DE BOER POISED FOR DUTCH START

Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat has hinted that he will keep faith with captain Frank de Boer for the UEFA EURO 2004™ quarter-final against Sweden on Saturday night. De Boer played his first game of the tournament against Latvia earlier this week in place of the injured Wilfred Bouma. "Bouma is fit and has trained, but there is not much reason to change the team," said Advocaat.

Impressive performance
The coach was impressed by De Boer's performance in the 3-0 Group D win against Latvia. "Frank had a fast striker playing against him, so I see no problem. He did very well. I have no doubts about his defensive qualities, and he is a slightly better passer of the ball [than Bouma]."

Larsson threat
Former Rangers FC defender De Boer is ready to start and has the advantage of having played against Sweden's ex-Celtic FC striker Henrik Larsson in Glasgow derbies. "I played against him a couple of times," De Boer said of Larsson, who with three goals is the competition's joint second-top scorer. "We lost both games 1-0 and he scored once from a scrambled effort. I know he can score from every angle, so I will have to concentrate for the whole game."

Sweden warning
De Boer warned his team-mates not to underestimate Group C winners Sweden. "From their first game against Bulgaria, they have played very well. They are a solid side with very good strikers." Striker Roy Makaay added: "They sent Italy home after the group stage, and that says a lot. You cannot say we are the absolute favourites for the match."

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MATCH 27 PREDICTION : SWEDEN VS NETHERLANDS

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MATCH 27 PREVIEW : STRIKERS TO SHINE ON ALGARVE

Attacking promise
Both sides have already given notice of their abundant attacking promise in Portugal, and no one can call the result with confidence. In any event, it would be something of a surprise if we were to see a contest with a paucity of goals. Sweden come to the quarter-finals having been one of the most effective all-round teams in the group stages.

Marvellous goal
They began in coruscating form with a five-goal salvo against Bulgaria. A marvellous Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike gave them a draw against Italy, and a last-gasp leveller in their least impressive performance to date against neighbours Denmark helped them into the last eight as Group C winners.

Helping hand
The Netherlands required the assistance of group rivals to make it this far, the Czech Republic's win against Germany giving the 'Oranje' a vital helping hand at the same time that the Dutch were convincingly seeing off Latvia. After an opening draw against Germany, the Dutch let slip a two-goal lead to lose a five-goal classic against the Czechs.

Netherlands (probable): Van der Sar; Reiziger, De Boer, Stam, Van Bronckhorst; Seedorf, Davids, Cocu; Van der Meyde, Robben; Van Nistelrooij.

Sweden (possible): Isaksson; Nilsson, Jakobsson, Mellberg, Lucic; Jonson, Svensson, Linderoth, Ljungberg; Ibrahimovic, Larsson.

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MATCH 26 REVIEW : HOLDERS HUMBLED BY GIANT GREEKS

The giants continued to fall by the wayside tonight, the defending champions France going the way of fellow former winners Italy, Germany and Spain, not to mention England, as Greece pulled off the greatest result in their history.

Greek glee
Along with everyone else at the Estádio José Alvalade, the 5,000-strong contingent of Greek fans, many of whom had travelled out just for this match more in hope than expectation, could barely believe what they had witnessed when referee Anders Frisk blew the final whistle.

Discipline and organisation
As it was when they defeated Portugal in the opening match of the tournament, it was a triumph of discipline and organisation, the architect Otto Rehhagel, Greece's German coach who is fast assuming deific proportions in his adopted homeland. The party in Athens and every other Greek city might last almost until the Olympic Games begin there later in the summer.

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MATCH 26 RESULT : FRANCE 0 GREECE 1

65' Charisteas

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MATCH 26 REPORT : SLICK GREECE SHOCK HOLDERS

Favourites fall
A goal after 65 minutes by Angelos Charisteas sent the defending champions crashing out of the competition along with fellow former winners Italy, Germany and Spain. France, with Thierry Henry struggling to reproduce his best form and Patrick Vieira out injured, were heavily reliant on the skills of Zinedine Zidane, but for once the great man was unable to inspire his team-mates sufficiently.

Three new faces
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel made three changes to the side beaten by Russia in their final group match, striker Demis Nikolaidis making his first start of the tournament, midfield player Georgios Karagounis returning from suspension and Panagiotis Fyssas preferred to Stylianos Venetidis at left-back. For France injuries to Vieira and Willy Sagnol gave Olivier Dacourt and William Gallas starting places.

Greece chances
Nikolaidis, Greece's leading goalscorer, was involved straight away, chasing down a flick-on from strike partner Charisteas but Lilian Thuram was across to cover for France. Fyssas then crossed dangerously for Charisteas but the SV Werder Bremen man could not quite get his head to the ball.

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TIPSTER'S QUARTER-FINALS

Limit potential fallout
As usual, you will want to select players from teams who are going to get a result. To do this, your first move should be to decide which four teams will progress to the semi-finals. Each team has now played against three different opponents, which should help you make up your mind. One thing to remember, however, is that it is wise to diversify your assets. That will avoid scoring poorly if there is an unexpected result.

Identify key players
The first quarter-final to consider is between Portugal and England. The hosts have improved dramatically since the opening game of the tournament against Greece, and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will be hoping that his team can continue to build on successes against Russia and Spain when they play the English on Thursday night. Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Maniche and Cristiano Ronaldo have all impressed the Tipster. Jorge Andrade and Luís Figo have also been influential, making it onto the game’s Dream Team.

Use the game statistics
Despite losing to the French, England have impressed and will be hoping that Wayne Rooney can score again. Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard have also performed well and are England’s two other representatives on the game’s current Dream Team. They are so influential that they are likely to score points whether England win or lose.

Look to France for value
The second quarter-final sees European champions France take on Greece in what is probably a more unequally balanced match, making French players specially attractive. Zinedine Zidane is an obvious choice for your team, but you should also consider Thierry Henry, Fabien Barthez, David Trezeguet and Robert Pires. If you think Greece could cause one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, their top points scorers are: Angelos Charisteas, Zisis Vryzas (who is suspended for the quarter-final) and Angelos Basinas.

Pick Larsson
On Saturday, the Swedes play against the runners-up in Group D, the Netherlands. The Swedes’ ability to score goals has been impressive since the beginning of the tournament, and Tipster will continue to count on Henrik Larsson’s skill in front of goal. The Dutch, on the other hand, will rely on Ruud van Nistelrooij, ranked second in the game’s statistics behind Rooney. Other Dutch players to watch out for include: Arjen Robben, Andy Van der Meyde, Phillip Cocu amd Edwin Van der Sar.

Complete team with Czech players
Finally, the Czechs have demonstrated that they will be a difficult team to beat. They have come through what was arguably the most difficult group winning their three matches and beating Germany resting the likes of Pavel Nedved. Tipster is impressed and recommends that you fill any gaps in your team with Czech players, even if the Danes will provide coach Karel Brückner’s team with a challenging game on Sunday.

TIPSTER PREDICTS FINAL RESULTS

Playing at home
The first games to consider are the quarter-finals. The star of the four matches is probably the meeting between Portugal and England at the Luz stadium in Lisbon. Both teams have improved on their initial performances, and have shown they possess the players and skill to win the tournament. Tipster believes that home support could play an important role but that if England qualify for the semi-finals they could win the tournament.

European champions to prevail
Tipster's feelings about the second quarter-final are that France will beat the Greeks. After a win against Portugal in the opening match of the tournament, Greek results have not been as strong. Coach Otto Rehhagel’s team got a draw against Spain and lost their third match against Russia by two goals to one. The French, on the other hand, are undefeated and played well against England. If the Greeks beat the French it will be one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Sweden on target
On Saturday, Sweden play against the Netherlands. Only England have scored as many goals as Sweden so far and Henrik Larsson's current form will keep Swedish fans hoping for more. Tipster is inclined to believe that Sweden could get round their Dutch opponents.

Czechs hoping to confirm
The last quarter-final sees Group D winners the Czech Republic take on Denmark. After finishing top of arguably the most difficult group, on nine points, coach Karel Brückner’s team will be looking to confirm against a strong Danish team. The fact that they were able to beat Germany and rest a number of key players encourages Tipster to believe that they will progress to the semi-finals.

MATCH 26 PREDICTION : FRANCE VS GREECE

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MATCH 26 PREVIEW : GREEKS PLANTING SEEDS OF DOUBT

'Extraordinary skills'
"We will go in enjoying ourselves, happy to be playing the best, but we will play so that all of Greece can say that we fought like heroes," Rehhagel said on the eve of the game. "The French are amazing players, with extraordinary skills and for us it will definitely be a challenge."

Unbeaten run
As if the task of facing Zinedine Zidane and company were not daunting enough for Greece, the holders go into the game on the back of a 16-match unbeaten run in competitive football; yet the feeling persists that they have not yet hit top gear, and their coach Jacques Santini knows that important questions have still to be answered.

Sagnol sidelined
One of those – a lack of goals for Thierry Henry – was answered in the affirmative in their last group game against Switzerland, but injury in that match to defender Willy Sagnol disrupted any plans the French coach might have had of naming an unchanged team for tomorrow night.

Vieira struggling
Better news for Santini is that William Gallas, also injured against Switzerland, seems to have recovered, although the big worry for France now is Patrick Vieira, who is struggling with a leg muscle injury. Olivier Dacourt, who could face his AS Roma team-mate Traianos Dellas, stands by to replace Vieira.


Greece (possible): Nikopolidis; Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas/Venetidis; Katsouranis; Karagounis/Lakis, Zagorakis, Tsiartas; Charisteas, Nikolaidis/Papadopoulos.

France (probable): Barthez; Gallas, Thuram, Silvestre, Lizarazu; Makalele, Dacourt/Vieira, Pires; Zidane; Henry, Trezeguet.

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MATCH 25 REVIEW : SCOLARI SENSES STIMULUS

The Portuguese party continues after Ricardo's remarkable sudden-death penalty conversion propelled the hosts into the final four of UEFA EURO 2004™ in one of the most dramatic denouements in the competition's history.

Hugely enjoyable
The players at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon could barely find words to describe the exhilarating encounter as Portugal defeated England on penalties after the sides had shared four goals in 120 hugely enjoyable minutes of football.

Rollercoaster ride
While the match was a thrilling rollercoaster ride for the fans in the stadium and the worldwide television audience, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari gave an insight into the effect on the non-playing protagonists in his post-match reaction. He said: "I have suffered a lot and certainly will need to have my heart checked.

'Always better'
"The emotions were too strong in this game and I want to give my sincere thanks to all the Portuguese for the way they have been supporting the players and the national team. I also want to thank my players, who were unbeatable throughout the match. We deserved the victory entirely because I believe my squad were always the better team on the pitch."

'Important triumph'
Scolari, who ended England hopes as Brazil coach at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, was also looking ahead. "Now we are going to celebrate this important triumph and then we will immediately begin preparing for the next match," he said. "I honestly hope that this conquest motivates our players for the remainder of the [UEFA] European Championship. We are going to work hard this week, although it is very important to let the players recover."

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MATCH 25 RESULT : PORTUGAL 2 ENGLAND 2

Portugal (6 - 5) wins on penalties
83' Postiga - 20' Ex. Rui Costa 3' Owen - 25' Ex. Lampard

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MATCH 25 REPORT : HOSTS HOLD THEIR NERVE

Rooney replaced
The tempo finally relented after 27 minutes but only to allow Darius Vassell to replace Rooney, who appeared to have sustained an ankle injury when he lost his boot moments earlier.

Portugal threaten
Portugal picked up where they had left off upon the restart, and in an effort to stem the continued pressure Sven-Göran Eriksson introduced Phil Neville for Paul Scholes but Portugal were almost level within moments as Deco's left-wing cross was headed back across goal by Costinha and Ronaldo outjumped Campbell only to head over.

Attacking alteration
That prompted Luiz Felipe Scolari to replace Costinha with winger Simão and the SL Benfica player fizzed a shot narrowly wide almost immediately. Portugal continued to attack but England, often with as many as eight players behind the ball, were defending valiantly.

Figo substituted
And just as England were daring to counterattack, Portugal almost levelled as Figo's rasping drive was deflected goalwards but James got down to turn the ball around the post. That was the Portuguese captain's final act as he was immediately replaced by Postiga and trudged off disconsolately.

Late equaliser
That was not quite the end for the 'golden generation' as Rui Costa came in for Miguel with 13 minutes remaining but it seemed time was running out. But with seven minutes left Simão seized on Lampard's wayward pass and crossed superbly for Postiga, who headed in unmarked. England almost claimed a sensational late winner but Campbell's header was ruled out after a foul on Ricardo by John Terry and that pulsating period of extra time beckoned.

Extra-time drama
The prevailing pattern continued as Portugal pressed but England's last-ditch defending was impressive with brave blocks denying Deco and Maniche before Rui Costa struck and Lampard levelled to force penalties.

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MATCH 25 PREDICTION : PORTUGAL VS ENGLAND

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MATCH 25 PREVIEW : HOSTS' BIGGEST TEST YET

Bright stars
The match comes four years after Portugal's dramatic 3-2 win against England at UEFA EURO 2000™, and just two years after Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari ended the English 2002 FIFA World Cup bid during his time in charge of Brazil. The meeting of Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament's brightest young stars so far, adds further spice to the mix.

England improvement
Scolari this week insisted that this England side are superior to the team beaten 2-1 by Brazil in Shizuoka. "I think the England team have evolved, they're much better than at the World Cup," he said. "Sven-Göran Eriksson has done a great job. England are no longer a team that depend on high balls into the penalty area, although they still use that sometimes. Now they keep the ball on the ground and move it around."

Portugal changes
Scolari's decision to reshape the Portugal lineup after their opening defeat by Greece, particularly the demotion of Rui Costa and Fernando Couto, has been vindicated. Equally, his substitution of Pauleta for Nuno Gomes in the Spain victory also paid off. The SL Benfica man will start up front in place of the suspended Pauleta in an otherwise unchanged team.

Portugal (probable): Ricardo; Miguel, Jorge Andrade, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente; Luís Figo, Costinha, Deco, Maniche, Ronaldo; Nuno Gomes.

England (probable): James; G Neville, Terry, Campbell, A Cole; Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Scholes; Owen, Rooney.

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MATCH 24 REVIEW : VOLLER CONTEMPLATES RESIGNATION

Below-strength team
With the Netherlands beating Latvia 3-0 in the evening's other Group D game in Braga, only a victory would have been good enough for Germany to qualify for the quarter-finals. That seemed on the cards when Michael Ballack opened the scoring with a stunning volley in the 21st minute, but the Czech Republic, fielding a below-strength team, came back to seal victory with goals from Marek Heinz and Milan Baroš.

