Pompey at Euro 2008 update #3

The final group D games are still to be played - with this happening tonight, but these final Euro 2008 group games involving nations with Pompey players playing for them are now out of the way, and it was not good for 2 out of 3...

Milan Baros started Czech Republic's second group game but found himself back on the bench for their must win game against Turkey on Sunday. He remained on the bench, but even managed to pick up a yellow card as the Czech's threw away a 2-goal lead to eventually go down 3-2 in the last minute and crash out of the tournament...

With Croatia already assured of a place in the quarter finals Slaven Bilic took the chance to rest 9 players in their final game with Poland on Monday, with Niko Kranjcar included as one of those rested. Even so they maintained their 100% record winning 1-0 and will now take on the Turks in the last eight.

Finally Lassana Diarra saw his French side take on Italy yesterday knowing they had to win or they were out for sure. He was again restricted to a place on the bench, and yet again was unable to get on as his and France's tournament ended without him able to play one single minute at Euro 2008. Italy marched on as the aging French crashed out after losing 2-0. Why the hell they did not play Diarra at all during the tournament is beyond me - the fact that Sylvain Distin was overlooked altogether looks even more of a mistake now as well!

We went into the week with all 3 Pompey players - although technically Baros had returned to Lyon - still involved in Euro 2008, but 2 did have their places hanging by a thread. With this thread now cut we know that we only have Kranjcar left...

It would appear that my decision to be 'Croatian' this summer has proved the right call... Holland still look the most likely winners but I am sticking with Croatia, who do not look a bad bet to be honest do they?

PLAY UP POMPEY!