Will Derby County be relegated from the Championship?

It's not looking good for the Rams. Paul Jewell is refusing to take the rap for a year of terrible performances. The 2 - 2 draw away to lowly Charlton would seem ok on paper, but with Jewell calling Derby "woeful" he must start taking the blame. In Clough's day, he would say, "If the team is not playing well, blame the management." That sort of philosophy has gone out of the window - now it's like Ford, all about blaming the workers for the poor vehicles.

QUARTER-FINAL PREDICTIONS EURO 2008

Here are my predictions for the Uefa Euro 2008 quarter-final matches:


GERMANY 2 - 1 PORTUGAL
Yes, Ronaldo's great. Yes, Deco can find the killer pass. But Schweinsteiger has been more influential than either of them, and I think the Germans will just squeak past the Portuguese.

CROATIA 1 - 2 TURKEY
The TV pundits think this is a shoe-in for the Croats, given Turkish goalkeeper Demirel's suspension. but I'm impressed with the Turkish mobility in midfield and am taking a contrarian position.

NETHERLANDS 2 - 0 RUSSIA
Every fan of attacking football should be looking forward to this game, and scores of 10-9 have been predicted. Can Guus Hiddink continue the Russian fairy tale? Methinks not. There is too much experience - and much more mobility - in the Dutch squad to be taken apart as easily as the labouring Swedes. If the Dutch midfield can close down Arshavin, it's goodnight Russia. Remember the Russians also have to get past Holland goalkeeper Van der Sar.

ITALY 1 - 0 SPAIN
Toni to tower over the soft Spanish defence, perhaps in extra time. David Villa and Fernando Torres of course are a double threat to the Italian goal. Could this be a battle between goalkeepers Casillas and Buffon? Spain were the bookmakers' second favourite to win the tournament (after Germany), but I fancy the Italian defence to overcome the Spanish attack.

Germany 3 - 2 Portugal. Euro 2008

This match could go either way, but can't they all? The experience and organisation of Germany winning the big matches will be just enough, er .. I think, to win this the first quarter-final. But don't bet the house on it.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Germany 2 - 1 Portugal.

The Germans are not afraid to shoot from long range early on, perhaps in an attempt to make the defenders close down quickly and pull the Portuguese defence out of shape. Do Germans think like this? Perhaps they're just trying to score! Portugal's short passing is a little wayward so Deco takes charge and puts Simao through, but he delays the shot and the save's easy.
Schweinsteiger has been Germany's best player in this tournament up to this point, and he's putting left-back Ferreira under pressure. This is unsurprising given that Ferreira is right-footed and out of his usual position.
18' Friedrich's great tackle in the box denies Ronaldo.
20' Best chance of the game so far is wasted as João Moutinho knees the ball instead of hitting it cleanly.
21' GOAL. GERMANY 1 - 0 PORTUGAL. Podolski on the left wing, plays two wall passes to perfection, crosses early and Schweinsteiger, whose diagonal run from the right wing to the left post has lost Ferreira, finishes first time inside the post. Great goal.
26' GOAL. GERMANY 2 - 0 PORTUGAL. Germany's height advantage counts as Schweinsteiger's floating in-swinger free kick finds the shoulder of Klose.
28' Portugal win a corner and every German player is in his own penalty area to defend.
32' Germany's 3-6-1 formation is causing problems for the Portuguese midfielders. German manager Loew seems to have out-thought Portugal (and future Chelsea) boss Scolari.
40' GOAL. GERMANY 2 - 1 PORTUGAL. Portugal and Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo's first touch takes him past the nearest German defender. His shot is well saved by Lehmann though, but the ball falls to Nuno Gomes who keeps cool to fire home.
45' Ballack shoots near post.
45' Ronaldo shoots just wide.
50' Pepe heads over the German bar by ducking away from the ball instead of jumping at it - a great chance wasted.
61' GOAL. GERMANY 3 - 1 PORTUGAL. A second free kick is floated over the Portuguese back line and Ballack fouls Ferreira by pushing him out of the way before heading past Ricardo. UEFA! WHY NOT ALLOW REFEREES TO REVIEW THE VIDEO SCREEN IN THE STADIUM BEFORE MAKING A DECISION? THIS GOAL SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO STAND. WHY MUST REFEREES BE THE ONLY PEOPLE WATCHING THE GAME WHO MUST BE HANDICAPPED BY NOT VIEWING THE VIDEO EVIDENCE? IT'S CLEARLY RIDICULOUS.
Ronaldo takes a free kick but his shot does not dip as it has all season probably because Uefa in its infinite wisdom has yet again milked the commercial cow by introducing a new ball just before the tournament instead of sticking with a ball the players are used to. It's time to eliminate this "mad cow disease" IMHO.
78' Podolski's rocket-shot, hit with the inside of the left foot, yet bending with reverse swing from right to left, whistles past the Portuguese woodwork. This is probably the most powerful shot of the tournament so far. Future opponents beware!
86' GOAL. GERMANY 3 - 2 PORTUGAL. Substitute Postiga heads the ball past Lehmann off a perfect diagonal inswinging cross by substitute Nani. We are just wondering why they had not been introduced to the game earlier when they, with others, play delightful short, onetouch passes on the edge of teh German box. While the Germans appear to be hanging on, a counterattack sees Podolski shoot straight at Ricardo.

