Frankly it's easy for us English to pass this tournament by in our minds, what with the fact that we are not participating for the first time since the 1984 European Championships, held in France. In fact, before I just researched this now, I was completely unaware that we had only qualified for seven out of the thirteen tournaments thus far (including 2008). Heaven only knows that's why we appointed Postman Pat to take over in his place. Allegedly we'll still have the guy over here in the commentary box on the radio.

However, the Euro 2008 tournament is a mere two weeks away. Jointly hosted by Austria and Switzerland, two teams, Austria and Poland, are making their debuts in the competition. The groups are split as follows.

Group A

Switzerland
Czech Republic
Portugal
Turkey


Group B

Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland


Group C

Netherlands
Italy
Romania
France


Group D

Greece
Sweden
Spain
Russia


The fixture list runs as follows, the first two rounds of games in each league start at 6pm and 8:45 respectively, while for some strange reason, the final round of games in each league run at the same time, 8:45pm.

Group A

June 7: Switzerland v. Czech Republic
June 7: Portugal v. Turkey
June 11: Czech Republic v. Portugal
June 11: Switzerland v. Turkey
June 15: Switzerland v. Portugal
June 15: Turkey v. Czech Republic


Group B

June 8: Austria v. Croatia
June 8: Germany v. Poland
June 12: Croatia v. Germany
June 12: Austria v. Poland
June 16: Poland v. Croatia
June 16: Austria v. Germany


Group C

June 9: Romania v. France
June 9: Netherlands v. Italy
June 13: Italy v. Romania
June 13: Netherlands v. France
June 17: Netherlands v. Romania
June 17: France v. Italy


Group D

June 10: Spain v. Russia
June 10: Greece v. Sweden
June 14: Sweden v. Spain
June 14: Greece v. Russia
June 18: Greece v. Spain
June 18: Russia v. Sweden


Naturally Group C is the so-called "group of death", with the four teams being ranked 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th in the world. The tournament culminates with the final at the near-as-matters 53,000 capacity Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.

Quarter-finals will take the format as follows:


June 19: Quarter final 1: Winner Group A v. Runner-up Group B
June 20: Quarter final 2: Winner Group B v. Runner-up Group A
June 21: Quarter final 3: Winner Group C v. Runner-up Group D
June 22: Quarter final 4: Winner Group D v. Runner-up Group C


Semi finals as follows:


June 25: Semi-final 1: Winner of QF1 v. Winner of QF2
June 26: Semi-final 2: Winner of QF3 v. Winner of QF4


The final will take place on June 29.

Naturally Group C is the so-called "group of death", with the four teams being ranked 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th in the world. The tournament culminates with the final at the near-as-matters 53,000 capacity Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.



You know, it could have been even worse...I believe we could've drawn Germany as well (instead of Romania).

There's still a chance we might make it, though, albeit a slim chance (with the team we got and this coach...)

Okay - Group A starts off today - today's games feature co-hosts Switzerland, and Turkey, who despite qualifying for the 1996 and 2000 tournaments, failed to qualify for 2004, finishing second in England's group and failing to seal qualification in the repêchage.

Can't be a nice feeling for Poland. Stuck between Germany and Austria.  ;D

Game 1: Switzerland v. Czech Republic

The Swiss miss two great shouts for penalties, while the sole goalscorer Vaclav Sverkos gets stretchered off in the closing moments of the game. Result, 1-0 to the Czechs.

Game 2: Portugal v. Turkey

Pepe and Jose Raul Mereires give Portugal a 2-0 victory, the second goal going in after 90 minutes. That puts Portugal at the top of the table after their first game.

Can't be a nice feeling for Poland. Stuck between Germany and Austria.  ;D


Heh heh, good one.

k.

;D

Last I saw, Portugal were beating Turkey 1-0 (Pepe scored) with only a few minutes left. I don't know what the final score is. I picked France in a sweepstake at work so, technically, I want them to win ( ::)) but they have a right ding-dong of a group with Netherlands and Italy all in there too - should be interesting.

Game 3: Austria v. Croatia

Austria lose their first ever game in the European Championship finals thanks to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Croatia. A 93rd minute chance goes begging for the home team - a 4th minute penalty for Luka Modric after a foul from René Aufhauser proving to be the winning goal.

Game 3: Austria v. Croatia

Austria lose their first ever game in the European Championship finals thanks to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Croatia. A 93rd minute chance goes begging for the home team - a 4th minute penalty for Luka Modric after a foul from René Aufhauser proving to be the winning goal.


Very disappointing performance by Croatia. Austria definitely deserved an equalizer.

Game 4: Germany v. Poland

Lukas Podolski (born, indeed, in Poland) scores a double against his country of birth. This 2-0 result in Germany's favour is their first victory in the tournament since 1996.

Game 4: Germany v. Poland

Lukas Podolski (born, indeed, in Poland) scores a double against his country of birth. This 2-0 result in Germany's favour is their first victory in the tournament since 1996.


...and still no victory for Poland over Germany. They tried, but they just weren't good enough (or maybe just a bit too impressed by their opponents - who weren't that good really). I think they'll have a better chance of winning against Austria or Croatia.

Game 5: Romania v. France

The game finishes in a no-score draw, great news for Romania, terrible news for France. If they can't beat Romania, who can they beat? The BBC interview Marcel Desailly after the match. So few talking points occurred during the game that Mel thinks they would have been better off interviewing Marcel Marceau!

Game 6: The Netherlands - Italy 3 - 0


Oh yes!! We did it! We beat those pizza's :P Goals by Van Nistelrooij, Sneijder and Van Bronckhorst. A great game by our team, maybe the best they've ever played under Van Basten. :) The best game of Euro 2008 so far, anyway.

...And all of a sudden everybody's cheering "Oranje" again. ::) (I admit - that includes me)

Thank you very much for getting to the update, Henk. I agree, the best game of the tournament, more than delivered to the already high expectations I had to it.

This could easily mean doom and gloom for the Italians, who in Euro 2004 were the only team to exit the tournament having not lost a game. Still two games for the Azzurri to catch up, though with one against France, I don't see a silver lining to the cloud.

Thank you very much for getting to the update, Henk. I agree, the best game of the tournament, more than delivered to the already high expectations I had to it.

This could easily mean doom and gloom for the Italians, who in Euro 2004 were the only team to exit the tournament having not lost a game. Still two games for the Azzurri to catch up, though with one against France, I don't see a silver lining to the cloud.


Let's not forget: Italy is the reigning World Champion. This must hurt - especially when you realize that no Italian team was ever beaten by this score on a major tournament.

