Paul compares Tommy and Tobias, our other Eurostars.

 Day 18: Sunday 27 June 2004

It was a shame none of the chances that fell to van Nistlerooy, Robben, Seedorf, Ljunberg, Larsson or Kallstrom went in.  I enjoyed the game; Seedorf showed a bit of class with his lob to van Nistlerooy and I thought it was a great save from his excellent free kick.  The Dutch tried a few low long shots with the dodgy silver ball, they nearly crept in.

Tobias Linderoth.  He played as he does for us.  He stifled Seedorf well, broke up a few of their attacks.  No-one ever gets past him, he always pulls them down.  I don't know how he gets away with it.  For Sweden he plays as a fifth defender, the other five players have fluid free attacking roles.  For Everton, his way of playing doesn't really work, I suppose he should move.  Our way of playing will never suit him.

On paper, a centre-midfield of Tommy Gravesen and Tobias Linderoth should be top class — it patently isn't.  We need to keep Tommy and find someone else to help him out.  Tobi plays for one of the best international sides in Europe, but he just doesn't do enough for us. 

Today, loads and loads of garbage in the Sunday papers.  Tonight, the Danes v the Czechs.  I am looking forward to seeing Tommy run the show.  We will also be able to see a bit more of Heinz.  Would be nice to have a few of Tommy's mates in our team. 

Prediction? probably 0-0, 1-0 or 0-1.  Whoever wins tonight will beat the Greeks.  If you could have got to Porto (I didn't manage it), you would probably get into this game for 100 euros.  A lot of fans go home after the group stages.

Paul Watson