Result: GERMANY 3 - 2 PORTUGAL.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER).

Croatia 1 - 0 Poland. Euro 2008

The Croats look like an all-round stronger team than Poland.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Croatia 1 - 0 Poland.

Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria.

Goalkeepers Runje and Boruc both had good games, and hough Poland had chances to tie the score late in the match, it was Klasnic's goal in the 53rd minute that gave a Croatian "Second XI" the victory.

Result: CROATIA 1 - 0 POLAND.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Boruc (POL).

Austria 0 - 1 Germany. Euro 2008

WATCHSOCCER prediction: Austria 0 - 2 Germany.

The most notable happening in the first half is the sending to the stands of the coaches of both Oesterreich and Deutschland by the referee for what the TV commentators tell us is "constant bickering". Gomez fails to score from point-blank range and also fails to follow up to head home.
48' GOAL. AUSTRIA 0 - 1 GERMANY. Ballack's 30 metre rocket-shot free kick into the Austrian top left-hand corner.
84' Hoffer shoots wide.
91' Frings shoots wide.
93' Oliver Neuville shoots wide.

Result: Austria 0 - 1 Germany.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Ballack (GER).

France 0 - 2 Italy. Euro 2008

Henry doesn't seem top be firing on all cylinders - and Italy usually come good in crunch matches, so the
WATCHSOCCER prediction is France 0 - 1 Italia.

Letzigrund Stadium, Zuerich.
23' GOAL. FRANCE 0 - 1 ITALY. Abidal fouls Toni twice to make sure he is sent off while giving Italy a penalty. Pirlo steps up and powerfully curls the ball high into the left of Coupet's goal. This game could be over.
ESPN commentator Adrian Healey: "The French remain in the trench .."
25' Toni heads wide.
29' Toni just misses.
30' Toni just misses.
33' Henry just misses.
38' Benzema completely wastes a free kick by firing the ball at the knees(!) of the Italian wall. He looks to be out of his depth at this level.
43' Grosso fires in a free kick and Coupet makes a great save to touch the ball onto his right-hand post.
61' GOAL. FRANCE 0 - 2 ITALY. De Rossi's free kick is deflected by Henry into the French goal.
73' Good shot by Benzema, giving the lie to my previous statement about his being not good enough at this level, saved by Buffon. Che calcio!
92' Toni's shot on the turn is brilliantly saved by Coupet.

Result. FRANCE 0 - 2 ITALY.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Toni (ITA).

Greece 1 - 2 Spain. Euro 2008

Greece have already been eliminated and Spain will win their group whatever the score, so this is a meaningless match.
WATCHSOCCER prediction Greece 0 - 2 Spain.

Result. Greece 1 - 2 Spain.

Russia 2 - 0 Sweden, Euro 2008

Arshavin is back for Russia after suspension; for those who don't know, he's one of the best players in Europe. But Sweden are resilient .. and have Ibrahimovic.
WATCHSOCCER prediction Russia 1 - 1 Sweden.

12' Arshavin should've done better on a header 12 metres out from goal.
14' Neat football by Russia - quick and tidy passing.
16' Arshavin finds himself between the Swedish back four and the two holding midfielders, but shoots wide.
20' Arshavin almost scores on a cross-shot; Zhirkov volleys the resulting corner just wide.
Where are the Swedes? They know they only require a draw to progress in the tournament.
23' GOAL. Russia 1 Sweden 0. Great football! The Swedes didn't touch the ball in a multi-player move, Pavlyuvchenko side-footing the ball into the net past Isaksson's right hand.
26' Larsson heads against the bar, as Sweden fight back. Sweden are going home unless they get hold of the ball. The Swedish midfield is getting swamped by the quick-moving, fast-passing Russians. The Russians have not taken a couple of other chances, though. And once more Pavlyuvchencko hits the joint of the post and bar instead of scoring.
As half-time approaches, Ljungberg shoots straight at Akinfeev.
45' Nilsson breaks to goal, but Akinfeev is there again.

Half-time. RUSSIA 1 - 0 SWEDEN.

50' GOAL. RUSSIA 2 - 0 SWEDEN.
A great counterattack by Russia means three passes and the ball in the Swedish net via the boot of Andrei Arshavin from a reverse pass by Zhirkov.
55' Kallstrom on, Andersson off.
When the Russians are in possession of the ball, the Swedish midfield is standing in a line in front of the back four, thus allowing the ball carrier the luxury of picking his pass. This low-pressure defending just isn't working for the Swedes.
72' Ibrahimovic heads downwards for Akinfeev to save easily.
78' Allback on, Nilsson off.
79' Russia hit the post again from a deflected shot at the end of a penetrative run by Zyryanov.
81' Pavlyuchenko heads straight at Isaksson.
82' Pavlyuchenko should've scored, but his hot is wide of the post.
85' The Swedish attack is laboured and uninventive, the ball simply launched to the edge of the Swedish box.
88' Isaksson makes a good reaction save as Arshavin bears down on goal.

Result. RUSSIA 2 - 0 SWEDEN.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Andrei Arshavin (RUS).

Czech Republic 2 - 3 Turkey. Euro 2008

Geneva. Rain.
Though skillful Turkey is the only team to win a game at Euro 2008 after being a goal down (versus Switzerland), I feel the Czech team will be too powerful for them. The Czechs have to get past Turkish keeper Zolkan Demirel, however.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Czech Republic 2 - 1 Turkey.

Sionko is looking dangerous on the Czech right wing.
16' Tuncay's shot just wide of Cech's left-hand post.
33' Goal. CZE 1 - 0 TUR. A Koller standing-jump header from a cross by Grygera.

Tuncay's header is straight at Cech. The first eight minutes of the second half has been played entirely in the Czech Republic's half as the Turks have remembered they have ball skills and mobility. Arda is flying on the left wing getting one cross in after another. Sabri is showing great skill on the right, too. The Turkish forwards are too short to take advantage of the crosses, though.
Afteran hour of play, the Turks are still pushing forwards.

60' Counterattack by the Czechs sees Koller one-on-one against Demirel, but the striker shoots wide with his weaker left foot.
61' Goal. CZE 2 - 0 TUR. Plasil scores arriving late on the far post as Turkey have only ten on the field.
63' Kazim Kazim's deflected shot saved by Petr Cech.
67' Tuncay heads striaght at Cech.

End-to-end football now as the Turks push forwards and the Czechs go for the jugular.

70' Polak hits the post. Almost three-nil as Demirel was well beaten.

74' Goal. CZE 2 - 1 TUR. Arda scores right in the corner from the edge of the box after a brilliant cross-box cut back by Altintop.
The Turks are putting relentless pressure on the Czech goal, with Arda terrorising the right back.
81' Servet's header is glanced instead of knocked in with only Cech to beat. A good chance.
87' Cech spills a cross, and Nihat slots the ball home. 2 - 2.
89' 2 - 3. Goooaaaal! Nihat beats the offside and curls the ball into the top corner of the Czech goal. CZE 2 - 3 TUR.
92' Demirel sent off.

Result: Czech Rep 2 - 3 Turkey.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Arda Turan (TUR).

Greece 0 - 1 Russia. Euro 2008

The defensive Greeks against the skillful Russians. We can't imagine the Russians managing to crack the Greek defence easily; but do the Greeks have what it takes to put the ball in the net, given they need a win (as do Russia) to progress in this competition?
WATCHSOCCER prediction: 1 - 1.

13' Pavlyuvchenko's chipped shot tipped over by Greek goalkeeper Nikolidis.
19' Charisteas misses his header right in front of the Russian goal after a forty-three metre free-kick is floated in. Poor defending by the Russian defence against the inswinger.
23' Patsa does well on the right for Greece to give Charisteas a half-chance.
30' The Russians, worryingly for coach of Russia Guus Hiddink, allow the ball carrier to approach through the centre.
32' Goal. Greece 0 - 1 Russia. Cross by Torbinskiy over the head of GK Nikolidis beyond the far post is inexplicably followed by the keeper who is made to pay by Semak, who brilliantly bicycle kicks to the unmarked Zyryanov to tap home. Yes, it was a goalkeeping mistake, but Semak's recovery of the ball is one of the best moments of this competition.

The second half sees the Russians continue to push forward, and therefore finding the best chances to score. Paylyuvchenko is greedy though, and chances go begging.
Charisteas does head on target under pressure. The game is punctuated by many fouls.
78' Greek free kick on the right, outside the Russian box. Stelios on. Good delivery by Basinas. Cleared eventually by the Russians.
82' Zhirkov's free kick just over the Greek bar.
86' Gekas is adjudged offside as Greece get the ball in the Russian net.
ESPN commentator Adrian Healey says, "It's bleak for the Greek."
91' Semak's long run leads to Pavlyuvchenko with only the keeper to beat, but he shoots over.

