The group stages were definitely entertaining for the women's football in the Olympics with some surprising results and it has set up for the quarter finals to have some interesting match ups. To be honest with the times that have made it through to the next stage I kind of anticipated it as they are what I consider to be the big teams what did surprise me though is the position that some teams finished in but I am glad that happened as it is leading to some better games in my eyes. 

So here are the quarter final games and my predictions (let's see if I can get any of these ones right) 

Team GB vs Australia

I am really looking forward to this game as I think it could actually be very closely contested. Team GB are a side full of experience where as Australia are still a pretty young side who are started to get better and better. I think this could definitely go either way but I think Team GB's experience might just help them progress. Team GB just need to make sure that they keep an eye on the Australian forwards because we all know what Kerr can be like on a good day. I think Carpenter for Australia could end up being a key player though as we know she is capable of stopping attacks from happening and her speed could cause some issues. I am really hoping for a Team GB win but I guess we will have to wait and see. 

Sweden vs Japan

I think this is going to be an interesting game but honestly with how Sweden have been playing lately I can see them being the ones that walk away victorious. Sweden just look like a very strong side and each year they just seem to be proving that with the results on the pitch. On the other hand I feel like Japan are declining and other teams are starting to catch them up in the sport, they didn't look strong against Team GB and Team GB capitalised on that. They are going to have to come out fighting against Sweden o the host will be exiting the competition. It is definitely going to be fun to watch. 

Netherlands vs USA

A repeat of the 2019 World Cup final that I really can't wait for and again this game could go either way. The USA have not looked like the USA that we are used to seeing and everyone is noticing that they just can't seem to get thinks to gel and results to go their way where as the Netherlands just go from strength to strength. With their manager leaving after the tournament I think the Netherlands will want her to leave with a medal so they are going to come out fighting and we have seen how capable they are of getting goals. I really do think that with the way the USA are currently playing we could see the Netherlands through to the next stage and the USA missing out on another medal opportunity but let's hope they end up proving me wrong either way this is going to be a great game to watch. 

Canada vs Brazil 

Finally we have Cananda vs Brazil where we are going to have the chance to see some absolutely fantastic players like Sinclair and Marta. I think we could be in for a treat with this game as both teams are doing really well at the moment and with Brazil's experience and aging team they will be doing their best to get a shot at a medal where as Canada will be wanting to show how they are meant to be up there with the best. Honestly I am really on sure who could progress through this game but I think I am going to have to settle with Canada going through. I guess I am just going to keep an eye on the game to see if I am correct but I do think it is going to be close. 

It is definitely going to be interesting to see who progresses into the next round as I really do think there could be a few upsets if teams aren't careful. Who do you think will be progressing through to the next stage? 

Remember to keep checking back for more Olympic posts for both the men's and women's game. 

Well that group stage flew by for the women's football during the Olympics didn't it. It is safe to say we got to witness some pretty great games too with some shock results and players really not looking their best whilst other players really took their chance to shine and stood out from the crowd. I managed to watch plenty of the games that were shown on the BBC but I still aren't impressed they took the final Team GB off the air when they aren't given enough chances to be broadcast as it is but that is a rant for another day. I am quite impressed with what we saw throughout the groups and for a change my predictions were actually quite accurate. So here is what I predicted, how it ended and a little bit about the groups...

Group E Predictions

Great Britain 

Japan 

Canada

Chile

How It Ended 

Team GB

Canada 

Japan 

Chile 

I am so glad that Team GB topped this group as they got off to a great start against Chile and Ellen White has had a fantastic competition so far. The team have looked really strong and have settled together really well to say it is a small mix of nations not just one usual national team. Home nation Japan didn't really impress me either and it seems like they are starting to struggle against some of the upcoming teams to say they were in finals in 2015 it is safe to say other teams are catching them up. Canada seem to be one of those teams going from strength to strength and I am loving how well they are coming together as a team and showing everyone they are on their tails. I do feel sorry for Chile though as this was always going to be a big test for them as the group is a strong one and unfortunately they just couldn't get the results needed but we are seeing a lot of improvements from them.  

