Euro 2004

Episode VI: A New Hope

Semi-finals for Euro 2004 will be played tomorrow and the day after, with the Final scheduled for July 4th. Deutschland hat verlosen, not making it out of their group. England lost in Penalty kicks at end of time against Hosts Portugal, a heartbreaker. The Netherlands won after Penalty kicks against powerhouse Sweden. Greece defeated France, and The Czech Republic rolled over Denmark three-nil. The Semi-final fixtures are as such: June 30: Portugal v. The Netherlands. July 1: Greece v. The Czech Republic.

Germany underachieved, England fell to the tournament hosts, and former World Cup Champions France fell to a nation that eats grape leaves. There is another hope: Oranje. Holland plays the most beautiful football in Europe, and has made it to the Semis. They may play the tournament hosts, but I think their style of football will prevail. My prediction: Oranje v. Czech Republic in the final. I will spend July 4th in my country not celebrating our independence from England, but watching the beautiful game. I'm stocking up on throat lozenges, Camille tea, and lemon wedges, as I will not have a voice until Thursday at the earliest.