'Public debate'
A disappointed Völler said: "I have a contract until 2006, but I am realistic and I know that after such an elimination a public debate will inevitably follow. I have prepared for a possible resignation. I will meet the DFB president and the general secretary to analyse what happened, but all options are possible."

'Catching up'
Germany squandered a series of chances to re-take the lead in the second half before they were pegged back by Baroš's breakaway strike 13 minutes from time, and Völler said: "We had the great chance to win and to go through, but it didn't work because we were too profligate in front of goal. The team have given their best - they were excellent in qualifying and in the finals. We just had too much catching up to do in the last two years."

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MATCH 24 RESULT : GERMANY 1 CZECH REP. 2

21' Ballack 30' Heinz - 77' Baroš

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MATCH 24 REPORT : BAROS ENDS GERMAN HOPES

Double blow
Michael Ballack had opened the scoring on 21 minutes to steady the nerves of a German side needing victory to be sure of a place in the last eight, but Heinz equalised with a superb free-kick and when Baroš added a second after sustained second-half pressure from Germany, the hopes of Rudi Völler's side had ended.

Nine changes
Having already secured top spot in Group D, the Czech Republic rested several players with Sunday's quarter-final against Denmark in mind. In total there were nine changes from the team that beat the Netherlands, with Marek Heinz and Vratislav Lokvenc paired in attack, and midfield trio Stepán Vachoušek, Jaroslav Plašil and Roman Týce all handed the chance to shine.

Lone striker
Germany made just two changes, with Bastian Schweinsteiger coming in, while Jens Nowotny returned as a sweeper behind defenders Christian Wörns and Arne Friedrich. Despite needing to win to be sure of a place in the last eight, Germany started with Kevin Kuranyi as a lone striker.

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MATCH 23 REVIEW : PERFECT PERFORMANCE AT LAST

Passion and skill
Dick Advocaat's side had come in for much criticism after their collapse against the Czech Republic on Saturday, but here they brushed aside Latvia in a display of passion and no small amount of skill. The qualities of players like Arjen Robben and Ruud van Nistelrooij are there for all to see, but when the Dutch can add determination to their undoubted ability, it can be a potent brew.

Sweden next
From the outset the Netherlands went in search of victory hoping that a weakened Czech Republic could do them a favour by holding Germany to a draw in Lisbon. In fact, a makeshift Czech side went one better and produced a 2-1 victory, paving the way for a Netherlands versus Sweden encounter on Saturday in Faro-Loulé.

Focused on Braga
Advocaat said: "We were really focused on our game and not thinking about the other one. The important thing was to win our game and we concentrated for the entire game - we gave only one half-chance away in the first half and created enough chances ourselves to have won the match by more than 3-0. You saw the way everyone reacted after the win. This is more important than all the criticism. I was very happy with the reaction of the players on the pitch."

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MATCH 23 RESULT : NETHERLANDS 3 LATVIA 0

27'(pen), 35' Van Nistelrooij - 84' Makaay

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MATCH 23 REPORT : DUTCH STROLL THRU

De Boer in
As expected, Dutch coach Dick Advocaat made two changes from the side that lost 3-2 against the Czech Republic, bringing in Michael Reiziger at right-back to replace the suspended John Heitinga, while Frank De Boer made his first start of the tournament for the injured Wilfred Bouma, his 111th cap. Aleksandrs Starkovs kept faith with the same Latvia eleven who started the draw against Germany on Saturday.

Lively start
It was the first time these two countries had met and the Netherlands went on the offensive straight from the kick-off. Within a minute Van Nistelrooij headed a Giovanni van Bronckhorst throw-in into the path of Clarence Seedorf on the edge of the Latvian penalty box, but the shot was high. Maris Verpakovskis demonstrated his lightning pace at the other end, outstripping De Boer and Jaap Stam before firing a shot into the side-netting.

Kolinko saves
Phillip Cocu tested Latvia goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko on 12 minutes with a powerful shot from just outside the area, but the FC Rostov man got down smartly to turn the ball round the post. A minute later, Van Nistelrooij should have opened the scoring after a sumptuous pass from Arjen Robben had put him straight through on goal, but having rounded Kolinko he somehow contrived to hit his shot back into the goalkeeper's chest.

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MATCH 24 PREDICTION : GERMANY VS CZECH REP.

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MATCH 24 PREVIEW : GERMANY HUNGRY FOR GOALS

Tension high
It is a group that has produced surprises, with Latvia taking a point off Germany and giving the Czechs a run for their money; and it has also provided the game of the tournament so far, between the Czechs and the Dutch. The chances of a similar festival of football at the Estádio José Alvalade on Wednesday night seem slim, but for Germany at least the tension will be equally high.

Group winners
The Czechs of course are already through to the quarter-finals as group winners, having come from behind to win both previous games; the Germans need to win to be sure of joining them, although if Latvia spring another surprise in the night's other game, against the Netherlands, a draw could still be enough for Rudi Völler’s men.

Key players rested
Germany's task will undoubtedly be made easier with their opponents likely to rest several key players ahead of the quarter-finals. The Czech replacements will have points to prove to their coach, Karol Brückner, but Völler is still entitled to expect his charges to play with a greater determination.

Czech Republic (probable): Blazek; Jiránek, Bolf, Ujfaluši, Jankulovski; Plašil, Týce, Vachoušek, Šmicer; Lokvenc, Heinz.

Germany (probable): Kahn; Friedrich, Wörns, Nowotny, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Baumann, Hamann, Frings; Ballack; Kuranyi.

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MATCH 23 PREDICTION : NETHERLANDS VS LATVIA

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MATCH 23 PREVIEW : COACHES KEEP THEIR FOCUS

Two changes
The Dutch, who were on the losing side of a five-goal thriller against the Czechs after drawing their opening match with Germany, are expected to make two changes to their starting lineup. John Heitinga will be absent following his dismissal against the Czechs, and will be replaced by Michael Reiziger, while Frank de Boer could start for Wilfred Bouma who has been troubled by an achilles injury.

'Same team'
"As far as it will be possible, the same team that played against the Czechs will also play against Latvia," said coach Dick Advocaat. "We have to go on in the way we played against the Czechs. We have to try to continue like that."

'Focused on Latvia'
Advocaat, who has been criticised in the media in recent days has played down the speculation surrounding his tenure as coach. "I do not fear that this will be my last match as national-team coach," he said. "I do not fear anything. We left the match against the Czechs behind us and we are totally focused on Latvia."

Netherlands (probable): Van der Sar; Reiziger, Stam, De Boer, Van Bronckhorst; Seedorf, Cocu, Davids; Van der Meyde, Van Nistelrooij, Robben

Latvia (probable): Kolinko; Isakovs, Zemlinskis, Stepanovs, Blagonadezdins; Bleidelis, Lobanovs, Astafjevs, Rubins; Pahars, Verpakovskis

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MATCH 22 REVIEW : DRAMA RIGHT TO THE END

'Great fight'
"It was a great fight for 90 minutes," said a relieved Lagerbäck, whose side will face Germany, the Netherlands or Latvia on Saturday in Faro-Loulé. "I do not know how to say it but of course I am extremely glad. It is unbelievable to get a draw right at the end of the 90 minutes."

Enthralling game
Jon Dahl Tomasson twice gave Denmark the lead in an enthralling game, but Sweden refused to give up, first equalising through Henrik Larsson's penalty, then Jonson's dramatic strike. Lagerbäck said: "Of course if you look at the whole game it is a good result for us too. We had some problems with the Danish team - especially in the first half. In the second half we created some good chances and started to control the game. Overall, I thought it was a fair result."

