As predicted, England advanced from Group D with no problem. Group winners for the first time since 1996 and I really could not understand how the opening day's results made England's task harder, and so it transpired. Ukraine are just not very good, and as I said earlier, it was an advantage to play them later rather than in the opening game when hosts tend to be at their best.
It all works out rather well on a personal note too, as I have a 90th birthday party to attend on Saturday night, and my absence for a football game would not have gone down well. Winning the group means that the big game is on Sunday, so family friction is avoided. And with the Cassini name in the family tree, I'm on a winner whatever happens!
For the record, England have only played in two Euro quarter-finals, and neither was decided in 120 minutes of play. In 2004, England lost to Portugal on penalties after a 2-2 draw, and in 1996, they beat Spain on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Of the 16 quarter-finals since the Euros adopted their current format in 1996, no less than nine have been 0-0 at half-time, four have been 0-0 at 90 minutes, seven have been draws after 90 minutes, and six have gone to penalties. 10 Unders, 6 Overs - expect some close games.
In the NBA, the Miami Heat selection looks better than ever, as they won the pivotal game and take a 3-1 lead and are now down to ~1.22 after 2.58 pre-game 1. No team has ever come from 1-3 down to win the NBA final.
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