Greece eliminated.

Russia deserve their victory.

Result: Greece 0 - 1 Russia.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Sergei Semak (RUS).

Espana (Spain) 2 - 1 Sverige (Sweden). Euro 2008

Everyone's expecting Xavi and Iniesta to control this game to play David Villa in to score a few goals against Sweden. We're not expecting Spain to implode this early, so ..
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Spain 2 - 0 Sweden.

The average age of the Swedish squad is 31, the oldest in the tournament.

Goal. 15' Fernando Torres is quickest to react from a corner: Spain 1 - 0 Sweden.

17' El Mander shoots into the Spanish side-netting after Larsson holds up the ball well. Just wide.

One of the passes of the tournament so far as Ibrahimovic lifts the ball over the Spain back line to Larsson, who scoops the ball harmlessly over the Spanish goal.

Great skill on the ball by Sergio Ramos to get out while under pressure from the right back position.

Sweden look like they are a threat in the air from dead ball situations.

Goal. Spain 1 - 1 Sweden. 34'. Ibrahimovic squeezes the ball past Casillas, who should have done better after Sergio Ramos falls down instead of staying on his feet. The ball to Ibrahimovic came from a diagonal cross from the right.

Under pressure, the Spanish defenders sometimes just clear the ball anywhere.

Spain were denied a stone-cold penalty as El Mander clatters Villa right in front of the Swedish goal.

92' Goal. David Villa collects the long ball down the left, touches the ball past the back, runs round the other way and finishes in the classical manner far post. Spain 2 - 1 Sweden.

Result: Spain 2 - 1 Sweden.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: David Villa.

France 1 - 4 Netherlands. Euro 2008

WATCHSOCCER prediction: France 0 - 1 Netherlands. Probably Van Nistelrooy.
This could be great game given the talent on show.

Before the tournament began THE NETHERLANDS was WATCHSOCCER'S PICK TO WIN EURO 2008, and still is.
Let's see how they get on against a France team that possess only one point.


Dirk Kuyt's 9th-minute header past marker Malouda is the difference between the two teams.
Until the twentieth minute, the Dutch were giving the French a footballing clinic in passing skills. Later in the half France put pressure on the Dutch defence, with most success coming through the centre, particularly Henry's marked back-to-goal touch-and-shoot that just misses Van der Sar's top left-hand corner.

Half-time: France 0 - 1 Netherlands. Kuyt 9'.

Arjen Robben is introduced by Nederland coach Marco Van Basten at the start of the second half, putting midfielder Engelaar on the bench.
France are all over Holland at the start of the 2nd half, shots flying in from a variety of players.
53' Henry misses a lob over Van der Sar after a great bicycle kick pass by Malouda.
58' Goal. France 0 - 2 Holland. Van Nistelrooy sends Robben away down the left wing, who carries until he can play the ball across to new sub Van Persie. His first touch in the game can't be kept out by Coupet.
Goal. France 1 - 2 Netherlands. Sagnol fires the ball into the Dutch box diagonally towards the far post and Henry with the most delicate of touches steers the ball into the Dutch goal.
Goal. 45 seconds later Robben bears down on the French goal and smashes the ball high into the near top corner. France 1 - 3 Netherlands.
91' Goal. France 1 - 4 Netherlands. Sneijder gets the ball onto his right foot and curves the ball high over Coupet, the ball entering the goal via the underside of the crossbar.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Arjen Robben.

Italy 1 - 1 Romania. Euro 2008

Letzigrund. Zuerich, Der Schweiz.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Italia 2 - 0 Romania.

What an exciting first half with Italy deciding their best route to goal lies from crosses delivered by Grosso from the left and Camoranesi on the right. Toni had the ball in the net, but was offside. We simply cannot tell from the angle of the TV camera who was offside, though ESPN commentators Julie Foudy and Tommy Smyth (who are watching exactly the same TV pictures as the rest of us from the studio in the U.S.) are "sure" he was onside.
Del Piero is everywhere, influencing the Romanian defence. Romania had their chances, too. Notable among them Tamas' rocket shot from a free kick saved by Buffon low to his left, and Mutu's shot saved again by Buffon.

Half-time: Italy 0 - 0 Romania.

Italy 0 - 1 Romania. Mutu, in the 54th minute. Zambrotta's mistake on a back-pass is brilliantly half-volleye into the roof of the Italian net by Mutu.
Italy 1 - 1 Romania. 55th minute. Panucci scores after Chiellini heads a corner back to the Roma man to touch the ball over the line.
62' Looks like a penalty should have been awarded to Romania, though it the Italians creating the better of the chances in this exciting end-to-end game.

