Euro 2012: Czechs and Greeks First to Advance to Last Eight

This Polish supporter's prayers were unable to get the co-hosts a win. (Shaun Botterill) 

A nation of 40 million turned their gaze upon their city of Wroclaw. They hoped and prayed that somehow their team could find a way to win so that they could live to play another day of football. This nation was Poland, one of the co-hosts for the Euro 2012 tournament. The Poles needed a win over neighboring Czech Republic in order to advance. Things looked promising early as the hosts had a considerable amount of quality chances. Unfortunately, they all went begging. As the first half drew to a close, momentum seemed to start to shift in favor of the Czechs. The two sides went to halftime scoreless. The Czechs came out pressing once again to start the second half. The Poles knew they would have to take some chances because they had to score to be able to win. However, one of those chances led to a turnover. The Czechs counterattacked beautifully as striker Milan Baros held the ball long enough to set up midfielder Petr Jiracek for the pretty goal. The Poles tried all they could to score the two goals they needed, but came up empty against Petr Cech and the Czech defense. The Czechs held on to win 1-0.

Greek players celebrate their goal in the first half stoppage time. (Michael Sohn)

When Russia beat the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening match, they quickly became one of the tournament favorites. However, a surprising draw with Poland meant the Russians needed a draw or win against last place Greece to advance. Russia had plenty of opportunities in the first half to get on the board first, but most of them were long range efforts that were poorly taken. Just when it seemed as though the Russians would have to settle for a scoreless draw headed into halftime, the Greeks earned a seemingly inconsequential thrown in. However, a misplay by a Russian defender left the ball at the feet of Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis. Karagouins dribbled in and struck a low, hard shot into the back of the net. The Greeks came out in the second half knowing that they could focus on doing what they do best playing defense. The Russians still had a plethora of chances to find an equalizer, but struggled to find a quality finish. Despite having 25 shots on goal, they could not put one in the back of the net. As the final whistle blew, the Greeks stormed the field, knowing they had completed the improbable upset.

Group A ended up far from what was expected. The Poles gave a valient effort and deserve to be commended. They gave their home crowd all they could ask for and were in it to the very end. The Czechs certainly didn't have the prettiest group stage effort, but they still managed to advance as the group's winners. The Russians went from tournament favorites to early exit in a matter of little more than 90 minutes. They have to be disappointed, but will for sure be back with vengence on their minds. The Greeks, well they gave their countrymen something to believe in. A nation in desperate need of hope may have just found it a team of young men who refuse to give up. In the last eight, the Czech Republic awaits the runner-up of Group B, while Greece will play Group B's winner.

Furyk, Toms, and Woods Tied for 2012 U.S. Open Lead

Tiger Woods acknowledges the crowd during Day 2 of the 2012 U.S. Open (Ben Margot)

No one said winning the U.S. Open would be easy. Olympic Club in San Francisco has been giving the PGA's top golfers all they can handle and than some. Round 2 saw the world's #1 Luke Donald and #2 Rory McIlroy miss the cut. So did Masters champion Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson, who was coming off a PGA Tour win last week.

You might me be wondering well who is in the lead. There are three wily, old veterans tied for the lead and who are looking to prove they've still got what it takes to win a major.

After winning the U.S. Open in 2003, Jim Furyk is looking to become the tournament's first multiple winner since Tiger Woods won his third in 2008. Furyk finished Friday's second round early with his 1-under 69. He gained the lead when first round leader Michael Thompson lost his stroke.

2001 PGA champion David Toms is also striving for another major win. Toms remained steady as can be during a straightforward even-par 70 for Friday's second round. His two bogeys on the front nine where remedied for by two birdies on the back nine.

Then, there is Tiger Woods, who is seeking to win his 15th major and to return to the level of greatness he achieved earlier in his career. During Friday's second round, Woods overcame three straight bogeys on the front nine for an even-par 70.

With Furyk, Toms, and Woods tied for the tournament lead at 1-under 139, the rest of the field sits over par. Of course, all of the attention will be on Woods. He is a media magnet and will likely have the support of the crowd on his side. Furyk and Toms have shown calm, veteran demeanors. They have positioned themselves well for making a run to win it all. Another player I would keep an eye on is Graeme McDowell, who remains just two shots off the lead. Two years ago, McDowell won a similarly difficult U.S. Open. I guess you could say he knows how to win ugly in a sense. It will be interesting to keep an eye on these golfers as we watch to see who will win the 2012 U.S. Open.

Euro 2012: Group C Becomes Even More Crowded

Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic scores the equalizer. (Dimitar Dilkoff)

Even though they came into the day as the group leader, Croatia was the underdog to Italy. It was obvious why early. The Italians had a plethora of opportunities. Despite all of those chances, they only managed to put one in the net. In the 39th minute, Andrea Pirlo beautifully scored off a free-kick. The Italians took the 1-0 lead into halftime. Following halftime, the Croatians made some adjustments defensively and began to thrust more men forward. Their chances began to increase and improve. Finally, in the 72nd minute, the Croatians pulled level when Mario Madzukic was able to bury a tough-angle short-range shot. Both teams had opportunities down the stretch to score the winner, but it simply wasn't meant to be.

Spanish striker Fernando Torres netted two goals in 4-0 rout of Ireland (Getty Images)

After Vincente del Bosque didn't start any strikers in Spain's first group match, the Spanish coach elected to start the somewhat controversial Fernando Torres. Torres responded well and buried the game's first goal in just the 4th minute. Despite being outplayed badly, the Irish only trailed by one at halftime. However, their luck ran out in the second half. Spain made the most of their opportunities. David Silva scored early in the half. Torres followed up with his second goal of the match. Cesc Fabregas put the icing on the cake with his goal in the 83rd minute. The Spaniards dominated the Irish the whole game, and it was accurately evidenced in the final score of 4-0.

So where does this leave Group C? Let me tell you. First off, the Irish are eliminated with zero points through two matches. That means that Spain, Croatia, and Italy are battling for the top two spots to advance. Spain and Croatia are tied for the group lead with 4 points, having won and drawn one game each. Italy is the one in need of help. The Italians have just two points because of two draws so far this tournament. They do get to play the Irish in the final group match. Spain and Croatia should be a great battle as they square off in their final group game. Both of the final matches for Group C will be played on Monday. It remains to be seen which two teams will advance to the quarterfinals out of this group.