Walter is taking a major gamble here. Of course, we all hope it works out and Miller strikes a rich vein of form but I just don't rate him and, by going against the fans on this one, the manager's own credibility could be on the line. I think I'd be reluctant to risk so much on such an erratic player. We shall see.
While we will have to make do with Kenny Miller and Andreas Velicka (another dodgy one?), it was sobering to watch real top quality strikers in action for Spain. Fernando Torres got his first goal of the tournament when he fired his team into the lead against Sweden but Ibrahimovich levelled the scores before the interval. It was clear the Swedes had settled for a draw when they subbed Larsson near the end. Well, if they'd really hoped to win it, they would have kept him on in the hope of him nicking a penalty. Well, you know what he's like, nudge him on the halfway line and he lands in the feckin box.
But just when it looked like finishing 1-1 David Villa got in behind the defence to net the winner and secure their place in the last eight as group winners. I'll be very surprised if Valencia manage to hold on to him for too much longer. Facing up to the second team in Holland's group, Spain's quarter-final tie has all the makings of a classic and, with the luxury of being able to rest players without jeopardising their place at the top of the group, the Spaniards will go into the knock-out stages in good shape.
I can't say I was too impressed by the Russia v Greece game. Once Konstantin Zyryanos got the Russians' noses in front, Greece struggled and they were reduced to pushing Soti Kygiakos up front in a bid to save something late on. Russia certainly look like the best bet to qualify alongside Spain. While Sweden are well organised and will be hard to break down, I fancy the Russkis to show that extra wee bit of flair on Wednesday night to keep their interest in ther competition alive.
But with Holland lying in wait, the Russians should be heading home over the weekend. Then again, not too many coaches will know more about Dutch football than Guus Hiddink so he might make life difficult for Van Basten's side but I really can't see them pulling off a shock.
LITTLE BOY BLUE