Group A

Group A didn't have much to see and predict. The expectations were that Portugal and Czech would go through.

Surprisingly, Czech Republic failed to make it yet again. That is a series of poor displays. Recalling the 2006 World Cup failure with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ghana, it wasn't the first time that Czech Rep. had failed to make it through to the Quarter Finals. In spite of having a strong line-up and positioned well in the football world. But, this year was different; they started good with a win over Switzerland. Portugal sunk them 3-1 but that was much expected. They were all set to qualify after taking a 2-1 lead against Turkey in the last match. Nihat Kahveci tore the Czech's apart with 2 goals in a span of 3 minutes just minutes before full time to deliver the Czechs a complete turnaround. Petr Cech, one of the best in the business was completely broken after a blunder that let in the equaliser from Nihat. There was still more action to follow as the Turkish keeper was sent off for shoving Koller. Anyways, it was too late. That was the end of the Czech.

Portugal were always certain, best in the group, one of the title contenders and had the sensational RONALDO. They were also the first team to book a place in the quarter-finals, (After all, they were in the first group :) and had played more matches than all other teams).

Switzerland being the host team didn't do much except the saving grace that was a win against a second string Portugal. Hakan Yakin was their performer for the day with two goals in 7 minutes to sign off with a victory.

Turkey is the team to watch-out. With scintillating displays against the Czechs and later the Croatians as well, they have emerged as the surprise package of the tournament just like Greece at the 2004 championship. Hats off to their never-say-die attitude against both the teams and the way they held their nerves to take away the penalty shoot-out. The Croats had taken the lead with a thumping header from Klasnic with a minute to spare in the over-time period. That was it, they thought but fell prey just like Czech. Their super-sub, Semih Senturk had surely saved them right in the last minute. The Croatians were demoralized and under a lot of pressure and that was obvious. The penalties and they just couldn't seem to find the target. Rustu took the Turks into the semis and for the first time in the history. Watch out for Turkey as they get ready for the semi-final against Germany on 25th. Its NOW or NEVER. Basel awaits its last match for the tournament.