You know, sometimes in sports their are spectacles that just go above and beyond the norm. Most times people expect it to be a duel between two great heavy weights,  or two arch rivals; but I dont think anyone would have expected todays game between Turkey and the Czech Republic to provide such excitement.

    I know that yesterday I had said that the Turks game against the Swiss was the best match of the tournament, but once again they've out done their selves.  In the 20 games thus far played, only two of the games have seen a team come from behind to snatch a win, and twice it was has been the Turks. 

   After Koller's thundering header put the Czechs in the driver's seat early on, the Turks pushed forward coming out of half time. A string of opportunities saw Cech get called into action a few times but the Turks really had only one or two solid opportunities in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Unfortunately for them thats when lightning struck as they were caught on the counter and Plasil scored the second for the Czechs.

    The Commentators more of less had signed off, and didn't expect much out of Turkey in the final twenty five minutes of the games. But Arda Turan had other ideas in the 75th minute, and off a brilliant cross from the wing he smashed the ball into the side of Petr Cech's goal. In the 87th, another cross came in and the Chelsea keeper bobbled the ball; allowing Nihat to touch it in from close range, tyeing the game at 2s. But Nihat wasn't done, two minutes later (89th), a brilliant ball played in front of him gave him a one on one against the keeper, and he was able to convert the chance, giving Turkey the 3-2 lead. Three Goals in just under thirteen minutes. Of course it wasn't over, the Turkish goal keep ended his day with a Red Card after decking Jan Koller with a right hook, which is probably going to keep him out of his next two matches at least. With three subs already used, Tuncay put on Volkan's jersey and luckily the midfielder didn't face any shots in the final minute of the match.

   Sitting in a small bar in Telluride, Colorado, you would not believe the cheer from about twenty neutral fans who were willing the Turks on. And in truth, they deserved all the support they got. This Turkish team has shown on two occasions that they are the real deal, and  playing Croatia next, I certainly think they have an opportunity to make the Semi Finals, and maybe even further if they get some luck on their side. Of course for the Czech's, I feel bad for them, even Petr who's a lousy Chelsea man. Its tough business to lose not only the Champions League final, but then the direct reason for allowing a very easy goal. In truth though, with the rain pouring as hard as it was, the man can hardly be blamed; but I have to suggest; perhaps if he didn't play for a club like Chelsea the luck would've been on his side. But thats neither here nor there. The Swiss gave their fans a nice farewell gift by beating previously unbeaten Portugal before they ended their tournament. The Portuguese reserves looked stagnant at best, but I would have to say, Helder Postiga's goal should have stood. 

    In the world of Arsenal, apparently AC Milan are finally coming to realize they dont have enough money in the bank to go out and buy whoever they want. According to Sky Sports, AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi said "I don't know whether he will wear our jersey," said Berlusconi when quizzed about The Gunners target-man. "He costs a lot."" So hopefully they'll stop making waves over something that is rather stupid. I'm sick of hearing about these mega clubs, who have more funding than is given for the National Defenses of Eastern European counties. Frankly, I am of the opinion that it was all merely to get the Arsenal board to re-consider Adebayor's contract and give him a salary raise. Does he deserve it? I mean, the guy did play great last year, but he needs to prove that he can do that for more than one season, I think if he plays at the same level this coming season, then he would have valid grounds for a change to his contract, otherwise let it be. 

    The Hleb deal has been just about silent lately; the last thing I read was that the Barcelona board was frustrated with how much Arsenal wanted for him. It's so typical of them to try to get upset because another team won't simply give away on of their integral players. I seem to remember the hard time the gave us when we tried to negotiate Thierry for Samuel E'Eto. So, I reckon we should keep playing hard ball, if Hleb really wants to leave; let him, just make sure the price is right. In my opinion he's been a real bore the last three years, and its an insult to Arsene that he would up and leave after all the manager's faith in him.

     In other news, David Bentley wants to leave Bolton. I don't think he has what it takes to play at a higher level right now, but I guess we'll see. I am a firm believer in the world of sports that the media is a place for gifted athletes, and stupid athletes. I'd say the latter of him, he should just stay quiet for a little bit, that would be a refreshing thing from the former Arsenal player. 

 Well anyways, till tommorow. 

~Tj