Great expectations
In Italy, expectations for the national team are always sky high, not least when they are reigning world champions. But although Donadoni will, inevitably, come under mounting pressure over the next few days, this UEFA European Championship was always going to be a particularly difficult enterprise for the Azzurri.

Cannavaro blow
Unlike predecessor Marcello Lippi, Donadoni had to make do without Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti, who have both retired from international football, as well as injured striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. Secondly, Italy were pitted against the Netherlands, France and Romania in a group most regarded as the toughest of the opening stage and thirdly, on their very first day in Austria, inspirational captain Fabio Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament with ankle ligament damage.

Romania reshuffle
That said, Italy were comprehensively outplayed by the Netherlands in their opening group game, succumbing to a 3-0 reverse, described by Gennaro Gattuso as a "proper hiding". Donadoni reacted by making five changes in the next match against Romania and completely reshuffling his defence. Out went the central defensive pairing of Marco Materazzi and Andrea Barzagli and in came Giorgio Chiellini alongside Christian Panucci, who was moved across from right-back. Fabio Grosso was deployed at left-back and Gianluca Zambrotta switched sides.

Impressive Chiellini
The defensive changes proved successful. The Azzurri rode their luck against Romania as Adrian Mutu's late penalty was memorably saved by Gianluigi Buffon — although a draw was probably a fair result. Thereafter, Italy kept clean sheets against both France and Spain thanks to excellent performances by Buffon, Grosso and Chiellini; the latter, Panucci predicted, will become "one of the best central defenders in the world."

Goal drought
Donadoni's problems were at the other end of the pitch where not even in the penalty shoot-out against Spain did any of his strikers find the net. The three goals in four matches, by Panucci, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, were a meagre return and none came from open play. Toni was clearly struggling for form but, though Donadoni never played the same team twice, the FC Bayern München striker started every match in spite of his catalogue of misses. The attack looked both toothless and leaden.

France reprieve
Salvation came in the form of a 2-0 win against France, coupled with a favourable result in the other group match. Gattuso gave a committed display and Pirlo was again at his creative best. Pirlo's importance to the side was highlighted by his opening goal and several chances he fashioned for his team-mates. De Rossi also impressed, although the injury to Franck Ribéry and Eric Abidal's dismissal certainly influenced the outcome of the match.

Pirlo dependence
However, the reprieve was only temporary; the suspension of Gattuso and, crucially, Pirlo for the Spain match proved costly. They did, in the end, only go out on penalties, following a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the heat of Vienna, but ultimately their overdependence on Pirlo and the poor form of their strikers — Toni, Antonio Di Natale and Antonio Cassano all flattered to deceive — cost the side dearly.

Optimism
Nonetheless, there remains cause for optimism among frustrated Italy fans. The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign should see the establishment of a central defensive partnership of Chiellini and Cannavaro before the peerless Buffon. Pirlo remains a dependable and uniquely blessed playmaker, who can benefit from the midfield presence of De Rossi, Gattuso, Alberto Aquilani and Riccardo Montolivo. Meanwhile, a fit-again Iaquinta can bring athleticism to an attack, which will soon be augnemted by the newly-naturalised Juventus forward Amauri. In the words of Donadoni: "Tomorrow we start again and look forward."

Semi-final record
This will be Germany's sixth semi-final in UEFA European Championship history and their record is good, with four wins out of five. Their most recent last-four encounter was in 1996 when they defeated hosts England and went on to lift the trophy. The only loss, meanwhile, was on home soil in 1988 as they went down to the Netherlands after a late Marco van Basten goal. In 1980 they advanced straight to the final after winning their group.

• 1972 Belgium W 2-1
• 1976 Yugoslavia W 4-2 aet
• 1988 Netherlands L 1-2
• 1992 Sweden W 3-2
• 1996 England W 1-1 aet, 6-5 on pens

Key moment
Schweinsteiger returning from suspension to score the opening goal against Portugal – and send confidence coursing through the team.

Key player
It has to be Ballack. If his influence was less evident at the start of the finals, he showed his leadership qualities by delivering when it mattered most. His brilliant strike against Austria secured Germany's passage to the last eight and he then showed his strength in the air by heading the decisive third goal against Portugal just when their opponents were threatening an equaliser.

