The Turkish team did so much and more. What it did explains why the mankind should spend time, money and efforts for a rather simple sport. During 15 minutes the most experienced defense at the championship was torn to pieces, crushed and destroyed, with their poor Czech. I supported our Slavic brothers, but the opportunity itself for the miracle made some space for my sympathies for furious janizaries. I was not going to applaud to them but I had to, after the third goal by Nihat Kahvechi.  

Crazy boldness cannot become a rule, and it does not always save. But the lack of it may have fatal consequences. Italians and French, champions and vice-champions, set hopes for their top class and looked rather poor. As a result, not only they had to get engaged in mutual “destruction”, but also to swear by their ‘offenders’ Hollanders. Well those did not let them down.     

Such is this championship where there are no whipping boys. The Swiss played heroically the part, played by Russians in the previous Euro, when they slammed the door in the match versus Portuguese. Austrians stood to the last man when playing against the “big brother”, Germany. No one would throw a stone at the Polish either. As for Czechs, they must be pitied with their goalkeeper. And let French have a pity on themselves. As for ours, you already know about them!   

No “new Greeks” have appeared yet. And there are too many of pretenders. Well, soon their number will be reduced twice as little. It would be funny if only one representative of the top home championships (Italy or Spain) got to the semifinals, while the “inferiors” give a good kick to the grandees. That seems to be quite possible.