" I don't want to use big words but it is almost a miracle " - Guus Hiddink on Russia's win
2.45 am (Malaysian time), four nights in a row! And 4 'big' names were knocked-out from the championship- Portugal, Croatia, Netherlands, Italy , of which three of them were leaders of their respective groups. As i had said earlier, the journey to the finals will always be unpredictable and full of surprises. Without a doubt, it has been.
In the first quarter finals, Germany beat Portugal, top Group A with 6 points, 3-2. It was an interesting match to watch; the Germans have the edge though. In the second quarter finals, Croatia, top Group B with perfect 9 points, were defeated by famously known for their comeback, Turkey. The Turkish were so close to being knocked-out when at the last minute, they scored an equalizer- before the extra time ended, leading into penalty shootout. Croatia lost on penalties, 3-1 , thus, Turkey cruises into the semi finals! The Russians ended the Netherlands, top Group C with perfect 9 too, 'killing' spree. The Russians were constantly attacking their way to score. The Russians led, but later the Dutch scored an equalizer, forcing extra time into play. The remarkable Russians scored two goals before the match finished, sending the Dutch back home. And for the final quarter finals, Spain, top Group D with perfect 9, struggled to score a goal against the Italians even after extra time, leading them into penalty shootout too. Fortunately (since i'm supporting Spain), the Spanish won the penalty with 4 to 2 for the world champion, Italy. I was cheering from inside, hoping for Spain to win and break the pattern- leader of the Groups to be knocked-out.
Semi finals 1 : Germany versus Turkey. I suppose the Germans are also wary of the style the Turkish have been playing. Incredible comebacks for the Turkish.
Semi finals 2 : Russia against Spain. They met in the Group stage with Spain crushing them 4-1. Will history repeat itself? Or the Russians to change them?
So who will take the title now- chances to spot the right one is 1/4? wc08, will stumble upon this question when asked to predict, but finger-crossed, the Spain to reach the finals!
In the first quarter finals, Germany beat Portugal, top Group A with 6 points, 3-2. It was an interesting match to watch; the Germans have the edge though. In the second quarter finals, Croatia, top Group B with perfect 9 points, were defeated by famously known for their comeback, Turkey. The Turkish were so close to being knocked-out when at the last minute, they scored an equalizer- before the extra time ended, leading into penalty shootout. Croatia lost on penalties, 3-1 , thus, Turkey cruises into the semi finals! The Russians ended the Netherlands, top Group C with perfect 9 too, 'killing' spree. The Russians were constantly attacking their way to score. The Russians led, but later the Dutch scored an equalizer, forcing extra time into play. The remarkable Russians scored two goals before the match finished, sending the Dutch back home. And for the final quarter finals, Spain, top Group D with perfect 9, struggled to score a goal against the Italians even after extra time, leading them into penalty shootout too. Fortunately (since i'm supporting Spain), the Spanish won the penalty with 4 to 2 for the world champion, Italy. I was cheering from inside, hoping for Spain to win and break the pattern- leader of the Groups to be knocked-out.
Semi finals 1 : Germany versus Turkey. I suppose the Germans are also wary of the style the Turkish have been playing. Incredible comebacks for the Turkish.
Semi finals 2 : Russia against Spain. They met in the Group stage with Spain crushing them 4-1. Will history repeat itself? Or the Russians to change them?
So who will take the title now- chances to spot the right one is 1/4? wc08, will stumble upon this question when asked to predict, but finger-crossed, the Spain to reach the finals!
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