its the worldcup of Europe basically and its happening right now, what team are you supporting?

where are you from again?
im either want italy, portugal or france to win but france is playing so bad.. 0-0 versus romania!

Are Poland and Lithuania in it? If so I am rooting for them. The only soccer/football I will watch is these games between countries-Olympics,World Cup etc. By the way, when is the next World Cup?

My brother and I are both supporting The Netherlands. the second goal they scored against Italy tody was amazing. First one was offsides bby a mile though. No surprise Lithuania isn't in. I think Poland wont make it past the group stage. Why you rooting for the Kotorchief?

Sorry Wolvie but WE are going to win

I saw Poland when they played against Germany and even though it ended 2:0 I still think they will go on...

My heritage is from Poland, that's why I root for them and Lituania, among other countries. Of course they mostly suck at everything, so...
Yeah, I doubt that they will make it past the groups, I'll have to pick a new team lol.

Portugal have carvalho who is one of chelsea's stars but i dont like them becouse they have to many man u players. The only man u player i dont hate is Van der sar because he's dutch. btw, any one see that incredible save VDS made yesterday?

Nope, all I saw today was highlights of the Netherlands/Italy game, and I watched Spain destroy Russia.

guys, incase your interested, there was an article created today on the website i use for soccer that states how likley each team is to win and why. here it is

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Netherlands (10)

A nine-place leap for Marco van Basten's side, who simply dazzled against the world champions. Whether they can sustain their form is another question, but for now they are top dogs.

2. Germany (4)

Joachim Loew's side showed abundant firepower in brushing aside Poland, with attacking trio Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski looking particularly tasty.

3. Portugal (2)

Played some good football in the opening 2-0 win over Turkey, with goalscorers Pepe and Raul Meireles proving that they are not just about that boy Ronaldo.

4. Spain (5)

A great squad, but the Spanish have failed on the big stage too many times to count among the absolute favourites, and their group is deceptively tough.

5. Italy (1)

The only goals Italy conceded at the World Cup were an own-goal and a penalty. They shipped three against the Dutch and looked horribly outclassed. In a hole.

6. France (3)

Arguably in a worse position than the Italians after their dreadful draw against Romania. They cannot afford to lose either to the deadly Dutch or the desperate Azzurri.

7. Sweden (8)

Nobody ever talks about the Swedes, but they never, ever, go out in the group stage, and they boast the brilliant, bonkers Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.

8. Czech Republic (11)

Rode their luck big time against Switzerland, but with that potential banana skin out of the way they are now well-placed to qualify for the group stages.

9. Croatia (6)

Yes, it's the result that matters and Croatia did at least beat Austria. But the laboured way they went about it suggests they might not be as good as England made them look.

10. Romania (8)

A topsy-turvy opening round of fixtures means Group C is wide open - and Romania are right in the mix. Not exactly fun to watch, but they might just be this year's Greece.

11. Switzerland (6)

The unfortunate defeat to the Czech Republic was a big blow, meaning they are now probably reliant on Turkey taking something off the Czechs if they are to go through.

12. Russia

Might be fresher than most as the Russian season only started in March, but other than their win over England in Moscow, they did little to impress in qualifying.

13. Greece

Perhaps it is unwise to write off the defending champs, who were similarly unfancied in 2004. But it's not going to happen again. It just isn't.

14. Austria (16)

Looked fairly lively against Croatia after conceding that early penalty, and were slightly unlucky to lose. Did a better job than Steve McClaren's England, at any rate.

15. Turkey

Did not ever look like they were going to give Portugal any problems in their Group A opener, and the diving antics of Tuncay Sanli and Nihat Kahveci are unlikely to win them any new friends.

16. Poland (14)

Leo Beenhakker's side can still go through, but must beat Austria and take at least a point off Croatia. But on Sunday's defensively inept evidence, they won't even beat the co-hosts.

3-1 to portugal.. haha my dad was like THEY DONT DESERVE IT from outta knowwhere and i gave him this weird look turkey vs switzerland match is gna be boring so im not going to watch that

Are one of them overmatched or something?

