On Sunday, I predicted that the Euro 2008 final would be contested by Germany and Italy. However after the latter was knocked out on penalties by Spain in Sunday night’s quarter-final - it looks like I am only 50% correct.

I will talk about the BBC interruptions, my continued dislike of Michael Ballack and what was a fantastic semi-final between Germany and Turkey shortly. However, first up, I just want to mention how pleased I was to see Spain go through against the Italians. When it went to penalties, there was one winner for me - and it wasn’t the Spaniards.

It seemed all set up for a Italy win at this stage. A dour, boring, pointless and dull 120 minutes of ‘football’ preceded the penalties and that would naturally be followed by a streaky Italy win - that’s what I thought at the time anyway. After only beating France so far, the Italians were progressing through the tournament in their usually jammy way and I thought this was set to continue at the expense of the ‘always fail to deliver when it matters’ Spaniards. That’s why I was pleased when I was completely, 100% wrong.

For it was Spain that progressed after winning 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out. Despite being disappointed that they stooped to Italy’s level of defensive football during the game, Spain deserved their win. Simply for the way they had played in the tournament to date. Also, they are more likely to provide some decent entertainment in the semi-final against Russia and the potential final against Germany.

When it came to the decisive penalty to be taken by Cesc Fabregas, I had no doubt in my mind that he was going to slot it home. The Arsenal man did exactly that and Spain had progressed beyond the quarter-final stage for the first time since 1984. After much promise, is this finally their year?

To be honest, I’m not so sure. They face a Russia side in the second semi-final tonight and it will be tough for Spain after the mental and physical exhaustion the game against Italy would have brought. Russia have been very impressive in their last two games and there is no doubt that Guus Hiddink will have a game plan to stop the Spanish threats - namely Fernando Torres and David Villa. For some reason, I don’t think this game will go the full distance. Instead, I expect that it will be an enthralling 90 minute of football. As they did against Holland and Henrik Larsson’s Sweden, Russia will attack from the off and Spain will have to try and counter this. Prediction? Well, if I was to bet on Spain v Russia - I’m going for a 3-2 win for the Russians. Sorry Spain, not this time!

Of course, the winners of this match face Germany in the final after they defeated Turkey 3-2 in one of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far. Turkey deserved to go through though in my opinion. They were the better side and despite being hit by injuries and suspensions, they performed miracles to play the way they did. Germany were unconvincing and barely deserved their victory, but that’s hardly new is it? Once again, they have reached the final of a major tournament without playing that well.

The one thing they have done though is produce two fantastic games to watch. They defeated Portugal 3-2 in the quarter finals and this game against Turkey was just as fun to watch. Well, that is while it was available to watch! Apparently there were bad storms in Basel which led to pictures being lost all over the world. Imagine if that was a crucial Scotland game? I think we would all be beside ourselves!

Anyway, the pictures came back in time to see Philip Lahm score the winner for the Germans in the 90th minute. After Senturk had made it 2-2 with four minutes to play, everyone seemed destined for another late night of extra-time football. But, as we know, that wasn’t the case in the end. Germany were through and I for one felt sorry for a very hard-working courageous Turkey side. They can be proud of their efforts though.

The amazing thing about Germany for me is that they are a fairly average side and in all honesty, I think they know it. Michael Ballack admitted as much after the game. He said that a ‘good mentality’ was getting them through Euro 2008. A quick word on Ballack, does anyone else have a dislike of him? There is something about him that I just can’t stand. Anyone with me on that one?!

Despite not being the best football team in Europe and despite relying on mentality to win them matches, if I was to bet on the Euro 2008 final - I would back Germany every time. Whether it is against the Russians or Spaniards. It just seems written to be that way.

Having watched Euro 2008 with great interest, I can honesty say I have enjoyed it a great deal. Other then Artur Boruc, the Celtic players didn’t have much of a say in proceedings - that has to be said. However, my hope now is that the final two games produce a fitting end to what has been an entertaining few weeks of football.