Hello! We’ve reached the stage of the tournament where teams are thanked for their efforts but they won’t be going to the next stage. Today we’ll see the final outcomes for eight of our teams, as Groups A & B come to a finish.

Here’s a reminder of where we re-join the two groups:

As a reminder, the four best third placed sides will also advance but of course we won’t know the final outcome of that until nearly all groups have played. Nice and complicated.

Group A

Switzerland vs Turkey

This is a big game. It might look like the two sides are competing for third but with Wales off to Italy, the goal difference swing could favour Switzerland. Turkey can only hope for third and with a -5 goal difference it needs to be a big win. Jakob is sticking with what he has.

Nathan has opted to switch it up. The 2-3-1-2-2 is out, the 4-3-1-2 is in. Gulunoglu is promoted to striker (his natural position) whilst Basturk slots in behind. Tugay will supply the tabs from the right. It’s brave but will it work out?

Sometimes, you just have to sit back and laugh. You think you’ve seen it all in this game and then something like this happens, where Marco Pascolo has an absolute stinker and Gulunoglu, a man I have never heard of, scores a hat-trick whilst his partner in crime Hakan Sukur adds three of his own. They slice the match ball in two and put themselves in third place. Switzerland didn’t deserve this, they’ve played relatively well in all three games but get so little reward.

Not a 6-2 game but Turkey won’t care. They’ve given themselves a chance as they move into third but they’re hoping for other results to go their way.

What it also means is that Wales are through! Without kicking a ball.

Italy vs Wales

There’s only top spot to play for in this group which should in theory give an easier last 16 tie. The winner of this group will play the runner up in Group C but quite who that will be I have no idea. Here’s how Nikolai has lined up the Italians

Andrew will be relieved there’s nothing riding on this now. A big ask to try and get a result in Rome but they are unchanged.

When I said I thought I’d seen everything now, I didn’t account for an Andy Dibble masterclass. Unbelievable scenes. Ravanelli gives Italy the lead but that just riles up big John Hartson and the rest is history. Quite literally. Dibble repels attack after attack and Wales top the group.

It’s been that sort of group. Stats mean nothing.

What does mean everything, is the table. Especially if you are Welsh.

We say goodbye to Jakob, who was great value during the Zoom playing of these games and he’s made some lovely graphics I hopefully remembered to use during this tournament. We’ll have to see if Nathan will be back, if it gets as far as goals for he should be okay!

Group B

Russia vs Denmark

Dan Barker’s Russia have two losses from two against their name and basically need a handsome win here to give themselves any chance. Unfortunately for them, they face a Denmark side who have looked pretty solid so far, although they’ve already qualified.

Dave Mathieson can call on Jon Dahl Tomasson from the start knowing a single point will secure top spot.

Russia need a fast start but Soren Andersen has other ideas. His early goal means Russia need snookers and his second kills the game.

We say goodbye to Dan, who was dealt a difficult hand with a very average Russian outfit. Dave will be in the last 16 where he’ll face one of the third place qualifiers.

Finland vs Belgium

Nobody really fancied Finland to do much but that win over Russia has given them a sniff of qualification. They host Belgium here where a point might send both through, but neither will want to take that chance. The Fins are unchanged, MK hoping the Moomins can get the job done.

Ross Bell is the current champion and of course if he is going to retain his crown, he needs to get out of the group…obviously. They’ve got the firepower to do it but an added bit of spice is that the runners up in this group will play Italy in the last 16, which nobody wants.

Belgium come flying out of the traps and both strikers score after just 9 minutes. But wait! Finland hit back with two quick fire goals and it’s game on. Those Belgian’s are ruthless though and Mpenza adds a second and a third to complete a first half hat-trick and put one foot in the last 16. Oliveira adds a third which dents Finland’s goal difference but we’ll have to wait and see if that turns out to be important.

A battering. Despite De Wilde’s best efforts.

Confirmation that it’s Belgium who finish second and go through to face Italy. Finland are behind Turkey in the third place table, we’ll have a better idea after the next set of games.

An exciting day comes to a close then. Well done to the four to make it through and commiserations to Dan and Jakob. Nathan and MK can spend the night worrying. See you tomorrow for more madness.