Switzerland is up 1-0!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL
That's so funny when the announcer does that

Supreme goal by Ibrahimovich yesterday, any one see?

Uhh I don't like Portugal. They just interfered with game when they started that player changing in 2nd half... And we burnt some quiet good chances

Im very suprised germany lost. I like them a little because their captain is Ballack, one of Chelsea's best players.

1. Netherlands (1)

A nine-place leap for Marco van Basten's side, who simply dazzled against the world champions. Whether they can sustain their form is another question, but for now they are top dogs.

2. Spain (2)

A superb performance against Russia will see Luis Aragones's side installed as one of the tournament favourites - but haven't we seen this kind of thing from Spain before?


3. Portugal (4)

Created a lot of chances against the Czechs and were good value for their victory. Now can afford to give Ronaldo, Deco and co a break against the Swiss but they need to work on their defending at set-pieces.

4. Germany (3)

Joachim Loew's side showed abundant firepower in brushing aside Poland, with attacking trio Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski looking particularly tasty.

5. Italy (5)

The only goals Italy conceded at the World Cup were an own-goal and a penalty. They shipped three against the Dutch and looked horribly outclassed. In a hole.

6. Sweden (6)

Struggled to break Greece down, but doesn't everyone? Claimed maximum points without ever really impressing, but came through thanks to the brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

7. France (7)

Arguably in a worse position than the Italians after their dreadful draw against Romania. They cannot afford to lose either to the deadly Dutch or the desperate Azzurri.

8. Croatia (9)

Yes, it's the result that matters and Croatia did at least beat Austria. But the laboured way they went about it suggests they might not be as good as England made them look.

9. Czech Republic (8)

Now face a winner-takes-all clash against the Turks after being outclassed by Portugal. Minus Rosicky, Nedved and an ageing Koller consigned to the bench, they lack quality in the final third.

10. Romania (10)

A topsy-turvy opening round of fixtures means Group C is wide open - and Romania are right in the mix. Not exactly fun to watch, but they might just be this year's Greece.

11. Turkey (12)

If the rain hadn't stopped, the Turks would not have been this high but after trailing in the quagmire, an injury time winner sees them face a decisive clash with the Czechs. If it's a draw, we go to penalties.

12. Austria (13)

Looked fairly lively against Croatia after conceding that early penalty, and were slightly unlucky to lose. Did a better job than Steve McClaren's England, at any rate.

13. Poland (14)

Leo Beenhakker's side can still go through, but must beat Austria and take at least a point off Croatia. But on Sunday's defensively inept evidence, they won't even beat the co-hosts.

14. Russia (15)

Yikes. How did England lose to this lot? Guus Hiddink has a job on his hands if he wants to maintain his brilliant tournament record. He can start by dropping the hapless Denis Kolodin.

15. Greece (16)

Just a horrible performance from the defending champions. They might not have been as useless as Russia or as porous as Poland, but how can you forgive such negative football?

16. Switzerland (11)

The co-hosts became the first side to be eliminated after Patrick Mueller deflected in Turkey's stoppage-time winner. Don't worry, Federer will still win Wimbledon and Austria will be out soon

p.s. this was made before the poland-switzerland and germany-croatia games

Its a secret
mwahahaha
Yahoo uk and ireland euro sport

Superb performance by the Dutch. surley they will crush Romania on Tuesday.

1. Netherlands (1)

Two games into the tournament and both the world champions and their World Cup final opponents have been vanquished in style by Marco van Basten's cavalier side. Seven goals scored and just one conceded so far - is there a better team in Austria and Switzerland? Electrifying.

2. Spain (2)

A superb performance against Russia will see Luis Aragones's side installed as one of the tournament favourites - but haven't we seen this kind of thing from Spain before?

3. Portugal (3)

Created a lot of chances against the Czechs and were good value for their victory. Now can afford to give Ronaldo, Deco and co a break against the Swiss but they need to work on their defending at set-pieces.