Injuries and suspensions
While Germany have no players suspended, there are concerns over Torsten Frings as he continues to struggle with a broken rib. The Werder Bremen midfielder was suspended for the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat by Italy, and is hoping to feature with the aid of a splint. Per Mertesacker has recovered from a cold and Marcel Jansen is available again after a shoulder injury.

Tactics
Having employed a 4-2-2-2 formation with Torsten Frings and Ballack as the midfield cornerstones, Löw switched to a 4-2-3-1 set-up for the Portugal game. This meant wing slots for Podolski and Schweinsteiger and, moreover, a much more attacking role for Ballack, capitalising on his goal threat and reviving memories of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Löw has not ruled out another switch for the semi-final, but the only realistic change would be a fit-again Frings replacing either Simon Rolfes or Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Shoot-out record
Germany having won five out of six penalty shoot-outs – including victories at the semi-final stage of EURO '96™ and the 1982 and 1990 World Cups. Their only defeat came in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final against Czechoslovakia when Antonín Panenka's legendary chip denied them the trophy in their first ever shoot-out.

Quotes
• "I had a bet and said today we would score from a set-piece. There were two of them, so maybe I should double the stake." Germany assistant coach Flick after Klose and Ballack both strike with headers against Portugal.

• "She told me what to do and I took her advice. She first told me not to do anything stupid again, which I did not do. Then she said I should play in the same way I did two years ago. What can you do? If the chancellor asks you to do something, you have to obey!" Schweinsteiger takes on board the advice of German chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he was sat beside for the Austria game.

What the papers said
• "Kroatastrophe." Bild does not take defeat against Croatia lightly.

• "Please continue to stumble." Süddeutsche Zeitung welcomes a return to the good old days of seeing Germany grind out results after their win against Austria.

• "Schweinsteiginho – two more wins to Europe's peak." Abendzeitung heralds man-of-the-match Schweinsteiger as Germany reach the last four by beating Portugal.

The people of Turkey are starting to believe in miracles. Grouped alongside Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites, co-hosts Switzerland and a cultured Czech Republic team, few would have tipped Fatih Terim's side as one of the potential dark horses for the title.

Route to the last four
Three successive and increasingly remarkable comebacks later, however, Turkey have made it to the final four, one match away from their first major tournament final and all after losing their Group A opener against Portugal 2-0. They then came from a goal down to defeat Switzerland – Semih Şentürk and Arda Turan providing the second-half strikes – and rescued an even more desperate situation against the Czech Republic, winning 3-2 after being two goals behind with 15 minutes remaining, to qualify for the quarter-finals. That match, against Croatia, was goalless until the final regulation minute of extra time when Turkey fell behind. However, they responded through Semih with the last kick of the game and won the subsequent shoot-out 3-1. Yet with suspensions and injuries piling up, their next mission, against a Germany team gaining some serious momentum, could prove the toughest yet. Coach Terim must put his side's indomitable spirit to the test once again. It certainly will not come easily, but, then again, miracles rarely do.

Semi-final record
This is their first semi-final in this competition, though they did lose to Brazil at the same stage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Key moment
Semih's equaliser as a substitute against Switzerland – followed by Arda's winner. The victory transformed Turkey's campaign and prefigured the even more remarkable comebacks against the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Key player
Though he will not play again in the tournament due to a thigh injury, it has to be striker Nihat Kahveci, who assumed the captaincy when Emre Belözoğlu succumbed to injury. Ploughing a lone furrow against Portugal in the opening game, the Villarreal CF player experienced a frustrating start to his UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign, but his fortunes were to improve dramatically. His decisive goals against the Czechs in the final group game smoothed Turkey's route to the quarter-final and he worked tirelessly for 117 minutes against Croatia to help his side progress before injury struck.

Injuries and suspensions
Four players are banned: Volkan Demirel is serving the second game of his two-match suspension while defender Emre Aşık and midfielders Tuncay Şanlı and Arda Turan will also miss the semi-final after bookings against Croatia. Nihat has followed the stricken Emre Güngör in returning home and their injury list also includes Servet Çetin (hip and knee), Tümer Metin (groin) and Emre Belözoğlu (hamstring). That trio could all miss the semi.