Group  F Prediction

Netherlands 

Brazil 

China 

Zambia

How It Ended 

Netherlands

Brazil

Zambia

China

I didn't actually get to watch any games from this group and I am actually a bit disappointed by this as I really enjoy watching both the Netherlands and Brazil play. I have heard that there were some great games in this group and the opening result from Netherlands vs Zambia just goes to show how good the Netherlands are in my eyes putting so many past a team in a tournament is always a strong sign. Brazil of course qualified for the next round as expected and even with their aging team they just look absolutely fantastic. I do have to say I feel for poor Zambia and China being placed in a group with these two teams but neither showed signs of giving up. 

Group  G predictions 

USA

Australia 

Sweden

New Zealand 

How It Ended 

Sweden 

USA

Australia 

New Zealand

I will admit I though USA would run this group but what a shock they had in their first game with Sweden putting plenty past them and them not being able to reply. Throughout the groups they haven't looked like the side we are used to seeing and honestly other teams must be rubbing their hands together as they might finally be able to cause some upsets. Sweden have shown us all they are not to be taken lightly and they mean business. It is great seeing how Sweden are improving year after year too. Australia are another team showing a lot of potential and with them still being a very young side they are definitely one to watch as I can only see them going further and further in competitions. I do feel for New Zealand though as they were drawn against some of the greatest teams at the moment and they just couldn't get the results needed for them to progress.

So that is the group stage done now it is time for the quarter finals where we are going to be treated to some fantastic games once again. Check back very for our quarter final prediction post and even more Olympic football posts. 

It feels like we have been waiting forever but at long last the Tokyo Olympics are taking place. As I said in my men's group prediction post I am mainly watching the football throughout the Olympics and I really can't wait as I think that for both the men's and women's football we are going to be in for a treat. There are no restrictions on who can represent the countries in the women's game whereas the men need to be under 24 so we are in for a treat with the worlds best women representing their countries and we know from previous tournaments just how much talent there is to watch. So here is how I think the groups are going to look at the end of the group stage... 

The month has flown by and the Euros are now over. After an extra years wait it was always bound to be a tournament fans jumped straight into as anticipation was just growing and growing due to the delay. It was safe to say us England fans weren't sure what to expect due to how we have performed in previous competitions and the heartbreak we always seem to endure. It was safe to say though our performances had been brilliant and we finally brought hope and excitement to the nation which hasn't had much to cheer about lately just like the rest of the world.

Honestly I never expected to see England in the final of a major tournament in my lifetime as it has always felt we were cursed to fall just before we got there so to be able to experience them in the final was fantastic, let's just hope we don't have to wait as long next time for us to reach another (next year in the World Cup would be very nice). I think we were definitely going into this as the underdogs thanks to Italy's unbeaten run but honestly I was hopeful, some of the performances we had put in previously showed just how much we were capable of. 

England started off well getting Italy on the back foot and really pushing them, we saw how we could draw in their defence and create space straight away which led to Shaw scoring in under 4 minutes giving us the lead. Honestly Shaw is my player of the tournament as he seems to have been everywhere, defending really well, creating assists, linking up well with others and really getting us in some threatening positions. It was great to see how well he worked alongside Sterling too and this could be a great link up for years to come for England if they both stay fit and at the top of the game. I am really glad he finished off the competition with a goal for himself as he definitely deserved one.

I honestly don't think Italy looked their best throughout the game and in fact I think they looked scared of England for the majority of the first half. However, that definitely all changed in the second half and Italy has the upper hand whilst England looked shaky, I don't know what was said in the changing rooms at half time but it definitely worked in Italy's favour and totally changed the way England played. Italy got their goal in the form of a very scrappy one from a corner and to be honest England should have done better defensively to keep it out but it went in and we had to suffer through extra time. 

