Group A and B

The last games of Group A and B has been played. Portugal vs Spain was the big match in Group A. Portugal needed to win to go through while Spain can settle with a draw. It became an entertaining match with Nuno Gomes providing the only goal. Afterwards it was cars honking all the way til midnight around my place. In the other match, Greece realised that they are in a real tournament and duly lost against Russia 2-1. The Greek goal proved to be a fortune as it is that goal that took Greece to the quarterfinals.

In Group B, all the teams had a chance. England needed a draw against Croatia but conceded an early goal. Luckily England have boywonderRooney. He gave an assist to Scholes then scored two more goals. Lampard completed the 4-2 victory. And Swiss was hoping to surprise France. Johann Vonlanthen did score the equalizer but then Thierry Henry woke up (after 2 and a half games) and scored twice to seal France's berth against Greece in the quarterfinals.

What amazes me about Euro2004 so far is the coming of age of the youngsters. Wayne Rooney, 18, is carrying England on his shoulders, doing much better than the likes of Owen and Becks. He's the topscorer so far and is on his way to become the player of the tournament. Then there is Cristiano Ronaldo, 19. Not given a starting place in Portugal's first match, he now is a big part of the Portuguese squad. Figo? No, it's Ronaldo with his stepovers, dazzling runs, and crosses. Johann Vonlanthen, 18, scroed Swiss' only goal and took the record for the youngest goalscorer in the championship from Rooney. Against France. In his 3rd international cap, the first that he started and he only played 30 minutes or so in the previous 2 caps. Chapuisat can now safely go to the retirement home. Or Portsmouth. And Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 22, is doing great stuff for Sweden with the aid of Henrik Larsson next to him.

Other youngsters showing their class: Antonio Cassano, 21, proving to be the best Italian striker. Better than Vieri - which says a lot. Arjen Robben, 20, is now a hero in Netherlands after his performance against the Czechs especially when Advocaat replaced him. Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Joaquin, all of them dazzled for Spain as well. Bastian Schweinsteiger, 19, is so far the most exciting player in the not-exciting German squad and Rudi Voller now has no choice but to use him from the beginning of the match. Special mention for Rafael van der Vaart, 21, Wesley Sneijder, 19, and Johnny Heitinga, 20, in the Dutch squad. If only Advocaat has guts he would play these guys in every match.

The older players can now say goodbye. There is a whole generation of young players ready for action and giving us entertainment in Euro2004.