photo credit: Jonas Šileika
So, last night, Euro 2008 ended on a crescendo last night, with Spain beating Germany 1-0 in the final. So much of the tournament was fascinatingly watchable, with shocks, fantastically watchable games, end to end moments, comebacks and plucky countries.
Some of the great moments were Turkey coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 within 10 minutes. Holland’s decimation of world champions Italy and runners up France in the group of death. Austria being the plucky underdog and not looking anywhere near their 92 world ranking, outshining their neighbours the Swiss. We head some classic and memorable goals such as Wesley Sneijder’s sweeping volley against the Italians being top of my list. We’ve seen passion, which have translated well in the tournament.
I think what made this tournament so special was the distinct lack of home interest. It began terribly, a few dud games before getting starting, and it showed. People were talking about “If England were there”. Well they weren’t, and I think the lack of self promotion and constant biasedness to our green and plesant land made this tournament just watchable. In the end, whilst the tournament began with referencing England’s failure being unjust and that they should be there, overly English commentators were suitably humbled and they were never mentioned again.
So, would I be happy never to see England in a major tournament again? Definitely. With the lack of England car flags, the papers dominated by Coleens, Gerrards, Lampards and Metatarsals, and the enevitable riots when England get eliminated. This summer has been peaceful, and – with no England – we saw some fantastic football. Don’t get me wrong, some of the classic moments would have still occurred if England were in the tournament, but I feel they would’ve been swept under the carpet with our nation’s press focussing on Wayne Rooney’s pug-ugly face.
Wales on the other hand? Well, I’ve already got my ticket for Durban in 2010.
Comments: 5 Comments
Rhys Wynne, the author of this blog, is a 20 something web designer from Colwyn Bay. 
This tournament was good and a lot of the matches were enjoyable to watch, so for that I would have to say it was one of the best.
I didn’t hear a lot of “if England” but I the constant referencing to Euro 2004 was still there and if Rooney hadn’t been injured… Meh, that’s us English people, sometimes dwelling on the past a bit too long. Anyway, I’m glad Spain won.
Bring on the World Cup, it’s a completely different tournament but I hope it’s just as enjoyable.
I don’t share your scepticism on England not being there. I hate the fact people said we should be there because obviously we shouldn’t to do that winning qualifying games would of been a bit more helpful!
I personally enjoy the patriotism of England in the tournaments, whole country focuses together for the expected failure! The tournament was ok, it’s a joke that two non-EU teams made it to the semi’s but i think UEFA need to look at that one, although im sure i read there trying to expand it to 24 teams now!
As for one of the best…. no. Euro 96 will always be my favourite tournament, it had everything this one did and England
And i like how you’ve become english for this post… thought you were welsh!
It was certainly made more watchable because there were no home nations, in my opinion.
Guy’s right, by the way, The Sunday Times yesterday mentioned that they were going to have 24 teams soon (hopefully)!
Spain beating Germany was an anticlimax. I lost money on that outcome! They played like champions, both of them.
As I live in US, I was spared the England talk. Still, I missed them. Being a big EPL fan and knowing each and ever single player, it would have been nice to see them there. Still, viva Espana!