SPAIN VERSUS ITALY!

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EURO 2008 SEMIS ARRIVE!

At long last the semifinals of Euro 2008 have arrived. In four thrilling quarterfinals Portugal, Croatia, favorites Holland and World Cup holders Italy have been knocked out leaving space for Germany, Turkey, the Guus Hiddink inspired Russia and Spain to compete in the semifinals. Germany beat Portugal 3:2 in a thrilling and controversial match thanks to a dubious goal by Michael Ballack, while the next day Turkey made yet another improbable comeback by beating Croatia in a shoot out after coming back from a goal behing with six seconds left. Holland, so brilliant in the group stages were left to ponder what could have been after a great performance by Guus Hiddink's Russia left them in the dust. Finally, in a thrilling climax, a lovely performance by Spain,(particularly goalkeeper Iker Cassilas) beat World Cup holders Italy on a penalty shootout after substitute Guiza missed several clear chances. In the end, two penalty saves by Iker Cassilas was enogh to give Spain victory.

HOLLAND THRASH THE HOLDERS!

World cup holders Italy began their Euro 2008 campaign dismally, losing 3:0 to Holland in Basle. The Dutch played well, fending off Italian attacks and doing well on the counter attacks. The Italian team started well and Holland struggled to contain them, but on 26 minutes a refereeing error allowed the Dutch to take the lead. 5 minutes later Wesley Sneijder of Real Madrid beat Buffon with a volley to give Holland a second goal. After that Italy strengthened considerably and until 60 minutes when they started to fade. Finally, on 79 minutes a cross from the left by Dirk Kuyt was headed in by van Bronckhorst. Italy had their chances and Luca Toni should have scored when one on one with van de Sar and Pirlo's free kick tested the Dutch keeper but in the end Holland recorded a deserved victory.

CZECHS BEAT HOSTS IN OPENER!

The Czech Republic beat an impressive Switzerland in the opening match of the 2008 European Championships despite being outplayed by co-hosts Switzerland. The defining moment came when Czech substitute Sverkos latched onto a Galasek header to score the opening goal of the tournament. It is now highly unlikely that the Swiss will make it beyond their group which also includes the Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal and Turkey. Portugal meet Turkey later today in the hope of taking top place in the group. Portugal are definate favorites to win the group followed by the Czechs, but anything can happen as Greece showed by winning the tournament last tournament. Let's see how this turns out.