Team news for today's quarter-finals
Germany v Croatia
Old Trafford, 3pm: Mehmet Scholl is likely to make his Euro 96 debut for Germany, in the match that will decide England's semi-final opponents, in place of out-of-form Thomas Hassler. Key defender Thomas Helmer, who has been struggling with a swollen knee, undergoes a fitness test this morning. Borussia Dortmund's Steffen Freund is on stand by to replace Helmer, and would join Markus Babbel, who returns after being suspended against Italy, in man-to-man marking roles at the back. Croatia fielded a virtual second XI in their final group match against Portugal and have only one injury problem. Midfielder Robert Prosinecki has a calf muscle strain.
Portugal v Czech Republic
Villa Park, 6.30pm: Portugal expect to be at full strength, with defender Paulinho Santos unable to win back his place, after his one-match suspension, from Porto club-mate Carlos Secretario. Pavel Nedved, who scored the Czechs' opening goal in the 2-1 victory against Italy, is suspended after collecting two yellow cards and coach Dusan Uhrin may be tempted to start the game with Vladimir Smicer, whose late goal against the Russians got his team into the last eight. He will also consider playing Miroslav Kadlec, back after a one-game suspension, as a sweeper with Vaclav Nemecek, usually a midfielder, dropping back into a defensive role.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments