As we move into the knockout stages of Euro 2008, who looks most likely to take the glory in the office?

Tom (Me) – Spain
Thanks to a David Villa hat-trick and a first international goal from Cesc Fabregas, I secured the bragging rights after the first office clash against Mat’s tip – Russia.  Spain followed up with a 2-1 win over Sweden and then came from behind against reigning champions Greece to record another 2-1 win.  With a 100% record so far, I quite fancy Spain’s chances against office rival Carrie’s Italian side.

Chris – France
France made a disappointing start to the tournament with a boring 0-0 draw against Romania, leaving them with a tough challenge in their two remaining games in the so-called “Group of Death.”  Unfortunately they faced the Netherlands who taught them the importance of taking your chances with a smash and grab 4-1 win.  With it all to do in their final game against Italy, and relying on the Dutch beating Romania, the French lost a key player in Ribery through injury and were reduced to 10 men when they conceded a penalty, finally going on to lose 2-0 to Carrie’s Italy.  With France eliminated at the group stage, Chris is obviously disappointed being the only office member not have a team in the quarter-finals, but at least he’s got plenty work to keep him occupied.

Mat – Russia
A 4-1 defeat to Spain in their opening game left Russia with it all to do.  A 1-0 victory against Greece combined with a 2-0 win over Sweden saw Russia through however and kept Mat’s dream of a Russia v Germany final alive, although they have to face the impressive Netherlands in the quarter finals.  Whether Mat will be able to retire if his 33-1 bet comes in, nobody knows, but he should be able to get the drinks in at least.

Jason – Portugal
Needless to say, Jason is pretty pleased, Portugal through to the knock-out stages with a game to spare thanks to a 2-0 victory against Turkey and a 3-1 win against the Czechs.  Portugal could afford to rest some of their key players in the final group game against the Swiss hosts, which should provide some fresh legs for their quarter final.  With Scolari on his way to Chelsea, he’ll want to go out on a high, so Portugal look in a great position to go all the way if they can beat Germany first.  Will Jason fly out to Portugal to celebrate if they win the tournament is the big question now.

Carrie – Italy
Carrie was the first to taste defeat in the competition, with Italy comfortably beat thanks to a highly debatable, but most definitely onside goal which was followed by two great counter-attacking goals from the Dutch.  A 1-1 draw against Romania followed with a late penalty save from Buffon gave Italy hope of making the knockout stages and they defeated France 2-0 to set up a tantalising quarter-final against Spain.  The Italian’s have surely given Carrie food for thought with some baby names, and I’m sure she’ll want to consider then name of Italy’s penalty hero against France, Andrea Pirlo as a strong possibility whether she has a boy or a girl.