Drei Biere Bitte!

Ok, one of these 3 is an actual German who has reason to celebrate advancing to the semifinals with a beer. The other 2 goofy ones can just drink and watch the rest of the tournament now that France and Italy are on the sidelines. (I'm talking to you, Luca and Franck!)

By the way, regarding those four quarterfinal matches: holy crap! I wonder if UEFA is aware that I have been taping these games and watching them at night. Do they realize that all these extra time games are biting into my sleep??? They have no shame.

In case you missed it, the 4 games were about as exciting as they get (at least in the last few minutes).

1. Germany over Portugal: Germans play well despite their creepy coach being banished to the executive luxury box. (by the way doesn't he look like he either belongs in a Zen philosophy book club with Phil Jackson or on To Catch A Predator? maybe both!) German defense had to survive a last-minute assault on goal from the Portuguese, but manage.

2. Turkey over Croatia: Actually, a pretty boring match until the 119th minute. Then it got interesting. The Turkish goalie screws up to allow a last-minute goal. But then Turkey strikes back in the last-last minute to send it to penalty kicks. Then the back-up goalie from Turkey does well, and allows headline writing hacks the world over to print up "Turkish Delight" for their morning commute free papers.

3. Russia over Netherlands: Gus Hiddink earns himself some Russian citizenship for a great game plan that kept the orange on their back foot. Arshavin again looked awesome for the Russians as they fully earned this extra-time victory.

4. Spain over Italy: Next time these 2 play, please just wake me when it's time for the penalty kicks. Italy knew they were outgunned in this one, so they did what Italy does best: play great (but boring) defense and fall down ... a lot. Spain dominated possession but had nothing to show for it. But they cruised through the PK and earned the win as well.

So Turkey will play without about half of their team against Germany and Russia gets themselves a rematch with Spain after the first matchday beatdown they were handed. Should be interesting.

By the way, Lisa McThanksforthecash has already guaranteed first place while the fight for last is between Dr. Norway (Germany, Turkey, or Russia) and Quarterpoint (Spain). And the poolmaster will go back to the drawing board to find a set of rules clearly biased against Lisa.

Enjoy the games everyone!