By Thom Watt

And then there were four.

Things are now getting serious, as Poland, Belgium, Italy and Iceland have been sent home with wide variations in their pride levels.

Onwards go Portugal, Wales, Germany and France. If you successfully predicted the two semi-finals at the start of the tournament, please get your new butler to read the rest of this to you.

So what have we learned? Germany are great at penalties (even when they're not great at penalties), Chris Coleman's is the only leader left in the UK and if you didn't captain Giroud in your fantasy team this week, you're a fool.

None of which is especially useful. What can we look forward to in the upcoming semi-finals?

When it gets to the semi-finals, the ability to keep your nerve often counts for more than ability. Most victorious teams come through at least one pressure fixture.

If the quarter-finals were anything to go by, there's a fairly good chance we'll need penalties in at least one of the semi-finals. Germany have a reputation for being ruthless from the penalty spot, but is it justified?

Their attempts in the match against Italy were far from those of a well-drilled unit with a history of success after 120 minutes.

Are they that good? In short, yes.

Germany have lost just one of the seven shoot-outs they've been involved in, and that was 40 years ago. They've only ever missed five penalties during shoot-outs, and three of those were in the victory over Italy last weekend.

Gareth Bale may be the superstar of the Welsh side, but he's been more than capably assisted by an exceptional supporting cast. None more so than Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, who has enjoyed a fantastic tournament, playing off the forwards.

It's easy to forget that Ramsey is both younger than Bale, and has made more Champions League appearances (46 to 41). In five matches he has contributed to exactly half of Wales' ten goals, providing four and he managed to score in the victory over Russia. Only Belgium's Eden Hazard can equal the Arsenal man's creativity.

All of which provides further frustration that he will miss the clash with Portugal due to suspension. A needless booking in the victory over Belgium will mean that Chris Coleman has to alter his midfield significantly. The question will be whether he opts for a tactical switch, or a more like-for-like switch.

The most likely option would appear to be Crystal Palace's Jonny Williams. The diminutive midfielder has caught the eye in his three appearances so far, displaying energy, tenacity and a constant willingness to move the ball quickly. Leicester's Andy King could also provide a well-rounded option, not to mention experience of handling pressure and big occasions.

David Edwards and David Vaughan may provide more defensive options, should Coleman opt for a more cautious approach. Whoever is deployed will have big boots to fill, as Ramsey has been one of the standouts in the tournament so far.

France's 5-2 victory over Iceland confirmed for many that they are real contenders for this tournament, and the best attacking side in Europe. Didier Deschamps' side were ruthless and relentless, punishing an Iceland side that had barely looked troubled in their four previous matches. It was first time Iceland had conceded five goals since 2011. It was, as the French might say, une bonne chaussureage.

As good as France looked going forward, there are still huge questions of them defensively. Even if we overlook the fact they've given away two penalties so far this tournament, and don't boast the pace of some of their rivals at full-back, there often seems a lack of cohesion in defence.

Certainly, injuries have not helped in that regard. Samuel Umtiti and Eliaquim Mangala have just nine caps between them, and prior to the tournament Koscielny and Rami had been defensive partners on just four occasions - uninspiring wins over the USA and Cameroon, a heavy defeat to Spain and an easy warm-up against Scotland.

Not to take anything away from Iceland's attitude, but against France they created the kinds of chances that a better team would punish. Two well-worked goals were merited, but they also brought one excellent save from Hugo Lloris, and found at least two further shooting opportunities.

France have had 87 shots this tournament, but haven't faced the toughest route to the semi-finals and yet have conceded 42 opportunities. Germany have faced 35, and against tougher opponents.

However, if there is such a thing as a good time to face the Germans, this is it.

Joachim Loew has Mats Hummels ruled out through suspension, Sami Khedira and Mario Gomez out through injury, and Bastian Schweinsteiger a serious doubt. The Germans may have to reshape their defence completely. If France are to progress, they'll have to go on the offensive.

Any team that reaches the semi-finals of a major tournament deserves plaudits, but that does not mean they should be immune from questions.

In Portugal's case the questions have to be "how have they got this far"? Poland were defeated in the quarterfinals having never been behind in the entire tournament, Portugal have reached the last four having never been in the lead in normal time.

The tag is somewhat unfair. Only Germany have created more shooting opportunities - although when you have a Ronaldo, everywhere is a shooting opportunity - and only Germany and Spain have passed the ball more frequently and with more accuracy.