Just in case you blinked and missed them over the past fortnight, here is the low-down on how each group in Portugal finished.
Group A: Greece upset the applecart here by beating Portugal 2-1 in the first game. This kept the group in the balance right to the end, with Spain beating Russia and drawing with the Greeks, setting up a do-or-die encounter with the hosts on final game day. Portugal won 1-0, sending the Spaniards back over the border with hopes dashed once again. Russia went home with some pride with a 2-1 win over Greece, who surprised everyone with their determined, counter-attacking style.
Qualifiers: PORTUGAL and GREECE
Going home: Spain and Russia
Biggest shock: Greece 2-1 Portugal
Star man: Christian Ronaldo (Portugal) step-overs, crap hair, but also the saviour of Portugal.
Waste of space: Raul (Spain) over-rated and back over there.
Goals: 12 Average: 2.00 per game (Dull)
Group B: England nearly started the tournament with a massive shock, before Zidane popped up with two late goals to give the French a 2-1 win. These two were by far the best teams in the group, with England tanking the Swiss (3-0) and Croatia (4-2), with Wayne Pele my arse Rooney setting the tournament alight. France laboured through in comparison, drawing 2-2 with the Croats and beating the Swiss 3-1, Henry finally waking up. Croatia were impressive in transition and Switzerland had Hakan Yakin and thats about it.
Qualifiers: FRANCE and ENGLAND
Going home: Croatia and Switzerland
Biggest shock: England 4-2 Croatia
Star man: Wayne Rooney (England) 4 goals and a huge reputation building.
Waste of space: The French defence no goals conceded in qualifying, 4 here. I see space.
Goals: 20 Average: 3.33 per game (Exciting)
Group C: The Scandinavian teams came through here, surprising the pundits by knocking out Italy. Although they both recorded draws against the sub-standard Italians, both won handsomely over Bulgaria (Denmark 2-0 and Sweden 5-0), with Ibrahimovic and Larsson proving inspirational in attack for the Swedes. The goals of Tomasson saw Denmark through while Italy and the spitting s*** Totti were short of finishes. Bulgaria was handy whipping boys.
Qualifiers: SWEDEN and DENMARK
Going home: Italy and Bulgaria
Biggest shock: Italys lack of goals.
Star man: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) silky skills and a great goal v Italy.
Waste of space: Totti (Italy) disappointing temperament cost his team dearly.
Goals: 16 Average: 2.67 per game (Nail-biting)
Group D: An interesting group with the Czech Republic running away with it. Although they looked like they would let the odd goal in (they did), the Czechs always had talent in abundance when going forward. The Netherlands couldnt find a settled XI, but settled on Van Nistelrooy to lead the line, and he saw them through to the last 8. Germany will cry bad luck, but they simply didnt have the quality. Latvia gave their all.
Qualifiers: CZECH REPUBLIC and NETHERLANDS
Going home: Germany and Latvia
Biggest shock: Germany 0-0 Latvia
Star man: Pavel Nedved (Czech Republic) a midfield wizard who is enjoying a purple patch.
Waste of space: Germany They werent good enough.
Goals: 16 Average: 2.67 per game (OK)
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