Larsson's joy
Jonson - based in Denmark with Brøndby IF - was making his first start of the tournament. He said of his goal: "I didn't have time to think. It was just a matter of hitting the ball hard." Larsson, who took his finals goal tally to three, was struggling to hide his delight. "Fantastic, it's just fantastic," he said. "It's a feeling of joy you just can't describe."

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MATCH 22 RESULT : DENMARK 2 SWEDEN 2

28', 66' Tomasson 47'(pen) Larsson - 89' Jonson

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MATCH 22 REPORT : SHARE OF SPOILS SUFFICIENT

Denmark face Czech Republic
It was the result Italy had dreaded the most and ensured that Sweden finished top courtesy of goals scored between the three sides as they all finish level on five points. Denmark now face the Czech Republic on Sunday, Sweden the Group D runners-up the day before.

New-look midfield
Sweden lined up with an unfamiliar look to their midfield, as three of the four players who started against Italy missed out. SL Benfica's Anders Andersson was a surprise choice to replace the suspended Tobias Linderoth, while Jonson came in for Christian Wilhelmsson on the right, Fredrik Ljungberg continued on the left, and Kim Källström made his first start behind front-two Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson.

Grønkjær starts
Denmark made one change, with winger Jesper Grønkjær earning a starting role after impressing as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Bulgaria. Daniel Jensen kept his place in midfield alongside Thomas Gravesen, while Martin Jørgensen lined up on the left and Tomasson played a withdrawn role behind centre forward Ebbe Sand.

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MATCH 21 REVIEW : NO TRAUMA FOR TRAPPATONI

'Heads high'
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni felt the outcome might have been different had his side taken more of the chances that came their way against Bulgaria. "There were two great chances for Cassano which would have given us the advantage when it was still 0-0," he said. "I think we deserved to win the match. We leave with our heads held high, especially because we deserved to win the previous match against Sweden.

'Future potential'
"The team gave me everything and answered some of the recent talk about internal problems. When you get these results, there are many causes. You could say technique or substitutions. You can also talk about a foul which the referee didn't give, but I don't want to talk about the referee. We've a lot of potential for the future with some young players who can really aspire to great things."

No comment
Trapattoni refused to dwell on the 2-2 draw between Denmark and Sweden, saying only: "I am a sportsman so I don't comment on these things. The match was probably correct and that was the result at the end of it."

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MATCH 21 RESULT : ITALY 2 BULGARIA 1

48' Perrotta - 90'+ 4' Cassano 45'(pen) Martin Petrov

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MATCH 21 REPORT : UNBEATEN ITALY BOW OUT

Winner not enough
A Martin Petrov penalty had given Plamen Markov's side the lead on the stroke of half-time and although Simone Perrotta equalised three minutes after half-time, Sweden's late equaliser in Porto made Antonio Cassano's last-gasp winner academic.

Corradi in
There was a surprise in the Italian lineup with Christian Vieri listed among the substitutes. The forward had been struggling with a knee injury before the game, and Bernardo Corradi came in for his first start of the tournament joining Cassano and Alessandro Del Piero in attack. As expected, Marco Materazzi and Stefano Fiore deputised for the suspended Fabio Cannavaro and Gennaro Gattuso at centre-back and left midfield respectively.

Bulgarian changes
Bulgaria, already eliminated after defeats by Sweden and Denmark, brought four players in for their first start of the finals. Milen Petkov replaced suspended captain Stilian Petrov in central midfield and the back four was completely revamped with Daniel Borimirov coming in for Vladimir Ivanov at right-back alongside Zlatomir Zagorcic and Predrag Pazin in the centre. Ilian Stoianov slotted in at left-back while Zdravko Lazarov was handed a role on the right side of midfield with Georgi Peev on the bench.

Del Piero shoots wide
In a cagey opening, Italy enjoyed the bulk of possession without creating any openings and Bulgaria were the first to threaten on 13 minutes. Martin Petrov picked up a loose ball but his shot was saved by Gianluigi Buffon. From the resulting corner, Italy broke upfield and Corradi was denied by Zdravko Zdravkov, Del Piero putting the rebound wide.

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MATCH 22 PREDICTION : DENMARK VS SWEDEN

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MATCH 22 PREVIEW : SCANDINAVIANS VOWS TO ATTACK

'Honest people'
Denmark coach Morten Olsen has emphatically dismissed murmurings from the Italy camp that the two teams might engineer a 2-2 draw, saying: "That's a ridiculous thing to say. We are honest people and both teams will go out looking to win the match."

Attacking formation
Olsen is set to back up those words by sticking with an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 formation that has served Denmark well in their opening two matches. The Danes are the only side yet to concede a goal in Portugal and their back four will remain unchanged for the third time running, with Thomas Helveg and Niclas Jensen flanking central defenders René Henriksen and Martin Laursen.

Poulsen option
FC Schalke 04 midfield player Christian Poulsen is in contention for a place alongside Thomas Gravesen in the centre, but Olsen is expected to opt for the more inventive Daniel Jensen, who excelled against Italy before having a quiet match against Bulgaria.

Denmark (probable): Sørensen; Helveg, Laursen, Henriksen, N Jensen; Gravesen, D Jensen, Tomasson; Grønkjær, Sand, Jørgensen.

Sweden (probable): Isaksson; Nilsson, Mellberg, Jakobsson, Edman; Wilhelmsson, Mjällby/Hansson, Källström/Svensson, Ljungberg; Ibrahimovic, Larsson.

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MATCH 21 PREDICTION : ITALY VS BULGARIA

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MATCH 21 PREVIEW : AZZURI'S MOMENT OF TRUTH

Options restricted
The stakes could not be higher and Trapattoni knows his team have to produce a convincing win against Bulgaria. However, his options are restricted as three of his players – attacking midfield player Francesco Totti, centre-back Fabio Cannavaro and midfield player Gennaro Gattuso – are suspended.

Three-pronged attack
FC Internazionale defender Marco Materazzi or Parma AC's Matteo Ferrari will replace Cannavaro. Stefano Fiore and Mauro Camoranesi will battle it out for a midfield berth alongside Andrea Pirlo and Simone Perrotta, while AS Roma forward Antonio Cassano will continue to deputise for his club-mate, Totti, in a three-pronged attack along with Alessandro Del Piero and one of Christian Vieri and Bernardo Corradi. Vieri was due to have a late fitness test on his injured knee and in his absence Corradi will start.

All about pride
For Bulgaria, this match is all about pride. Plamen Markov's young side are already out of the competition, having lost their first two fixtures to Sweden (5-0) and Denmark (2-0). The frustration of their early exit clearly got the better of them at the end of the Denmark game, resulting in a red card for captain Stilian Petrov along with a rash of yellows.

Italy (probable): Buffon; Panucci, Nesta, Materazzi/Ferrari, Zambrotta; Fiore/Camoranesi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Del Piero; Cassano, Vieri.

Bulgaria (probable): Zdravkov; Ivanov/ Borimirov, Pazin, Zagorcic, Stoyanov; Peev, Hristov, M Petkov, M Petrov; Jankovich, Berbatov.

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MATCH 20 REVIEW : LONG WAY TO GO FOR FRANCE

Successful strikes
France finally came good in the last 15 minutes to banish any fears of a shock exit, Arsenal FC striker Thierry Henry at last producing the goalscoring touch that had previously eluded him with two successful strikes that subdued coach Jakob Kuhn's courageous charges. But French coach Jacques Santini will prepare for a quarter-final against Greece knowing that his renowned side are still some way from firing on all four cylinders.

