>Koln will look to soak up the pressure and play short, simple passes and look to catch Hoffenheim out at the back. Hoffenheim, however, will likely press their opponents and look for chances on goal at every opportunity. Should be a good match, and a close one. 1-2.</p>


Bundesliga Friday Preview: Koln Host Hoffenheim

Bundesliga Friday Preview: Koln Host Hoffenheim - World Soccer Talk

<p>So here we go, we’ve had 12 days of blood and thunder football, sublime skills, shock results, new stars and the retirement of legends. Tonight sees the first of the Quarter Finals and what a way to start this section of the competition. There is no doubting over the last 10 years, Portugal’s stock has risen immensly&nbsp;and this tournament sees the team probably have their best chance of winning a major tournament. Whilst I appreciate they were the host nation last time round, sometimes the weight of expectation from your countrymen can&nbsp;bow down&nbsp;on a side and the pressure can disrupt the best of players.</p>
<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" border="0" align="right" width="300" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41852000/jpg/_41852548_scolari300.jpg" height="300"></figure></div>There will be no excuses for Scolari’s men tonight: They know this game is there for the taking and a potential and probably semi-final meeting with the crafty Croatians. On paper, Portugal should rip Germany to pieces, be far too canny, too sly and too much&nbsp;pace for Germany to cope with. Yet, I’ve this nagging feeling borne out of the fact that I’ve seen this type of situation too many times with Germany. They always survive somehow; always get the last minute winner, the&nbsp;last minute goal line clearance, always the deflection bounces their way. Perhaps that’s down to watching them beat England time after time until 2000. Even in the Croatia game, when they were outplayed for long periods of the match, I still expected them to snatch a late equaliser. Surely it can’t happen again? Honestly, Portugal will either win this game by 3 or 4 or lose 1-0. It’s that type of game for me.</p>
<p>We’ve 4 wonderful quarter finals to look forward to, the football purist would love to see Portugal, Croatia, Holland and Spain go through. How would we feel on Monday morning if we were looking at Turkey, Germany, Italy and Russia as semi-finalists? I wouldn’t mind Turkey and Russia, both sides have really impressed me but my first 4 would conjure up two of the best semi final line ups the Euro’s have ever seen. Italy and Germany have been fortunate, very fortunate but that’s their football history and the tenacity that they show in international football. You can never write them off.</p>
<p>Scolari will be picking a full strength side tonight, full of flair and ability. Germany have fitness doubts over Frings and Podolski and manager Joachim Low banished to the stands for this game. Is this the game that Portugal finally come of age and dismantle one of the old guard of European giants? I think they will, but I’m still going to have that nagging doubt right to the final whistle but then again I thought that during USA 94 when Hristo Stoichkov destroyed them in a wonderful win for Bulgaria. The nagging will persisit&nbsp;though,&nbsp;unless of course the Portuguese go 3 up before half time, then I’ll only be slightly concerned until the final whistle. &nbsp;Portugal to win 3-1</p>


Euro 2008 Portugal v Germany Quarter Final Preview

Euro 2008 Portugal v Germany Quarter Final Preview - World Soccer Talk

<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" border="0" align="right" width="150" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/gfdb.com//images%5Cpictures%5Cplayers%5Clukas-podolski.jpg" height="180"></figure></div>Group B throws us another tantalising opening game this evening as Croatia entertain Germany.</p>
<p>A win for either side will see them join Portugal in the last eight and after the performances on Sunday, Germany will be strong favourites to do so. Yet, Croatia are a team that have shown over the last 12 months that you underestimate them at your peril or you are a tactical moron in charge of England called Steve.</p>
<p>Podolski was in fine form in the clash with Poland and will be looking to add to his two goals. They were extremely impressive against the Poles and will be very confident of gaining the 3 points today. Modric will be key for Croatia today and Olic needs to put in a better performance up front for them.&nbsp;I however think Croatia may match&nbsp;Germany today&nbsp;and they’ll be keen to improve on the lacklustre performance against Austria. Can they repeat their great win from the 1998 World Cup? I doubt it, but I think it’ll be a 2-2 draw.</p>
<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" border="0" align="right" width="188" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/gfdb.com/07/11/218x298/beenhakker_596129.jpg" height="250"></figure></div>This evening’s game sees Austria meet Poland. After Switzerland exited the competition last night, the Austrians will be keen to give themselves a chance of qualification but so will Poland. Austria certainly gave a good account of themselves and will perhaps feel unlucky they haven’t got a point to show for all their efforts in the clash with Croatia.</p>
<p>Poland will also want to get some points on the board and show us that they have the quality to get through to the last game with something to play for. Guerreiro looked really good when he came on and Poland certainly seemed to have a little but more flair with him on the pitch. If he links well&nbsp;with Smolarek, they will come good.</p>
<p>It’ll be crucial that Poland get him on the ball early in the game to get at Austria. &nbsp;I’m fancying a Polish win tonight, Beenhakker will be crucial in getting the Poles fired up for this clash and I feel they’ll have a little bit too much for Austria to cope with. That said, I going for a 2-1 for the Poles.</p>


Euro 2008 Group B Match Predictions: June 12, 2008

Euro 2008 Group B Match Predictions: June 12, 2008 - World Soccer Talk

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Euro 2008 Group B Match Predictions: June 12, 2008