The Euro 2012 quarter final between Germany vs. Greece takes place Friday, with Germany hot favorites to easily beat the Greek side. The Germans have never lost to Greece in their previous eight encounters, but Greece have interestingly never lost a Euro championships knock out game. The match kicks off at 2.45 p.m. EST and can be watched live on ESPN or online through live stream on ESPN3 (details below).

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Greece are huge underdogs here, and even their unbeaten status in Euro knock out games comes simply because they rarely reach the knock out stages - having only done so once in 2004 when they won. Whenever they've qualified for the Euro championships they've either finished bottom of their group or gone on to win the tournament. However, even the most optimistic Greek would have to admit they are highly unlikely to overturn this excellent German side, who are playing the best soccer of the tournament so far.

However, added to the mix of today's game is the political factor, which has been highlighted by many media outlets.  Germany, and in particular Chancellor Angela Merkel, are hugely unpopular in Greece right now due to their strong demands for tough austerity measures in the economically troubled country.

Angela Merkel will reportedly be attending the quarter final game today, and the last time she watched a Germany game they smashed Argentina 4-0 in the 2010 World Cup. Added to this, Germany have never lost a Euro championship quarter final game, and convincingly won all their group games to qualify top of the so called Group of Death.

However, despite all the signs, Greece love their tag as the underdogs, and enjoy shocking world soccer. They did so in 2004 by winning the tournament, and have already begun their shocks by knocking out the highly favored Russia in Group A.

Greece are likely to try and sit deep and stifle any German attacks, and sneak a goal on the counter attack. Easier said than done against this skillful and creative German side. However, if the Greeks can pull it off it will be a shock on the scale of their feats in 2004.

Germany vs. Greece kicks off at 2.45 p.m. and can be watched live on ESPN or online through live streaming on ESPN3 by clicking HERE.

Tags: euro 2012 European Championship