We now know of the Quarter Final line-up following the conclusion of Groups C and D.
An 88th minute equaliser for Czech Republic against Russia in a six goal thriller completely changed the complexion of Group C.
Valdimir Smicer’s 88th minute goal mean that the Czechs would qualify ahead of Italy, who were drawing with Germany at Old Trafford. Italy therefore had a few minutes to try and find a winner but they didn’t manage to find that winning goal.
Italy and Germany played out a goalless draw and all the exciting action was played out at Anfield between Czech Republic and Russia.
The Czechs were 2-0 up after 19 minutes, thanks to goals from Jan Suchoparek and Pavel Kuka. This put them two point clear of Italy and a better goal difference by one. The Italians at this stage would have to beat Germany by two goals to qualify.
Gianfranco Zola had a penalty saved by Andreas Kopke in the first half after the German goalkeeper brought Pierluigi Casiraghi in the box.
Even if Zola had scored from the spot, his side would still have needed another goal.
Back at Anfield, Russia must have been given a stern telling-off at half-time as they fought back with two goals in the opening ten minutes of the second half. The Czechs were still set to qualify though due to a better goal difference as Italy were unable to break down a stubborn German defence.
The Russians then gave Italy a huge favour by scoring a third and in doing so, the Czechs dropped down to third place.
Vladimir Beschastnykh and Vladislav Radimov both exchanged passes after Beschastnykh had brought the ball from inside his own half. He then took a shot at goal from six yards out which was deflected up and over Petr Kuba in the Czech goal, dropping cruelly under the crossbar.
Czech Republic weren’t finished there and on 88 minutes Vladimir Smicer levelled the scores and put his side into the Quarter Finals.
Smicer chased after a chipped through-ball, firing the ball hard and low into the bottom corner.
Germany topped the group with seven points from a possible nine, Czech Republic and Italy both had four points but the Czechs qualified with a better goal difference. Russia ended the tournament at the bottom of the group, having only picked up the one point.
In Group D, Croatia had already qualified for the knockout stages after winning their first two games.
Portugal looked odds-on to join them in the last eight as they had a better goal difference by four from holders Denmark.
In the end, Portugal beat Croatia 3-0 to top the group and even though Denmark beat Turkey 3-0 at Hillsborough, they finished in third place, two points behind Croatia.
The Quarter Finals will be played on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd June. Hosts England face Group B runners-up Spain at Wembley and France play Holland at Anfield on 22nd.
Czech Republic will play Portugal at Villa Park on Sunday 23rd and Germany and Croatia is the final Quarter Final fixture. This match will be played at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.
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