Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Yawn, Yawn, Yawn

After the first five minutes of Italy v Spain I just KNEW the game would be decided on penalties. I just knew it!! 2 hours of tedium, 2 hours of boredom, 2 hours of nothing.

It wasn't Spain's fault they just couldn't break down the masters of negative football - 'Let's play for penalties chaps, Spain haven't won a penalty shootout on the 22nd June before."

Oh how the Azzuri have eggs on their faces this morning.

2 hours of boredom, 2 hours of yawning, 2 hours of nothing.

I would have had more fun watching paint dry!!

So the semi-finals are confirmed:

Wednesday 25th June
Germany v Turkey

Thursday 26th June
Spain v Russia

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Italy Through

FORZA ITALIA

There was no skullduggery, no conspiracy theories and no underhand tricks last night as Holland beat Romania 2-0, despite MvB making nine changes. Italy beat France by the same score to join Holland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.

After France's defeat, Chelsea's midfield talisman Claude Makelele announced his retirement from International Football for the umpteenth time. Lillian Thuram who didn't even make the squad last night also announced his retirement from International Football.

The quarter-final line-up is almost set and looks like this:

Portugal v Germany

Croatia v Turkey

Holland v Runner up Group D either Sweden or Russia

Spain v Italy

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: ITS MAKE OR BREAK

FORZA ITALIA

Tonight sees the climax of Group C, 'the Group of Death,' as Italy battle it out with France, winner takes all to join Holland in the Quarter-Finals.

But will Holland play ball? Will Holland play their strongest team against Romania or will they field a weakened eleven and allow Romania the win and knock out their closest and fiercest rivals in one hit?

But whatever happens in the Italy/France game, a Romanian win will see Mutu and Co in the quarters instead.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: FORZA ITALIA

FORZA ITALIA

Finally my 'adopted' team get to play in the Euro's when they kick off their Group C match against the clog wearers of Holland at 20.45pm (local time).

The WORLD CHAMPIONS are without their captain Cannavaro who has injured his knee whilst plying his trade for Real Madrid on their way to the La Liga title.

Holland's Arjen Robben nicknamed 'Glass Ankles,' when he was at Chelsea, looks like missing all of Holland's group games due to....... yes you've guessed an ankle injury.

If you are reading this and you are English, don't support the Dutch because apparently they don't want our support.

SO STUFF 'EM

FORZA ITALIA

The early game which kicks-off 6pm (local time) is between France and Romania and that is all I have to say about that!!

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: FORZA ITALIA

FORZA ITALIA

As England will not be competing in the Euro's which start next Saturday, I am 'throwing my hat' into the ring and will be supporting Italy, the current World Champions.

Being World Champions isn't the only reason why I will be following the Azzuri in Blue.

I just like the Country. Italy's history - the start of the World they say. I have visited Rome and Milan. I like the culture, of the course the women (eheheh) and the football.

So it is Italy for me.

FORZA ITALIA

Italy kick off their campaign on Monday 9th June against Holland in Berne then they play Romania in Zurich on Friday 13th June and their last game in Group C is against France on Tuesday 17th June in Zurich.