...I don't really look forward to meeting them again in (quarter/semi) final(s), if you know what I mean. ;)

I had forgotten they pointed that out on the commentary, Henk, thank you for reminding me.

As for tomorrow, we have Greece v. Sweden and Spain v. Russia. Both of these games for me are a head v. heart thing, I desperately want Sweden to win but I feel Greece will do so, and I desperately want Russia to win but I feel Spain may well do so. When Spain and Russia faced off in Euro 2004, Spain were 1-0 winners, and when Sweden and Greece did so in the 1920 Olympic games, Sweden won by an incredible score of 0-9.

I had forgotten they pointed that out on the commentary, Henk, thank you for reminding me.

As for tomorrow, we have Greece v. Sweden and Spain v. Russia. Both of these games for me are a head v. heart thing, I desperately want Sweden to win but I feel Greece will do so, and I desperately want Russia to win but I feel Spain may well do so. When Spain and Russia faced off in Euro 2004, Spain were 1-0 winners, and when Sweden and Greece did so in the 1920 Olympic games, Sweden won by an incredible score of 0-9.


Not much chance of a rematch there, I'm afraid.... ;)

I share your sentiments, though. Sweden is one of those teams that never seem to be able to fulfill their promise. Maybe this time...
And Russia - well, they have a Dutch coach. ::)

Strange you should mention Hiddink, in fact, I was thinking about him the other day in terms of where he had coached and so forth--

While it's interesting that several great managers have had very poor playing careers - I myself think of Ranieri, whose playing career included Catanzero, Catania and Palermo - Catanzero were in Serie B at the time - as were Catania, although they were promoted in the first season in which Ranieri played - while this is the case with many, it seems like Hiddink's career was actually pretty solid for a guy who unfortunately started playing just as the big three started their dominance of the top division.

(I say top division, I assume back when it was the Kampioenscompetities it was a much smaller competition than it is today, and thus comparison seems slightly less meaningful..)

Game 5: Romania v. France

The game finishes in a no-score draw, great news for Romania, terrible news for France. If they can't beat Romania, who can they beat? The BBC interview Marcel Desailly after the match. So few talking points occurred during the game that Mel thinks they would have been better off interviewing Marcel Marceau!


Romania were playing very defensively through the match and credit to them for keeping it 0-0. It may be a different match with Italy and Netherlands as they tend to play more openly.

Strange you should mention Hiddink, in fact, I was thinking about him the other day in terms of where he had coached and so forth--

While it's interesting that several great managers have had very poor playing careers - I myself think of Ranieri, whose playing career included Catanzero, Catania and Palermo - Catanzero were in Serie B at the time - as were Catania, although they were promoted in the first season in which Ranieri played - while this is the case with many, it seems like Hiddink's career was actually pretty solid for a guy who unfortunately started playing just as the big three started their dominance of the top division.

(I say top division, I assume back when it was the Kampioenscompetities it was a much smaller competition than it is today, and thus comparison seems slightly less meaningful..)


Well, Hiddink did play with PSV (1970 - 1972)...so he must've gotten some of the action. ;)

That was inbetween his De Graafschap days (1967 - 1970, 1972 - 1977, and again 1981 - 1982). From 1977 to 1981 he played with NEC Nijmegen (as well as with the Washington Diplomats and the San Jose Earthquakes for short periods of time).

But you're right: in general, the best managers/coaches didn't have the best careers as players. Of course there are exceptions to the rule - I'm thinking of Cruijff, and maybe Van Basten, if he manages to win Euro 2008. All will be forgiven and forgotten then...

Game 7: Spain v. Russia

Spain score four in the first game of the European Championships, just like last time. A hat trick from Villa is followed by a consolation by Pavluchenko - and Fabregas seals the victory in stoppage time to finish 4-1 - the first goal that Cesc has scored for his country.

Game 7: Spain v. Russia

Spain score four in the first game of the European Championships, just like last time. A hat trick from Villa is followed by a consolation by Pavluchenko - and Fabregas seals the victory in stoppage time to finish 4-1 - the first goal that Cesc has scored for his country.


I saw a little of this game and Spain is playing quite well...it worries me. But i'll stick with Portugal 'til the end,this better be their Euro 8)

Game 8: Greece v Sweden 0 - 2

Hallelujah! There is some justice in this world...

The reigning European champions did not come to play attractive football, that's for sure. I doubt if the Greek even came to play football at all. Their slo-mo, destructive anti-football has got them nowhere in their opening game. Not that the Swedes played a brilliant game (far from that!), but at least they tried to make something of it. And in the end, they got the sweet taste of victory, with goals by Ibrahimovic (beautiful strike) and Hansson (well, he somehow managed to work the ball across the line inbetween two Greek defenders and a goalkeeper). Now let's hope they can improve their game for the coming matches against Spain and Russia.

Heya Sverige!


Modified to add:
P.S. I hope Spain AND Russia will kick those Greek a***s. They definitely do not deserve to be playing this championship.

Thank you for covering that game, Henk. Enough time to report that tomorrow's fixtures are Czech Republic v. Portugal and Switzerland v. Turkey. When the Czechs and the Portuguese faced off in Euro '96, Poborsky scored the only goal of the game for the side which of course, finished the tournament as runners-up.

The Swiss and the Turks, of course, faced off twice at the 2006 World Cup, sharing the games, and four goals apiece, between them. And on only one occasion has a game between the two sides finished goalless. We shall see what happens tomorrow! See you then!

Game 9: Czech Republic v. Portugal

The Portuguese all but guaranteed their progress to the next stage of the competition, winning by a score of three goals to one. Deco put the Portuguese in front on eight minutes, Sionko equalized after 17, though two second half goals, one from Ronaldo and a ninetieth minute strike from Quaresma sealed the game for the Portuguese. Visitors to the BBC's website have given Deco the Man-of-the-match award with an average rating of 7.72.

Game 10: Switzerland v. Turkey

Turkey beat Switzerland by a score of 2-1, Yakin scores the opener for the hosts, Senturk and Turin score two goals for Turkey in the second half - therefore meaning that co-hosts Switzerland become the first team to go out of the competition.

Oh a slight tangent - Phil Scolari has been named the new Chelsea manager.

Game 10: Switzerland v. Turkey

Turkey beat Switzerland by a score of 2-1, Yakin scores the opener for the hosts, Senturk and Yakin score two goals for Turkey in the second half - therefore meaning that co-hosts Switzerland become the first team to go out of the competition.