4. Croatia (4)

Booked their place in the quarter-finals with a famous victory over Germany - one which Slaven Bilic hailed as a better achievement than beating England. A far better performance than the laboured to victory against Austria on the opening day.

5. Germany (5)

Oh dear. After such a promising performance on the opening day, Joachim Loew now has a job on his hands to lift his troops following their shock 2-1 defeat to Croatia. Still likely to qualify though.

6. Sweden (7)

Struggled to break Greece down, but doesn't everyone? Claimed maximum points without ever really impressing, but came through thanks to the brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

7. Czech Republic (9)

Now face a winner-takes-all clash against the Turks after being outclassed by Portugal. Minus Rosicky, Nedved and an ageing Koller consigned to the bench, they lack quality in the final third.

8. Romania (10)

Undoubtedly more entertaining in their second game of the tournament, Romania very nearly reaped huge rewards for their endeavour against Italy. Adrian Mutu will have sleepless nights for weeks to come over that penalty miss if they fail to progress. Still all to play for.

9. France (8)

Things are starting to look bleak for Raymond Domenech after his side's heavy defeat to the Netherlands. One point from two games is not good enough for the World Cup finalists and it could be a quick aller-retour for Les Blues unless they can beat Italy in their final game.

10. Italy (6)

Another disappointing performance against Romania has done little to ease Italian fears of an early exit. And had Gigi Buffon not pulled off the save of the tournament to deny Adrian Mutu from the spot, it could have been so much worse. Have it all to do against the French.

11. Turkey (11)

If the rain hadn't stopped, the Turks would not have been this high but after trailing in the quagmire, an injury time winner sees them face a decisive clash with the Czechs. If it's a draw, we go to penalties.

12. Russia (12)

Yikes. How did England lose to this lot? Guus Hiddink has a job on his hands if he wants to maintain his brilliant tournament record. He can start by dropping the hapless Denis Kolodin.

13. Greece (13)

Just a horrible performance from the defending champions. They might not have been as useless as Russia or as porous as Poland, but how can you forgive such negative football?

14. Austria (14)

Ivica Vastic's late equaliser against Poland prolonged the co-hosts' involvement in the tournament for another round of games, although victory over Germany is now needed to seal a spot in the quarter-finals. On their way out.

15. Poland (15)

A late penalty awarded by Howard Webb led to two dropped points against Austria and now means the Poles will have to beat Croatia and hope Germany slip up against the co-hosts if they are to stand a chance of going through.

16. Switzerland (16)

The co-hosts became the first side to be eliminated after Patrick Mueller deflected in Turkey's stoppage-time winner. Don't worry, Federer will still win Wimbledon and Austria will be out soon.

anyone wanna bet hollands gna win this? if im wrong ill make my signature that persons name is the most amazing person on saphiraforums for a month and if im right then they have to do the same to me.

i think the final will be between spain and holland or portugal and holland

I bet The Netherlands, but who knows they could be the Euro's Arsenal this year.
By the way Italy just beat France 2-0.

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Netherlands (1)

Two games into the tournament and both the world champions and their World Cup final opponents have been vanquished in style by Marco van Basten's cavalier side. Seven goals scored and just one conceded so far - is there a better team in Austria and Switzerland? Electrifying.

2. Spain (2)

Another false dawn? A stuttering performance in their second game has once again cast doubts over Spain's ability to perform at major tournaments. At least they have David Villa, whose injury time winner against Sweden was his fourth of Euro 2008 so far.

3. Portugal (3)

It would be unwise to draw too many conclusions from their 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, for which Luis Felipe Scolari made eight changes. But they have lost vital momentum ahead of the quarter-final against Germany.

4. Croatia (4)

Croatia's performance and victory against Poland showed the depth of coach Slaven Bilic's squad. With a 100% record, they will be strong favourites for Friday's quarter-final clash with Turkey in Vienna.

