Czechs' big adventure surely can't go on

WELL, we made it. We got through a day without football.

How does it feel? I think I'm okay and I'm determined to look forward rather than back.

After all, we've got the first quarter-final between the Czech Republic and Portugal to get stuck into.

If you had told me a week ago I would be referring to the Czechs in the knockout stages I would have laughed at you.

They were dismal in losing 4-1 to Russia, who have now packed themselves off home, and it looked as if they had nothing to look forward to other than an extended holiday having finished bottom of the group.

They've taken advantage of their second chance by beating Greece and Poland and finishing top of the group, but this is where the recovery ends.

Portugal have got better and better as the tournament has gone on and it would be no surprise to me at all if they won the trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo got in on the act with two goals against Holland in their final group game and I can't see how the Czechs are going to cope with him.

And even if they do they've got to get past Bruno Alves and Pepe who look like two nightclub bouncers ready to tell you that your name's not on the list and you ain't coming in.

They'll keep the door shut on the Czechs and make it through.

Three of the four quarter-finals have an odds-on shot in them and I can't see the first one getting done.