There were no freebies. All four matches so far have been reasonably well contested. Portugal and Germany had better scorelines but they were made to sweat. The hosts Switzerland and Austria surely deserved something from their matches but were unlucky.

Before we get to the Euro news, let’s look at some Chelsea news. Scolari is now rumoured to be the next Chelsea boss. Now, Scolari is a proper manager. Lots of experience and real pedigree. I’ll wait but wasn’t he the one who refused to take the England job because of the English press? More rumours as Chelsea chase Eto, Diego and a dozen other players. I don’t see any deal being clinched before the end of Euro, not even Eto’s deal. Essien has committed his future with Chelsea. I’ll let you read these beautiful words from the Bison:

I will go back to Chelsea for the next season and expect to have a great season. We have shown as a club that we can handle disappointments, and I think we will be able to bounce back next season a better side. Most of the guys have gone on holidays and they will put the disappointment of the last season behind them. The season generally was very disappointing, but that is football. When you put these things behind you, you become stronger.

Over to Euro 2008. I thought Portugal played really well. Good that Ronaldo did not score. Already newspapers have printed millions of pages as if he is the only footballer alive. The first goal was from a brilliant move. Well done Pepe. Looks like he was destined to score one that night. Thing is, I was looking to see a performance from Bosingwa but what I saw did not make me jump for joy. Anyway, we’ll see more of him as we go along.

I was pleased with the Germany result. Poland did trouble Germany but if you read the game, Germany were always in control of the game. A goal in each half by Polish-born Podolski was just enough. I thought it was Schweinsteiger (I had to copy and paste his name) who changed the course of the match. Only after he was brought in, Germany looked more and more dangerous and were looking to seal the match.

No upsets or shocks in the first couple of days. I hope Romania can shock France tonight. Chivu has been reminding us that this group is not all about Italy, France and Netherlands. France have been poor of late. They might also be missing Henry, Ribery and Vieira. They do have able subs but Chivu and Mutu give me more belief than Anelka and Flamini.

Would you believe it? Arjen Robben is injured again. he won’t be playing against Italy tonight. Even Sneijder and van Persie may not be fit for this match. Though Italy are missing Cannavaro, I think they are the clear favourites against Netherlands. Romania and Italy to win tonight.