The Evening News fans' panel enjoyed the matches over the last two days – despite mixed fortunes for their teams.

Italy fan Vincenzo Garguilo, chef at Cafe Italia on Orford Street, said he was 'bitterly disappointed' following a draw with Croatia last night. 'Italy deserved the lead in the first half but in the second half they relaxed and let the Croatians take over,' he said.

He hopes Ireland's loss to Spain will have dampened their spirits ahead of Italy's next must-win match.

But UEA student Ciaran McCabe insisted his team would go for a win against Italy, having never expected to get much from the Spain game. 'The midfield was where we were lacking. With Spain playing a 3-3 formation up top, it gave them too many options.

'We're playing for pride now more than anything. The fans deserve a great performance from the team and I do think we will get a performance. We need to try a few different options, give a few young players a chance.'

The shock of the Netherlands losing their opening two matches is creating tension in Holland, according to our Dutch panellist.

Ex-Norwich City player Raymond de Waard said: 'I am so gutted and disappointed about what happened. It was a shambles from our side. We were outplayed by the Germans. We defended like Sunday League players. Most to blame is, however, the coach Bert van Marwijk. I couldn't believe it when I heard he didn't change the formation. Everybody, I guess 90pc of the people in Holland wanted, no, more like begged him to make some changes.'

But the Dutch loss means Germany are on course for the quarter finals. Julian Turek from the football club of Norwich's twin city Koblenz, said: 'I'm very proud about the German football-style.

'Against the Netherlands we played much better than against Portugal and we have a new giant in our team – Mario Gomez.

'He is a killer before the goal.

'Schweinsteiger and �zil played also great. I'm looking forward to playing against Denmark before we rock the finals.'

Tonight England face Sweden and Ian Hall, Norwich branch manager of Swedish bank Handelsbanken said: 'There is an urgency about getting a win, which they think is more achievable against England than France.'