David Marshall's Euro Diary Day 9 - No Look Dafty (Patreon)

We are getting right into the nitty gritty now as hopefuls become also-rans and potential winners start to bare their teeth. The final three-game day and a lovely present on a Saturday.

We started off with Georgia vs The Czech Republic and I love watching this Georgia team. No one seems to have told them that they are supposed to be slugs! One thing I was worried about when the 24 team tournament came into place was that it would dilute the quality of the competition. But it hasn’t really worked out that way has it? I’d agree that three teams qualifying from a group of four is a bit of a nonsense but since 2016, the tournaments have been really good and this year’s instalment has been brilliant so far. Teams like Georgia more than playing their part in that.

It looked like the Czechs had the opening goal with what would have been a strong contender for comedy goal of the tournament when the ball bounced off Adam Hlozek’s face and into the net. Replays showed however the ball went in off Hlozek’s hand so no goal was the final decision.

It was to be another handball that would give Georgia the lead just before the break. Robin Hranac handled the ball which was caught by VAR and the use of Snicko, which is just always fantastic. Georges Mikautadze finished the penalty to put Georgia, and if we are being honest all of football, ahead at halftime.

Truth be told however, the Czechs were the better side throughout the game and Georgia clearly started to tire in the second half. Patrik Schick managed to bundle the ball over the line to get the game level and it seemed a matter of time before they would find a winner.

But then, in the dying moments of the game, it looked like Georgia was going to nick it. A 3-on-1 breakaway and the ball played perfectly to Saba Lobjanidze who was free on goal! Then the twat blottered it over the bar! Naw! Why did you do that? That’s no fun.

As it turned out both sides would have to settle for a draw, which means Georgia will probably be on their way out with Portugal to come in their last game. Still, today I feel Georgian.

Turkey and Portugal up next and this one never really got the chance to be a contest.

Bernardo Silva gave Portugal the lead after 20 minutes and then shortly after Samet Akaydin scored the definitive comedy goal of the tournament.

The Turkish defender, for some reason, tried a no look pass to his goalie. Only succeeding in putting the ball into his own net. Tit, utter tit.

Cristiano Ronaldo set up Bruno Fernandes for a tap in early in the second half to round off what was an easy night for Portugal as they booked their place in the Last 16 as group winners.

We round off Saturday with Belgium and Romania and if Belgium were hurting they certainly responded in the right fashion. Youri Tielemans put his side ahead after only 73 seconds.

A blistering start from the Belgians and they were looking right up for this one, but Romania are no mugs and they came back into the game. Both teams were creating chances in what was another entertaining game.

Now, I know I made the Dessers comparison when discussing Romelu Lukaku but I don’t think even oor Cyriel would be this unlucky. Poor Lukaku saw his third goal of the tournament ruled out by VAR as he was offside by a toenail this time. It’s poor laughing, but I am chuckling nonetheless.

Kevin De Bruyne would wrap up the win with a trademark bit of brilliance and Belgium were good value for the win. In saying that though, Romania had the chances to take something from the game, and they might be kicking themselves not getting a point tonight.

On to Sunday then and focus turns back to Scotland who are looking to secure knockout football at a major tournament for the first time. Will history be made or will Scotland learn the important lesson to never try?