5. Germany (5)

Joachim Loew has essentially the same team as Jürgen Klinsmann but the Germans are nowhere near as dynamic as two years ago. Surely Mario Gomez won't start when they face Portugal in Basel on Thursday.

6. Turkey (6)

True, they had some luck, and they will have to replace the suspended Volkan against Croatia in the last eight. But for now they can bask in the afterglow of perhaps the most dramatic comeback in European Championship history.

7. Sweden (7)

You have to feel sorry for the Swedes, who acquitted themselves well against Spain, only to lose concentration - and a point - late on. At least Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was absent for the second half, will be fit for the decider against Russia.

8. Romania (8)

Undoubtedly more entertaining in their second game of the tournament, Romania very nearly reaped huge rewards for their endeavour against Italy. Adrian Mutu will have sleepless nights for weeks to come over that penalty miss if they fail to progress. Still all to play for.

9. Russia (9)

A vast improvement on their opening round performance, Guus Hiddink's side are now very much in with a shout of qualification after Konstantin Zyrianov's goal downed Greece in a surprisingly entertaining game.

10. France (10)

Things are starting to look bleak for Raymond Domenech after his side's heavy defeat to the Netherlands. One point from two games is not good enough for the World Cup finalists and it could be a quick aller-retour for Les Blues unless they can beat Italy in their final game.

11. Italy (11)

Another disappointing performance against Romania has done little to ease Italian fears of an early exit. And had Gigi Buffon not pulled off the save of the tournament to deny Adrian Mutu from the spot, it could have been so much worse. Have it all to do against the French.

12. Czech Republic (14)

Took part in the best game of Euro 2004, beating the Netherlands 3-2. Their 3-2 defeat to Turkey will take some beating this time around, but the Czechs are on their way home after a dramatic collapse in Geneva.

13. Switzerland (15)

Performed admirably in their 2-0 win over an admittedly weakened Portugal side, and finally had the luck that deserted them in their first two games. At least co-hosts Austria have followed them out.

14. Austria (12)

Plucky and they gave Germany a run for their money for 45 minutes. Although they weren't as bad as the pre-tournament petition suggested, no goals from open play is a telling story.

15. Poland (13)

A late penalty awarded by Howard Webb led to two dropped points against Austria and the defeat against Croatia completed a damp squib of a tournament for the Poles. Ebi Smolarek, Jacek Krzynowek and Mariusz Lewandowski didn't turn up.

16. Greece (16)

The reigning champions are out and few will be sorry to see them head home, even if they did manage to provide far more entertainment in their defeat to Russia than in their dour opener against Sweden.

Wow Russia made it through the group stage instead of Sweeden or Greece. The Netherlands will destroy them.

argetlam_samha portugal just lost to germany 3-2 i also think italy has a chance of winning but ill stick to my word im so happy for turkey they made it through i hope they beat croatia tonight (its 1:49 am now in dubai)

How did Russia make it? They got owned by Portugal!
I don't know, Germany is looking awfully good...Does Netherlands play them at all?

Russia will be incinterated by the Dutch today, too bad ESPN wont show it till 3 IN THE MORNING.

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Netherlands (1)

Even their reserves are brilliant. The Dutch succeeded where France and Italy both failed, beating a Romania side with much more to play for than them. It is just plain scary to see the likes of Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar in the second-string.

2. Germany (6)

After stumbling through the group stage they spluttered into life in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal, thereby providing a timely reminder that you write the Germans off at your peril.

3. Turkey (7)

They may have led matches for only nine minutes of the competition, but Turkey have reached the semi-finals through a combination of grit, spirit and a laudable refusal to admit defeat. Suspensions to key players could cost them against Germany though.

4. Spain (3)

Completed the group stage with a third consecutive win and reinforced what we already know - they have tonnes of depth in midfield but they had better hope their first-choice defenders stay fit.

5. Italy (4)

Brushed France aside without ever excelling, but Roberto Donadoni's men have survived their near-death experience and are starting to believe in themselves. Ominous stuff if you're Spanish, although Pirlo and Gattuso both picked up suspensions.