French worried
Switzerland go out of the competition with heads held high. They fought doggedly, surpassed their previous efforts in the tournament and genuinely had France and their supporters worried with a display that made nonsense of widespread pre-match predictions that the result would be a formality for Santini's troops.

Henry goals
It was all going to plan for Les Bleus when Zidane nodded in a Robert Pires corner after 20 hectic minutes. But Vonlanthen – brought in by Kuhn to pep up his ailing attack in place of the out-of-form Stéphane Chapuisat and suspended Alexander Frei, and a real prospect on this showing - belied his tender years by dragging Switzerland level six minutes later. It took Henry to come good as the second-half minutes ticked down to send the French supporters home in a happy, but relieved frame of mind.

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MATCH 20 RESULT : SWITZERLAND 1 FRANCE 3

26' Vonlanthen 20' Zidane - 76', 84' Henry

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MATCH 20 REPORT : HENRY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Henry double
Switzerland were in with a chance of a last-eight berth themselves after Johan Vonlanthen had cancelled out Zinedine Zidane's strike inside the first half hour, but two late Thierry Henry goals finally subdued the battling underdogs to knock them out of the competition.

Vonlanthen drafted in
Swiss coach Jakob Kuhn sprung a surprise before the game, relegating veteran striker Stéphane Chapuisat to the bench. With the other main striker Alexander Frei suspended following a spitting incident in the defeat against England, Kuhn fielded promising teenager Vonlanthen up front, with another forward, Daniel Gygax, also making his first tournament start as Kuhn rang the changes.

Four French changes
French coach Jacques Santini made four changes to his own starting eleven following the draw against Croatia, with Bixente Lizarazu, Robert Pires, Willy Sagnol and Claude Makelele coming into the side. France dominated the early possession, but Switzerland broke out from the pressure to create the first dangerous moment, Hakan Yakin prodding an effort wide from a Gygax cross.

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MATCH 19 REVIEW : ROONEY RELISHES WIDER STAGE

Four in two games
Rooney has scored four goals in his last two games to become the tournament's top scorer and his manager Sven-Göran Eriksson compared the 18-year-old to the very best after another virtuoso display in which the teenage forward scored two goals and set up another in Lisbon.

Astonishing impact
"I don't remember anyone making such an impact on a tournament since Pelé in the 1958 [FIFA] World Cup in Sweden," the England manager said. "It is not just about the goals that he scores; he is a complete footballer. He drops back and defends, he has vision and he understands the game. What is there to say about him that hasn't already been said?"

'Deserved praise'
England captain David Beckham attempted to find something new to add about the teenage striker, saying: "When you see him [Rooney] perform, nothing fazes him. It was a big game tonight. He has produced again and he deserves all the praise he gets."

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MATCH 19 RESULT : CROATIA 2 ENGLAND 4

5' Niko Kovac - 73' Tudor 40' Scholes - 45'+ 1', 68' Rooney - 79' Lampard

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MATCH 19 REPORT : ENGLAND IGNITED BY ROONEY

Rooney double
England's win secured second spot in Group B and a quarter-final meeting with hosts Portugal on Thursday at the same stadium. England had trailed to Niko Kovac's fifth-minute opener before two goals in the final five minutes of the first half set up victory. Rooney assisted Paul Scholes for the opener and the midfield player returned the favour on the stroke of half-time. The tournament top scorer sealed England's progress with his fourth goal of the competition after 68 minutes before Igor Tudor and Frank Lampard traded goals within minutes.

Scoring run
Rooney had earlier gone off to a rapturous reception and Europe's newest young star, with six goals in his last four matches, was again the hero as England advanced beyond the first round of the UEFA European Championship for the first time on foreign soil.

Unchanged lineup
As expected England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson named an unchanged team from the victory against Switzerland. Opposite number Otto Baric made one change with the return to the centre of defence of fit-again captain Boris Živkovic as Nenad Bjelica made way.

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MATCH 20 PREDICTION : SWITZERLAND VS FRANCE

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MATCH 20 PREVIEW : ALL OR NOTHING IN COIMBRA

National disaster
It would be a national disaster if France were to slip up against the unfancied Swiss, without a goal after a draw against Croatia and disappointing 3-0 defeat by England. Santini's charges need only a draw to go through. Switzerland would earn a last-eight place if they beat France, and there is a winner in the other group match between Croatia and England.

Lessons learned
In the French camp, the soul searching has been long and deep. The holders viewed the Croatia game as a wake-up call. "We're at about 80 per cent physically and mentally," says Santini. "We made too many mistakes in our defensive positioning, and we also gave the ball away too much." France are determined that lessons will be learned in time for the Swiss encounter. Santini has also talked to several players on the topic of tactics.

French changes
"Playing for the draw is not what we want to do," Santini said. "We must not underestimate the Swiss." Bixente Lizarazu, Robert Pires and Claude Makelele could all return to the starting lineup while Mikaël Silvestre may drop to the bench because he already has one yellow card in the group stage.

Switzerland (possible): Stiel; Henchoz, Murat Yakin, Müller, Spycher; Cabanas, Vogel, Wicky; Hakan Yakin; Gygax, Chapuisat.

France (possible): Barthez; Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Lizarazu; Pires, Vieira, Makelele; Zidane; Trezeguet, Henry.

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MATCH 19 PREDICTION : CROATIA VS ENGLAND

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MATCH 19 PREVIEW : NO QUARTER TO BE GIVEN

Croatia distractions
Croatia's preparations have hardly been ideal with the distractions of the failed drugs test of Ivica Olic, who subsequently escaped punishment after UEFA's control and disciplinary body ruled that he did not commit any fault, and the reported criticism of Baric from forward Ivan Klasnic.

Klasnic role
The Croatian camp subsequently insisted that the young SV Werder Bremen player's comments had been misinterpreted and Klasnic, who has yet to feature at EURO 2004™ despite playing a key role in Bremen's German league and cup double, looks set to be called into action from the substitutes' bench should Croatia need a late goal against England.

Živkovic return
Otherwise, Baric is expected to stick with the team that impressed against France, with the return of captain Boris Živkovic from injury in place of Nenad Bjelica the only change to the starting eleven. Živkovic's return from a knee injury into the centre of defence will see Igor Tudor move forward into midfield.

Pršo praise
Dado Pršo and Tomislav Šokota will resume in attack and Pršo has been identified as a key player by both sides after his goal and overall display against France. Baric said: "His level of responsibility in the team is like Zinedine Zidane's with France."

Croatia (probable): Butina; Šimic, Robert Kovac, Živkovic, Šimunic; Rosso, Tudor, Niko Kovac, Rapaic; Šokota, Pršo.

England (probable): James; Gary Neville, Terry, Campbell, Ashley Cole; Scholes, Lampard, Gerrard, Beckham; Owen, Rooney.

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MATCH 18 REVIEW : COMPOSURE COMFORTS COACH

Spain ousted
Greece needed a draw from their final Group A match to be certain of a place in the last eight, but after going 2-0 down in the first 17 minutes through goals from Dmitri Kirichenko and Dmitri Bulykin their hopes of qualification seemed to be in tatters. Rehhagel's side found their rhythm, however, and although Zisis Vryzas' 43rd-minute strike could not prevent a defeat, it was enough to edge them into second place ahead of Spain.