The winning goal (by Turan, not by Yakin) was scored late in stoppage time, which made it all the more sad for Switzerland. They were by no means inferior to Turkey.
I had a feeling Turkey would be finishing off the Swiss after Sentürk's equalizer - but they didn't. Quite the contrary: Switzerland had the better of the game, fighting desperately for that one goal that would get them safe. Of course, Yakin should have made it 2 to 0 in the first half, where he missed a dream of a chance (almost identical to his 1 to 0). And the sad truth in football (or any other game) is that when you don't take your chances, your opponent will win in the end.

:\'(


Oh a slight tangent - Phil Scolari has been named the new Chelsea manager.


I too was watching the coverage by the BBC. ;)

Turin, that's what I meant, I was thinking one thing and writing the next, I'll edit it out, thank you Henk!

On a sidenote:

I'm not doing very well in the Euro 2008 Football Pool we have at my office. Ten games gone, and I've only managed to score 2 points (I got those for predicting the Dutch victory over Italy). :(


I know, it's only a game...




I too was watching the coverage by the BBC. ;)


...because I cannot stand Evert ten Napel, who was doing the Dutch coverage. 8-P

Game 11: Croatia v. Germany

Schweinsteiger gets sent off in the final minutes of the game to make him the first footballer to be sent off during this tournament. With the half-time score at 1-0, Croatia add a second before a consolation goal from Germany.

Man of the match according to surfers on the BBC website as of the last minute of the game, with 7.22 is Modric.

Game 9: Czech Republic v. Portugal

The Portuguese all but guaranteed their progress to the next stage of the competition, winning by a score of three goals to one. Deco put the Portuguese in front on eight minutes, Sionko equalized after 17, though two second half goals, one from Ronaldo and a ninetieth minute strike from Quaresma sealed the game for the Portuguese. Visitors to the BBC's website have given Deco the Man-of-the-match award with an average rating of 7.72.




This was the best game so far. They've just played beautifully and i'm jealous 'cause we so need Deco in the brazilian team :(

Game 12: Austria v. Poland

The two teams tie 1-1, Roger scoring in the 30th minute, and the final goal coming from a 90th minute penalty from Vastic. This means that the two teams are still rooted to the bottom and second bottom in the table.

Game 12: Austria v. Poland

The two teams tie 1-1, Roger scoring in the 30th minute, and the final goal coming from a 90th minute penalty from Vastic. This means that the two teams are still rooted to the bottom and second bottom in the table.


Both teams still have everything left to play for. With their team still having a chance to make it to quarter finals, the tournament lives on in Austria.

Austria had the better of the game for the first 20 to 25 minutes, with no less than four chances of a lifetime to open the score - but confronted with Polish goalie Boruc, the Austrians failed to finish off the job. The 1 to 0 by Brazilian born Roger Guerreiro came as a shock, and Austria seemed to lose all faith and confidence after that. They kept trying, but the zest of those first 25 minutes had gone.
Second half substitutions Kienast and Vastic also weren't able to turn the game around.
In one rather haphazard last minute attack (2 minutes into stopping time), a free kick was awarded to Austria. The ball ended up in the penalty area, where the referee spotted another foul (shirt pulling and holding), and awarded a penalty kick to Austria. Vastic did what his team mates had failed to do earlier on: he scored. The Austrians were raised from the dead, leaving Poland in disbelief.

Now all Austria has to do is defeat Germany. Not much chance of that happening...


On a more positive note:
Today's results were exactly as I predicted - which means I've added a whopping 10 points to my total.

Game 13: Italy v. Romania

Italy keep their tournament alive - but only just - after an uninspiring 1-1 draw and having forced their goalkeeper into making a terrific penalty save. Current man of the match according to the BBC is the Romanian keeper Lobont with a rating of 7.54.

Game 13: Italy v. Romania

Italy keep their tournament alive - but only just - after an uninspiring 1-1 draw and having forced their goalkeeper into making a terrific penalty save. Current man of the match according to the BBC is the Romanian keeper Lobont with a rating of 7.54.


Hmmm...I guess there's nothing more to be said about this game, really. Uninspiring is the key word.
Mutu should have sealed Italy's fate. Not that it matters much - I'm sure the French will beat Italy in their final game.

I certainly hope France can beat Italy as they have been terrible this time around...

The game was certainly not one that I found easy to watch... we'll see whether Holland v. France goes the way we both want it to...

Kuijt scores! •victory dance• Come on!

And Persie makes it two!

France get a consolation from the most insane of tap-ins, and almost immedately Arjen Robben makes it 3-1.

And there's the fourth.

And it's over...but not for us! :D We're through to the quarter finals. :)
I'm thrilled with excitement.

Now just imagine...Romania win their last game (against us). That would mean both Italy and France are out. ::)


Of course we won't let 'em. We want to defeat those Romanians as well (if only to set the record straight). ;)

And it's over...but not for us! :D We're through to the quarter finals. :)
I'm thrilled with excitement.


Well, well...certainly brushing those opponents aside with ease, aren't we?  ;)

Well done on reaching the QFs...and on this form, who's to say you won't win the thing?

Well, well...certainly brushing those opponents aside with ease, aren't we?  ;)


Well, to be honest...The French gave us a good run for our money - certainly in the second half. And when Henry scored the 2 to 1 it looked like it was game on again.
Thank goodness Robben scored within a minute after that from an almost impossible angle. The 4 to 1 by Sneijder was just the icing on the cake (and that also cost me 3 points in our little Euro 2008 Pool...I predicted a 3 to 1 victory)


Well done on reaching the QFs...and on this form, who's to say you won't win the thing?


I'm feeling confident enough to say that if we can keep up this form, we could be going all the way. Point is: we probably won't be keeping up this form. So...let's just wait and see. ;)

I'm feeling confident enough to say that if we can keep up this form, we could be going all the way. Point is: we probably won't be keeping up this form.


Ahem!

'English' mentality creeping in there?  ???

Ahem!

'English' mentality creeping in there?  ???


Oh no. I'm just being realistic. There's no point in getting carried away or being overly self-confident. We've been there before, you know... I'm already sensing a (slow) decline creeping in. We'll probably be struggling to get to the Semi Final (if we make it that far).

Oh no. I'm just being realistic. There's no point in getting carried away or being overly self-confident. We've been there before, you know... I'm already sensing a (slow) decline creeping in. We'll probably be struggling to get to the Semi Final (if we make it that far).


Ah! So you're adopting our tactics in our absence... ;)

I confidently predict that you will be good for the last four...after that, it's in your hands!

Ah! So you're adopting our tactics in our absence... ;)

I confidently predict that you will be good for the last four...after that, it's in your hands!