My nerves have never been as bad as they were for extra time as England looked poor and Italy were looking like they could go on and win the game if they really wanted to but we some how kept it at 1-1 and end up going to penalties... an outcome I had been dreading since we found out we were in the final. There were a few questionable decisions throughout the whole game though that could have really changed the outcome as should Italy have ended the game with all 11 players on the pitch? The pull back on Saka was absolutely ridiculous and clearly stopped him making what could have been a dangerous break. Then we had the 'stamp' on Grealish studs were shown and there was just no need, we have seen players sent off for a lot less recently. As soon as the game went to penalties I think everyone just knew Italy had won it and it is unfortunate as I don't think they really deserved to win like that. When it came to the penalties I don't think Southgate did it right either as I don't think he used the right players and leaving it all down to young Saka was too much, it should have been someone with more big game experience as this moment is always going to be in the back of his mind now but good on him for stepping up and taking it. It is easy to sit on your sofa and say how did a player miss that but when you are in that moment on the pitch with the whole nation on your back it is going to be totally different so credit should be given where it is due as it was the young ones who stepped up to that pressure and it just unfortunately didn't pay off for them but it took a lot to step up in the first place and face that pressure. 

I think throughout the whole of the game England were tactically behind, we took too long to get on the attack and we took far too long to make the changes that were needed which could have won us the game or at least had us looking a whole lot stronger.  We should have added pace in the first half of extra time by bring on Rashford and Sancho as that speed would have troubled Italy and with plenty of them having yellow cards it would really have piled on the pressure. Plus I don't think it is fair how Rashford and Sancho have barely played all month and got brought on just for the pressure of penalties, get them on sooner and give them chance to impact the game and actually get focused on what is happening first. I can't even being to imagine the pressure they were facing. 

Saka should honestly hold his head high as this was his first big tournament and he has shown us all the potential he possesses and the fact he is only 19 years old just lets us know he can only rise up from the occasion and become a better player from it. In fact the whole team can hold their heads high and be proud of the past month as they have got further than any other male England team since 66 and shown we are a force to be reckoned with. WE have shown just how much talent we have and to be honest with us being so young I think this could be a team we see for many more years and we have sent out a warning to other teams. The team managed to unite a nation and give us something to look forward to for a full month not just a few weeks and they brought the love of football back to people who were slowly drifting away. They have also inspired another generation to go out and kick the ball about either with friends or as part of a team which is brilliant to see and something that I hope to see for years to come. 

Overall the tournament was fantastic all month round with plenty of joy and excitement brought to the nations competing after such a long time of heartache and uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic. We have seen some fantastic results that definitely have shocked everyone, like watching Switzerland come back to knock France out of the competition which I don't think anyone expected and at the start of the month who would have thought England would have been in the final? I know I definitely didn't. It has been a great tournament as nothing has been a given and results have been all over the place which I love as I hate it when you can call every game before kick off and it is always good to see underdogs doing well.  We have also seen a few nasty injuries and incidents which shocked the world... we had Castagne from Belgium with the nasty eye socket injury which could have potentially ended his career if it has been a few inches away from its final position. Then we saw the awful incident with Eriksen in the very early stages of the competition but what was great to see if he is making a full recovery and how the world of football came together to show support for not only him but his Danish team mates too, it was nice to see this touching moment from the football community. Denmark then had a great tournament and you could tell they were playing to prove themselves without Eriksen whilst also trying to win it for him.

It has been a nice change for a tournament not to be all about the big names too as it has actually been the smaller more unknown players who have stood out from the crowd and put in the best performances which is great as it has definitely brought a lot more players to our attention that we might not have possibly heard of previously. It is safe to say if these players manage to stay injury free then the future of football is in very good hands as there is a lot of potential on show. 

Seeing fans back in the stadium has been great too as it has definitely been missed due to the pandemic, granted stadiums weren't at full capacity like we wished they had been but it has just given us an extra glimpse of hope that things are slowly but surely returning to some normality. We have seen communities come together and a nation united now we just need to keep that up and put the same amount of support back into our local clubs at all levels as the new seasons begin as those clubs are going to need all the help they can get whilst recovering from the pandemic and we have shown as a nation just how good our support can be so it is time to show that locally too. Plus we have the Women from Team GB to cheer on before any of the seasons start and we have a really strong chance of bring back a medal from that competition too. 