A series of amazing saves by Romanian GK Lobont.
80' Penalty to Romania. Seemed a little unjust, but Mutu Steps up and .. saved by Buffon! Amazing save, and Italy are still in it. Romania may have wasted their chance to stay in this competition.

86' Toni dives in the box, but the ref is not fooled.
89' Quagliarella dives in the box, but the ref is not fooled.

This has been the most exciting match of Euro 2008 so far.

Result: Italia 1 - 1 Romania.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Bogdan Lobont, Romania GK.

Austria 1 - 1 Poland. Euro 2008

Ernst-Hapel-Stadion, Vienna/Wien, Austria.

Is this going to be an open game given the low quality of the two defences, or a tense possession match filled with fouls?
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Austria 0 - 1 Poland.

English referee Howard Webb is under scrutiny given the terrible performance by Englishman Graham Poll at the World Cup.

Austria are all over the Poles in the first twenty minutes, but the Austrians don't have a player who can finish. Then ..
29' Goal. Austria 0 - 1 Poland. Naturalized Brazilian Guerriero taps home from an offside position. The ball is crossed in from the left over the head of Pogatetz who has left a space behind him.
67' Smolarek has the hardest shot of the tournament so far - tipped over brilliantly by Macho in the Austrian goal.
93' Goal. Referee Howard Webb, who's had a so-so game, correctly awards a penalty to Austria in the dying seconds of the game for shirt-pulling in the box. Ivica Vastic steps up and hammers the ball inside the Polish keeper's right-hand post.
Result: Austria 1 - 1 Poland.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Artur Boruc, Polish GK.

Croatia 2 - 1 Germany. Euro 2008

Croatia are better than their opening showing (Austria 0 - 1 Croatia) when they beat an Austrian team that looked livelier than their lowly FIFA ranking of 92nd-best team in the world. But the Germans are favourites to win this tournament, and have their usual attributes of fitness, tactics and technique in place.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: CRO 1 - 1 GER

After the first 20 minutes, the Croats have had the best chances, but these are thin.
At last Frings springs from the German midfield to make a diagonal run from right to left.
24' Goal. Croatia 1 - 0 Deutschland. One of the goals of the tournament as the Croats play the ball out from the right-back position and pass their way upfield, including a nice switch of play by Krancjar, leading to Srna sliding in to score. Great goal.
29' Krancjar blasts the ball over the bat as the ball is once more sent in from the Croatian left wing.
39' Metzelder heads just over the Croatian bar from a corner.
Germany are allowing the Croats to turn and this low-pressure defending is not working as the skillful Croatians are outplaying the Germans.
41' Krancjar collects and controls the ball beautifully right in front of the German goal, but his swivel-shot goes straight at German keeper and former Arsenal player Lehmann who makes a meal of saving it by jumping in the air when it would have been easier and less dangerous to catch the ball. Corluka is playing well by getting forward down the right.
43' German forward Gomez has fouled the Croatian keeper Pletikosa, so the ball in the net doesn't count as a goal.
61' Goal. Croatia 2 - 0 Germany. Olic pounces to tap home as Lehmann can only parry the ball onto the post after is is deflected goalbound off the unfortunate Podolski.
Germany seem to have little desire to win this game.
64' Gomez off (at last!), Schweinsteiger on.
69' Schweinsteiger has done more in his first five minutes than the rest of the German team has accomplished in the whole of this match.
72' Pletikosa saves after good work by Schweinsteiger on the left of the German attack.
75' Though Germany have finally woken up, Krancjar is allowed to cut in from the left and shoot right-footed.
78' Goal. Croatia 2 - 1 Germany. Podolski shoots first time with the outside of his left foot to score.
Result: Croatia 2 - 1 Germany.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Darijo Srna.

Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey. Euro 2008

Basle (Basel). Cloudy. Heavy rain after 12'.
Everyone's expecting fisticuffs here after the violence between the two teams in Istanbul in their last meeting. I'm expecting a Turkish victory.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey.

