Scenario Analysis Time

With the second match day finished, its time to take a quick look at all the possibilities for advancement into the second round, and who will benefit. So clearly, I cannot choose the Scandinavian country in front of you.

(By the way, that Spain-Sweden match had to be the most competitive and well-played match we have seen yet. Too bad one of them gets to play the Dutch destroyer of worlds in the second round...)

Group A: an easy group to talk about. Portugal is in, Switzerland is out. Czech and Turkey play to see who takes 2nd spot. They will play until a shootout if necessary to determine a winner. Turkey has 2 supporters - Brokeback Alex and the already-dominant Lisa McWingandaprayer. Man, if Turkey wins, I think the rest of us are screwed. Lisa and yet another pool victory... Czech have one main benefactor, Quarterpoint. If they win, maybe he or she will celebrate by exiting the womb!

Group B: Germany's to lose. Croatia is in and Germany need to draw or win against the home minnows of Austria. Poland need about 5 things to happen to advance, but still could. Flippy Flyer will be pulling for Germany more than anyone else. Austria will have support from Lisa (again) (did I mention she would like Czech too???) Poland is obviously the territory of Brokeback.

Group C: all up in the air. Romania and their refusal to lose (or win for that matter) has put the reigning world champions and runners-up in limbo for the next round. The best team of the tournament so far (Netherlands) are through to the benefit of Mimi. France and Italy play each other for the right to hope that Romania doesn't beat the Dutch. France = Doctor Norway, Italy = Flippy Flyer and a bunch of others, Romania = Lisa (yes, again). If Italy and France draw and Romania loses, it is a 3 way tie and Romania advances as long as they keep it within 2 goals. Personally, I like France`s chances to advance, but you know, never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line.

Group D: Sweden`s loss in the 92nd minute has made the Sweden-Russia clash a biggie for the last game of the first round. Sweden advance win a win or draw to help Poolmaster, Brokeback, and L-I-S-A. A Russian win just helps Lisa, Sissy Sara, and Joan Benoit. So, um that means that Lisa is rooting for the game to ... um ... just happen I guess.

If you are unfortunate enough to only get Greece-Spain on ESPN instead, as it sucks away your will to live, I suggest making a drinking game out of it. Every time either one makes a back-pass into their defensive half of the field, take a sip. If they pass to their own goalie for no good reason, chug!

Enjoy match day 3 everyone! (Lisa probably more than the rest of us)