'Our game important'
Rehhagel said: "I had already told the players that this would be a very difficult match. All the Russian players are very good and they're all professionals. They had lost the previous two matches and we knew they would be out for a win. We knew what was happening elsewhere but the important thing was to worry about our game. We knew we'd lost two goals early on and we just had to try and get a good result."

'Any opponent'
Portugal's 1-0 win against Spain ensured the host nation finished top of the group and now face the runners-up from Group B on Thursday, before Greece take on the section winners the following evening. But Rehhagel said: "Any opponent we face now will be good - whether it's France, England or Croatia. We have nothing to lose. There is no pressure on the Greek team. We are just going to enjoy the fact that we are there."

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MATCH 17 RESULT : RUSSIA 2 GREECE 1

2' Kirichenko - 17' Bulykin 43' Vryzas

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MATCH 18 REPORT : NERVOUS GREECE ADVANCE

Attacking intent
Rehhagel opted for an attacking formation, despite his side needing just a point to be sure of a place in the last eight. Panathinaikos FC striker Dimitrios Papadopoulos was handed his tournament debut in a three-pronged attack alongside Vryzas and Angelos Charisteas, while Angelos Basinas bolstered a midfield that had lost Stylianos Giannakopoulos to injury and Georgios Karagounis to suspension.

Seven changes
Russia, already eliminated after two straight defeats, made seven changes from the side that lost to Portugal, with Vladislav Radimov playing the anchor role in a new-look midfield that had Rolan Gusev on the right, Andrei Kariaka on the left and Dmitri Alenichev in the hole behind front two Bulykin and Kirichenko.

Sudden impact
It was Kirichenko's first taste of action in Portugal and the PFC CSKA Moskva striker wasted no time making his mark, scoring Russia's first goal of the campaign inside two minutes. Greece lost concentration at the back as Konstantinos Katsouranis missed his attempted clearance, allowing Kirichenko to race clear and steer a right-foot shot past Antonios Nikopolidis.

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MATCH 17 REVIEW : FAN POWER LIFTS PORTUGAL

Tactical change
Although not visibly overawed by the tense occasion, the Portuguese failed to threaten consistently enough during the opening half in and around the Spanish penalty area to get the goal that some of their neat and attractive approach work merited. In Deco, Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, they possess three of the most skilful and exciting ball players in the world, but lacking an obvious scoring threat, Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were failing to profit from the many opportunities created. But the introduction of Nuno Gomes for Pauleta at the interval combined with the changes Scolari made to move Figo into a more central attacking role with Deco switched to the left, proved to be the masterstroke.

Clear objectives
"After the bad start we had against Greece we knew that we had to win our two remaining matches and that has been our attitude," Scolari said. "But for me every match is like that – do or die – and this one was no exception. The fans were amazing, not just the 12th player but the 13th and 14th. We'd like to thank all the supporters who came here and all those who were in Alcochete when we left that training camp - that spurred us on. This team is now more competitive and I hope we've helped a lot of people to have a day of happiness."

Gradual improvement
The cacophony of car horns beeping as fans made their way home from Estádio José Alvalade bore testimony to the Portuguese fans' intention of enjoying the moment, but their team will look to build on this win as Figo asserted that the team now had the possibility of playing their way into the competition having initially being on the receiving end of a shock 2-1 defeat by Greece in the opening match of the finals. "We have done a great job and we deserve to qualify for the quarter-finals," he said. "We were under a lot of pressure as the last match decided everything and we are home so we had very high expectations. But now the country can hope for better things in the future. We are improving with the passing of time. The first game wasn't easy for us because there was lots of pressure. Now we're getting better so let's see what we can do in the quarter-finals."

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MATCH 17 RESULT : SPAIN 0 PORTUGAL 1

57' Nuno Gomes

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MATCH 17 REPORT : NUNO GOMES LIGHTS UP LISBON

Long wait
The significance of the occasion where Portugal needed a win and Spain only a draw denied the fans a truly wonderful derby, but Nuno Gomes' goal finally ended a 23-year wait for the Portuguese to put one over their old adversaries. Portugal advance to the last eight as group winners, while Greece finish second in Group A with Spain eliminated in third.

Key switch
The only goal came at a moment when Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was desperately trying to shuffle his attacking options as his side struggled to breach a stubborn Spanish defence which had been equal to everything Portugal threw at them. With Nuno Gomes introduced for Pauleta at the interval, the switch paid instant dividends as Luís Figo found the substitute, who unleashed a right-footed shot from 18 metres that beat Iker Casillas low to his right.

Ronaldo start
Scolari made only one change to the side that defeated Russia 2-0 as Cristiano Ronaldo's impressive performance after his introduction in that game was rewarded with his inclusion in the starting lineup, only the second time he had started a match for his country. Simão Sabrosa dropped to the bench.

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MATCH 18 PREDICTION : RUSSIA VS GREECE

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MATCH 18 PREVIEW : GREECE READY TO POINT THE WAY

Rehhagel caution
Rehhagel has understandably been trying to keep his players focused this week, saying: "Everyone seems to think we are through, but nothing has been achieved yet." Hellenic Football Federation president Vassilis Gagatsis, meanwhile, also remained coy. "I don't mind who we get," he said. "We'll gladly take on France, Croatia or England - the most important thing is that we get through."

Midfield absences
A victory would guarantee Greece top spot and a meeting with the Group B runners-up, but they go into the game without two influential midfield players: the suspended Georgios Karagounis, and Stylianos Giannakopoulos who has a calf problem. Rehhagel should keep the same back four after central defender Traianos Dellas, outstanding against Spain, shook off a minor back injury.

Similar lineups
As against Spain, Konstantinos Katsouranis and Theordoros Zagorakis will play midfield holding roles, while Vassilios Lakis is set for his first start on the right and Angelos Basinas must fight it out with Vassilios Tsiartas for the left midfield spot. Striker Zisis Vyrzas has not yet scored in Portugal but should hold off competition from Themistoklis Nikolaidis to partner Charisteas in attack.

Greece (probable): Nikopolidis; Seitaridis, Dellas, Kapsis, Fyssas; Zagorakis, Katsouranis, Tsiartas/Basinas, Lakis; Vryzas, Charisteas.

Russia (probable): Malafeev; Anyukov, Sennikov, Sharonov, Bugayev; Alenichev, Loskov/Semshov, Kariaka, Bystrov; Kerzhakov/Bulykin, Sychev.

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MATCH 17 PREDICTION : SPAIN VS PORTUGAL

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MATCH 17 PREVIEW : LISBON BRACED FOR DERBY EPIC

Two changes
Scolari's Spanish counterpart, Iñaki Sáez, has been forced into making two changes with Real Betis Balompié’s Juanito Gutiérrez expected to be introduced for the suspended Carlos Marchena while Joaquín Sánchez will replace the injured Joseba Etxeberria on the right side of midfield. These are not the only alterations: Xabi Alonso will replace Rubén Baraja in centre midfield and Fernando Torres will partner Raúl González up front, with Fernando Morientes dropping to the bench.

A nation expects
For the Portuguese, elimination at the group stage would be a major disappointment for a team that has invested in hiring a FIFA World Cup-winning coach in Scolari, and a team including world stars such as Luís Figo and Deco as well as several members of FC Porto's UEFA Champions League-winning side.