6. Russia (7)

Suddenly, Guus Hiddink's men look like they could give the mighty Dutch a game. Still frail at the back, but such is the intensity of their high-tempo play it might not matter. Plus, that Andrei Arshavin's a player.

7. Croatia (5)

Slaven Bilic's men won over neutrals everywhere with their incisive passing style, but having been a minute away from the last four they lost their nerve completely when their quarter-final with Turkey went to penalties. England fans will surely sympathise.

8. Portugal (3)

Terrible defensive errors cost them dearly against a far from vintage Germany side, while the anonymous performance of Cristiano Ronaldo suggested that he might just have to wait for that Ballon d'Or.

9. Czech Republic (10)

Took part in the best game of Euro 2004, beating the Netherlands 3-2. Their 3-2 defeat to Turkey will take some beating this time around, but the Czechs are on their way home after a dramatic collapse in Geneva.

10. Romania (11)

Sorry to say it, but Romania blew it when they had the Group of Death at their mercy. Adrian Mutu's penalty miss against Italy turned out to prove decisive as they failed to cut it against a Dutch reserve side.

11. Switzerland (12)

Performed admirably in their 2-0 win over an admittedly weakened Portugal side, and finally had the luck that deserted them in their first two games. At least co-hosts Austria have followed them out.

12. Sweden (8)

Ancient, plodding and completely outplayed. The Swedes were never at the races against Russia and were deservedly sent packing. The oldest squad at Euro 2008 looked devoid of ideas with Zlatan Ibrahimovic below full fitness.

13. Greece (15)

Ensured they at least found the net before heading home, but three straight defeats add up to a dismal title defence by anyone's standards. Otto Rehhagel may now choose to bow out with his head held high.

14. Austria (13)

Plucky, and they gave Germany a run for their money for 45 minutes. Although they weren't as bad as the pre-tournament petition suggested, no goals from open play is a telling story.

15. Poland (14)

A late penalty awarded by Howard Webb led to two dropped points against Austria and the defeat against Croatia completed a damp squib of a tournament for the Poles. Ebi Smolarek, Jacek Krzynowek and Mariusz Lewandowski didn't turn up.

16. France (16)

No team has played worse at Euro 2008 than Les Bleus, who were dull against Romania, overwhelmed by the Dutch and completely self-destructed in their biggest match since the 2006 World Cup final. Madame Guillotine is already hurtling towards Raymond Domenech's head.

Holland is out!!! who are the people i had a bet with so i can put there names in my sig?? MAN IM SOO HAPPY HOLLANDS OUT!! no offense to steffan or anyone dutch

the score was 3-1 to russia in overtime

Do you mean Netherlands? Because I am pretty sure Belgium is a different country, I always mix them up...

How did Russia get so good?
And who is left?

ya netherlands

How did this happen?! How could Russia beat a team Like The Netherlands? Russia in the semis?

italy lost 4-2 in penalties to spain.. SCREW YOU DAVID VILLA!! i still love buffon and pirlo!!
redshurtugal08 i did it

Yeah, I saw that. Most of the game, but I missed some. Spain did play better than Italy, throughout the whole game. That was disappointing. Oh well, I kinda like Spain too.

The only Chelsea player left is Ballack Well then, go Germany!

The semifinals look to be rather unexciting. however, a Spain Vs. Germany final would be nice.

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Germany (1)

After stumbling through the group stage they spluttered into life in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal, thereby providing a timely reminder that you write the Germans off at your peril.

2. Russia (2)

Guus Hiddink isn't bad at this management lark. After a hapless opening defeat against Spain, Russia have improved with every game and genuinely outplayed the Netherlands. The brilliant Andrei Ashavin's return from suspension has kicked the Russians into overdrive.

3. Spain (4)

Beating Italy is a major coup for Luis Aragones's side, but they again failed to entirely convince during 120 minutes of a dire quarter-final. Perhaps with the penalty shootout monkey now firmly off their back, they can relax and begin to play the kind of football that destroyed their semi-final opponents in the opening group game.

