I haven’t worn green in two weeks. I haven’t been to espn.com or listened to sports radio during my commutes. According to John Buckley, I have apparently developed a drinking problem. I’m still “not ready” to talk about it. I have completely sworn off Bill Simmons and even gone so far as to write him an angry letter. I am working feverishly to get F*&@ing VladRad deported (and his name legally changed to F*&@ing VladRad). I am in a no-basketball/Celtics-don’t-exist bubble. So I’m doing what any true, good Laker fan would do. I’m pretending it never happened. In my eyes, the series unfolded just as one of my favorite sports writers, DJ Gallo tells it. So.... what do I do now?

EuroCup! 2008!

That’s right soccer fans (and Laker fans seeking a great escape). Group play is officially over and we are headed into the quarterfinals… and beyond. I will admit that my international soccer knowledge is somewhat limited, but I’ll do my best to break down the next 4 games, and make my predictions.
(note: our internet was down this morning (which oddly enough, makes employees who work for a website rather unproductive. IHOP, anyone?), but this post was already written. Basically, I didn’t cheat. Maybe a little, but I knew Germany was going to win.)

Game 1: Germany vs Portugal
Of all the groups in the cup, Germany fared the best with drawing Poland, Austria, and Croatia. Even German star Podolski emerged on the big stage by scoring two goals to beat Poland (someday Poland, someday…). After playing too cautious against Croatia and falling into a two goal deficit, they rebounded behind Ballack’s goal to beat Poland and move to the quarterfinals. Portugal had a much tougher group with the Czech Republic and a surprising Turkey squad. In an unexpected turn of events, they ended up dropping a game to Switzerland. Although Portugal has the veteran midfielder Deco and superstar striker Ronaldo, I’m going to ride Podolski’s momentum into the semis.
Prediction: Germany 2 Portugal 1

Game 2: Croatia vs Turkey
As far as I’m concerned, Turkey came out of nowhere! I mean, are they even in Europe? After doing some research, I am reminded that they made appearances in EuroCup 2000 and the 2002 World Cup. They are an extremely spirited team that is eager to be back to this tournament and looking to take advantage of this opportunity. Back in 1998, I remember watching the World Cup and one of my favorite players was the winner of the Golden Boot, Davor Suker. He had six goals in games and every time he scored my dad and I would yell “Suuuuuuuker!” Guess you had to be there… This game was really a toss up for me until I found this out… Bill Belichick is Croatian. As a Steelers fan and an I-Hate-All-Things-Boston girl, I cannot endorse Croatia.
Prediction: Turkey 1 Croatia 0

Game 3: Netherlands vs Russia
One of the best goals I’ve ever seen came in the 1998 World Cup (I swear I’ve watched more soccer than that), and I managed to dig up the video. The Netherlands pretty much rolled through their group and Russia suffered a shellacking by Spain. This seems like a no-brainer to me.
Prediction: Netherlands 3 Russia 0

Game 4: Spain vs Italy
Spain won all three games in group play, but also allowed a goal in each. If Villa David can continue his scoring barrage (4 goals so far), it will be tough for any defense to stop the Spaniards. Except for Italy’s. Italy emerged from the group of death, but lost two key players to suspensions along the way, Pirlo and Gattuso. As convincing as 9 out of 10 wins in the last qualifying games is, there is just something about the Italians that I cannot stand. Which with my luck (p.s. you are all invited to my pity party), means that the Italians are on the fast track to another victory.
Prediction: Italy 1 Spain 1 (Italy wins in PKs)

For the record, I predicted Germany, Croatia, and Portugal to advance, but underestimated Turkey.