England and France completed the quarterfinals cast of Euro 2012 in contrasting fashion.
England scraped through with a goal courtesy of Wayne Rooney and got away with a draw after the linesman failed to rule a ball that went past the goal line before it was cleared by John Terry.
The only consolation is that had the goal been counted and the game ended in a draw, England would still have topped the group while Ukraine would still finish third behind France.
The French took a 2-0 beating against Sweden, but managed to make it as group runner-up with a total of four points, one ahead of Sweden and two clear of co-host Ukraine.
Next up for France will be reigning World Cup and European champions Spain while the English will face off with Germany.
There will be a lull in the action today and the first quarterfinals match pitting Czech Republic against Portugal, which will be played very early Friday morning (Philippine time).
The obvious favorite in the match is Portugal especially after Cristiano Ronaldo woke from his slumber and scored two goals in their final group match.
Czech Republic, which lost its opening game to Russia, is just lucky to be where it is now. Although I like their goalkeeper Petr Cech a lot, the team’s opening day loss to Russia, 1-4, is proof that they are very beatable.
It could have been first day jitters for Czech Republic as they finished on top of Group A with six points following wins over Greece and Poland. I am not convinced of the team’s ability to overcome Portugal though, but let’s see what happens early tomorrow.
* * *
If you haven’t signed up yet, the 5th Albino D. Gothong Memorial Golf Tournament or the Amo Cup will be played on Saturday and Sunday at Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.
This is an 18-hole event and participants can choose to play either on Saturday or Sunday.
Registration fee is P2,000 and all participants will be getting a Nike golf shirt and a Rudy Project golf umbrella.
This is also open to non-members of Alta Vista. You can call (032)2727977 to list up.
The tournament follows a strokeplay format and the awards ceremony will be held on Sunday at the AVGCC ballroom.
Players can also buy mulligans for P200, which entitles them to one free shot per nine holes. The proceeds will go to charity.
See you this weekend!
* * *
MILESTONES: Belated happy birthday greetings to Ret. Col. Eriberto Espina Lebumfacil, youngest brother of my grandfather, who turned 83 years old yesterday.
Today’s greetings go to Sr. Supt. Josephus ‘Jojo’ Angan, Gerard Fortunato, Bernadette Matig-a-Abella, Missy Pardillo-Battenschlag, Maribel Yrezabal-Melgar, and my Physics teacher in high school Martin Castillo.
Advance greetings to those celebrating tomorrow like the Jao twins of volleyball – Marichu Jao-San Juan and Marilou Jao-Ramirez, Loreta D. Kho, and my Tao sister Raquel Capio.
More power to all of you! - THE FREEMAN