Euro 2008

[Sweder]

Sharp observation, Lardy One.
On the basis that fast starters rarely finish first in football tournaments I have to concur. Equally, as Germany show time and again, teams that limp into the knock-out stages seem to develop a resilience that's hard to shake. It was inevitable that France, aged and dogged by misfortune, would miss out. Last night was like a mercy killing; tough to watch, leaving you thankful it was finally all over.

I have a sneaky feeling both Holland and Portugal will come a cropper with the aforementioned serial winners vying with Italy for least popular yet horribly familiar name-on-the-trophy merchants. Italy have built a never-say-die spirit, though Luca Toni needs to make sure he has his boots on the correct feet in his next match.

Croatia have a wonderful piratical attitude personified by a crafty, artful leader. Like his racket-wielding countryman Goran Ivanisovic he rides a tsunami of fanatical support in a nation craving international recognition and success. Swarthy, twinkle-eyed, sporting a bold earring and looking like he'd slit your throat as soon as concede a point Slaven Bilic appears to be charging towards the final like a man possessed. I like the balance of Croatia; no superstars, just a well-drilled machine playing with one mind and one heart. I hope they succeed but my head tells me it'll be Italy or Germany sneaking off with the spoils this time.