Posted By: J DramaWhat a week it is was indeed. Excitement, drama, upsets, goals, cards, surprises, and unbelievable soccer. We are into the second week and 3rd Matchdays of Euro Cup 2008. There has been some great footballing and I’m sure there is still more to come.
Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, Netherlands, and Spain are all through. Defending champs Greece are out along with Czech Republic, who disappoint yet again, as well as co-host Switzerland.
What a game it was between the Czechs and Turks! There were 5 goals in total and 3 in the last 15 minutes of the game. The Czechs completely stopped playing after almost going up 3-0 and Petr Cech made the biggest blunder of his international career to ensure at least extra time for the Turks. 2 minutes later, however, the Turks slotted one home and were through just like that.
How about Croatia? Beating the Germans 2-1 and solidifying a place in the final 8. If everything plays out how it is now, Germany will have a haunting quarterfinals match against Portugal. How exciting will that game be? All they need is a draw. On the other hand though, Germany are not necessarily through. If they lose, they are out and Austria, their opponent, is through. If Poland beat Croatia and Austria wins, they would need a better goal differential to go on. Exciting times during Matchday 3 in this group.
The Netherlands have been quite a surprise in their “group of death”. Or maybe it’s that Italy and France are in poor form right now. If Romania beats Netherlands they are through. If they draw and Italy and France draw, Romania is through. Italy and France face off and whoever wins needs Netherlands to beat Romania if they want a chance at the quarterfinals.
David Villa is on a tear for the Spanish. 4 goals in 2 games including a hat-trick against Russia. Sweden and Russia will battle it out on Wednesday for the final spot in their group. My vote is Sweden. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a pair of goals in the tournament and I do not think the Russians will be able to handle him.
What are your thoughts so far about the tournament? Who will win it all? Who is going to get the Golden Boot? Have your say.
Well that’s a wrap. Stay tuned for more and try not to let your eyes get glued to the tele.
