Some belated run down on Euro

Its been awhile since i last posted. Being rather held back lately. Late nights watching 22 or more men belting it out on a field over a single ball. Some how or rather, it kinda sounded rather wrong. haha.

Short brief run down on Euro.

GroupA
Portugal went through as expected along with Turkey ( so not expected). They totally deserved their place in the next round after coming down from 2-0 to win 2-3 against the Czechs in the same time knocking them out. Switzerland's fate was sealed in the 2nd game losing to the Turks. They saved some pride by beating a weakened Portugal 2-0. So position in groups : Portugal, Turkey, Switzerland, Czech.

Group B
Dark horses Croatia proved their credentials by topping the group; matching expectations of many after beating England home and away in the qualifying rounds. Germany went along after 3 lackluster performances; beating Poland and Austria somewhat unconvincingly and losing to Croatia. Austria's fate should be sealed in the 2nd game but a 92nd minute penalty was awarded to them against Poland, enabling them to fight for another day. From what i see, Poland and Austria seems only to make up the numbers. Their performances aren't really the most convincing. Final standings : Croatia, Germany, Poland, Austria.

Group C
Group of death. Thats what u call a group which comprises of football heavy weights Holland, world cup finalist France, world champions Italy and a not too shabby Romania. Holland set the tournament on fire with 3-0 and 4-1 wins over Italy and France before overcoming Romania 2-0 with an understrength team. Romania really should have followed them through but Buffon saving Mutu's penalty in match against Italy meant they will have to overcome the Dutch in the final game. France showed much promise but failed to deliver. Their final game against the Azzurris was a do or die but they lost 2-0; knocking them out. Final standings : Holland, Italy, Romania, Greece.

Group D
Spain matched Hollands 3-0 win with a 4-1 win over Russia. David Villa sealing the tournaments 1st hattrick since Patrick Kluivert converted 4 against then Yugoslavia in Euro2000. Followed by 2-1 wins over Sweden and defending champions Greece saw them through. The final game between Sweden and Russia was a winner takes all game. Russia with returning striker Arshavin proved they are of a different class compared to the Swedes; winning 2-0 with Arshavin scoring one goal. Greece left Euro2008 without a point and with only 1 goal to show. Final standings: Spain, Russia, Sweden, Greece.

Qfinal 1: Portugal 2 Germany 3
Schweinsteiger return from suspension and outshone Ronaldo in this game. He scored 1 and set up 2 other goals for Klose and Ballack which btw are almost identical. Freekick, cross, head, goal. Same case as their last meeting in the world cup where Schweinsteiger score 2 goals, almost identical and almost from the same patch of grass on the field.

Qfinal2: Turkey 1 Croatia 1 ( pk Turkey 3 Croatia 1)
After Klasnic headed in the goal in the last minute of extra time. Everyone thought that the Croats will go through. But Semir Senturk had other ideas as he volleyed the equaliser with seconds to go on the clock, setting up a penalty shootout. Croat star Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic missed their kicks before Rustu saved the 4th penalty from Petric. With Turkey converting all their kicks, Petric needs to score just to keep Croatia in. With his effort saved, the 5th kick is not required as the Turks jumped onto Rustu congragulating him after saving the shot.

Qfinal3: Holland - Russia ( later)