I wish I wasn't ending the post as I am but England's defeat has gone to show once again why more action needs to be to kick racism out of the game. If those penalties that were missed went in everyone would be calling the players heroes today but as they were missed the comments they are receiving are absolutely disgraceful and aren't needed. Those players stepped up and did there jobs but unfortunately things didn't go their way, yes you might have an opinion but keep it to yourself there is no need to send it to those players who are feeling bad enough, we should be trying to lift them back up and get them on track to get back to winning ways. Those 'fans' sending abuse aren't fans at all and it is time we got rid of them from the beautiful game, social media needs to step up and do more to combat it and fans need to learn there is no place for it.

The Euro's might be over but there is plenty more football to come and we will be covering as much as possible over the coming months before the actual seasons start as this year it just seems like football never stops... but that definitely isn't a bad thing. 

Well it has been the quickest month in what feels like forever thanks to the Euros taking place, why is it that when you have waited for ages and are enjoying something it just ends up flying by and being over before you know it. This years final is certainly going to be extra special though as England are finally making an appearance. After far too many years of hurt they have finally broken what felt like a curse and they will be taking on Italy in the final. 

It is definitely going to be an interesting night with England seemingly going into the game as underdogs due to Italy's amazing run of form under the watchful eye of Mancini who has got the Italians playing as they used to and to be honest if not better than previously. England might be underdogs but they are also finally showing us what they are capable and us fans are being filled with hope rather than dread every time big games get underway.  They have put in some fantastic performances throughout the competition so far and have only conceded one goal so far so let's hope we can keep it like that. 

I think it is safe to say that to get the best result possible Southgate is going to have to put out his fittest and strongest side, tired legs are going to be worn out quickly against the Italians and we don't want to be caught out tracking back etc. Italy have picked up a few injuries throughout the competition but England seem to have managed to stay relatively injury free minus the few knocks they have picked up and they still seem to have the full squad at their dispersal so Southgate can switch up any positions that may need it and really give us that edge. England seem to be a much younger side than the Italians especially when it comes to defence so pace is definitely going to be something we need to use to put them under some real pressure as if we tire them out we are more likely to be able to breakthrough. We have seen in earlier games how our pace has worked to our advantage so we definitely need to be using it rather than sitting back which I have a feeling we could end up doing. 

Something I have noticed throughout the tournament is that the Italians go down pretty easily and try their best to get set pieces even if the challenge or lack of doesn't warrant it. The England defence definitely needs to watch out for this and need to try not to be drawn in as quite a few players could easily end up with a booking or two as we know they have tempers and can be easily drawn in and be on the receiving end of unfair decisions. I think the Italians could easily end up targeting the likes of Maguire and Rice as they know that their tempers could get the better of them. 

Just like Spain did the other day England need to make sure they have Immobile & Insigne blocked off and under control as they could easily be two of the Italians biggest threats. If England can keep these two at bay I think we could see Italy struggle to create chances as in my eyes they are two of their biggest play makers. 

The final for me is easily a game that could go either way with either team taking home the win as it is all going to be who can keep their nerves at bay and get off to the strongest start as I think that is going to be crucial in who settles into the game best and take every chance given, wasted chances could be really crucial in this game so lets hope England keep the wasted chances to a minimum and make the most of their time in front of goal. 

England might have the home field advantage with the game being played in Wembley but with the form both teams have been in I think this is going to be either sides biggest test of the whole competition with us fans in for a real treat it could very easily go either way and I think everyone is going to be on the edge of their seats come 8pm. 

Can England finally bring some joy to the country after the disruption of the pandemic and all the previous years of footballing hurt we have had to endure? Either way it is safe to say the nation is proud of this team and we have had a glimpse of their potential going into the world cup next year where due to the age of the players we are likely to be heading in with a very similar team to face not just Europe but the world.

