Soccer Update 22 June 2012 - Euro 2012 Quarterfinal 2

In the first quarterfinal game of Euro 2012 yesterday between Portugal and the Czech Republic, the Czechs seemed to decide that as long as they did not allow Portugal to score, there was no need to score themselves. This strategy largely worked until Portugal finally broke through late in the game with a header goal from star player Cristiano Ronaldo, which sealed the Czechs' fate. Portugal advances to the semifinals, where they will play the winner of the Spain-France game.

Today's quarterfinal match, courtesy of ESPN:

I love this match because it's so easy to draw political and economic metaphors while simultaneously previewing the game: Greece will attempt to stonewall Germany to get what they want (a win), and will refuse to capitulate in the form of goals. The ultimate Greek hope will be to stall long enough to force a compromise and an alternate solution (overtime/a penalty shootout) which will satisfy Greek fans and citizens.