DEVASTATION
Italy have let me down again. The anguish of supporting an erratic team has never been more apparent (well, the world cup was one instance. Euro 2000 was different - France just outplayed them when it mattered). I'm sure the papers tomorrow will be full of 'Scandinavian conspiracy theories'. But Italy shot thmselves in the foot when they allowed Sweden to level with them. Of course, some bitterness still wells up against the scandinavians - a day after they categorically denied chances of a planned 2-2 draw; and calling these claims 'outrageous'; they go right ahead and finish 2-2. Heartbreakingly, the equalizer for sweden came at the same minute that Italy scored their winner... effectively throwing them out of the competition.

Now they join Spain, the perennial underachievers, in reflecting on their performance... and wondering how they can own the two best domestic leagues in europe (the world even - and please! EPL doesn't compare one bit), and yet disappoint so remarkably when they enter a national competition.

Well, the last of the 3 (Holland) remain in the competition - and have a chance to advance - but again, like in the case of Italy, it's not in their hands.

Hope they make it.