The Euros Since I can remember I have always loved watching the major footie championships and back in the day they did often not involve England. My first world cup memories of 1974 and 1978 did not feature the English but it did Scotland's brave attempts in both Germany and Argentina. Home nations failed to qualify for the 1984 Euro's in France and only the Irish made the USA world cup in 1994.

I have promised myself to watch as many games from Switzerland and Austria that I can, or at the very best catch the nightly ESPN highlights evening show, which bizarrely has Andy Gray on as one of the analysts sat alongside American female ex 'soccer' player Julie Foudy who played for the national team 271 times! I wonder if Andy Gray will be saying 'soccer' not football by the end of the month?

The Portuguese looked every inch one of the tournament favourites last night, although I felt sorry for the Swiss masses, they didn't deserve to lose to the Turks and now they have lost their best player Alexander Frei to injury. Today I hope to watch the crunch match between Poland and Germany which kicks off here at 1.45pm.

My tip are the game's ultimate underachievers Spain. A team with Torres, Villa, the Brazilian born Senna, Puyol and Fabregas should be a joy to watch. Their first match however is against my outside bet (25/1) Russia, who I think will make the last four alongside Germany, Portugal and Spain.

Clearly at home interest in this Euro's is pretty low, although here it is minimal at best despite ESPN's efforts. I see that Dave Peeps looks to be taking a keen interest, so I will checking their regularly too.

Meanwhile I have been typing this whilst watching Rafa Nadal anhiliate Roger Federer in the French Open Final. I don't think I have ever seen Federer involved in such a one-sided game, when he has not been the successor. A bad weekend for the Swiss all round.  ¶ 12:32