Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: VIVA ESPANA

The lack of updates have been becuase of some wonderful sunny days recently. Whats the point of being stuck in front of a pc when there is sunshine to be enjoyed?

Euro 2008 came to an end last night. Spain lifted the trophy after a 1-0 win over Germany. Fernando Torres scored the only goal. Germany must be disappointed that they didn't contribute to the game than they did and had Spain won three or four nil, I doubt if anybody from the German quarter would have complained.

The tournament is now over and the countdown to the Football season begins. This is the week that pre-season training starts and now Euro 2008 is finished there will be frantic activity in the transfer market.

So lets get busy

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Cruise for Spain

EURO 2008 THE FINAL: GERMANY v SPAIN SUNDAY 29TH JUNE 2008

Spain cruised past Russia in Vienna tonight to reach their first final in twenty-years. It took Spain until the 50th minute to score and once the door was unbolted, Spain scarpered away and won the game 3-0.

Its the second beating the Spaniards have dished out to the Russians in a few weeks - in their first group game, Spain won 4-1.

So now after three or so weeks of competition the Euro 2008 final will be between Germany and Spain in Vienna, kick-off 20.45pm (local time) on Sunday 29th June 2008.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Germany Are Through

In a match that had everything, Germany won their place in the Euro 2008 final on Sunday, beating Turkey 3-2 with a last minute goal from Phillip Lahm after being 1-0 down, 2-1 up and pulled back to 2-2 with a few minutes to go.

Bang goes my sweepstake entry - cos I had Turkey.

Roll on Christmas.

The second semi-final between Russia and Spain kicks off later today at 20.45 (local time).

Girls, Girls, Girls

If you haven't done so already check out the girls at Eurogirls2008.

There are Austrian Girls, German Girls, Croatia Girls, Polish Girls, Italian Girls, Swedish Girls, Turkish Girls and more Girls.

More Girls than you can handle.

Eurogirls2008

Can't wait for the World Cup!!

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: The Sorcerer Beats The Apprentice

The Sorcerer, Gus Hiddink put the Apprentice, Macro Van Basten to the sword last night as the 'unfancied' Russians beat the Dutch 3-1 after extra-time to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

It is quite a remarkable acheivement. Remember Russia were firmly slaughtered 4-1 by Spain in their first group game.

What is it with Hiddink and International competition? Remember he took South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002 and got Australia to the World Cup finals!!

Russia will now play either Spain or Italy in the 2nd semi-final, next Thursday.

In the space of a couple of days the competition has lost two of its favourites - Croatia and Holland.

Spain and Italy play tonight in the last quarter-final, kick off 20.45 (local time).

FORZA ITALIA

FORZA ITALIA

FORZA ITALIA

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Croatia Stuffed

In an extraordinary finale to last nights 2nd Quarter-Final between Croatia and Turkey, two goals were scored in the last minute of extra-time. Croatia took the lead 119th minute and with the last kick off the game, Turkey equalised.

The Croats complained bitterly that the referee had blown the final whistle prior to the ball finishing up in the net. He didn't and the match went to a penalty shoot-out.

Croatia showed HOW not to take penalties and Turkey showed HOW to take them. Turkey won 3-1 and now face Germany in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

Will He Stay OR Will He Go?

Now that Portugal are out of Euro 2008, the 'winker' Cristiano Ronaldo will soon be announcing his future.

Judging by the press and media reports this morning Ronaldo is 'already on his bike' to Spain, despite the objections and fears shown by his present employers, Man Utd.

Ronaldo said after Portugal's 3-2 defeat against Germany last night.,"I will announce my future plans in two days."

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Welcome to Chelsea Mr Scolari

WELCOME TO CHELSEA

From a selfish point of view I am glad Portugal lost to Germany last night and therefore Portugal's interest in Euro 2008 is over, because it means Luiz Filipe Scolari can start to forget he is an International manager and concentrate on becoming a club manager with Chelsea.

For the record, Germany won 3-2 and with a 'sneaky' push on club team mate Paulo Ferreira, Michael Ballack scored his 2nd goal of the competition with a header.

Germany play the winners of Turkey and Croatia who play this evening in the first semi-final next Wednesday.

Although 'Big Phil' doesn't start work officially until 1st July, there is nothing stopping him getting himself prepared for the big one and the big challenge. I can just visualise Big Phil retiring to bed last night with dossiers on Chelsea's current players and possible and potential transfer targets.

Wishful thinking or dream on?

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Mixed Loyalties

Its Quarter-Final time and I have mixed loyalties as to who I want to win. I want Portugal to win because their squad includes - BIG Phil, Jose Boswinga, Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferriera and I want Germany to win because of Michael Ballack.

So who to choose, who to choose??

Seriously though the answer is simple. I want Germany to win because as soon as Portugal get knocked out, BIG Phil can concentrate his mind of the Chelsea job, even though he doesn't officially start at Stamford Bridge until 1st July.

The game kicks-off at 20.45 (local time), thats 7.45pm UK time and whatever time anywhere else in the world and the venue is St Jakobs Park, Basel.

I have a feeling that this game will go the wire.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Abramovich's Russia Through

Bankrolled by Roman Abramovich's billions and billions, Russia swept past the Swedes last night to take the last quarter-final place that was up for grabs.

