Brett Thompson

Croatia shocked Germany today with a 2-1 victory to help secure them of a quarter-final spot. Croatia goals were from Darijo Srma (24) and Ivica Olic (63). Germany lone goal by Lukas Podolski in the (79)  was his third of the Championship. With a Croatia win they now have six points to Germany’s 3 in Group B.

This game started off quickfor Croatia  until there first goal then they seemed to be a little more defensive, this put a scare into the Germany as their play started to pick up however any decent chance they had was wide, over the goal or off a defender. This seemed to really frustrate Germany,  I noticed especially Ballack was continually discussing his displeasure with the Belguim ref. Croatia however deserves full credit for the victory as they looked like a fearless group attacking Germany and taking advantage of their mistakes.

Germany had a late charge but their hopes of getting back into the match all but disappeared when Schweinsteiger was given a  red card for pushing Jerko Leko to the ground. Ballack and Lehmann also recieved yellow cards toward the end.

Here is a quote from Croatia coach Slaven Bilic which sums it up nicely,”We played a phenomenal game, We closed the lanes. We attacked them early. We shut them down where they are most dangerous.We were dangerous. We managed to control the whole game. They had some chances because Germany is Germany.”

Germany’s next opponent is Austria, let’s hope they have a better performance than today.

Tommorow’s matches: Italy vs. Romania

On paper it should be no contest with Italy as the winner however I’m going to pull a Mark here a say Romania will win or draw. I have no reason at all, I just lookat Croatia beating Germany.

Netherlands vs. France

I’ll have to say the Netherlands will win this one. Beating Italy 3-0 has to be a boost to this group and the Dutch will be to much for France to handle.

Enjoy tomorrow’s games,

Brett

Brett Thompson

With the off-season upon us, Ryan Grant will take part in all the team’s activities but for him to come to training camp the Green Bay Packers will need to hand over some cash. Don’t expect him to sign for the NFL minimum for a second year pro.

His agent, Alan Herman, said Grant will not sign the $370,000 minimum tender for an exclusive-rights player who has only one accrued season in the NFL.

“I’m optimistic we’re going to move along here and get something done,” Herman said Wednesday. “Nothing has begun in terms of the process. But listening to everything that’s coming out of Green Bay in terms of the club taking care of their own, I’m optimistic, and that’s why Ryan is there at this point. He’s participating in the off-season program and we’re looking forward to — let me put it this way, it’s the golden opportunity for the Packers and Ryan Grant to get together on something that will keep him there for the rest of his career.”

Last season Grant showed us all how valuable he really is becoming one of the NFL’s top running backs, rushing for 956 yards and 8 TD’s while helping the Packers to the NFC Conference Finals.

Grant has the leverage of withholding his services, which would be a major blow to the Packers offense, but the Packers need him in the lineup more than ever to take some pressure off new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Financially the Packers are in excellent position for a deal because they’re about $25 million under the cap now and will be more than $35 million under after Brett Favre turns in his retirement papers, which remains to be seen, but that’s another story.

What will be tough for the Packers is what kind of deal will they offer Ryan, this is only his first year. Not too many players are in this position to seek a new deal.As a base, Seattle signed Julius Jones to a four-year deal worth $12 million that includes $5.5 million in bonuses and salary this year. Julius was an unrestricted free agent, but Grant was far more productive.

I foresee Grant getting what he’s asking, however the term might not be as long as he might want. Overall it will be a win/win situation for both sides.

Cheers,Brett

Brett Thompson

Farve will address the media today at 12pmEST. You can watch it live at www.packers.com 

I still find this a little bizarre for him to be announcing his retirement; maybe with this press conference today he will shed a little light on the situation, or just make us more confused. 

Brett