Like I said...let's just wait and see. :)


It's funny...I was just thinking back on our qualifying matches, and how much trouble we had scoring. Now, after two matches in this tournament, we've already scored 7....against the reigning World Champion and the runners-up. :o

Game 15: Sweden v. Spain

Spain win 1-2 - Spain go up in the fifteenth minute thanks to a 15th minute goal from Torres, but Ibrahimovic levels in the 34th for Sweden. The first and second goalscorers are flipflopping as regards the Man of the Match according to the BBC - with just 0.01 points between the two of them as we go into the 90th minute... but David Villa wins it for Spain!

An obvious penalty call for Spain went begging in the first half. Quite a game!

Game 16: Greece v. Russia

And the European Champions of four years ago are out of the tournament after a 0-1 defeat against Russia - who, with three points now to their name, have a chance to make it through to the next stage of the tournament. Russian substititute Berezutsky is currently BBC.co.uk's favourite, with a paltry 6.75 as of this moment. And that for just three minutes'-worth of action!

Okay. Merely as a forewarning - I will be unable to produce a review of BOTH games this evening, as they are both on at the same time of the night. If I don't watch the Switzerland v. Portugal game at 7:45, it is repeated tomorrow at 11:00 on ITV4. If I don't watch the game between the Turks and the Czechs, it is being repeated at 13:45 on ITV4.

Okay. Merely as a forewarning - I will be unable to produce a review of BOTH games this evening, as they are both on at the same time of the night. If I don't watch the Switzerland v. Portugal game at 7:45, it is repeated tomorrow at 11:00 on ITV4. If I don't watch the game between the Turks and the Czechs, it is being repeated at 13:45 on ITV4.


Both games were broadcasted simultaneously on Nederland 1 (Turkey v Czech Republic) and Nederland 3 (Switzerland v Portugal) tonight, so I have been able to watch about half of each.

Not much action going in Switzerland v Portugal in the first half - apart from all the fouls committed by both teams. All the action (and believe me, that wasn't much) took place in the second half. Scollari, already having secured a place with Portugal in the quarter final, had selected players that normally don't get a chance - and after tonight we know just why they're second choice. The Swiss managed to score twice in the second half (both goals by Yakin, the second from the penalty spot), the Portugese scored zero.
So the Swiss leave the tournament with a surprise win over Portugal - which makes you wonder: what if...(they hadn't conceded a late goal against Turkey?). Well, you can't turn back time. Let's just celebrate with the Swiss: they'd never won a game before in the final stages of a major football event. It's a nice "thank you" to parting manager Köbi Kuhn and goal keeper Zuberbühler.

And what to say about Turkey v Czech Republic?
Both teams needed to win to secure a place in the quarter final, but they started out playing like they didn't want to lose. First half: not much to talk about. Just about the only thing that needs mentioning is Koller's goal for the Czechs in the 34th minute.
Second half was full of drama. Plasil seemed to seal Turkey's fate in the 62nd minute, when he made it 2 to 0 for the Czechs. But as we have seen before from Turkey (in their match against Switzerland) they are relentless. It was Arda who made it a game again in the 75th minute, and poor Peter Chech provided Nihat with a hard-to-miss opportunity for the equalizer in the 87th minute of the game. Well, Nihat didn't think twice and scored. Had that been the final score the match would have had to be decided by penalty kicks...But one final strike (a nice touch, I must admit) by Nihat in the dying seconds of official time made it 3 to 2 for the Turks.
Turkish goal keeper Volkan Demirel was sent off in stoppage time, so he will be missing at least one match, but it didn't affect the result of the game anymore.

Game 17: Switzerland v. Portugal

Switzerland finish their campaign in style with a 2-0 victory — two goals from Hakin Yakin seal the match — and put a kibosh on Portugal's unbeaten record — but are unable to stop them from going through.

Game 18: Turkey v. Czech Republic

Turkey lose their goalkeeper in the 92nd minute of the game but this comes after five goals shared between the teams. Koller puts the Czechs ahead on 34, Plasil doubles the lead on 62, but Turkey equalize thanks to Arda Turan (75) and Kahveci (87). Quite incredibly, the Turks score a third after 89 minutes - eliminating the need for a penalty shoot-out.

Final score, Turkey 3 - 2 Czech Republic

On competitions like these i really hate this sort of game where teams have nothing to win and nothing to loose. It's just not exciting to watch because the result won't matter anyway. In the Portugal vs. Switzerland Scolari made a poor choice by choosing to maintain some of the 1st team players,if he had chosen only back up players then this result would be easier justified. I'm startin to think the news of him signing with Chelsea are going to ruin Portugal's chance,people over here say he spends his days learning english instead of studying each play :D

This evening sees the final two games of Group B. Poland v. Croatia and Austria v. Germany. I plan to watch one on mute on the TV, and I plan to listen to the other on Radio 5 Sports Extra. :D

Half time in game 19 between Austria and Germany, and both the coaches have been sent to the stands — after Joachim Low and Josef Hickersberger have a row, they settle it before both being sent to the stands!

Half time also in game 20 between Poland and Croatia, and Vejic has just been put in the book for Croatia.

Both games are still goalless at half-time. it's quite weird how, as the commentary for one game was happening, exactly the same thing was happening in the other game - a few free-kicks were taking place at exactly the same time, some boxwork was occurring at the same time, and the half-time whistles were blown within five seconds of each other!

Michael Ballack scores for Germany at 49 and Ivan Klasnic scores for Croatia in minute 51.

Half time in game 19 between Austria and Germany, and both the coaches have been sent to the stands — after Joachim Low and Josef Hickersberger have a row, they settle it before both being sent to the stands!

Half time also in game 20 between Poland and Croatia, and Vejic has just been put in the book for Croatia.

Both games are still goalless at half-time. it's quite weird how, as the commentary for one game was happening, exactly the same thing was happening in the other game - a few free-kicks were taking place at exactly the same time, some boxwork was occurring at the same time, and the half-time whistles were blown within five seconds of each other!


The most exciting moment in the Austria v Germany game was the sending off of both managers (for whatever obscure reason)...



Michael Ballack scores for Germany at 49 and Ivan Klasnic scores for Croatia in minute 51.


And that should seal it. No surprises in Group B.

Poland are powerless and useless. They don't deserve a place in quarter final.

Germany wasn't playing their best in the first half, and Austria got a few half chances - but like Poland, they lack quality and experience.
The Ballack goal has certainly shattered their hopes of a possible turn up.

Austrian Pogatetz just passed the ball to no one at all. How typical.

Both teams in the Germany match looked like they were about to fall asleep just before the substitution wasn't made.

Game 19: Austria v. Germany

Ballack scores the only goal of the game and Germany have seven of the seven shots on target, Mario Gomez had at one point a paltry 2.82 out of 10 marks on the BBC's player rater. Ballack's 7.05 stands at this present moment as the best rating between the two sides.