After Russia's heavy defeat against Spain at the start of the competition, Russia looked more like a team destined for Siberia than a team that has won a quarter-final match against tournament favourites Holland.

Magic touch Hiddink, 'Mr Oranje,' has worked the oracle and now faces his countrymen.

Spain came from a goal down to beat Greece 2-1 and became the latest members of the '3 from 3' club.

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: Boring Night

No late drama, no late goals in fact if it wasn't for the heroics of Poland and Celtic's Artur Boruc then Poland would have lost against Croatia by a cricket score instead of
1-0.


Germany beat neighbours Austria also 1-0 after Michael Ballack scored from a 30 yard free-kick.


Germany go into the quarter-finals with Croatia from Group B.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: STUNNING TURKEY

I posted yesterday about 'holding onto your hats' and boy was I right, Turkey were 2-0 down with fifteen minutes to go and looked seemingly out of Euro 2008 and ready to 'get on the bus' to go home.

Three goals, two of which came in the last two minutes, saw the Turks progress and the Czech Republic 'get on the bus.'

Poor Petr Cech, even the greatest of sportsmen have a bad day at the office, and didn't Cech have a 'mare.'

In the other Group A game (played at the same time) Switzerland beat Portugal 2-0, Hakin Yakin scoring both goals.

The other day I stumbled across a blog which celebrates the beauty and I mean beauty of Euro 2008. Take a look for yourselves.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Villa Again!

David Villa scored his fourth goal in Euro 2008 as Spain beat Sweden 2-1 in Group D last night. His winner came deep into injury time.

What is it with this tournament and late late goals? (3 goals have been scored in the last fifteen minutes of games AND 7 goals have been scored in the injury time period).

Greece, the current European Champions, bowed out of the competition after being beaten by Russia 1-0.

So now we have four countries already qualified for the quarter-finals: Croatia, Holland, Portugal and Spain.

Today sees the start of the final group games (and all games will kick-off at the same time - 20:45pm local time)

Group A

Czech Republic v Turkey

Switzerland v Portugal

For the first time in Euro history, there is a possibility of a penalty-shoot out between the Czech Republic and Turkey to decide who joins Portugal in the quarter-finals.

Hang on to your hats we could be in for a roller coaster ride later on today.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Kiss of Death

Forget that Group C is the 'Group of Death,' I AM THE KISS OF DEATH!!

Not only has Italy failed to win a game so far but in every other game that I wanted a team to win - they haven't!!

In yesterday's games Chelsea players past and present had significant contributions. Romania's Adrian Mutu (sacked by Chelsea for testing postitive for cocaine) scored one and missed a penalty. Christian Panucci who was only at Chelsea for 'five' minutes scored Italy's equaliser and gave away the penalty which Mutu missed.

In the Holland v France game Arjen Robben came on as a second-half substitute made one for Van Persie and scored one himself and Florent Malouda, Claude Makelele and Nicolas Anelka were soundly thrashed by the Dutch, 4-1.

As Holland have qualified for the quarter-finals, could they 'let' Romania win on Tuesday therefore regardless of the Italy and France result, BOTH countries will be eliminated!

Just my suspicious mind working overtime.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: FORZA AZZURRI

In less than two hours time the AZZURRI kick off their 2nd Group C match against Romania knowing that anything less than a win will see the 'Boys in Blue' start to pack their bags and get on the bus back home.

Coach Donadoni knows he and his side must improve on their dismal performance the other day against the Dutch, although having said that Van Der Saar make some crucial saves at the height of AZZURRI's pressure.

As you know, Italy are my 'adopted' country for Euro 2008 and I am hoping for a change in fortunes especially as I am ZERO ZERO ZERO...... in my predictions for all the other games that have been played so far.

So not a good sign, therefore wish me and the AZZURRI a whole heap of luck!

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Germany Beaten!

Undoubtedly the first shock of Euro 2008 came yesterday in Group B as Croatia beat tournament favourites Germany 2-1.

The Croats roared on by a bank of red and white checked shirts, raced into a two goal lead, before is he a German or a Pole, Podolski pulled one back for the ineffective Germans.

Even German coach Joachim Low admitted that Germany were poor.

Slaven Bilic however must be 'rocking all over the World,' well Europe at least anyway.

Austria earned a deserved point in the other Group B game with a late penalty equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Poland.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Its Scolari for Chelsea

So its official then? 'Big Phil' or Luis Felipe Scolari becomes Chelsea's new coach effective from 1st July 2008.

The announcement of his appointment came soon after 'Big Phil's' Portugal brushed aside the Czech Republic, 3-1 in yesterday's Euro 2008 Group A 2nd round of games.

I felt a bit sorry for Petr Cech. He had hardly anything to do yesterday afternoon and spent most of the time bending his back and picking the ball out of the net three times.

In yesterday's other game, more resembling water polo than a football match, Turkey came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 with the winner being scored deep into injury time.

Switzerland's defeat means they are out of the competition and Portugal became the first country to qualify for the quarter-finals.

In today's action Germany play Croatia at 6pm (local time) and Austria face Poland at 8.45pm (local time).