It is safe to say the nerves are definitely building already but I can not wait for that whistle to blow and the game to begin. After so many years of disappointment fingers crossed things can turn around and football finally comes home. 

This definitely feels like a once in a life time opportunity for an England fan so I am definitely making the most of it. Just please England bring it home and don't put me through the pain of penalties as I really don't feel like I could cope. 

Is it coming home or going to Rome?

The nerves are definitely starting to kick in now as we are very quickly approaching the final of Euro 2020, the past month seems to have flown by and the competition is very close to being wrapped up for another 4 years. It seems like no round this competition has let us fans down and each one has provided us with some great games. The semi finals certainly weren't any different and we saw two great games over two nights and we saw some very hopeful performances. So here is a quick round up of the semi final games where we actually predicted the right winners but just not the correct scores...

Italy 1-1 Spain - Italy win on penalties

This game was definitely a whole lot closer than I expected and to be honest I thought Spain were going to end up coming out the other side as finalists and not Italy. To say Spain were the underdogs going into the game they pushed Italy and made them look weak in some areas which no other team has really been able to do. It was nice to see Italy been challenged though as it showed there was a potential to break through and beat them which we hadn't really seen before Tuesday night. You can tell Italy wasn't used to the pushing too as they looked scared and I don't believe they played half as good as they have done during other games in the tournament, cracks started to show and weaknesses could finally be seen. One thing that drove me mad was how easily Italy seemed to go down, the slightest touch that was it and they go actively looking for anyway they can gain a free kick etc and to be honest we haven't just seen it in the semis but we have seen it from them in all their games so England need to watch out for that in the final. 

As I say I was really shocked with the result as I thought Spain were the better side and they did really well blocking Immobile and Insigne out of the game and really limiting the chances Italy had. It is just a shame that Spain took such poor penalties as they just didn't seem confident in themselves at all when taking them but then again if they took all their chances during normal time extra time and penalties might not even have been needed. 

England 2-1 Denmark (After extra time)

It is safe to say that like many others I was very nervous for the build up to this game and those nervous only build up as the game got underway and progressed as England just didn't seem to be doing themselves any favours. There seemed to be a few players for England who had a shaky start and didn't fill me with confidence but Denmark also started the game really well which obviously didn't help, England did settle into the game eventually though and once they were settled they certainly were the biggest threat and Denmark started slipping away due to the constant pressure and roles were reversed with Denmark playing a lot of the game looking nervous and on the back foot. It was Denmark who initially took the lead though with what was an absolutely fantastic goal however, when it went in I did have to ask Liam if he thought the Danish players seemed a bit too close to the English which obviously they aren't allowed to do, plus it seemed like a very soft free kick to be given to start off with granted it was a very very good goal though.

Sterling once again had another great game and he did well to put pressure on to force the own goal that got England back to the game. He then ended up getting us the penalty that won us the game in extra time, now there has been a lot of controversy from a lot of fans of other nations saying we cheated and we shouldn't have had a penalty but the fact VAR was used and after various looks at various angles it was still given there was clearly some contact to warrant the penalty to be given, plus Denmark were lucky a lot more weren't given over the course of the game as England definitely had plenty of claims that could easily have been called. I am glad Kane managed to put away the rebound as my nerves were through the roof for extra time let alone if we had gone to penalties like the other semi final. One thing that really drove me mad during the game though was definitely England heading to the corner, I hate when teams do this as not only is it boring but it is also pretty risky all it takes is the opposition stealing the ball and breaking and you are on the back foot. Poor Foden was breaking into the box and could have possibly got us another 3 or 4 goals if we had pushed for more instead of going to the corner so I definitely feel for him as you could tell he just wanted to be on that score sheet. When that final blew though I don't think I have ever felt so relived... the curse has been broken and the mens team are finally back in a major final and hopefully they can bring it home. 

So that is our quick round up of the semi finals of the competition, I really can't wait for the final but at the same time nerves are definitely starting to kick in. Want to see our predictions for the final? Well check back tomorrow before the big game kicks off at 8pm... I think we are going to be in for a treat. What did you think to the semi final games?