History favours Spain
History suggests that Spain will have the upper hand, as they have only lost on six occasions in 34 meetings against their neighbours. The sides most recently met in Guimarães in September 2003, when Spain recorded their 16th victory as goals from Etxeberria, Joaquín and Diego Tristán led them to a 3-0 success. The previous five meetings ended in scoring draws, with Portugal recording their last win in June 1981 when goals from Nené and António Nogueira gave them a 2-0 success in Porto.

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Spain: Casillas; Puyol, Helguera, Juanito, Raúl Bravo; Joaquín, Albelda, Xabi Alonso, Vicente; Raúl, Torres.

Portugal (probable): Ricardo; Paulo Ferreira, Jorge Andrade, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente; Luís Figo, Costinha, Deco, Maniche, Simão Sabrosa; Pauleta.

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MATCH 16 REVIEW : NEDVED LEADS CZECH CHARGE

Top of the group
But the Czechs are through as group winners to face the runners-up in Group C at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto a week tomorrow. On this form it will take a fine team to stop them emulating the success of the former Czechoslovakia in 1976, and going one step further than they went eight years ago.

Nedved promptings
Pavel Nedved, the European Footballer of the Year, was inspirational, while all around him was accurate short passing and incisive running from the likes of Tomáš Rosický, Baroš and the veteran Karel Poborskyý like Nedved a survivor of the 1996 team that reached the final.

'Fantastic match'
Nedved, elected Carlsberg Man of the Match, said: "It was a fantastic game, a fantastic evening and a fantastic match. We deserved to win. We slept again at the beginning, as against Latvia, and coming from behind took a lot of energy. The difference was that the Netherlands played offensively so the fans saw a great game. But it's only the first step.

'Amazing fans'
"And don’t forget our amazing fans. They were in the minority but they were great. I am sure that our coach will field an effective lineup so now we have to fully concentrate on the forthcoming match against Germany."

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MATCH 16 RESULT : NETHERLANDS 2 CZECH REP. 3

4' Bouma - 19' Van Nistelrooij 23' Koller - 71' Baroš - 88' Šmicer

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MATCH 16 REPORT : ŠMICER SEALS CZECH PROGRESS

Group winners
The Czechs advance to the quarter-finals as winners of Group D, but the Netherlands must now beat Latvia and hope that the Czechs do them a favour against Germany in their last game.

Koller chance
The Czech Republic had the better of the early exchanges, Jan Koller volleying an excellent chance over from a clever chip by Tomáš Rosický in the very first minute. Then Marek Jankulovski burst in between Jaap Stam and Giovanni van Bronckhorst but misfired from 15 metres.

Bouma boost
So it was against the run of what little play there had been when the Netherlands took a fourth-minute lead. Pavel Nedved brought down Heitinga as the Dutch right-back advanced, Arjen Robben's free-kick was delicately flighted to the far post where Bouma was inexplicably unmarked and the PSV Eindhoven defender made no mistake with the header.

Seedorf shots
Clarence Seedorf twice went close to doubling the lead, grazing the outside of the post from a free-kick and shooting wide after good work by Edgar Davids and Ruud van Nistelrooij. Petr Cech also needed to be alert to gather Robben's well-struck effort.

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MATCH 15 REVIEW : LATVIA HAIL 'HISTORIC' RESULT

Germany disappointed
Rudi Völler's side hammered away ceaselessly at the sturdy Latvian rearguard for virtually the whole of the second 45 minutes. But for all of their huffing and puffing, they were unable to convert the opportunities that came their way. In a tough group to call, this disappointing result for them could ultimately leave the Germans facing an early trip home.

Interestingly poised
Goalless draws do not have to be dull, lifeless affairs. This game was interestingly poised throughout, with Latvia adopting the same tactics that thwarted the Czechs for so long. They relied on the strength of the redoubtable Igors Stepanovs and Mihails Zemlinskis to keep their defensive shape, and strikers Maris Verpakovskis and Andrejs Prohorenkovs to produce swift, dangerous counters.

Clearest chance
Indeed, Verpakovskis will be kicking himself, for it was he who missed the clearest chance of the game just before the interval. Germany were caught square as he burst clear - a goal looked certain, but German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was his team's saviour when he smothered Verpakovskis's shot.

Ballack award
Germany worked tirelessly in their efforts to find a breakthrough. Striker Kevin Kuranyi looks a promising prospect and was the pick of their attack, while Michael Ballack earned himself the Carlsberg Man of the Match award for an industrious display as he strained every sinew to find the final, telling pass that could have broken the Latvians' resistance.

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MATCH 15 RESULT : LATVIA 0 GERMANY 0

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MATCH 15 REPORT : BRAVE LATVIA DENY GERMANY

Tactical reshuffle
Germany made one change from the team that drew 1-1 with the Netherlands on Tuesday, Fredi Bobic coming in up front to partner Kevin Kuranyi and Frank Baumann moving from the midfield holding role into central defence to replace Jens Nowotny, who has been carrying a knee injury. Latvia started with the same team that lost narrowly to the Czech Republic in their opening game.

Early caution
English referee Michael Riley was reaching for his yellow card inside 30 seconds, Latvia's Aleksandrs Isakovs going into the book for a clumsy touchline challenge on Torsten Frings. It was Frings who had the first chance of the game, shooting over from long range on eight minutes, and Rudi Völler's side threatened again near the quarter-hour when Kuranyi sent a 20-metre volley drive wide.

Latvian pressure
Latvia responded with an Andrejs Rubins free-kick that was deflected over the bar for a corner, and there was little to choose between the two sides in a lively opening. Arne Friedrich was booked for handball when the industrious Latvians produced an encouraging spell of pressure which included an Igors Stepanovs header from a corner saved by German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

German threat
Back came Germany for Bernd Schneider to shoot just wide, and Dietmar Hamann was off-target with an ambitious volley as the game ebbed and flowed. Latvian keeper Aleksandrs Kolinko then made two good saves from shots by Michael Ballack and Kuranyi, the Latvians being forced to defend in depth for a spell after the half-hour.

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MATCH 16 PREDICTION : NETHERLANDS VS CZECH REP.

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MATCH 16 PREVIEW : CZECHS LOOK TO CASH IN AGAIN

Previous meeting
When the two teams met in Prague in September, goals from Jan Koller, Karel Poborský and Milan Baroš gave the Czechs a 3-1 win and sealed automatic qualification for Portugal, condemning the Dutch to the vagaries of the play-offs.

Šmicer option
All three of their goalscorers that night are likely to feature this time around too, although the attacking potential of the Dutch, compared to the Czech Republic's first opponents Latvia, means that coach Karel Brückner will probably restrict striker Baroš to a place on the bench, in favour of his Liverpool FC team-mate Vladimír Šmicer.

Midfield menŠmicer is likely to take his place on the left of a five-man midfield, but with only AFC Ajax's Tomáš Galásek a recognised holding player it can hardly be described as a defensive lineup. With Pavel Nedved, the reigning European Footballer of the Year, Tomáš Rosický, perhaps a future winner of that award, and the evergreen Poborský there will be plenty for the Dutch rearguard to ponder.

Goals needed
One area of concern for the Czechs is the fact that Koller, likely to play up front on his own, has failed to score in any of their warm-up matches since qualification was achieved, and if they do struggle Baroš will almost certainly come on, either instead of, or alongside the lofty Koller.

Czech Republic (probable): Cech; Grygera, Ujfaluši, Rozehnal, Jankulovski; Poborský, Rosický, Galásek, Nedved, Šmicer; Koller.