10' Turkey start quickly and press the Swiss back somewhat, though the Swiss themselves are trying to get the ball forwards.
18' Inler shoots from long range, the ball skidding off the wet in front of Turkish keeper Demirel who saves.
22' The ball seems to get stuck on the wet surface in front of th Swiss goalmouth.
23' Barnetta powers the ball toward the near post, but Demirel saves.
24' Barnetta fires in a free kick, Demerel saves again.
So much rain has fallen that the pitch can't cope and the ball is not moving on ground passes.
28' Turkey hit the post after a free kick taken by Nihat on the right. There is a pond in front of the Swiss goal.
30' Yellow for Tuncay.
31' Goal. 1 - 0. Yakin scores after good work by Derdiyok. Ball over the top beats the offside trap.
34' The same move finds Yakin again alone in front of goal, but this time he scuffs the shot wide of the post when it looks easier to score.
The Turks cannot cope well with the deep water on the pitch - skill on the ball counts for little as aerial play is the only option.
57' Goal. Semih Senturk equalises on a header that Benaglio cannot palm out.
63' Tuncay mishits his shot wide as the pitch has drained the standing water apparent in the first half. The Turks can now use their superior ball skills to keep the ball.
65' Teenager Derdiyok is becoming more influential in the game for the Swiss.
71' Red Bull Salzburg player Vonlanthen comes on for Switzerland and dribbles into the Turkish penalty area.
73' Great chance missed by Turkey as Nihat fails to connect with a diagonal from Tuncay.
83' Counterattack by Switzerland after a long period of Turkish pressure leads to a 3v1 that transmutes into a 4v2, but Volkan Demirel saves once more.
91' Goal. No Swiss player picks up Arda as he cuts inside along the 18-yard line and his deflected shot loops over the Swiss keeper - ecstasy for the Turks. 1 - 2.
Result: Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey.
WATCHSOOCER Man of the Match: Turkish GK, Volkan Demirel.

Czech Republic 1 - 3 Portugal. Euro 2008

At the Stade de Geneve, the Czechs are going to take on Portugal. I think the Czechs are better than their showing in the first match against Switzerland and should give Portugal a real workout.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: CZE 1 - 2 POR

The Czechs are wearing all red, the Portuguese in all white: looking like Liverpool against Real Madrid. Why are the teams not allowed to wear their traditional team colours? Some sort of Uefa meddling?

The Czechs are showing good ball control in the early stages.
7' Goal. Czech Rep 0 - 1 Portugal. Deco scores after great combination play into the Czech box. Was Deco offside early in the move? The commentators don't seem to question it.
8' Jankulovsky shoots wide under pressure.
The midfield seems very congested with neither team managing to dominate.
14' Petit shoots from long range - easily saved by Cech in the Czech goal
15' Baros heads well over he bar.
15' Sionko with a lovely touch wins a corner.
16' Goal. 1 - 1. Outswinging corner finds the diving Sionko who powers his header home from in front-centre of the goal after two near post colleagues make short runs toward the corner from which the ball is being played, thus taking their defenders with them, thus allowing a little more space for the header to be effected.
19' Petit shoots just wide from 35 metres. Cech looked beaten.
22' Polak gets a yellow card for dangerous play.
23' Deco cuts inside from the left wing, but shoots just over the bar. Coach Scolari looks disgusted.
24' Ronaldo shoots from just outside the D, the ball bouncing just in front of Cech who saves well.
28' A corner from the Portuguese left for the Czechs is sent beyond the far post and over Ricardo who's come off his line. Portugal look shaky at the back. Will Scolari engineer a soft defence when he takes over as manager of Chelsea this summer?
35' Milan Baros with a great mazy dribble.
Deco overhits a pass. He looks a bit out-of-sorts; perhaps Ronaldo will have to beat the Czechs on his own by dribbling. Neither midfield is managing to take control.
41' Ronaldo shoots, Cech saves.
Portugal's attacks are mostly down their left wing, but suddenly Deco sends Ronaldo away through the centre causing a modicum of excitement. Uncompromising tackling is occurring all over the pitch.
46' Ronaldo shoots and Cech saves ow to his right at the near post.
52' Nuno Gomes turns nicely on the edge of the box & shoots straight at Cech.
The referee is letting a lot of rough play go unpunished, therefore drawing praise from the commentator. The players are committing retaliatory fouls that are also unreprimanded.
Deco is beginning to pull the strings as he passes to Simao who shoots tamely at Cech.
62' Goal. Czech Rep 1 - 2 Portugal. Deco crosses the ball along the 18-yard line to the unmarked Ronaldo who hooks the bal slightly to make it bend away from Cech along the ground into the goal.
65' Jankulovsky's free kick is flapped at by Portuguese keeper Ricardo, but Baros side-volley is blocked by Nuno Gomes.
69' Ferreira clears after the Portuguese defence can't handle any cross from the goal line.
73' Galasek off, Koller "the totemic striker" comes on.
91' Goal 1 - 3. Quaresma is played in unselfishly by Ronaldo after Portugal take a quick restart for which the Czechs were unprepared.
Result: Czech Republic 1 - Portugal 3.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Russia 1 - 4 Spain. Euro 2008

Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Russia 0 - 2 Spain.

