This week we've been booked while sat on the bench... just like the unlucky Czech player, Milan Baros. And just as in his case it really, really doesn't matter. As we want the pod to reach you before the quarter-finals, which start tonight, the show is divided in half. That is, dear friends, how dedicated to spreading our subjective opinions we are. You can expect the usual rambling and gossiping to come traditionally on the weekend. It'll be big news - Blackbourn are on the way to reveal the new manager on Friday.. Oh, the excitement. Meanwhile here goes our quarter-finals round-up special.


Portugal v Germany (2-3)
Basel, June 19 19.45 BST
Frings and Podolski 'doubtful' - injuries from the game with Austria
Scolari likely to put up strongest team
this could be a mini-final.

some useless stats:
15 games, Germans winning seven and losing three.
Portugal not been awarded a single penalty in regular time in all 22 matches at European Championships. Poland (three matches), Latvia (three), Norway (three), Slovenia (three), Republic of Ireland (three) are the other countries without a penalty awarded.

predictions
ana: Portugal 2-1
dan: Portugal in penalties

Vienna, June 20 19.45 BST

Croatia won all group matches.
Turkey goalkeeper and captain Volkan Demirel is suspended so 25-year-old Rustu Recber is set for his 117th cap. Mehmet Aurelio suspended as well.
Croatia's captain, Niko Kovac, has announced he will end his international career
Turkey have 11 cards (one red) - more than any other team in the cup

useless stats:
last time croatia reached the last 8 in 1996, when current manager was still playing for the team
Turkey reached quarters in 2000 and lost to Portugal

ana: Croatia 3-2
dan: Croatia 2-0

Basel, June 21 19.45 BST

Holland won all group stage matches
The most recent meeting - a friendly in Feb 2007: 4-1 for Holland.

some useless facts:
Holland has least yellow cards in the cup: 2
Russian coach, Guus Hiddink, is dutch

Roman Pavlyuchenko has taken 18 shots on goal (nine on, nine off target) - little chance against Van der Sar with this ratio

The Dutch Supporters Association has been given the centre spot from the Berne Football Stadium as a gesture of appreciation for the fans at Euro 2008. The centre spot will be dug out of the football field and preserved in a glass case...

ana: Holland in penalties
dan: Holland 2-1

Games schedule:


crazy euro 2008 in dominos video:


and our intro video: