After the 2nd round of matches we know for sure that at least one Pompey player will be extending his stay at the Euros into the quarter finals at least – the others, although both still in with a chance of progressing are not so assured…
Milan Baros now 100% a Lyon player once again, but I will still look at him as a ‘Pompey at Euro 2008’, started his nations game with Portugal on Wednesday. He was absolutely fantastic I thought, leading the line brilliantly on his own. He was full of running, effort and enthusiasum – sadly that familiar tale of ‘he could not score’ occurred… Portugal proved to strong in the end and ran out 3-1 winners.
Croatia took on pre-tournament favourites Germany on Thursday, which meant Niko Kranjcar was back in action. He started the game, missing one glorious opportunity in the 1st half when Croatia were already 1-0 up. This did not make any difference though as the second did come – Germany pulled one back but Croatia won 2-1. Kranjcar could not quite make the full 90 as he came off after 85 minutes.
Finally on Friday Lassana Diarra was again unable to do anything but warm his seat, as he remained an unused sub as the French were spanked 4-1 by the Dutch – a result that leaves him, and France teetering on the brink… Would he have made any difference had he played? Maybe so, but I cannot see how he could have stopped the Dutch who are flying!
I will see how Spain go today, as they looked pretty tasty in their opening game, but they look a decent bet to go all the way. Portugal looked impressive again but still look to have a weakness at set pieces that other should look to exploit, but at the moment the Dutch are hot to trot so look a good shout – but of course I am Croatian this summer so I am sticking with them, as is my money…
Who would have thought we could go into the quarter finals with both France and Italy being eliminated from ‘the group of death’, but ‘if’ Romania can beat Croatia, who will probably rest players, this will happen! Germany ‘could’ also go home early, although I doubt it? We can live in hope.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
Share this article
