Ian Rose is a writer for (in my opinion) the best Euro 2008 blog around. You can check it out at http://euro2008.worldcupblog.org/. They have knowledgeable writers who aren't afraid to throw out their opinion, tons of readers and a very active comments community. Unlike Ken Pendleton, who is an OSU philosophy professor, recognized soccer writer and Eugene (yuck) resident, Ian is a Corvallis resident who contributes to the Portland based blog remotely. He is part of the growing Cheers-like group of regulars who have been catching every game at the Corvallis Sports Park pub.

If you are looking for some soccer geeks to catch the games with you need to watch the matches at the Park. I'll warn you up front though to expect loud noises, lots of poo-talking and possibly even some clothing being shed (maybe not in that order).

I took out my (now famous) crystal soccer ball and came up with these predictions for the rest of the tournament.

June 19, Quarterfinal: Portugal (9-2) vs Germany (5-1)
The rested Ronaldo performs 37 consecutive step overs before creating a game winner for Portugal.
[Its halftime now so I'm cheating a bit. But I'm sticking with Portugal even though they are down a goal.]

June 20, Croatia (7-1) vs Turkey (20-1)
Both teams are relieved to be playing each other. Turkey had its moment on Sunday. Croatia passes through to the semis.

June 21, Holland (7-2) vs Russia (12-1)
I will be cheering for the Russians in this one. But I don't see them outscoring the Dutch who have been scoring with style.

June 22, Spain (9-2) vs Italy (5-1)
Italy clawed their way to the quarterfinals in unseemly fashion. Spain is Europe's perennial underachievers. I hurts me to choose Italy to reach the semifinals.

June 25, Portugal vs Croatia
This will be an easier challenge for Portugal than Germany was. Welcome to the finals Portugal.

June 26, Holland vs Italy
Italy is like an unwanted house guest. Why is it so dang hard to get rid of them? If anyone can kick the "sexy" right out of Holland its Italy. Pizza-heads to the finals.

June 29, Portugal vs Italy
I see the Carvalho handling Toni. Its up to Ronaldo to solve the Italian defense. Italy will foil Ronaldo for nearly the entire game. But once is all he needs to claim the Euro trophy for Portugal.

Another site worth checking out is http://euro2008girls.com/. Its pretty simple. A site devoted to international bevy of female fans of Euro 2008. Even Jim Rome can appreciate that. Yee-haw!