Our Man in Belgrade - Day 5

By Jamie McLoughlin on May 21, 08 10:39 PM

Don't worry, the winner of this week's other great big European final will be far more likeable than Manchester United.

And the winner of Saturday's showdown could come from tomorrow's second semi-final.

Our smashing man on-the-spot (sorry if that reference upsets any Chelsea fans), Chris Knight was there in the Beogradska Arena today to savour all the action.

OK... how did you find the first semi-final? Well I think I agree with all the countries who qualified except maybe Poland and possibly Armenia. I really thought San Marino deserved to qualify, they sounded awesome in the arena, but I guess you can never tell how it's going to go. I'm pleased Israel got through and also Norway and Finland. I think Israel could do very well actually. I'm happy with the new format so far. If tomorrow's result is fair then I think the new system is a good one. It got rid of the two rather rubbish novelty acts and that is great news to me!

After the show we went to the party at the Euroclub, which was in full swing by the time we arrived. We were disgracefully the last ones to leave, but hey we were there to party!!! I spent some time chatting to the Head of the Andorran delegation, who was interested in my thoughts about the Andorran presentation. I told her it was all wrong and didn't represent anything about Andorra. She was pretty open to my comments and took them all onboard. She told me that they are not going to pull out, that for them the most important thing is actually being here.

This afternoon I went to see the dress rehearsal of the second semi-final and here are my thoughts on who's worth a bet and who isn't.

DEFINITE QUALIFIERS: If these don't go through then the world's gone mad!
Ukraine, Croatia, Bulgaria, Portugal

SHOULD MAKE IT: Beside any major upsets these countries should also make the final.
Iceland, Turkey, Latvia, Georgia

FIGHTING IT OUT: These countries may just scrape through to the final.
Sweden, Albania, FYR Macedonia, Belarus

IN WITH A SHOUT: Candidates for the vital 10th place selected through the jury vote.
Switzerland, Denmark, Hungary, Malta

NOT A HOPE IN HELL: Countries we can expect to be packing their bags come Friday morning.
Lithuania, Czech Republic, Cyprus

There are some very strong performances in this semi-final. I think the first four acts are all up there with a good chance, but I feel Iceland totally overshadows Sweden. I don't think all the first four can qualify and I'm going to stick my neck out and say Sweden won't make it. If Portugal don't get through I'll be gutted as they nail the song.

We're planning on taking it a bit easier tonight. After last night's shenanigans my voice and head needs a rest! Sightseeing tomorrow then semi-final 2!

CHRIS