Eight teams remain in this bizarre EURO, a tournament taking twists and turns at almost every chance.
Witness Hungary and Iceland finishing first and second in a group with Portugal and Austria.
Witness that same Iceland team shocking England in the Round of 16.
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And witness Spain, Italy, Germany and France and their 15 combined finals, all starting on the same half of the bracket.
It’s all so nuts, which makes the final three rounds of play difficult to predict.
Top half
Poland’s stingy defense meets up with a Portugal team that fires at will. Cristiano Ronaldo will relish the challenge, and teammate Nani has thrived under the radar. With Robert Lewandowski start finishing his chances with just a few matches to go?
The winner faces the winner of Wales and Belgium, and will have an extra day of rest on its semifinal adversary. We’ve learned not to bet against Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Wales, but Belgium looked terrific in breaking down a solid Hungary unit.
Favorites to advance to final:
1. Belgium
2. Poland
3. Portugal
4. Wales
Bottom half
This was set to be a quartet of perceived giants, battling to outlast each other to be a favorite in the final.
Then came Iceland.
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Strákarnir okkar have knocked off England set up a match-up with hosts France, and the latter will be heavy favorites not just to win, but to rudely end the terrific story.
Should France hold up its end of the bargain, Les Bleus will face a tall task in the winner of Germany and Italy. A win for Gli Azzurri would give it the chance to accomplish the incredible feat of beating Spain, Germany and France in the same tournament.
Favorites to advance to final:
1. Germany
2. France
3. Italy
4. Iceland