Euro 2012 - Quarter Finals

So here we have it. England had beaten co-host nation Ukraine to make it through to the quarter finals - much to the joy of our travelling year 7s who were allowed to watch it in the disco room in Germany.

In the first quarter final, Portugal made it through beating the Czech Republic with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scoring their 1-0 winning goal. They will face Spain, who, after an early goal by Xabi Alonso, never really let France into the game, despite some good shots by Ribery and Cabaye. The final score was 2-0 after a penalty for Alonso in injury time, and the reigning Euro and World champions are set to go to the very end!

An extremely strong Italy put an end to England's dreams. Passing just like Spain and finding gaps everywhere, gli Azzurri dominated the game. However, they just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net (without the offside flag up), so the match remained goalless even after extra time. Like so many times before, England went out with a penalty shoot-out with Andrea Pirlo outwitting Joe Hart, and both Ashleys (Young & Cole) failing to score.
True: a win of this weak but brave English side would have been an injustice, but it's a great shame anyway!

'Schland Küchlein

Already in the semi-final (and surely having watched this exhausting match with glee) is Germany after defeating Greece. Cracking the usually solid Greek defence, the Germans created chance upon chance with fast passes. After Lahm (who only scores every four years for Germany) hammered in a first goal, the ban was broken. Greece's equaliser did not stop them, but rose Khedira, Klose and Reus into action: A convincing 4-2 saw them through to the semi-final.

The Iberian neighbours will battle it out on Wednesday, while Germany meets Italy on Thursday. Olé olé olé!

By the way, in Germany people are going crazy with the whole Eurocup mania: Every Biergarten becomes a public viewing spot, there are flags on many cars and even some cakes support the team!