If it were socially acceptable, and we had the time, we’d write 1,000 words on Turkey’s once-in-a-lifetime three-goal rally to beat the Czechs Sunday in the rain at Euro 2008. Soccer’s the most popular sport in the world because this seemingly-innocuous result will have reverberations for an entire country for decades to come. Tyler Duffy recaps the weekend in Euro 2008 action. Today, pre-tourney favorite Germany must beat one of the hosts, Austria, to advance to the quarterfinals, which begin Thursday.

Spain 2, Sweden 1: The Swedes will feel screwed over, but their attack had little bite after Ibrahimovic’s exit. Spain held the possession, but resorted to cave-man (or English) soccer for the goals, scoring on a set-piece and a prayerful hoof forward. Carles Puyol may be their “heart,” but the defense looked calmer without his ebullient insanity. The Swedes can defend, but their hope rests on Zlatan’s knee.

Russia 1, Greece 0: It was the Orthodox Derby match, so I will show my respect and thank God that Greece were eliminated. The Greeks are creative, if you appreciate the novelty of a 7-3-0-0 formation. They are adept, if you consider diving, bitching and backseat-refereeing to be skills. It is only justice that defensive lapses would be their downfall.

Switzerland 2, Portugal Reserves 0: Unfortunately, when I was compiling my funny names post, I did not pronounce Hakan Yakin in my head. The Swiss man dropped a deuce on the remnants of the Portuguese national team. The hosts get a fine farewell, and Big Phil Scolari will be mildly irritated.

Turkey 3, Czech Republic 2: Certainly, the match of the tournament so far, a “Turkish delight” if you will. The Turks are known for the occasional burst of brilliance, and they picked a fine time for it. Nihat conveniently woke up the day after I dumped him from my fantasy team. The Czechs were toothless, tired and dreary in this tournament; their departure is welcomed. And…the Oscar goes to…Jan Koller.