For a long time Bradford City seemed to be one of the few teams who would stick with a manager through thick and thin and we were settled but in recent years things have certainly changed and we seem to be going through managers far too quickly, it is almost like we really can't wait to get rid of them and make more changes instead of working on weaknesses and changing things around. It seemed like the owners didn't have a clue and no-one at the club actually wanted to progress which just frustrated us fans. The changing of managers always came after the closure of transfer windows too which didn't help as the new manager was coming into a team picked by the previous one that never seemed to fit their playing style and we saw those negatives on the pitch far too often alongside players been shut out of the match day squad. 

When McCall left and Trueman & Sellars took over results started to change for the better and we went from a team battling to survive relegation to being on the edge of the play offs within just a few months, granted our form dipped and we ended up missing out on the play offs but what we saw from the team was passion and a desire to be on the pitch, something we haven't seen for a while at Bradford now. Trueman and Sellars seemed to have something good going on and they had players wanting to play for them which is just the lift we needed which is why I was so shocked they stepped down from their roles at the end of the season. I know it was always only going to be temporary however, I thought we would have tried to continue what we had instead of hanging yet again but it wasn't meant to be and a new manager was announced. 

We seemed to be waiting a long time for the new manager announcement even though us fans knew who it was going to be way before due to numerous rumours and leaks. The reason we had to wait was a pretty good one though as new manager Derek Adams was busy leading Morecambe to promotion to League 1, something we hope he can replicate this season with Bradford City. Honestly I was very surprised that the signing of Adams went through as I was sure after the promotion he was going to stick with Morecambe but it went through and he is now in charge of us and fingers crossed he can enjoy the same success and stick with us for plenty of seasons to get us to where we belong once again instead of us being stuck in League 2. 

Adams has the potential to do big things at Bradford and he clearly has the backing of the club which is definitely needed after previous seasons so it is going to be interesting to see the results on the pitch. The best part of him signing preseason is that the transfer window is open so he can build a team he wants and by the signings we have seen already we can see he is aiming in the right direction and the club are clearly liking his vision for the future, we aren't just seeing loan after loan and we are bringing in people in positions that have been lacking quality it is definitely going to be great to see the team linking up on the pitch as there is a lot of potential there for a huge promotion push. Trueman has also been appointed as Adam's assistant which I think is a good move as he has an understanding of the players left from last season and he seems to have good knowledge of the game in League 2, he also seems to be able to manage the younger players really well so I am sure he is going to be influential in helping the youngsters of the squad develop into first team players.

I am really hoping that Adams is our only manager this season as I think the clubs only way out of League 2 is going to be consistency not only on the pitch but with players and management too. We need someone who is going to stick with us through the ups and downs and show some passion and drive to get us the results the club deserves. Granted the success wont happen overnight fans need to have patience to see form improve and if we don't get out of the league this year once people are settled and gelled we stand more of a chance, yes it would be great to be writing about being promoted at the end of the season but it will also be great just to write about an improvement from the team and looking like we are a solid team who have a push in them for the season ahead. 

The club finally seems like it is heading back in the right direction after a rough few years not only with the pandemic but with issues with owners and players etc. As a fan it is fantastic to see everything looking hopefully for a change and fingers crossed it is going to be a season of cheering rather than not wanting to waste time going to see poor performances week in week out like previously, it got to the stage where I wanted to stay home instead of going to games so I am hoping that this season I am waking up on game days raring too go and honestly from what we have seen since the end of the season I think this is the case and things are going to get better. Both on and off the pitch things seem to be heading in the best direction possible, we are seeing new signings, positive attitudes, great season ticket sales and stadium improvements at long last and Ryan Sparks has definitely had a big part in getting all this done for club as since his appointment we have seen so many positive steps and like we are getting our club back to how it should be for the first time since we were taken over. 

We are definitely on track for getting our Bradford City back now just get me back to Valley Parade for the new season. What do you think to Adams appointment? Are you hopeful or still on the fence?

