Soccer Watch

Euro2004: Host Portugal made it through to the final on Wednesday, with a convincing 2-1 semifinal win over Holland. They'll face the winner of Thursday's second semifinal between Greece and the Czech Republic in the championship game Sunday, July 4, at 1:45pm. Catch it on pay-per-view, or at Fado Irish Pub downtown, to our knowledge the only place showing games live. With the traditional powers missing from the final four, heads have started to roll, as national coaches Jacques Santini of France, Rudi Voeller of Germany, and Giovanni Trapattoni of Italy are all said to be out, even as the tourney is still on. In the quarterfinals it was: Portugal over England, 6-5 in penalty kicks after a crackling 2-2 draw in regulation; Greece over defending champion France, 1-0, in the upset of the tournament; Holland over Sweden, 5-4 in penalties, after a tense 0-0 draw; and Czech Republic over Denmark, 3-0, with two goals by Milan Baros, making him the Euro's top scorer.

The Austin Lightning, rained out last weekend, are scrambling to avoid a repeat this week. They're scheduled to play a very good El Paso Patriots team Friday and the Laredo Heat Saturday (both at 7:30pm), but soggy weather has House Park shut down and other fields in limbo. The games are currently set for Williamson County Regional Park, north of FM 1431 and Sam Bass Road in Cedar Park, but check the Web site for confirmation: www.austinlightningsoccer.com.