Netherlands (possible):Van der Sar; Heitinga, Cocu, Stam, Van Bronckhorst; Bosvelt, Seedorf, Davids; Van der Meyde, Van Nistelrooij, Robben.

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MATCH 15 PREDICTION : LATVIA VS GERMANY

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MATCH 15 PREVIEW : FOCUS REQUIRED FOR GERMANS

Heartening performance
The Germans opened their campaign with a heartening performance in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands earlier this week - but woe betide coach Rudi Völler's men if they decide to underestimate the team from the Baltic, who have already demonstrated that any side that comes up against them here in Portugal must expect to work diligently to bring them to heel.

Respect
Latvia, shock qualifiers via an unlikely play-off success against 2002 FIFA World Cup bronze medallists Turkey, did enough in their opening match against the Czech Republic to dispel coach Aleksandrs Starkovs' fears that they had no right to be at the tournament. They may still not win a point in a tough group but they have already earned the respect of their rivals.

Front duo
Starkovs' charges led until the last quarter of an hour against the Czech Republic, defending heroically until a late onslaught finally cracked them open in a 2-1 defeat. They fought wholeheartedly in defence, and have a front duo in Maris Verpakovskis and Andrejs Prohorenkovs that will keep the German rearguard fully occupied. Certainly Völler will have noted with interest the way that the two combined astutely for the Latvian goal against the Czechs.

'Difficult to beat'
Against the Netherlands, the Germans produced a committed and tactically accomplished display that they feel should have brought them all three points. "Every team in the world will find us difficult to beat if we play that way," said assistant coach Michael Skibbe.

Latvia (possible): Kolinko; Isakovs/Zirnis, Stepanovs, Zemlinskis, Blagonadezdins; Bleidelis, Astafjevs, Lobanovs/Laizans, Rubins; Verpakovskis, Prohorenkovs.

Germany (possible): Kahn; Friedrich, Wörns, Nowotny, Lahm; Schneider, Hamann, Frings, Ballack; Bobic, Kuranyi.

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MATCH 14 REVIEW : LAGERBACK HAILS IBRAHIMOVIC

Cassano inventive
Totti's replacement, Antonio Cassano, justified his selection with an inventive performance that was capped off by a headed goal on 37 minutes, but Ibrahimovic had the last say to leave Lagerbäck delighted.

'Quality player'
"In scoring a goal like that Zlatan showed just how strong he is and just how good his technique is," said the coach. "It is marvellous and shows what a quality player he is."

Grew in stature
Lagerbäck conceded that his side were under pressure for long periods but was thrilled with the manner in which they finished the game. "We didn't start very well," he went on. "It was the same as against Bulgaria. But I think we grew as the match went on.

Late gamble
"In the second half we played much better and, in the end, created some chances. Of course we gambled in the last 20 minutes. We wanted [Marcus] Allbäck to play up front, [Henrik] Larsson had a free role and dropped back behind the centre-forwards, and that gave more space to Zlatan and Marcus. We got a little lucky but it paid off."

'Another planet'
Ibrahimovic, who won the Carlsberg Man of the Match award, said: "It's hard to describe how I feel. When I saw the ball going in I was on another planet. The goal means we got one point and we are still leading the group.

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MATCH 14 RESULT : ITALY 1 SWEDEN 1

37' Cassano 85' Ibrahimovic

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MATCH 14 REPORT : IBRAHIMOVIC PEGS BACK ITALY

Acrobatic equaliser
Antonio Cassano had opened the scoring in the first half of a game that Italy largely dominated, but Sweden staged a late rally in the closing stages and substitute Mattias Jonson forced Gianluigi Buffon into a fine reaction save after he had been picked out by Henrik Larsson's penetrating diagonal pass. The pressure eventually paid off when Ibrahimovic profited from a goalmouth scramble, acrobatically hooking a shot over the head of Vieri on the line and into the top corner with five minutes remaining.

Three changes
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni had made three changes from the side that was held to a goalless draw by Denmark, with AC Milan pair Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo replacing Cristiano Zanetti and Mauro Camoranesi in midfield and Cassano stepping in for the suspended Francesco Totti.

Nilsson in
Sweden made just one alteration, as right-back Teddy Lucic – injured in the 5-0 win against Bulgaria – was replaced by Mikael Nilsson, with Christian Wilhelmsson slotting into the right side of a midfield diamond.

Vieri denied
Cassano, making his first start in a major tournament, was handed a free role behind Alessandro Del Piero and Vieri and immediately caused Sweden problems with his movement. In the third minute his first-time pass sent Vieri clear in the penalty area but after swivelling past Andreas Jakobsson the striker was denied by the onrushing Andreas Isaksson.

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MATCH 13 REVIEW : BULGARIA DOWN AND OUT

Opening loss
Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov had indicated beforehand that he would happily settle for an ugly win after being on the wrong end of a heavy 5-0 defeat by Sweden on Monday, but a victory in Braga never looked likely.

Packed midfield
Markov tried to stifle the threat posed by the Danes by playing five men in midfield with Dimitar Berbatov ploughing a lone furrow up front. It was a strategy designed to contain Denmark rather than take the game to them and from the first whistle Bulgaria looked a demoralised team who had lost the form and confidence that took them to Portugal as winners of their qualifying group.

Positive Denmark
Denmark on the other hand were positive from the outset with Dennis Rommedahl and Martin Jørgensen stretching the Bulgarian defence and sending a regular supply of crosses into the danger area. Given the chances they created in the first half the Danes should have been ahead much earlier than the 44th minute, and for a while it looked as though their profligacy in front of goal might cost them again.

Tomasson strikes again
But just before half-time Jon Dahl Tomasson - who scored both goals the last time these two countries met, in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2001 - struck again to ease the Danish nerves. Jesper Grønkjær's goal in injury time was the icing on the cake, but the Danes should have had the game wrapped up long before then.

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MATCH 13 RESULT : BULGARIA 0 DENMARK 2

44' Tomasson - 90'+ 2' Grønkjær

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MATCH 13 REPORT : DANISH DELIGHT IN BRAGA

Late goals
Tomasson opened the scoring a minute before half-time with a simple finish from close range and Grønkjær completed the success two minutes into added time, sidefooting into the corner to seal the three points. The final score might have been more emphatic, but Ebbe Sand's thunderous last-gasp strike rebounded off the crossbar. Bulgaria therefore bowed out of the tournament after following up Monday's 5-0 loss against Sweden with defeat by Morten Olsen's team.

Gravesen back
As expected Thomas Gravesen returned to the centre of the Danish midfield after his one-match suspension with Christian Poulsen dropping to the bench. After a good performance against Italy in Guimarães on Monday, Dennis Rommedahl kept his place in the starting lineup with Grønkjær among the substitutes, having joined the squad on Tuesday following a family bereavement. Bulgaria also kept their changes to a minimum with centre-back Ilian Stoianov coming in for Predrag Pazin, who failed to recover from an ankle injury.

Kirilov caution
It was a lively start, with Bulgaria's Rosen Kirilov earning himself a yellow card for a challenge from behind on Tomasson as early as the fourth minute. It was his second booking of the tournament and rules the central defender out of Bulgaria's last group match against Italy.

Grønkjær in action
Denmark were forced to make a change after 23 minutes when Rommedahl pulled up and had to be replaced by Grønkjær. The winger's first meaningful action almost resulted in a goal when the Bulgaria defence failed to clear Jørgensen's cross and the ball broke for the substitute, but Bulgaria goalkeeper Zdravko Zdravkov got down smartly to smother at his near post.

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