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.