After upsetting Russia 1-0 in the group stage to advance to the quarterfinals, Group A runner-up Greece takes on Group B winner Germany in a quarterfinal matchup that has meaning on and off the pitch.

Greece faces a Herculean task versus Germany.

Germany seeks to win its 4th Euro championship and is on a roll after winning all three group stage matchups against Holland (2-1), Portugal (1-0) and Denmark (2-1). Germany was the only team to go undefeated in the group stage, plus the Germans won all ten qualifiers leading into Euro 2012. Germany is also a perfect 5-0 in European Championships quarterfinal matches. As such, Germany is a heavy favorite.

In eight previous matchups the Germans are undefeated against Greece including 5 wins and 3 draws.

However, the Greeks are capable of slaying the giant in this David verses Goliath matchup. Case in point Greece's miraculous run to win the 2004 Euro Championship.

Friday's second Euro 2012 quarter-final match will take on a subtextual dual as well, as the highly indebted Greeks take on European paymasters Germany. Joel Flynn reports

Greece coach Fernando Santos says he is happy for his team to play the role of David in Friday's Euro 2012 quarter-final -- providing the Greeks topple European Goliaths Germany

Germany coach Joachim Low says he wants his players to show a "killer instinct" when they take on Greece in the quarterfinals of Euro 2012. Meanwhile goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is after a win in "90 minutes."

Twitter: @ihavenet

Copyright © 2012 AHN - All Rights Reserved