Two more cracking matches as Euros sizzle

If you have given the Euros a miss because of lack of home nation representation, I would recommend that you tune-in soon. The competition has beeen very good to watch so far and the final stages are promising some top class football and we may be watching one or two sides that will go down in history with the greats.

Last night's two games from the Group of Death were compelling spectacles. The Italians were ultimately frustrated by a very competitive Romanian side who defended brilliantly. They sat deep and battled for every ball as they kept Luca Toni and Alessabdro Del Pierro at bay and yet still had the personnel to hit back on the break. Italy missed the proverbial hatful of first half chances and were then caught cold in the second half by a Romanian break and bad-boy Adrian Mutu crashed home the opener. Italy were stung by this and were level within a minute from Christian Pannucci but, try as they might, they couldn't force a winner and had to thank Buffon for a penalty save from Mutu who promptly burst into tears.

The later game was a another intriguing affair as ageing France took on the vibrant Dutch. Holland started brightly and it was no surprise when Dirk Kuyt headed home from a close range from a corner. France responded in the first half but looked a bit short up front with Thierry Henry looking his age. The second half saw the Dutch go two-up as substitute Robin Van Persie forced the ball past Coupet. That looked like that but the French again raised their game and Thierry Henry scored a typical goal for him as he added the deftest of touches to a cross which made all the difference between one side of the far post and the other. France continued to push and Ribery, in particular, tried every he could to get the equaliser. The French matched the Dutch for a good spell here before another substitue turned the contest decisively for the Dutch; Arjen Robben lit the match-up from his first touch and it was no surprise when he effectively ended the game with a fierce high drive from an almost impossible angle having been closed down by the French. As against the Italians, this was the cue for Holland to swagger through the remainder of the match and score yet another as Ooijer curled home a beauty from distance in the 92nd minute.

Holland are looking like world-beaters at the moment having hit 7 goals against the World Cup winners and finalists from two years ago. However, they will need to learn the lessons from history as emerging from the first round as hot favourites is often the step before elimination in the quarters or semis. If they can continue their sparkling attacking displays in those two games, then they can win this tournament and possibly go down in history as one of the great sides.

Today's games might not be the best as Spain and Sweden can both qualify for the final stages by playing out a draw. Greece and Russia face each other and the best they can expect to do is win and catch the Swedes on goal difference.

Tomorrow evening, Portugal and the Czech Republic get their chances to qualify for the last eight and show how good they are. The Portugese are following close behind the Dutch as early contenders and will be keen to put on a convincing display against their Swiss hosts who have been unfortunate to lose their fisrt two games by the odd goal. the Turks can also qualify if they beat the Czech Republic, so that one promises to be a cracker.