Game 20: Poland v. Croatia

A 0-1 final score for Croatia, thanks to Klasnic's 52nd minute strike. And yet the man of the match according to the BBC's Player rater is... the Polish goalkeeper. Some people!

Both teams in the Germany match looked like they were about to fall asleep just before the substitution wasn't made.

Game 19: Austria v. Germany

Ballack scores the only goal of the game and Germany have seven of the seven shots on target, Mario Gomez had at one point a paltry 2.82 out of 10 marks on the BBC's player rater. Ballack's 7.05 stands at this present moment as the best rating between the two sides.


Another poor performance by the Germans, who apparently just can't play any better (and would have been eliminated had they played any other opponent).
They'll probably end up winning the tournament, though. That's the way things go.


Game 20: Poland v. Croatia

A 0-1 final score for Croatia, thanks to Klasnic's 52nd minute strike. And yet the man of the match according to the BBC's Player rater is... the Polish goalkeeper. Some people!


I disagree. Boruc is one of the best goal keepers of this tournament. He's kept his team alive many a time. It's certainly not his fault they're out.
On the Croatian side, however, there wasn't one player that stood out.

Poland, as a whole, was probably the weakest team in this tournament.

Another poor performance by the Germans, who apparently just can't play any better (and would have been eliminated had they played any other opponent).
They'll probably end up winning the tournament, though. That's the way things go.

I disagree. Boruc is one of the best goal keepers of this tournament. He's kept his team alive many a time. It's certainly not his fault they're out.
On the Croatian side, however, there wasn't one player that stood out.

Poland, as a whole, was probably the weakest team in this tournament.


Don't say that,Henk. Is time for a new champ it can be Portugal or it can be Nederland ;)

I wouldn't mind a Holland - Portugal final.

A) It'd be a corkin game.

B) I wouldn't mind seeing Van Bronckhorst and Boulahrouz f**k up Ronaldo.

I wouldn't mind a Holland - Portugal final.

A) It'd be a corkin game.

B) I wouldn't mind seeing Van Bronckhorst and Boulahrouz f**k up Ronaldo.


After the game? Sure i'll even help.

After the game? Sure i'll even help.


No, no.

During.

I think Fat Phil is going to blow it thinking about Roman's millions.

Anyway, bollocks to Portugal, I was in tears last Euros because of those bastards!

No, no.

During.

I think Fat Phil is going to blow it thinking about Roman's millions.

Anyway, bollocks to Portugal, I was in tears last Euros because of those bastards!


Ah ah you're calling Scolari fat!
Yeah is better to not qualify than doing as poorly as your boys usually do :D

Ah ah you're calling Scolari fat!
Yeah is better to not qualify than doing as poorly as your boys usually do :D


Yeah, he's not but I like the alliteration better than big Phil.

There'll be plenty of time for petty banter when your lads get knocked out.. and cry.. they're always crying and kissing... I won't point fingers but...

Yeah, he's not but I like the alliteration better than big Phil.

There'll be plenty of time for petty banter when your lads get knocked out.. and cry.. they're always crying and kissing... I won't point fingers but...


Guys crying and kissing and slapping eachother's asses it's oh so hot :P

Guys crying and kissing and slapping eachother's asses it's oh so hot :P


Yet you don't like baseball.

;D

Does anybody else think Van Der Vaart has been somewhat substandard so far? By all accounts he had a decent season for Hamburg, I've not been that impressed (and trust me, I'm usually his biggest fan). Me thinks a move to the Premiership might help?

Today it'll be France v. Italy and Netherlands v. Romania, both at 1945 BST, with the Netherlands right up there on six points, they are already through, but a win for either France or Italy would seal their qualification, assuming the Netherlands pick up another three points. If Romania lose and France and Italy draw, well, then it gets very interesting - simply because no other team will have won a game in the group!

France v. Italy is on the BBC, and on Radio 5, while 5 Live Sports Extra has the Netherlands' match, which I will be tuned into on the radio while watching the France game on mute. Touch wood!

Another poor performance by the Germans, who apparently just can't play any better (and would have been eliminated had they played any other opponent).
They'll probably end up winning the tournament, though. That's the way things go.


It's always the way with that lot...(probably why everyone hates 'em so much!  ;))


Today it'll be France v. Italy and Netherlands v. Romania, both at 1945 BST, with the Netherlands right up there on six points, they are already through, but a win for either France or Italy would seal their qualification, assuming the Netherlands pick up another three points. If Romania lose and France and Italy draw, well, then it gets very interesting - simply because no other team will have won a game in the group!


Best possible scenario is for Romania to win (doubtful), or everyone to draw (feasible)...which would get rid of the doubly unimpressive French and Italians at a stroke!

It's always the way with that lot...(probably why everyone hates 'em so much!  ;))

Best possible scenario is for Romania to win (doubtful), or everyone to draw (feasible)...which would get rid of the doubly unimpressive French and Italians at a stroke!


Wouldn't surprise me if the Dutch fielded their B team to give the key players a rest, Romania have a legit chance.

Pirlo makes it 1-0 for Italy against France.
---
(c) 2008 - your friendly Euro 2008 auto-updater

The Oranje go one-nil up thanks to, who else, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar!

Italy make it 2-0 thanks to a deflection off a free-kick from De Rossi.
---
(c) 2008 - your friendly Euro 2008 auto-updater

And Robin Van Persie makes it two for Holland.
---
(c) 2008 - your friendly Euro 2008 auto-updater

And the France v. Italy match is over at 2-0. Man of the match according to the BBC's Player Rater on 90 minutes is Pirlo with 7.21

And a second later the Netherlands v. Romania match finishes with a 2-0 result for the Dutch.

Man of the match is Arjen Robben with 7.32

And a second later the Netherlands v. Romania match finishes with a 2-0 result for the Dutch.

Man of the match is Arjen Robben with 7.32


Arjen Robben..? Oh well, why not?

The Romanians were rather powerless, even though they needed to win (after Pirlo scored for Italy). They just kept playing their standard routine, which didn't work this time. I know at least one Romanian (Mutu) will be having a bad night. If only he'd scored that penalty against Italy...
The Netherlands (without Van Nistelrooij, Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Van der Sar, Kuyt and Matthijsen at the kick-off) didn't need to play their best. Even the substitutes had little trouble with Romania.


And the France v. Italy match is over. Man of the match according to the BBC's Player Rater on 90 minutes is Pirlo with 7.21


I preferred the French over the Italians, but so be it. Haven't seen the game, so I don't know if Italy were the better team or not.
You know what...? We could be facing Italy again in the semi final.