Italy vs Spain

Honestly if I was putting a bet on this game my money would be going straight on an Italy win as they have been fantastic throughout the competition and look very hard to beat. In Spain's last game they played well but I just don't think they have what it takes to knock Italy out of the competition due to how strong the Italians seem to be lately. I think it is nice to see Italy doing so well this time out and I really do believe we are going to end up seeing them in the final. As for a scoreline it wouldn't surprise me if it ends 2-1 with Spain putting up a real fight to the end. 

England vs Denmark

I am really looking forward to seeing England take on Denmark as I think we are in for a real tough contest. England have the home advantage with the game being played at Wembley and I think that is going to really push them further however, we all know Denmark are out to prove themselves and bring home the victories for Eriksen so I think we are in for a treat of a game which could really go either way. I do think England could just edge a 1-0 victory though as Kane seems to be finding his feet and Sterling is constantly looking a threat, plus the English back line is doing brilliant and a lot better than I expected from them. This game is going to be one of those that could end up right to the wire though and it wouldn't surprise me if it ended up in extra time... just please no penalties. 

I can't wait to sit down and watch both these games as I think they are both going to be entertaining and showcase the potential of a lot of players. Check back later in the week for our round up post to see just how right or wrong we were... honestly it could go either way as nothing is set in stone this time around the underdogs could end up with a shock result. What do you think is going to happen in the semi finals? Come let us know over on our social media channels. 

How are we already at the semi final stage of euro 2020? It doesn't seem like two minutes ago since the tournament first kicked off but we have been spoiled with some great games and unexpected results and to be honest the quarter finals were no different. Here is how they went. 

Switzerland 1-1 Spain (Spain won 3-2 on penalties) 

This game was a bit of an end to end one and honestly it could have gone either way but no one had that stand out moment to stop the game going to penalties. This was the only game out of the four that went to penalties which was a bit of a surprise for me but I am glad it was as I can't cope with penalty shoot outs. Plus it wasn't exactly a spectacular penalty shoot out either with some looking weak from the tired legs and some really not challenging either goalkeeper. I honestly thought Switzerland were going to come out of this as semi finalists but it is nice to see Spain into the semis and doing well again. 

Belgium 1-2 Italy

Honestly Belgium were one of my favourites to win the competition and they were doing so well but Italy just seem to be next level during this tournament and they seem to be a tough team to crack as they are doing so well. This is one of the games I wanted to watch the most but I actually ended up missing it due to other things going on but it does sound like it was a good game from what I have heard. I am quite gutted that Belgium were knocked out but they have had a really good run and it was always going to be tough coming up against Italy. 

Czech Republic 1-2 Denmark

The Czech Republic team really surprised me this tournament as I honestly didn't expect them to get as far as they did before unfortunately being beaten by Denmark. The Czech team really put up a fight against Denmark and I really though a late comeback was on but unfortunately it wasn't to be and Denmark came out on top thanks to two pretty good goals. Denmark are a team that are really putting up a fight this competition and I am shocked they have got as far as they have due to the unfortunate incident that occurred in their opening game however, they are playing for Eriksen and you can tell, it is nice to see them doing so well though as they are showing us nothing can hold them back. 

England 4-0 Ukraine

Definitely the biggest shock for me was seeing England put four past the Ukraine, I really expected us to just put one past them and for the Ukraine to put us under a lot of pressure but the complete opposite seemed to happen. England came out fighting from the get go where as the Ukraine just never really seemed to get going which was a shock, key players never seemed to get into the game and the defence looked like it didn't know what hit it. I think we saw a lot more potential from the England side and a lot better performance from Kane who I think is going to just get better for the remainder of England's time in the tournament due to a confidence boost. I could just have done without the storms causing technical issues so I could have watched the full 90 minutes uninterrupted although this game filled me with a lot of confidence for England going into the next game. 

Now it is on to the semi's check back tomorrow for our predictions post before the games kick off but I am feeling hopefully for the next games and I am looking forward to seeing who progresses from the semis to the actual final on Sunday. What did you think to the quarter finals?