Tactics
Having employed a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mehmet Aurélio and Mehmet Topal in holding midfield roles, Terim altered his system against the Czech Republic and switched to a front two with Semih alongside Nihat. However, his tinkering clearly never produced the desired effect as he switched Semih with Sabri Sarıoğlu, duly employed in right midfield, for the second half, thus reverting to his original tactics. Mounting injuries and suspensions have played their part in his plans, too. Ayhan Akman is the only outfield player in the squad who has not been used at some stage. For the match against Germany, Terim has only 12 definitely fit and available outfield players and could start with Gökdeniz Karadeniz and Kazım Kazım in midfield.

Shoot-out record
The penalty shoot-out in the Croatia game was their first in a major tournament.

What the papers said
• "Nothing is impossible. It only takes time." Coach Fatih Terim transmits positive messages to his team.

• "Now I can understand why they named us 'Crazy Turks'." Emre Aşık, referring to the best-selling book of the same name.

• "For the neutrals, it will be a good game to watch." Kazım Kazım's prediction for the quarter-final against Croatia proved true in the end.

Luis Aragonés warned before the start of UEFA EURO 2008™ that Spain lacked just two things if they wanted to become champions – how to manage a game and that elusive stroke of luck. There is no greater test of managing a knockout match in modern football than outplaying world champions Italy and then winning on penalties. Here in Austria/Switzerland, Spain have both matured and have helped themselves to slices of good fortune – semi-final opponents Russia hit the post while dominating the teams' first group game, then Iker Casillas outdid Giuanluigi Buffon in the Vienna shoot-out on Sunday.

Route to the last four
The Group D opener against Russia involved Spain surviving a torrid first 20 minutes before prevailing by 4-1 with David Villa scoring three goals and providing a fourth. Four days later Spain briefly led Sweden thanks to a training-ground free-kick and a muscular Fernando Torres finish but Zlatan Ibrahimović equalised before Villa came to the rescue in the last seconds. La Roja had won Group D and Aragonés successfully rested ten of his starting XI against Greece, as his side claimed a 2-1 comeback victory earned by Rubén de la Red and Daniel Güiza. The quarter-final against Italy was goalless and although Gianluigi Buffon saved from Güiza in the penalty decider, Casillas had already denied Daniele De Rossi and then blocked Antonio Di Natale's effort. It was the cue for Cesc Fàbregas to step up and send his side through: 4-2.

Semi-final record
When Spain play Russia in Thursday's Vienna semi-final it will be only their third such test at this level in 48 years of trying, though they have a perfect record. Having beaten Hungary in 1964, they went on to win the final against the Soviet Union courtesy of a goal by Marcelino. They waited another 20 years to return to the last four, needing penalties to get past Denmark before losing to hosts France. The only time they reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, that stage of the competition was played, uniquely, as a round-robin group in Brazil in 1950 – Spain finished fourth.

• 1964 Hungary W 2-1 aet
• 1984 Denmark W 1-1 aet, 5-4 on pens

Key moment
Unquestionably Casillas saving from De Rossi and Di Natale in the quarter-final shoot-out on 22 June, the very day on which Spain had fallen on penalties to Belgium in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, to England at EURO '96™ and to Korea Republic in the 2002 World Cup.

Key player
Overall, Villa. Against Italy very little came off for him but his prodigious work-rate matched his prodigious scoring from the earlier games and his modern combination of goals, assists, free-kicks, penalties, headers and leading of the line means he remain's Spain's most threatening player. His hat-trick against Russia is the only one of the finals so far and his four-goal tally is the highest.

Injuries and suspensions
Currently, none of either. Carles Puyol and Santi Cazorla have overcome foot injuries and David Silva recovered after twisting his ankle.

Tactics
Against Russia, Sweden and Italy, both the 4-1-3-2 shape and the personnel were identical. Against Greece the coach used Xabi Alonso and De la Red together in the centre of midfield, with two wingers and with Fàbregas just off striker Güiza for a 4-4-1-1. Andrés Iniesta sometimes switches wings, from right to left, without Silva crossing to the right.

Shoot-out record
Three wins from six. As mentioned, all the defeats came in 22 June quarter-finals, against Belgium, England and Korea Republic. The last of those followed a last-16 penalties triumph over the Republic of Ireland, which was Spain's first such victory since the 1984 semi-final against Denmark. The Italy win thus improved their UEFA European Championship shoot-out record to 2-1. Ominously, Puyol, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila and Xavi Hernández were in the Spain team that lost the 2000 Olympic final 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Cameroon in Sydney.

Quotes
• "I've seen him have better games." Villa's father after the striker ran the show against Russia, having a hand in all four goals.

• "It was the first time I've taken a competitive penalty since I was 15." Fàbregas admits that his last spot-kick victim, before putting one past Buffon, was a schoolboy.

• "I've known the King since he was just a prince – I even asked if he could sort out a wage pay." Aragonés on a royal presence in the dressing room after the defeat of Italy.

Route to the last four
Spain strikers David Villa and Fernando Torres tormented a Russian backline that was labelled childish and naïve by Hiddink after he saw his team beaten 4-1 in Innsbruck, where Roman Pavlyuchenko's goal provided little consolation. A meeting with reigning champions Greece followed in Salzburg and when Konstantin Zyryanov connected with Sergei Semak's hooked cross in the 33rd minute, Russia were back up and running. Belief was growing and Hiddink's tactics helped earn a deserved victory against Sweden, Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin, back after a two-game suspension, scoring the goals. Against his native Netherlands, Hiddink dubbed Russia underdogs. In fact after Pavlyuchenko struck early in the second half victory looked likely until Ruud van Nistelrooy headed in at the far post on 86 minutes to force extra time. Russia looked fresher than their opponents in the additional half-hour and when substitute Dmitri Torbinski struck his team's second there was no way back for the men in Orange. Arshavin sealed the win four minutes later.

Semi-final record
This is Russia's first appearance in a major semi-final, or even a knockout phase, as an independent nation. As part of the former USSR, they were champions in 1980, runners-up in 1964, 1972 and 1988 and fourth in 1968 having lost in the last four to Italy on a coin toss, their only semi-final reverse in five matches. They were also 1966 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, losing to West Germany

Key moment
Arshavin's return from his two-match suspension provided a massive boost to the Russian cause going into the must-win game with Sweden. His freshness and midfield creativity added a new dimension to the improving side.

Key player
In Russia's last two games against Sweden and the Netherlands, Arshavin has been sensational. His close control, passing, penetrative running and an ability to spot and deliver the perfect pass have been key factors in his team's journey to the semi-finals. He scored Russia's second goal against Sweden in the 50th minute to effectively seal progress. Against the Netherlands it was his pass that Torbinksi converted to put Russia ahead in extra time and it was 3-1 shortly afterwards when Arshavin converted from close range to earn his second Carlsberg Man of the Match award.

Injuries and suspensions
Torbinski and defender Denis Kolodin will both be banned on Thursday after being booked for the second time in the finals against the Netherlands.

Tactics
Having qualified for the EURO using a defensive system of three centre-backs and attacking full-backs, Hiddink changed to a flat back four for the game with Spain. Despite that loss, the coach has stuck with his 4-5-1 with two defensive midfielders, Sergei Semak and Igor Semshov doing what Hiddink referred to as the "dirty work" ahead of defenders Sergei Ignashevich and Kolodin. Creativity has flowed through central midfielders Konstantin Zyryanov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Arshavin while attacking full-backs Aleksandr Anyukov and Yuri Zhirkov have provided the width. Pavlyuchenko is the lone striker with Arshavin getting forward to support.

Shoot-out record
Russia have never taken part in a penalty shoot-out at a major tournament, and neither did the Soviet Union.

Quotes
• "We'll just have to beat Sweden 4-0 then."  Zyryanov after being told that his wish for a goalless draw with Greece would not help Russia as much as he thought.

• "It's so cool." Bilyaletdinov responds to a question asking him what it feels like to have reached the semi-finals.

• "I want to be the traitor of the year in Holland." Hiddink jokes with the press before his team's quarter-final game with the Netherlands.

• "I regret using the word 'traitor' before the match with the Netherlands. In my concept that's a very bad word." Hiddink backtracks after Russia's 3-1 extra-time win.