Fireworks tonight

After an unusually ordinary couple of matches in the Euros last night - two predictable enough 1-0 wins for Germany and Coatia - this evening's games promise goals and yet more drama.

The Dutch take on second placed Romania in Group C and will be expected to let their hair down and break the 10 goal barrier in only their third game. Romania, after two redoubtable draws against the French and Italians will probably be looking to capitalise against a weakened (if that's possible with the Dutch squad) second string or else they will pack their defence and try and to keep the goal difference to two or less. If they can do that then they know they will qualify ahead of the World Champions and Runners-up if they draw the other game this evening.

Yes, it's a re-run of the last World Cup final and both the Italians and the French know that they need to win to avoid finishing bottom of their group and to be in with a realistic chance of making the quarters. If the game is played in the attacking spirit of the championship so far, we could be in for a thriller. The ageing French showed signs aginst the Dutch of being capable of a swansong, whilst the Italians have shown plenty of threat in both of their matches without getting the goals that their play has deserved. There is always the chance both teams will defend deep and it could become a cagey affair but I think they are just as likely to throw caution to the wind and go for it.