Early Russian pressure leads to a free-kick that Spain goalie Casillas had to punch away.
According to ESPN commentator Tommy Smyth, "Guus [Hiddinck] generally knows what he's doing."
Zhirkov is very mobile for the Russians as they push as amny as five of their forwards and midfielders push up on the Spanish back line. This could be an open game if this continues.
14' David Villa shoots tamely at Akinfeev.
16' Semshov shoots wide.
19' Goal. Russia 0 Spain 1. The Torres-Villa combinaton works like a dream after a great vertical pass by Xavi. Torres has the vision and skill to flick the ball into the path of David Villa who scores easily as Akinfeev is drawn to the ball.
22' A shot by Zyryanov hits the right-hand post of Casillas.
22' Torres put through, but his shot is smothered.
End-to-end play in what is shaping up to be the best match so far in the tournament.
23' Torres shoots again, but Akinfeev saves low to his right at the near post.
24' Casillas saves a weak shot.
27' Villa shoot from a tight angle.
41' Pavlyuvchenko hits the bar after a free kick.
44' Goal. David Villa scores his second after a great through ball from Andres Iniesta.

Second half.

74' Goal. Russia 0 Espana 3. David Villa gets his hat trick; he fakes left, goes right and shoots past Akinfeev into the near side of the goal, the Russian goalkeeper having dived too early as he did for the second goal he let in.
The Russian midfielders are being dispossessed far too easily now and this is leading to sweeping counterattacks by Spain. The Spaniards are superior technically and it's beginning to be apparent to all the onlookers.
After Cesc Fabregas is brought on for Fernando Torres Spain start playing short wall passes in and around the Russian penalty area.
81' Pavlyuvchenko shoots just wide of Casillas' left-hand post.
Spain's defence doesn't look like a top-notch outfit, it must be said.

It's interesting to see the Spanish left-back and right-back pinch in centrally leaving space out towards the corners. Given the rain, a lofted back-spin pass aimed at the corner flags might not stop in time for the winger to reach the ball. It could be a coaching tactic though - we saw Wimbledon employ the same in their 1988 FA Cup Final win against Liverpool where their defensive corners were abandoned in favour of having a double layer defensive set-up around the goal area.

85' Goal. Russia 1 Spain 3. Pavlyuvchenko escapes his marker and heads powerfully home after a Russian corner from the right.
88' Semak inds himself with the ball in front of the Spanish goal. but he rabbit-headlights and the chance is lost.
90' Russia 1 Spain 4. David Villa brilliantly lifts the ball up and over the Russian backs and the ball falls to Cesc Fabregas who heads home.

Result: Russia 1 Spain 4,

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: David Villa.

Greece 0 - 2 Sweden. Euro 2008

Euro 2008. Salzburg. Fine weather.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Greece 0 - 2 Sweden.

Despite certain prognostications that Sweden will be going back home early from this competition, I feel the Swedes have every chance of winning this match against the current European Champions. But can they beat the Greek defence?
1' Charisteas collects a yellow card - late tackle.
5' Ibrahimovic crosses for Ljungberg, who misses the ball.
6' Charisteas beats 4 Swedish defenders to shoot weakly.
10' Svensson smashes the second ball just wide.
11' Greece get forward easily and the ball is powered across the Swedish box.
Looks like Greece are playing a 5-4-1 system - very defensive, just as in Euro 2004.
19' Sweden win the ball after a period of Greek possession, but the transition is so slow that the Greek defenders and midfield have to merely stroll back to get into their defensive shape.
32' Ibrahimovic flicks the ball just over the bar with his head.
33' Mellberg heads over his own bar to clear.
37' Charisteas is played in after a period of Greek possession; he shoots straight at Swedish keeper Isaksson.
The crowd is now whistling and booing as the Greek back line simply play horizontal balls among themselves.
Otto Rehhagel, the Greek coach, seems to be livid at his players as he fumes on the bench.
The booing continues as the Greeks maintain possession at the back.
43' Basinas shoots, Isaksson saves.
Half-time Greece O Sweden 0.

Second half.
Sweden come out with more energy and purpose, but the diagonal crosses from the right are wasted. Sweden don't look very inventive.
Rehhagel is going to give himself a hernia as he continues to rail at his team from the bench.
51' Ibrahimovic shoots over the bar from a free kick from the Swedish left after Ljungberg is brought down.
54' Greece waste a rare corner.
60' Swedish counterattack leads to a free kick on the Swedish left. Again the kick doesn't clear the first defender.
61' Karagounis shoots twice, but the Swedes block.
66' Goal Sweden 1 Greece 0. Ibrahimovic plays a wall pass and blasts the ball past Nikolidis.
71' Goal Sweden 2 Greece 0. Hansson bundles the ball over the line after Nikolidis fails to catch a bouncing ball.
Result: Greece 0 - 2 Sweden.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Holland 3 - 0 Italy. Euro 2008.

