This must be a special tournament – my favourites are really doing well! Germany really lived up to their reputation as cup favourites. Sweeter fact was that they beat Portugal, who were generally expected to sweep aside Germany. They were propelled by none other than Michael Ballack, the only Chelsea player left in the Euro 2008 now.

Germany controlled the game throughout and in fact, the scoreline does not do justice to their domination. Only in the last 10 minutes, Germany were willing to sit back and take the result and that’s when and how Portugal appeared little dangerous.

And you know what? A certain Ronaldo, who’d being valued at about 65 million pounds, was as good as anonymous. Allright, he had a part to play in Portugal’s first goal but that was his only moment of the match. Germany were very comfortable on the ball, and used their possession wisely to build up to the attack while Portugal lost possession in every square metre of the pitch. Credit should be given to Germany’s ball winning abilities.

Any good ‘tournament team’ is going to be very dangerous in set pieces. Last night Germany created two goals from freekicks. And that was not a surprise, especially when the free kick taker was Schweinsteiger and the scorers were Klose and Ballack. So, that’s the second goal for Ballack in as many games. It’s great that Ballack has overcome his poor performance against Croatia but the Schweinsteiger has been the key for the German attacks. I really like this guy, not just for his fantastic-sounding name but for the way he plays the game. He is light but that does not stop him from making those big tackles. He is very quick and has a good football brain. With the richest pair of eyes on him, Big Phil would have loved anything but a defeat with three goals conceded. To put a positive spin to this, let’s say that he has now more time to look forward and plan for Chelsea.

The rest of the final eight is pretty much what I had predicted. I thought Czech would make it but Turkey knocked C(z)ech off in the most cruel fashion. In group B, as I thought Germany and Croatia made it to the quarters but I thought Germany would top but they have not. Then comes the group of death. How many would have predicted this group correctly? And how many would have thought Netherlands would top the group. I did. Didn’t I? This group went exactly as I predicted, Netherlands at top and Italy in second. France are finished. They can watch the rest of the Euro on TV. Spain were supposed to progress but give me some credit for putting my faith in Russia.

Here are my new round of predictions. Croatia might cruise past Turkey. Lightning may not strike twice. Netherlands vs Russia might look like a no-brainer but I had in my earlier post mentioned that Russians could beat the Dutch in the quarter finals. I still stand by it. Hiddink would know the chinks in the Dutch armour. One caveat for Russia is that they can’t be attacking in numbers. Their nature of short-passing play needs number of players in the middle third and the attacking third. Even the full backs operate as wing backs. This may be a bit risky for them given the quality of Dutch counterattacks. I expect a tight match with just one goal in it.

Then the big one. Spain vs Italy. Once again the popular choice is Spain but my choice is again not the popular one. Italy have got a mjor lifeline in the tournament and by beating France, they can rightfully consider themselves hot favourites. Italy have progressed from a very tough group while Spain have not been really tested by good oppositions. Italy will miss Pirlo and Gattuso due to yellow card suspensions. Italy have already gone weaker in their defence and to miss players like Pirlo and Gattuso could only make things worse for them. Despite this, I feel this could be Italy’s match.

On the club front, the papers can go crazy over the Ronaldo saga again as his Euro dream has been terminated. I wish Ronaldo goes to Real Madrid. But the whole thing is getting very complicated now. Ronaldo wants to go. Sir Alex says ‘on my dead body’. Madrid wouldn’t mind breaking the transfer record or the salary record. Madrid have contacted the Glazers directly. Glazers have said that Fergie will have the last word. Madrid have meanwhile arranged Ronaldo’s apartment, car and his hair gel. Ronaldo’s agent is pushing Ronaldo to submit a transfer request. That’s where it stands now. If Ronaldo really makes that transfer request, it’s gonna be fun!

I think it would do well for Fergie to cash in on Ronaldo at this time. Even if he manages to hold onto Ronaldo this season, he is not going to see the same old Ronaldo on pitch. Not again would he manage a 42-goal season. Ronaldo for Man Utd, has peaked already. He is not going to command more transfer money in his career than he does at this point of time. I’d say, Fergie can take advantage of the desperation of Ronaldo and Madrid, and hold them to ransom. Anyway, Sir Alex can make more Ronaldo’s out of Nanis and Quaresmas. From a Chelsea standpoint, I’m just simply waiting for the day he signs for Real Madrid. One reason is it will make As you might know, in Spain I support Real Madrid and not Barcelona just like in Italy, I support Inter Milan and not AC.

On Chelsea side, not much has happened. Few rumours here and there. Ah yes, Avram Grant has found his match, FC Twente. Good luck to him! I would be in London next week, so I’ll post some interesting pictures and also write about my experience at Stamford Bridge!