WHAT A WEEKEND OF NON STOP ACTION!!

Advice to the French Goalkeeper and Defenders;  “DUCK!! L’ORANJE!!”  On Friday fittingly, The Netherlands fried the French 4-1.

The Dutch have mastered the so called Group of Death, first taking down World Cup Champ Italy 3-0 and then the aforementioned France.  That’s 7 goals scored by 6 different players!

Italy was able to barely stay alive against scrappy Romania.  Luca Toni’s finishing was anything but award worthy, nor was his acting performances in the penalty area, as he continuously flopped looking for a phantom foul. Goal Keeper Gianluigi Buffon was all that stood between Italy and an early exit with a spectacular Penalty Kick save as time wound down.

On Saturday, defending Champion Greece allowed the trophy to slip from their hands as they fell to Russia 1-0 and out of contention.

Sweden had designs on an upset, but David Villa and Spain thwarted them 2-1.  Villa now leads all scorers with 4 goals.

Sundays matches saw Turkey charge into the quarterfinals past the Czech Republic.  The Turks cashed in on late goals in the 87th and 89th minute to advance as the Czechs, you guessed it, checked out.

Portugal allowed Switzerland to reclaim some of their honor, as they rested their top players and sleepwalked through a 2-0 loss.

On the home front, the US National team got out of their goal scoring drought and bombed Barbados 8-0 in the 1st game of World Cup qualifying.

Red is the color of power. Red is the color of passion. Red is desire. Red is the color of Puma’s new limited edition King XL – are you feelin’ it? The foldover tongue features a golden King logo at 1968-2008 and you’ll find a golden PUMA and 1968 in roman numerals on the outsole as well. Classic and clean design. UPPER: Supersoft and ultrathin full-grain K leather with a soft microfiber ankle lining for comfort and control. The toe has been reinforced with a think layer of highly abrasion resistant microfiber for protection and durability. PUMA’s AptoLast conforms of the curves of your foot for an all-over snug, comfortable fit. A double density injected inner board follows the shape of the AptoLast for reactivity. The heel counter is reinforced with high density silicon for protection and stability. OUTSOLE: Lightweight, injected TPU with conical studs for use on firm, natural surfaces. WEIGHT: (11.8 oz.) Imported.

IT’S A GOOD THING THEY DIDN’T CALL IT “THE GROUP OF DEATH”, BECAUSE ALL FOUR TEAMS IN GROUP B ARE STILL ALIVE!

In an upset so shocking it’s not even funny, lightly regarded Croatia knocked off perennial power and four time Champion Germany by the score of 2-1.  The Croats open the scoring in the 24th minute after stringing an amazing 18 consecutive passes together against the vaunted German defense, as Darjo Srna tucked away a nifty cross to cap off the possession.  Ivica Olic added to the score line in the 62nd minute to make it 2-0.  Germany was able to pull one back in the 79th as Lukas Podolski tied for the tournament scoring lead with a thunderous half volley.  But that was all they could muster as all four teams will have to wait for their final group games on Tuesday to determine which one will advance with Croatia to the quarterfinals.

Austria kept their slim hopes alive against Poland with a last ditch penalty kick in extra time.

Ivica Vastic (yep, another guy named Ivica) equalized from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute, much to the despair of the protesting Poles.  Austria plays Germany and Croatia takes on Poland as three teams vie for that critical final spot in The Group On Life Support.

In today’s matches, World Cup Champion Italy look to bounce back from their 3-0 loss to The Netherlands, as they encounter Romania.  The Oranje hope to stamp their ticket to the Quarters against les bleus of France.

No through June 18, save 25% off LipInk Waxless Lip Balm for Men. No code is required, so promote this to your visitors today. These make great gifts for Father’s Day!

LIP-INK® WAXLESS LIP BALM –Clear– Multipurpose, all weather, year-round protective moisture balm. A light layer of WAXLESS LIP BALM creates a moist silky feeling while a more generous application transforms a matte finish into a high gloss shine. The formula contains age-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and moisturizers that can help calm and soothe the lips. It locks in moisture, while natural light reflectors ease the signs of sun damage. Contains UVA/UVB full spectrum 30SPF.

The goal tally continues to rise as raindrops fall In Austria and Switzerland.

After giving up the equalizer in the first half, Portugal canceled the Czech’s comeback attempt in the second frame.  Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 11th goal in his last 19 Portuguese appearances. With a surgical strike from the top of the penalty area, he wrote off the Czech Republic’s hopes of staying even.  Ricardo Quaresma finished off the balance of the scoring with a 90th minute deposit in the back of the net to leave it at 3-0.

Though trailing 1-0 at the half, Turkey took delight in punching holes in Switzerland’s defense.  After Hakan Yakin netted for the Swiss, their edge was neutralized by Semih Senturk ‘s second half equalizer.

Arda Turan bathed in glory as his 90th minute winner set up the Turks for their decisive match with The Czech Republic.  Sadly, the clock has run out on Switzerland, as the co hosts have zero points after two matches.

Flashy performance and speed – that’s how one of the big soccer fans around here summed up the style of play in the Italian Serie A. It’s fitting then, that this exciting boot comes from a brand that built its reputation on the pitches of places like San Siro in Milan or Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Italy’s Lotto has been producing footwear for nearly 40 years and they created this shoe to live up to that country’s tradition of high performance soccer.

While the cool design of Lotto’s Evolution Due is all about Italian flair, this boot isn’t just a pretty face with no substance. It does a great job of balancing a reduced weight with a design that can withstand the pressures of the game and still offer a comfortable in-boot feel. It also features Lotto’s Twist’NGo technology to help you pivot and turn at higher speeds. This updated second-generation of the shoe has really proven to be a customer favorite. (In case you’re not up on your Italian, “due” means two in that lovely language.)

Product Specs:
UPPER: Water-resistant microfiber with asymmetrical lacing. Removable insole with Shock-Absorber in the heel. External heel counter. OUTSOLE: PU with Lotto’s Twist’ngo technology. Twist’ngo is a pivoting aluminum stud that improves, speed and stability. Puntoflex for flexibility. Stitched outsole for added durability. For use on firm, natural surfaces. WEIGHT: 9 oz. Imported.

In yesterdays UEFA European Championship, Romania and France sleepwalked through a 0-0 snoozer, while the Dutch treated their supporters to a rousing 3-0 pasting of Italy.

In the first game, neither France nor Romania could mount anything resembling a sustained attack, but managed to each collect a valuable point from their 0-0 tie.

Game #2 was a different story all together. After allowing only two goals (one own goal and a PK) on their way to the 2006 World Cup championship, Italy yielded two goals in five minutes to the Flying Dutchmen. The first strike by Ruud van Nistelrooy may have been a gift from the referee, but Wesley Sneijder’s (on his birthday, no less!) sizzler was a gift to soccer enthusiasts the world over. If there is a better goal scored in this tournament, we can only hope to be there to witness it. Gio van Bronckhorst completed the scoring with a nifty header to pair with his assist on Sneijder’s goal.

First round match ups will be concluded today with Defending Champions Greece going against Sweden while Spain squares off with Russia.