Netherlands v Italy Euro 2008 9 June 08 Bern. Overcast.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Holland 2 - 0 Italy.
WATCHSOCCER prediction to win Euro 2008: Holland.


First half.
Robben out for Holland and Cannavaro out for Italia mean there are question marks over their substitutes. Additionally, Clarence Seedorf refused to play for Dutch boss Van Basten indicating there is the usual discord in the Nederland camp. The Italian Azzurri will be under scrutiny given their status as current World Champions.
We are told the Dutch national anthem (called "William of Nassau") is "one of the oldest in the world".
There's more excitement in the first three minutes of this match than in the whole of the Romania – France game earlier today as the Italians go close after Van Nistelrooy almost gets the ball alone in front of the Italian goal.
19' Sneijder shoots over, left-footed after Van Nistelrooy skips past Buffon to create danger in the Italian box.
Goal. 1-0. 26th minute. Holland score. Van Nistelrooy looks to be a good 5 yards offside as he deflects a driven low shot into the Italian goal.
Goal. 2-0. 31st minute. Sneijder scores on a brilliant counter-attack by Holland after Van Bronckhorst clears Pirlo's corner off the Dutch line.
33rd minute. Di Natale shoots and Van Der Sar saves.
44th minute. Di Natale shoots with power just over the bar.

Second half

Despite the introduction of Del Piero, whose free-kick was nicely saved one-handed by Van Der Sar, it is the Dutchman with the Italian first name, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst who finds himself in front of the Italian goal to head home 3 – 0.
88' Van Persie wriggles free in the box past three(!) defenders to smash the ball just wide of Buffon's left hand post.
Holland have completely outplayed Italy in this match. Nevertheless, Italy can take some positives from this defeat: Toni has found himself with time and space in front of the Dutch goal on a number of occasions, and Del Piero was his usual dangerous self once he was introduced in the second half. The Italian midfield of the Milan trio of Gattuso, Ambrosini and Pirlo though were completely outclassed in this game, and the defence clearly missed Cannavaro. Donadoni made a serious error of not changing his team at half-time.
Holland 3 – 0 Italy. Full time score.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst.

France 0 -0 Romania. Euro 2008

Romania v France Euro 2008 9 Jun 08 Zürich Sunny.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: France 1 - 1 Romania.
A great line from commentator Derek Rae: "Rat," (the Romanian LB) "is scurrying down the left."
These 2 teams are my favourites to go home early from this 'Group of Death' that also includes World Champions and currently ranked third-best team in the world Italy and Holland (ranked 10) who meet later today in the Swiss capital Berne. Given the firepower on show, my feeling after 5 minutes of play that this game is heading towards a nil-nil draw might look rash; I shall possibly be ruing my prediction in a few minutes.

33rd min. Anelka heads over as the Romanian defence once more allows the ball to bounce in the box.
37'. Anelka half moons Rat with an amazing burst of acceleration, but then blasts the ball into the side-netting from very close to the goal line.
The leading scorer in Ligue Un, Benzema, has done a lot of running but has not shown any attacking threat as the first half comes to a close. Thierry Henry, as is Viera, appears to be injured. While France has had most of the possession and territory, if they want to progress to the next round they will have to beat Romania in the next 45 minutes.
After a period of Romanian pressure, in the 57' Benzema tamely side-foots the ball towards the Romanian goal after a pass from Ribery on the right.
72' Anelka off, Gomis on.
75' Nasri on.
77' Mutu off, surprisingly.
France are one-speed and apparently idealess.
0-0 full-time.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Dorin Goian
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Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Even my four year old son predicted a Tottenham win, and he doesn't know that City have not beaten Spurs in Manchester since 1994. Spurs fans may feel aggrieved that their equalising "goal" late in the game was annulled for an offside, given that the offside Berbatov was not involved in the play. But the linesman (sorry, assistant referee) made a good call - Berbatov was in front of the goalmouth so he did attract defenders toward him.
(Also aggrieved was Robbie Keane who childishly kicked up a fuss when he was substituted by coach Ramos in the second half. It wouldn't surprise me if he were sanctioned in some way by the club for this.)
The current confusion with the offside law is because the rule is confusing. The old version of this law where a defending team got a free kick when any player of a team in an offside position was deemed to be interfering with play was far more sensible and led to far fewer contentious calls by the referees. FIFA should rethink the offside law, as well as allow the use of technology in its implementation.