Euro 2008

[Bleep]

Holland or Italy to qualify from that side of the draw for the final. I can see the Italians frustrating the Spanish in the Q-F and winning on penalties or in extra-time. The semi-final will be a cracker.

Difficult to tell from the other side. Turkey could surprise Croatia, and there's no reason why Germany can't beat an arrogant Portugal. Germany haven't played particularly well yet, and one senses that Ballack has got the bit between his teeth - he knows this is probably one of his last chances of glory at international level. I think that Q-F will be a cracker, and the Germans might sneak it.

[atila the gooner]

monica Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> errm just to remind all the cynics italy are

> through with holland mm 2-0 to the belle azzure

Against ten men it's not hard, Just to remind the Italians, Holland beat France 4-1 with 11 men on the pitch. The futures bright the futures Holland. ;-)

[Ladygooner]

France were poor - no doubt about that - the players were all sulking. Manager will go now and many players will retire. Some exciting quarter finals coming up - wouldn't like to say who would win at the moment although Holland and Portugal and Spain must be in with a good chance.

[Annasfield]

I'm quite enjoying the Euros without England. :-S

[DaveR]

"I'm quite enjoying the Euros without England"

Me too - the ratio of good vs crap games has been surprisingly high compared to so many recent international tournaments

Holland are looking fantastic and have strength in depth up front at least - picking a starting front three from Van Nistelrooy, Huntelaar, Van Persie, Robben, Kuyt and Sneijder(?) is a tough one

[Keef]

They couldn't really help but get through against that France team! I'd bet on Spain, but then again, Italy might be hitting form at the right time...

[Annasfield]

Viva Espana :)-D (although in terms of cash, I'm slightly torn - if Italy make the final I'll get a minimum of 20 squid)

[????]

It's been good so far but in recent years it's been the knock out stages that have strangled promising starts

[snorky]

gERMANY!

[Ladygooner]

What a great game! Germany certainly looked good and Portugal as if they were having an off day.

[Keef]

So Germany Vs Spain of Holland in the final it would seem (assuming Spain get through Italy, which I hope they do!).

[jimbo1964]

I have a horrible feeling that Spain will come a cropper on Sunday. Italy just know how to win these games, they've had their bad patch and got through it. I hope I'm wrong.

[SeanMacGabhann]

1-1 ... no way!

Atila - I hope your heart can take all this!

Edit: 22:28 -it is now!

[fish]

Hats off to Turkey. >:D

[tommy]

Germany handed a final place on a plate ? With all the attractive football I couldn't bear a Germany Italy final

Am rooting for the Dutch (but waiting for the impending implosion)

[atila the gooner]

Come on Turkey, not sure we'll succeed against the Germans but I didn't expect us to go this far. What an ending last night!!!! Fighting between idiots masquerading as fans in the fanzone spoilt it, why do people regress to tribal behaviour at times like this???? I know I'm passionate but I've never felt the urge to kick the living shit out of an opposing fan after a game.

My poor old ticker is taking a hiding and the season is another 2 months off!!!!

[mockney piers]

Hat's off to Turkey, they really don't give up do they.

It was a pretty cynical gameplan but it worked, it could work against group germany, but I think it'll come a cropper to this new fangled quarter finals germany.

I've a bad feeling that a similar game will serve Italy well against Spain and that'll be m number one AND two teams out at the quarters.

Holland Germany final? Could be. I called Germany to begin with and my head says it still will, heart saying holland (well, Spain if we can beat the bloody Italians*)

*oh, and I'm pretty sure I said they'd get through the group too

[jimbo1964]

"nothing about the Dutch performance suggests they are about to implode."

There they go again. Shaping up for Germany Vs Italy I suppose.

[Keef]

I really hope Spain beat Italy, I wanted them or Holland, surprised by last night!

[jimbo1964]

It must be even more miserable being a Dutch fan than being and England fan. Being one of the favourites for every tournament and cocking it up every time. It would be nice if Spain beat Italy.

[SeanMacGabhann]

  nothing about the Dutch performance suggests they are about to implode. said:

When I read that I though "oh God please don't let it be me that said that" .... but it was

As Keef said, I was surprised but wow.. Russia really took the game by the scruff of the neck.. Fair play to 'em

Fingers crossed for Spain tonight

[jimbo1964]

Fingers crossed. I have a bottle of Rioja at the ready.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Worse shtill... I'll miss the feckin thing...

[tommy]

Best football tournament as long as I can remember.

Read an article in the Times today about when the brilliance subsides in a match in Euro 2008, the drama has taken over....too true

In the same paper, a misguided fool was perplexed and questioned why BBC/ITV had to show it - just because none of the home nations were in attendance !!!

[mockney piers]

Italians doing exactly what I thought they would, and I've horrible feeling it's going to work as when they actually do push up (once a half so far) they look dangerous, towering over our team of dwarves as they do!!

Ho hum, fingers crossed for the second half.