PARIS -- Somehow, a classic encounter between Germany and Italy is not the main attraction of the quarterfinal-stage at the European Championship.Icelands next act in what is already one of the most surprising stories in European Championship history is the match thats drawing most attention.Can the team, which surprised so many by beating England 2-1 in the round of 16, do the same to host France when they meet at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis?The island nation of just 330,000 people has undoubtedly taken the spotlight from all the others in the final eight, including Wales, which other times would be basking in its underdog status. And its overshadowed other themes, such as Cristiano Ronaldos quest for an elusive first title with Portugal.Heres a look at how the Euro 2016 drama is peaking after what most concede to have been a lackluster group stage:---MANIC MONDAYA truly memorable day in European Championship history whetted appetites for the quarterfinals.Two-time defending champion Spain lost to an Italian team thats defied its old reputation for dour, defensive play.That was just a warm-up act.Icelands 2-1 victory over England is one of the most surprising results in European Championship history. After all, as England great Gary Lineker quipped on Twitter, Iceland has more volcanoes than professional soccer players.---ICE, ICE, BABYNext up for Iceland: France in its national stadium on Sunday. Now, home fans are starting to believe their team can replicate the Euro 1984 and 1998 World Cup teams by winning on home soil.But, given what happened to England, and others, French fans will likely be a little wary now about the match that concludes the quarterfinals.Iceland, in its first appearance at the European Championship, has other achievements to brag about. The team also drew 1-1 with Portugal, daring to celebrate to the seeming annoyance of Ronaldo.Then came the late drama of Icelands last two group games against Hungary and Austria; the global discovery of national TVs hysterical match commentator; culminating in the delicious upset of England.---GERMANY CRUISINGQuietly, ominously, Germany cruised into the quarterfinals without conceding a goal.Italy coach Antonio Conte says the 2014 World Cup winner is the best team in France, which is part-truth and part-psychological.If one team can intimidate Germany, its Italy.Italys 2-1 win in a Euro 2012 semifinal extended a tradition of German losses that includes World Cup semifinals in 2006 and 1970, and the 1982 World Cup final.Italy has played two top-class teams at Euro 2016 -- Belgium and Spain -- and comfortably won both 2-0---GOLDEN YEARSIf not now, then when for Belgium?A so-called golden generation is finally shining ahead of playing a Gareth Bale-inspired Wales that is united and must not be underestimated.Belgium failed to impress at the 2014 World Cup when tamely losing a quarterfinal to Argentina, and its inhibited play in losing to Italy in the first game of the group stage looked more of the same.Since then, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne have starred in three straight wins -- the combined score, 8-0.However, how good were those opponents? Ireland, Sweden and Hungary all came through the Euro 2016 playoffs and would not have qualified under the old 16-team format.Wales need not fear Belgium in Fridays match after they advanced through the same qualifying group. Wales drew 0-0 in Brussels, then won 1-0 at home with Bale scoring.Belgium is unlikely to be short of fans. After all, the match takes place in Lille, near the Belgian border. And Hazard is a local hero, having started out his career in the city.---CRISTIANOS QUESTAt 31, this is likely Ronaldos last good chance to win a trophy with Portugal, an achievement that could propel him to another Ballon dOr over great rival Lionel Messi.Now at his seventh finals tournament, Ronaldo came closest at his first, but the Euro 2004 host lost in the final to Greece.A quarterfinal against Poland and a so-far misfiring Robert Lewandowski is an offer Portugal would surely have taken before the tournament. Belgium or Wales await the winner.---GETTING BETTEREuro 2016 picked up welcome momentum in a round of 16 spread over three days, each one having its own distinct character.Saturdays slow start slumped to a dire end; on Sunday, the big boys roughed up the underdogs; Monday peaked with two compelling dramas.The first half of the tournament was memorable mostly for the fans: A happy, noisy and friendly majority, but with nasty outbreaks of fighting and flare-throwing.The final two weeks needs to be remembered for the quality of the games and the goals.Cheap NBA Jerseys Authentic . Clarke was injured while practicing on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman arrived at the course on Wednesday hoping to start, but after hitting a few balls on the practice putting green Clarke advised officials he was not fit to play. Discount NBA Jerseys . Badenhop was 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 63 relief appearances for Milwaukee this season. He is 18-20 in his career with three saves and a 3. https://www.nbachinajerseys.us/ . - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is not a fan of his teams use of the wildcat formation, saying "it makes you look like a high school offence. Clearance NBA Jerseys . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. Nike NBA Jerseys China . LOUIS -- Lance Lynn was one of the more enthusiastic participants as the St.HOUSTON -- As practices and now games start to pile up, Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller is settling into his new home quite nicely.His skills and quiet, lead-by-example leadership are translating well into Bill OBriens offense.Im getting comfortable every day, Miller said. Im getting used to how the guys block. I think they did a great job the first preseason game of just giving me the opportunity to show the coaches what I could do with my skill-set. So I give all the credit to them, they made my job easy on Sunday.In Sundays preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Miller didnt take long to show off what he can do. A handoff from quarterback Brock Osweiler on the very first play of the game for the Texans offense, Miller found an opening on the right side and went 14 yards.Its always good just to get your feet wet, Miller said. Im here with a whole new offensive line, whole new scheme. So just to go out there and get my feet wet and just having a good run on my first play is always good.Miller finished with 30 yards on four carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt in his Texans debut.Entering 2016, Miller comes in among the best running backs in the NFL.During the past two seasons, Miller has led the AFC and ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (1,971) and average yards per carry (4.89). Miller also ranks fifth among all running backs in total scrimmage yards raccking up 2,643 (1,971 rushing, 672 receiving) during the past two seasons.ddddddddddddHes a very hard worker, OBrien said. Tough guy. People ask me what type of runner he is, he can run inside, he can run outside. He can move the pile. Hes a tough running back and can do different things for us. So its good to have him.After spending the past four years in Miami, Miller decided in the offseason to make a change and come to Houston.With the exit of Arian Foster, who is now in Miami, the Texans needed a leader in the backfield to guide the young corps of backs and he has filled that role.Lamar is great, rookie running back Tyler Ervin said. One thing is hes very patient and not only that, hes just great to be around. Im learning a lot from him.Coming to Houston from Miami there have been some differences Miller said and the biggest for him is having more opportunities in Houston to get the ball in his hands.Thus far everything has gone as planned.The opportunity has been good so far, Miller said. Im just here every day just trying to put in the work and just trying to get better. Its the first preseason game, Im still getting used to the scheme and how the guys block. So you know I still have a lot of room for improvement. Im just trying to get better every day. ' ' '