Arjen Robben..? Oh well, why not?


At least according to the BBC.co.uk surfers.

Today it's Russia v. Sweden (my older bro's team v. my younger bro's team) and Greece v. Spain. Russia and Sweden faced off in the 1994 World Cup Finals, with a 3-1 victory for the Swedes. Greece and Spain faced off in Group A of Euro 2004 - sharing a 1-1 draw between them.

Russia make it 1-0 in the 24th minute thanks to Pavlyuchenko.
---
(c) 2008 - your friendly Euro 2008 auto-updater

Greece lead Spain 1-0 thanks to Charisteas.
---
(c) 2008 - your friendly Euro 2008 auto-updater

Russia double their lead thanks to Arshavin's 50th minute shot.
---
(c) 2008 - your friendly Euro 2008 auto-updater

Spain equalize thanks to de la Red.
---
(c) 2008 - your friendly Euro 2008 auto-updater

Russia win 2-0. Player of the match according to BBC.co.uk viewers is Arshavin.

Greece lose 2-1, finish bottom of the group and go out of the competition. Player of the match as of right now is Fabregas with 7.49.

Russia win 2-0. Player of the match according to BBC.co.uk viewers is Arshavin.


Sweden tried (well, sorta)...but they never formed a real threat to Russia. They really need to reform their play, or find new players to play it (Sweden's team is getting too old, I think). What did they think/say on BBC? ???

So it's gonna be Russia v The Netherlands. Two Dutch managers, two teams with a similar type of play...could be interesting.


Greece lose 2-1, finish bottom of the group and go out of the competition.


That's what you get for playing chicken.

Schweinsteiger makes it 0-1 to Germany.

Missed the Miroslav Klose update for the second goal, sorry!

Anyway, Nuno Gomez makes the score 1-2 for the time being.

Michael Ballack scores a third for Germany.

With three minutes left, Portugal pull it back to 2-3 thanks to a goal from Postiga.

Germany win with the final score of 3-2, making that Big Phil's last game in charge for the Portuguese. Man of the match on 90 minutes according to the BBC website is Bastian Schweinsteiger with 8.15.

The final score doesn't do justice to the game at all. Ballack's goal was dubious he totaly pushed Paulo Ferreira out of the way and Portugal played far better but alas what matters in the end is scoring. Man of the game to me was a tie between Deco,Pepe and Ballack.

My favorite team is out of the Euro :\'( Brazil might not qualify for 2010's World Cup :o

What a sad sad day...

The final score doesn't do justice to the game at all. Ballack's goal was dubious he totaly pushed Paulo Ferreira out of the way and Portugal played far better but alas what matters in the end is scoring. Man of the game to me was a tie between Deco,Pepe and Ballack.


I respectfully disagree. In my opinion, Portugal did not play "far better" - in fact, I found them hugely disappointing. Just how many chances did they create...? ???
Though I'm not a fan of Germany, I have to say they won fair and square.


My favorite team is out of the Euro :\'( Brazil might not qualify for 2010's World Cup :o

What a sad sad day...



I'm sorry to hear that, Isabel. Maybe some karma will help...?

The final score doesn't do justice to the game at all. Ballack's goal was dubious he totaly pushed Paulo Ferreira out of the way and Portugal played far better but alas what matters in the end is scoring. Man of the game to me was a tie between Deco,Pepe and Ballack.

My favorite team is out of the Euro :\'( Brazil might not qualify for 2010's World Cup :o

What a sad sad day...




Portugal played well. Brazil have been crap. Dunga is a burro.

Still, glad to see that Ronaldo didn't get his hands on any sort of trophy. Hopefully the Dutch will stomp all over the Crouts.

Hopefully the Dutch will stomp all over the Crouts.


By 'Crouts' I assume you mean Germany...one problem, it's Russia that Holland are playing!

(Both could still meet in the final, tho'... ::))

Let's hope the Dutch haven't 'peaked' too early...

If their form is still impressive, then I'm confident of them pushing past the Reds (who are capable of a surprise or two, but they're a bit 'suspect' more often than not...)

(Just think, it could have been England...assuming we hadn't been sent packing in the Groups!)

By 'Crouts' I assume you mean Germany...one problem, it's Russia that Holland are playing!

(Both could still meet in the final, tho'... ::))

Let's hope the Dutch haven't 'peaked' too early...


Right, that's what I meant.

Come on Paul, it's Germany, there'll be a penalty shootout somewhere.

I respectfully disagree. In my opinion, Portugal did not play "far better" - in fact, I found them hugely disappointing. Just how many chances did they create...? ???
Though I'm not a fan of Germany, I have to say they won fair and square.

I'm sorry to hear that, Isabel. Maybe some karma will help...?




I believe we have a different definition for better. For me good football is not only about the score,Germany did score 3 times but for the rest of the game they didn't give us nothing, plus set-plays are a pet peeve of mine i just don't find free kicks,throw-ins and corner kicks exciting...what i like to see are players running around the field with the ball at their feet,that is imo what makes a game beautiful. Sure the germans are great at defense you take a look at the portuguese team and you see how it would be hard for them to match such tall players but when it comes to giving a good show Portugal like Brazil (usually :-PORTUGAL vs. GERMANY
Possession
53%     47%
Shots on target
10       5
Shots off target
11       5
Corners
8       3
Fouls
11     14


Portugal played well. Brazil have been crap. Dunga is a burro.

Still, glad to see that Ronaldo didn't get his hands on any sort of trophy. Hopefully the Dutch will stomp all over the Crouts.


I know i know but South Africa 2010 won't be the same without us :(

Croatia v. Turkey tonight. I wanna see Croatia win that one...

And in slightly unrelated news, Steve McClaren has been officially named the manager of FC Twente. Thoughts, Henk?

Come on Paul, it's Germany, there'll be a penalty shootout somewhere.


As long as it isn't against us, I don't particulary care!


And in slightly unrelated news, Steve McClaren has been officially named the manager of FC Twente. Thoughts, Henk?


The good folk of FC Twente obviously don't want to achieve much this coming season... ::)

Well their run at the end of last season was quite extraordinary, unbeaten and 23 points from their final 9 games. Their previous manager, Theo Vonk, was the former coach of the previous incarnation of AZ's team. Vonk is now in amateur managementship according to nl.wiki.

Well their run at the end of last season was quite extraordinary, unbeaten and 23 points from their final 9 games.


Call me cynical, but I can't see Macca's style of management keeping that up...

Still, the club shop probably does a nice line in umbrellas...

