EURO 2008: The Story So Far. Holland To Slip Up?

I'm sitting by the computer with suitcases filling around me. This is my last day, and indeed last article, from beautiful Africa.

Ten great years have past since my family moved to South Africa from Scotland at the back end of the 1998 World Cup but the time is right to move closer to the football I love and the career I chase.

Funnily enough, my final days in a country have once again been spent in front of a television, watching another major tournament.

We're just about half way through Euro 2008 (in matches if not stages) and I think it's fair to say it hasn't let us down.

I'll start in group A, where hosts Switzerland have already been ousted and star studded Portugal lead the way.

I don't want to say too much about the fact Switzerland and Austria both qualified for this tournament automatically, being hosts of this event. It's the only way for small countries to get a slice of the pie and with Scotland always a potential joint host, I'd be silly to criticise.

I think it's clear though that such a move has it's consequences and Euro 2008 is definitely missing another competitive side. Maybe a system where they're is a major host (and that country qualifies) and they make use of a neighbouring countries infrastructure?

One point from what I suspect will be six games for the two host countries is definitely a situation I believe that could use some looking into!

Portugal are through to the quarter finals but I wouldn't say they look like world beaters and certainly haven't impressed like the Dutch. They are though, more than capable of winning this tournament.

The battle for second is a touchy subject. The Czech Republic have been a little disappointing but should have too much for Turkey in the deciding game. Turkey showed their character in fighting back from 1-0 down against hosts Switzerland to win 2-1 and their fans will expect a win.

Sadly, it may well have done them more damage than good. A hard win on a heavy pitch won't have done their legs any favours.

So Portugal and the Czech Republic to emerge out of group A. You wouldn't have many outside Switzerland and Turkey too surprised by that.

Group B like group A, wasn't exactly hard to predict but I suppose it isn't over till the fat lady sings.

Croatia's thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany was a surprise to many but not to me. I struggled to understand why people had Germany among their favourites for the tournament.

Austria can't wait for a bite at their German neighbours after their display against the Croats. I wouldn't bet on an Austrian result though.

I'm just saying I wouldn't bet on Germany winning Euro 2008 either!

We often see players playing against the country of their birth these days, usually though, they're playing for an adopted nation as they were never in the reckoning for a call up to their own national team.

It is sad though to see Poland starved of a talent like Lukas Podolski. I'm not sure of the whole story and therefore won't go into the subject in detail.

I just hope it's not a case of wanting to play for a more successful country than your country of birth! 

Podolski for all I know, may be as Polish as Andy Goram was Scottish. That though is another story.

Croatia and Germany will see the quarter finals at least.

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