Euro Kings

Euro Kings

— Spanish passion prevailed over German might in the finals of the UEFA European Championship 2008 at Vienna, much to the delight of all those who rooted for the underdog. Given that Spain, who never lost a match in the event, appeared promising from the very first match when they routed the Russians 4-1 and later blanked the same opponents 3-0 in the semis, the 1-0 triumph over their fancied opponents Germany in the final courtesy a piece of brilliance from centre forward Fernando Torres, was not much of a surprise. The Spaniards thus proved that they no longer choked in the big game and answered their detractors with a sterling display of free-flowing football against the pre-tournament favourites to win their second Euro title after a gap of 44 long years. In an intriguing final that saw contrasting styles, the experienced and physically strong Germans relied on their fast-moving forward line while the young and skillful Spaniards banked on its strong midfield to thwart the best of moves. At the end of the day, the latter which had displayed consistency throughout the event and a fair degree of intensity and sharpness, deservingly had the last laugh. Even as the 23-day high-voltage affair lived up to its standard and reputation, it sprang many a surprise with big guns Netherlands, Italy, France, Portugal and Sweden not making it to the semis and disappointing its fans. However, Croatia, which won every game except the quarterfinal against dark horses Turkey when it lost in the tie-breaker, can afford to blame ill luck for its ouster. The Turks once again had a fairy tale outing and threatened to go the distance till the Germans edged past them in the semis. So did Russia, another dark horse which made its presence strongly felt in the business end of the tournament, upsetting the Dutch in the quarters and making a mockery of the pre-tournament predictions.The European Championship, represented by the cream of world football, is revered as an event at par with the FIFA World Cup. Characterised by speed, power play, deft skills, magical set pieces apart from limitless action and suspense, the European style of football attracts millions of spectators across the globe thus accounting for the frenetic passion for the ‘beautiful game’. The South American versions may have its mystical flavour and charm, but European soccer has wide-ranging traits that make the game comprehensive. While countries like Germany, Netherlands or even Czech Republic have speed and power as their forte, teams like Spain, Portugal and Italy have the artistry and guile to change the course of a match. Besides, with dangerous contenders like Croatia, Russia and Turkey in the gamut, Europe with a rich legacy and a storehouse of the world’s best players, is truly a soccer superpower in its own right. Hence, success in Europe’s premier tourney can make a marked difference. Make no mistake, the exuberant and fearless Spaniards, as the reigning Euro champions have done their cause for the 2010 Cup a world of good. source: assam tribune