TV » ESPN

How the Czechs can win » After his team withstood a 4-1 blowout against the Russians and a Polish onslaught early before winning Group A, goalie Petr Cech must come up big to continue an amazing run.

How the Portuguese can win » Portugal already benefitted from the Dutch implosion. The next task is for Helder Postiga and Cristiano Ronaldo to finish more of their scoring changes.

Player to watch » Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie has played a major role coming forward from his right back position, and the Portuguese left side — where Ronaldo plays only offense — could be exposed.

X-factor » Neither team was expected to survive the group stage. The winner will be the squad with the most belief that it just might win it all.

Germany vs. Greece

When » Friday, 2:45 p.m.

Where » PGE Arena, Gdansk, Poland

TV » ESPN

How the Germans can win » Favored Germany must continue controlling the midfield with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira and getting goals from Mario Gomez, who is tied for the tournament lead with three.

How the Greeks can win » The tournament’s biggest remaining underdog must press early and hope to make its own goal an impenetrable fortress.

Player to watch » Thirty-five year-old forward Giorgos Karagounis scored the goal that put the Greeks in the quarterfinals, but he’s suspended one game after a yellow card for diving. Fanis Gekas and Dimitris Salpingidis have Greece’s other two goals.

X-factor » The Greek economic crisis and the country’s ire at its main creditor, Germany, couldn’t make for a more timely and politically charged encounter. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be in attendance.

Spain vs. France

When » Saturday, 2:45 p.m.

Where » Donbass Arena, Donetsk, Ukraine

TV » ESPN

How the Spanish can win » Spain can’t worrying about pressure. Cesc Fabregas, who has shown signs of being Spain’s much needed go-to scorer, has come off the bench in the last two games.

How the French can win » Star attackers Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri need to get on the score sheet for the pretournament contender, which backed into the quarters with an ugly 2-0 loss to Sweden.

Player to watch » Spanish goalie Iker Casillas is always overshadowed by his team’s domination of possession. His potential for amazing saves could be even more crucial.

X-factor » Defender Philippe Mexes is suspended because of yellow card accumulation, but he has been suspect, and the French defense could benefit from the introduction of replacement Laurent Koscielny.

England vs. Italy

When » Sunday, 2:45 p.m.

Where » Olympic Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine

TV » ESPN2

How the English can win » England must preserve the underdog mentality and get the ball to Wayne Rooney, whose presence alone inspires confidence and belief after he was suspended for the first two matches.

How the Italians can win » Italy must be patient against an English side that will be determined to defend and with forwards Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano, who are both known as much for their behavior as their talent.

Player to watch » Theo Walcott has been England manager Roy Hodgson’s first choice off the bench for an offensive spark. The question is whether he has done enough to deserve to start.

X-factor » A thigh strain for defender Giorgio Chiellini will deprive the Italians of their most dominant central defender.

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