WELL, as we all know, you can never count the Germans out. I didn't think they were impressive at the start of this tournament but they always seem to have what it takes to get to the latter stages, be it the World Cup or the European Championships. Their record is second to none.

I thought 3-1 was a fair result in last night's quarter final against Portugal. I know I lot of Portuguese here are going to be disappointed but what can I say? The Germans had three chances in the game and took them all. Although Portugal got back into the game in the latter stages of both halves, I think the Germans deserved to go through

So who's going to join them?

Well, today Croatia face Turkey. I think a lot of people might look at this as having the potential for being a bit of a physical game for both sides. Certainly the Turks can get a little temperamental when things aren't going their way and I think the Croatians are a bit like that too. That was a fantastic comeback by Turkey against the Czech Republic in the last game of the group session - I just don't know what happened to the Czechs. All the same, for this one I'm backing Croatia.

Tomorrow it's Holland against Russia. I think a lot of people were surprised that Russia got through to this stage. The Swedes were playing really well in the group stage and only needed a draw against Russia in the final game. Russia on the other hand were simply not playing to the best of their abilities in the early stages, but they pulled it together when they had to. Nevertheless, I'm going with the Dutch. They're playing such fantastic football at the moment. They saw off the French, the Italians, put out a reserve squad for the final game against Rumania - and still thumped them 2-0.

Then again, Russia's coach Guus Hiddink is Dutch and will know a lot of the players who is team will be facing. Maybe he can pull something off.

Making up the last eight we have Spain against Italy on Sunday. Spain have been going along nicely but as everyone knows, they always seem to choke on the big occasion. In fact you could almost say the same for the Dutch. Yes, they play fantastic, entertaining football and their players are fantastic technically - they can play anywhere in the world. But when you think about it, they only have one European Championship trophy from back in 88. They also lost in the final of both 74 and 78 World Cups as well of course. I think it's because of a defensive weakness. They play such beautiful, flowing, attacking football but sometimes they forget to defend.

Italy might regard themselves lucky to still be in it but they're very much like the Germans - you can never write them off and they always seem to be there or there abouts. But it just goes to show how important that injury time penalty miss was by Rumania in their 1-1 draw with the Italians. Italy clung on through Buffon's fingertip penalty save and the next thing you know, the Italians are in the last eight. It's not going to be easy for them but I also expect them to beat Spain and get into the semi finals.

So, that's my prediction for the final four - Germany - who are through already, along with Croatia, Holland and Italy. In fact I'll even put my neck on the line and predict a Germany/Holland final, which I think a lot of people would like to see.

Who have been the most disappointing team of the finals? well the French must be very disappointed with themselves. In three games they managed a 0-0 draw against Rumania and were then thumped 4-1 by Holland in which Henri scored their only goal of the campaign - which turned out to be nothing more than a consolation goal really. And then they lost out 2-0 to Italy in a game they had to win. Really they only have themselves to blame. I think the French have taken far too long to bring new blood into the squad, introducing new names to the international level. Henri might have been fantastic in his day, but I believe his time has gone,

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Now to our own World Cup campaign and what a fantastic result for Bermuda in Trinidad last Sunday. What did I say last week? It's all about belief and having the right attitude and clearly we had that on the night. Well done to the manager, coaching staff and especially the players. It's just important for everyone to now carry that attitude with them into the second leg. We have to do our own thing, chase them down and put the onus on them - and if they still aren't showing us respect, well that's their problem, not ours.

I think it's important for everyone to get behind the team on Sunday. Obviously we can only manage about 4,000 to 5,000 - crowds which the opposition face week in and week out. Nevertheless I feel we need to get as many people down there as possible to make as much noise as possible. I'm hoping it will be a packed house and the team will be able to give something to the fans. Come on Bermuda, we can do it.