Germany through, who will join them? Spain or Russia

Well after the twist and turns of last nights match between Germany and Turkey what can we expect from tonights match?

Obviously a lot of people will be looking at the job Spain did on russia in the group stages, beating them 4-1 and think they’ll do them over again.

Personally I think and hope Russia can do the job and make it to the final, but having watched the opening 5 minutes of the game, Spain are looking dominant and full of life early on. Torres has just pulled a good save out of the Russian keeper and I feel he could be in for a busy night.

Interesting to see that both of these teams tonight have only one player each plying their trade outside of their respective countries.

Russia stun Holland – And me!

Russia inspired by the ever lively Arshavin, stunned not just Holland last night but most of Europe.

I thought their best chance of anything from the game would have been to use spoil tactics and stop the Dutch from playing their flowing game, but the truth was it was the other way around. Holland could not live with the Russians for much of the game and although they managed to grab an 86th minute equaliser that took the game into extra time, that period of extra time was dominated by the Russians and they scored a further 2 goals.

Hiddinks men where superb throughout and many are saying that they can now go on and win the whole thing, but in my opinion (which changes daily in this outstanding tournament) it is now wide open.

Italy I’m sure will be glad to see the Dutch head home after their mauling in the group stages, and should they now beat spain in their next game my master plan that says they will be champions this year could well come true.

Arshavin livens up the Russians – Euro 2008

It’s half time in the Russia vs Sweden match on Euro 2008.
A game I wasn’t expecting much from to be honest, but that was before I knew that Arshavin was returning to the line up for Russia.

Having served his two game suspension for a sending off in the qualification phase, his return has transformed an ever improving Russian team and had they faced Spain for their last game rather than the first, I think Spain would have had a much more difficult game on their hands.

Sweden have come stronger since they went a goal behind in the 25th minute. A good move finished by Pavluchenko gave the russians a thoroughly deserved lead.

Left back, Zhirkov, has impressed me tonight. He has made some great runs down the left and tracks back quickly whenever any moves break down.

I feel the second half could be even better as the Swedes now know they have to score to stay in it.

Russia will not feel they are strong enough at the back to just sit and soak up the pressure, they still look dangerous on the attack and must surely push on for a second early on in the second half.

If Russia do go through that will set the russian coach Guus Hiddink up to play against his home nation Holland in the quarter finals.

As a footnote I think it’s only fair to mention another Dutch man having a good game, referee Frank De Bleeckere has hardly been noticable suggesting he is letting the game roll as much as he can.

Spain – off to a flyer Euro 2008

Spain managed to put 4 past Russia earlier this evening in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Villa pulled off a lovely hat trick and proved he is absolutely world class with a big hand in the other goal too!
Russia did manage a consolation goal but just couldn’t live with the fluidity and style of the Spanish.
Does this make them favourites?
Well only a fool would say they don’t stand a chance and if they continue to play like this I certainly would not begrudge them their first trophy since 1964!!!!