Still, the club shop probably does a nice line in umbrellas...


Quote. of. the. season. Awesome Paul. :D

Croatia and Turkey draw the match 0-0, Olic having two rather awesome chances close to the end of the game. And we're into extra time.

And the kings of the late winner have been beaten by a late winner from Klasnic.

Or have they? Turkey.. have equalized with the last kick of the game, accompanied by protests from the Croatian gaffer.

Everyone's ready for the penalties but.. we are ball-less!

Okay here we go.


Croatia.. MISS! Terrible penalty, I don't see how a penalty can even be put wide! 0-0
Turkey.. SCORE! Ball goes underneath the goalkeeper and gets a heavy touch from the keeper, but to no avail. 0-1
Croatia.. SCORE! Goalkeeper goes the wrong way. Great penalty, albeit with less speed than it looked like would be taken initially. 1-1
Turkey.. SCORE! Goalkeeper goes the wrong way. Coolly taken. 1-2
Croatia - MISS! Second penalty to go wide for Croatia! I jinxed it, I know! 1-2
Turkey - SCORE! Just lofted above the ground, Goalkeeper stutters, but goes the wrong way. 1-3
Croatia - MISS! Turkey's keeper dives and makes a save to his left. 1-3


Turkey are through to the semi-finals!

Turkey are through to the semi-finals!


Turkey seem to have become masters of the 'escape act'!  :D

Their luck's gotta run out at some point...and I don't think they'll hang on a third time...

Today it's Holland vs. Russia. Holland have scored 9 and conceded just one goal so far this tournament - I can't see past a win for the Oranje. Even Vennegoor, who is obviously second in command to Klaas-Jan Goalmachine, picked up fifteen league goals this season for Celtic. Having seen him in action for such a short time in the last game, it would be interesting to see what he could conjure up given 90 minutes.

Turkey seem to have become masters of the 'escape act'!  :D

Their luck's gotta run out at some point...and I don't think they'll hang on a third time...


Croatia were the (slightly) better team, with the better chances - but obviously, they were shattered by Turkey's last minute equalizer. When I saw Modric walking up to the penalty spot, I just knew he was gonna miss that first one. I also had a feeling Rüstü was gonna stop at least one.
With our team having lost on penalty shoot outs many a time, I know what the Croats feel like.


Turkey v Germany...Both sides are kings of escape acts. Which team will be the luckiest? You know...I think Turkey can do it again, in spite of a truckload of injured and suspended players.



Today it's Holland vs. Russia. Holland have scored 9 and conceded just one goal so far this tournament - I can't see past a win for the Oranje. Even Vennegoor, who is obviously second in command to Klaas-Jan Goalmachine, picked up fifteen league goals this season for Celtic. Having seen him in action for such a short time in the last game, it would be interesting to see what he could conjure up given 90 minutes.


I think it's safe to say that Russia are the underdogs - but they won't be giving in easily. With nothing to lose for the Russians and much at stake for The Netherlands, this game could go either way. Still, I expect our experience becoming a decisive factor in this game.

And in slightly unrelated news, Steve McClaren has been officially named the manager of FC Twente. Thoughts, Henk?



The good folk of FC Twente obviously don't want to achieve much this coming season... ::)


I was rather surprised to find out about this move. I know McClaren's short collaboration with the England Team wasn't exactly the peak of his career, so maybe we shouldn't judge him by that. Maybe it'll all work out for him and FC Twente. Maybe...just maybe. We'll have to wait and see.

I know McClaren's short collaboration with the England Team wasn't exactly the peak of his career, so maybe we shouldn't judge him by that.


Having only previously managed Middlesbrough, has McClaren really had a peak to his career? Oh wait, I suppose he did win the League Cup in 01-02. McClaren of course left England halfway through a four-year contract.

Bummer. Pavlyuchenko has made it 1-0 to Russia.

An equalizer at 85:56 from Ruud van Nistelrooij. Incredible! That goal brings van Nistelrooij level with Johan Cruijff on international goals, at 33. However, Cruijff took 16 fewer appearances to reach the mark.

Into extra time we go!

What.. the.. hell? Russia go ahead in the 22nd minute of extra time from substitute Torbinsky, who of course, won't play in the final. And a third goal in the 26th minute!

What.. the.. hell? Russia go ahead in the 22nd minute of extra time from substitute Torbinsky, who of course, won't play in the final. And a third goal in the 26th minute!


Yes, it's official: We're Out.

Of course I'm terribly disappointed, but let's face it: we didn't deserve to win either. Russia controlled the game, and we don't have the heart to play all or nothing (unlike Turkey). And like I said: we had a lot more at stake than Russia. We were very lucky to score even once.

So another tournament over for The Netherlands. Another dream shattered. Another two years down the drain. We'll have to start from scratch once again. My prediction for World Cup 2010: we will fail to qualify.

Frightening prediction Henk but I'll quote that post if you're true - the very idea of the Dutch failing to qualify is just scary - that said, their record in the Worlds' is nowhere near as impressive as their recent record in the Euros, so you may well just be right.

And I'll come back to this thread and quote it in two years time if you're correct!

Frightening prediction Henk but I'll quote that post if you're true - the very idea of the Dutch failing to qualify is just scary - that said, their record in the Worlds' is nowhere near as impressive as their recent record in the Euros, so you may well just be right.


Can you imagine a World Cup without Brasil...? And yet...


And I'll come back to this thread and quote it in two years time if you're correct!


Quote me by all means.

In what turned out our final game we only managed to show the world that those two games against Italy and France were a fluke. We're back to our usual self now. This is exactly the sort of play we displayed in our qualifying matches: too slow, too predictable, no confidence, no heart. I don't see how Bert van Marwijk can turn this around in just two years. Not if he keeps this players anyway. Maybe if he selected more Feijenoord players..?

Marco van Basten had the chance to prove us all wrong, but once again we failed to deliver. And he's always said that Euro 2008 was the primary objective, so please don't blame us (the Dutch in general) if we blame you, Marco. You had it coming a long time ago.

Yes, it's official: We're Out.

Bitterly disappointing, Henk... :(

Of course I'm terribly disappointed, but let's face it: we didn't deserve to win either. Russia controlled the game, and we don't have the heart to play all or nothing (unlike Turkey). And like I said: we had a lot more at stake than Russia. We were very lucky to score even once.

It certainly looked like a completely different Dutch team out there!

I think the scoreline belied Russia's ability...there was no way they were worthy of three goals, but sadly, tell that to your defence... :-\\

So another tournament over for The Netherlands. Another dream shattered. Another two years down the drain. We'll have to start from scratch once again. My prediction for World Cup 2010: we will fail to qualify.


