Germany and Greece face off in soccer match

In Friday’s Euro 2012 quarterfinals match, Germany, the euro zone’s economic stronghold, played Greece, the troubled nation that has already required two bailouts.

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In Friday's quarterfinals match of the Euro 2012 soccer tournament, Germany, the euro zone's economic stronghold, faced off against Greece, one of the currency union's most troubled nations. Given that tension, a win became a major point of pride for both fan bases. Here, Greek fans cheer before the start of the game in Gdansk, Poland.

Thanassis Stavrakis / AP

“We are going to give it everything tomorrow,” Greece fan David Kouris said before the game. “We don't even need to go to the finals. Just beat Germany.” Here, Greece's Giorgos Samaras, left, scores a goal during the match.

Ivan Sekretarev / AP

Bookies gave Germany 10-to-1 odds of winning the game. They won 4-2. Here, a flare is lit in the block of Germany supporters at the stadium.

Michael Sohn / AP

Here Greek fans get rowdy before the game. Greece was considered a long shot for winning the cup, despite winning it as recently as 2004.

Thanassis Stavrakis / AP

Before Friday's match, the German team had waltzed through the Euro 2012’s “Group of Death” bracket with three consecutive wins. Here, Germany's Philipp Lahm celebrates scoring the opening goal.

Gero Breloer / AP

Germany's Sami Khedira celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal past Greece goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis, left.

Gero Breloer / AP

Many Greeks blame Germany for their declining living standards, while Germans say Greeks have spent themselves into trouble. Here, German fans shout slogans before the match.

Thanassis Stavrakis / AP

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended the match. A commentator in a German newspaper wrote, “For many Greeks, it's not a match against the Germany of [Coach] Joachim Loew, but against the Germany of Angela Merkel.”

Jon Super / AP

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