Euro 2008 - Part 4 (French Fried)

Hehe.. I love this version. Its not that the French were so dismal in their 4-1 loss to Netherlands, but I guess they failed to take their chances when it mattered most and on top of that a Dutch team high on confidence, you have a deadly potion for a high scoring game.

Thats what you get! Gosh... Sneijder was just fantabulous and Robben showed the class with dazzling runs after coming on as a substitute. Van Nistlerooy as deadly as he was when he was with Manchester United. Sneijder would be one good piece of skill to exchange with Ronaldo if he wants to go to Real Madrid... :) (eh)?

Then you have Italy on the brink of elimination after their draw with Romania. Donadoni can claim anything but credit to Romania for coming out fighting and having some chances of their own. Adrian Mutu was both hero and villain missing the penalty... but credit to Romania.. they took the fight to Italy and with aging legs, the Azzuris simply fail to deliver. Even if they do go to the next round, I do not think the Azzuris have what it takes to go on any further.

Last night however was painful for reigning Champions.. Greece. Heroes all of them four years ago, were simply outclassed and outplayed this time round. Playing their ever defensive game which served them so well the last time out, they failed this Euro but I think they gave a good account of themselves. It was a boo boo by their ever reliable goalie Nikopolidis to gift the Ruskies the goal but overall... to be honest, the Ruskies deserve the 3 points. Spain as expected got the 3 points but I felt the Swedes were hard done last night. One point would have done justice for their industry. They really gave the Spaniards a tough time after going 1-0 down and fighting back to their equalizer. But I think they are in pole position to go through together with the Spaniards as the Russians have failed to impress me in the 2 games they played.

Tonight, Switzerland v Portugal. Should have been a meaningful game but is reduced to a match of dignity for Switzerland who was dealt two cruel blows in their earlier games. Despite playing well and having great posession they lost to both Czech Republic and Turkey who would do battle at Geneva for a rightful spot to qualify alongside Portugal. On paper the Czech Republic holds the edge but Turkey have been real tough customer of late. Nice game on the cards? Lets wait and see.