Ah! Now I know the 'English mentality' has crept up on you!  ;)

Seriously, comiserations Henk...a poor, poor QF, but something positive to build on from the group games...

Extra time for the third consecutive day - 0-0 between Spain and Italy after 90 minutes. I'll wait for "Player of the Match" stats until after the 120.

Player of the match at 120 minutes is Spanish substitute Fabregas with 7.53 and we're into penalties.

PK's..

Villa (ESP).. Scores! 1-0
Grosso (ITA).. Scores! 1-1
Cazorla (ESP).. Scores! 2-1
De Rossi (ITA).. Misses! Saved by the keeper. 2-1
Senna (ESP).. Scores! 3-1
Camoranesi (ITA).. Scores! 3-2
(Diamond) Guiza.. (ESP).. Misses! 3-2
Di Natali (ITA).. Misses! Saved by the keeper. 3-2
Fabregas (ESP).. Scores! 4-2

And Spain are victorious.

PK's..

Villa (ESP).. Scores! 1-0
Grosso (ITA).. Scores! 1-1
Cazorla (ESP).. Scores! 2-1
De Rossi (ITA).. Misses! Saved by the keeper. 2-1
Senna (ESP).. Scores! 3-1
Camoranesi (ITA).. Scores! 3-2
(Diamond) Guiza.. (ESP).. Misses! 3-2
Di Natali (ITA).. Misses! Saved by the keeper. 3-2
Fabregas (ESP).. Scores! 4-2

And Spain are victorious.


On one hand I'm glad Spain are through (I thought they were the better team last night), on the other hand I'm a bit sad Italy are out (I had predicted them a place in the final, so it's not good for my Euro 2008 Pool).

I did predict two of the four quarter finals would go into penalties, though, so that's good.

:o This Euro is not for the faint of heart at least there's excitement in every game.

I want to see Spain win this tournament, they've been playing better than ever and i think they have a big chance of becoming european champions.

Today it's Germany v. Turkey at 19:45 BST - both teams finished second in their division - while Turkey had something of an incredible end to their quarter-final.

Despite a power cut near where the soccer is taking place, we have had a heck of a lot of action in the second half of the game. Ugur Boral puts the Turks in the league, Schweinsteiger equalizes, Miroslav Klose puts a second in for Germany, Semih Senturk equalizes for the second time for Turkey, but the Germans seal the game, 3-2.

BBC.co.uk's player of the game is Kasim Kasim. Jens Lameman has a miserable 4.18 rating. Strange.

Despite a power cut near where the soccer is taking place, we have had a heck of a lot of action in the second half of the game. Ugur Boral puts the Turks in the league, Schweinsteiger equalizes, Miroslav Klose puts a second in for Germany, Semih Senturk equalizes for the second time for Turkey, but the Germans seal the game, 3-2.


Of course it's Germany. They didn't deserve to win IMHO (very, very poor defense, especially in the first half), but still... they win. No rabbit in the hat for Turkey this time (although Semih's equalizer in the 86th minute silenced the Germans for about three minutes).

Turkey had nothing to lose, and that's exactly how they played. They totally deserved to win. But hey, it's Germany. It's always Germany. Bad performance, good results.*) And once they've won the title, nobody remembers this game and how poor they performed and how lucky they were not to have been eliminated earlier on and so on and so forth. Bah. :P


BBC.co.uk's player of the game is Kasim Kasim. Jens Lameman has a miserable 4.18 rating. Strange.


4.18...? I'm surprised he got that high... ::)





*) OK, I know - this is actually not true. They played poor in Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, and were eliminated both times in group stage. But still...it's Germany. ;)

Tonight's the night of the second semi final, Russia v Spain. The two teams crossed swords earlier this tournament, Spain winning 4 goals to 1.


I had hopes Russia would not let it come to that again, but I was wrong. First half was so-so, both teams not playing their best. Second half seemed to be going nowhere fast, and then out of the blue Xavi made it 1 to 0 for Spain.
Russia are nothing like the team that defeated The Netherlands in the quarter final. There's no coherence, no tempo, no fighting spirit...
I've given up watching the semi after Güiza made it 2 to 0 for Spain. It must be over now, surely.

Spain are now 3-0 up, Henk. Silva made it three in the 82nd.

Spain are now 3-0 up, Henk. Silva made it three in the 82nd.


Makes me wonder though... If Spain can do it, why couldn't we? :-\\

The game is over. All players at or around the 6.5-7 mark according to the BBC player rater, but the Man of the Match according to BBC.co.uk viewers is Fabregas.

OK, well...Euro 2008 is over. I assumed Bobo had already posted the result of the final, so I wasn't really in a hurry to get here. Final result:

Germany 0 - Spain 1 (Torres, 33')



..and that's it. Spain take the trophy. It's their second win of the tournament (first time was in 1964, with only four teams competing back then). They were the most consistent team of Euro 2008 IMO. They've won every match fair and square - not something you can say of the other finalist. So... I'm happy, even though we didn't win. :)

Congratulations Espana... :)

Only 44 years since they last won a major tournament? There may be hope for us lot, then!  ;)

Did Germany even have a shot at goal? Who cares! They were completely uninspiring anyway!  :D

So the tournament is all over now?

So the tournament is all over now?


Yep...and by my reckoning, the new footy season starts in 7-8 weeks!

OK, well...Euro 2008 is over. I assumed Bobo had already posted the result of the final, so I wasn't really in a hurry to get here. Final result:

Germany 0 - Spain 1 (Torres, 33')



..and that's it. Spain take the trophy. It's their second win of the tournament (first time was in 1964, with only four teams competing back then). They were the most consistent team of Euro 2008 IMO. They've won every match fair and square - not something you can say of the other finalist. So... I'm happy, even though we didn't win. :)

I guess my relatives in Germany will be mad!

And so the end of another tournament with a 1-0 victory to Spain. Roll on 2012 and Poland/Ukraine. Should I start the thread now?!

And so the end of another tournament with a 1-0 victory to Spain. Roll on 2012 and Poland/Ukraine. Should I start the thread now?!


No no no... it's World Cup 2010 South Africa first. ;)


Congratulations Espana... :)

Only 44 years since they last won a major tournament? There may be hope for us lot, then!  ;)

Did Germany even have a shot at goal? Who cares! They were completely uninspiring anyway!  :D


Germany played rather well for about 15 minutes, even creating some (half) chances - but that was before Spain changed their line-up. After that, the only reason they got chances was because Spain let them.


I guess my relatives in Germany will be mad!


I don't think there's any real reason for them to be mad. Disappointed, yes, but mad...no.