4. Turkey (3)

They may have led matches for only nine minutes of the competition, but Turkey have reached the semi-finals through a combination of grit, spirit and a laudable refusal to admit defeat. Suspensions to key players could cost them against Germany though.

5. Netherlands (6)

Good lord, how did we not see this one coming? Marco van Basten's men went from majestic to mediocre as Russia ran them ragged. 150,000 Orange-clad fans in Basel saw yet another major championship end in heartache, although at least they didn't lose on penalties this time.

6. Croatia (7)

Slaven Bilic's men won over neutrals everywhere with their incisive passing style, but having been a minute away from the last four they lost their nerve completely when their quarter-final with Turkey went to penalties. England fans will surely sympathise.

7. Portugal (8)

Terrible defensive errors cost them dearly against a far from vintage Germany side, while the anonymous performance of Cristiano Ronaldo suggested that he might just have to wait for that Ballon d'Or.

8. Italy (5)

Did what they do best for 120 minutes against Spain before allowing a team with an awful record at penalty shootouts to beat them. A run to the quarter-finals is hardly a disgraceful performance (unlike that of, say, France) but the style of football employed by Roberto Donadoni has won the Azzurri few friends.

9. Czech Republic (9)

Took part in the best game of Euro 2004, beating the Netherlands 3-2. Their 3-2 defeat to Turkey will take some beating this time around, but the Czechs are on their way home after a dramatic collapse in Geneva.

10. Romania (10)

Sorry to say it, but Romania blew it when they had the Group of Death at their mercy. Adrian Mutu's penalty miss against Italy turned out to prove decisive as they failed to cut it against a Dutch reserve side.

11. Switzerland (11)

Performed admirably in their 2-0 win over an admittedly weakened Portugal side, and finally had the luck that deserted them in their first two games. At least co-hosts Austria have followed them out.

12. Sweden (12)

Ancient, plodding and completely outplayed. The Swedes were never at the races against Russia and were deservedly sent packing. The oldest squad at Euro 2008 looked devoid of ideas with Zlatan Ibrahimovic below full fitness.

13. Greece (13)

Ensured they at least found the net before heading home, but three straight defeats add up to a dismal title defence by anyone's standards. Otto Rehhagel may now choose to bow out with his head held high.

14. Austria (14)

Plucky, and they gave Germany a run for their money for 45 minutes. Although they weren't as bad as the pre-tournament petition suggested, no goals from open play is a telling story.

15. Poland (15)

A late penalty awarded by Howard Webb led to two dropped points against Austria and the defeat against Croatia completed a damp squib of a tournament for the Poles. Ebi Smolarek, Jacek Krzynowek and Mariusz Lewandowski didn't turn up.

16. France (16)

No team played worse at Euro 2008 than Les Bleus, who were dull against Romania, overwhelmed by the Dutch and completely self-destructed in their biggest match since the 2006 World Cup final. Madame Guillotine is already hurtling towards Raymond Domenech's head.

not me, Germany has been amazing. They beat Portugal and the Netherlands. I think I got that right....Well whoever beat the Dutch are going to win

What happened to Russia?

Both teams are very good it's hard to predict who will win. Spain has a great goalie, amazing strikers and decent defenders. Germany has great midfield and defenders with decent strikers. The player to watch for Germany will be Ballack and Torres and Casillas for spain. Spain for some reason wont be playing Villa but I'd still have to go with Spain but it will be a close.

Also Fabregas might help spain, he go all 3 of the assists in the semi and is playing great. Klose had a good year in the German legue so he could score. Also there is a chance that Lehmann could slip up just like he did at Arsenal.

I just found that out too; well better Spain than Russia. Figures, I had a 50-50 shot....

Found this too:

In totally unrelated-to-Euro-2008-news, but included here because it is hilarious, Costa Rica sacked their coach, Hernan Medford on Friday. Medford was quoted as saying: "At last I am free."

ok i was supporting spain just because i dont like germany at all
SO THANK GOD SPAIN WON