Goals! Golazo, PSO, Own, Late OT

Shaqiri Golazo!

2A-Swiss's Xherdan Shaqiri game-tying golazo (incredible scissor kick) in the 82' was the highlight of SUI's tournament-high 29 shots but 2C-Poland held on and rifled in all 5 of their penalty-kick shootout attempts to advance to the Quarters, 1-1 (5-4).  There were a total of 50 shots in this match but just 12 on target.

In the battle of two UK countries, 1B-Wales finally broke through with a hard cross along the goal that was tapped in by a 3C-Northern Ireland defender (to be fair, if he didn't tap it in, a Welsh player would have) for the only goal of the match.

Thanks to the expansion to 24 teams and new Round of 16, 3F-Portugal was
able to join the party despite three disappointing ties that allowed teams like 1F-Hungary and 2F-Iceland to leapfrog them.  Hot 1D-Croatia had a difficult time in regulation despite holding Portugal to without a shot on goal.  In the OT, Croatia peppered Portugal with 9 shots in OT including one off the woodwork, but in the 117', on a counter attack started by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had their first two shots on goal of the match, with Ronaldo's blast being saved but the rebound going to Ricardo Quaresma who easily headed it into the open net.  A rare 3rd place team besting a group winner and the Croats were shocked and in tears.

BigRedMessi2 was the only one to pick POL and WAL but missed POR.  Only he and Big Blue picked WAL and only he, EEChick1400, Travel Bug, and Mejia12 picked POL.  17 had POR in their quarterfinals.  BigRedMessi2, EEChick1400, and Travel Bug went 2-1 today.  Despite being one of 9 to get zero right today, JBueno held on to first (59) but now by just a point over BigRedMessi2, EEChick1400, and Mejia12.  Amazingly, 26 of 27 still have a chance to win money while 18 still have a chance to win the pool.  Cheesy Grits FC is now in last with 45 pts and is the sole entry that has been eliminated.  The Eleven and Kona Coast Sliders are tied for 25th (46) but can still win first.  Everyone except for Alyonushka (8th-Tied, 53) has their champion intact (RUS).