Euro Cup 2008

By Michael Hodgson
Group A

The Portuguese were the favorites and they didn't disappoint, winning the group with perhaps the world's best player, Christiano Ronaldo leading the way. Portugal took care of Turkey and Czech Republic in their first two matches, but lost a meaningless match to Switzerland,

co-host of the Euro Cup. Turkey had a magical run through the group stage, with second-half comeback wins against Czech Republic and Switzerland, securing their trip to the quarter finals.

Group B

Germany was licking its chops when it saw its group draw of Croatia, Poland, and Austria (the other host nation). But Croatia ran away with the group, going 3-0-0 and beating Germany 2-1 in the second game of group play. All was not lost for German supporters though, as their powerhouse squad was able to advance by taking care of Poland (2-0) and Austria (1-0).

Group C

Group C was known as the "Group of Death" as all four teams are ranked in the top 12 in the FIFA world rankings. World Cup champion Italy and World Cup runner-up France were both outdone by the Dutch in this group. The Netherlands were the most impressive team in group play, going 3-0-0 against the two World Cup finalists and Romania, with a goal differential of plus 8. Italy also advanced from the group by beating the French, once again, in the final game played in group C.

Group D

Spain, a nation known for underachieving in major tournaments, dominated this group going 3-0-0 against the likes of Russia, Sweden, and Greece (the 2004 Euro Cup winners). Spanish forward David Villa opened up the tournament with a hat trick against the Russians, and led

all scorers with four goals through group play. The Russians were able to bounce back, however, following that 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Spaniards, giving up no goals to Greece or Sweden, while scoring three of their own.



Quarterfinals

Portugal vs. Germany

The quarterfinals proved to be difficult for group winners, as three of the four would fall to the group runner-ups. But you wouldn't consider Germany's dominance of Portugal a major upset, as many expected the fifth-ranked German squad to make a serious run for this year's Euro Cup. Germany led 2-1 at the half and took a commanding lead after Chelsea star Michael Ballack put a third one on the board for the

Germans. The Portuguese were able to get a consolation goal late from HŽlder Postiga in the 87th minute.

Croatia vs. Turkey

The game that seemed to be the least appealing on paper ended up being the most appealing on the field. After 90 minutes of regulation, 15 minutes of the first overtime, and 13 minutes of the second overtime, both teams were scoreless. With just 90 seconds left until a penalty

shootout, all looked lost for Turkey, as Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic was able to score. But just seconds later, Turkey pulled off another miracle comeback, when back-up goalie Recber Rustu sent a ball the full length of the field, which miraculously landed at the foot of striker

Semih Senturk. With defenders closing in on him from both sides, Sentuk had to let it rip, and he did, sending the ball into the top left corner of the net. With no time left on the referee's watch, the game was forced into penalty kicks. With momentum clearly not on Croatia's side, and the football gods working in favor of Turkey, Croatia was only able to put one shot past Rustu. Turkey advanced with

three successful penalties.

Netherlands vs. Russia

Surely after Netherlands dominance of "The Group of Death," they would cruise through their quarterfinals match against the Russians. But the trend of group-winners struggling in the first elimination round continued. Russia scored a few minutes into the second half, putting Dutch supporters on the edge of their seats, until legendary goal scorer Ruud van Nistlerooy, was able to even things up with just four

minutes left in regulation. Many saw this as a sign that the experienced Dutch side would put the game away in extra time, but the Russians had other plans, scoring two goals in the extra period and sending the Netherlands home early.

Spain vs. Italy

The most anticipated quarterfinals match was between these two Mediterranean nations. But the anticipation from fans didn't exactly turn into brilliant soccer from the players. Spain dominated possession early and was able to control the pace of the game with quick, accurate ball movement. They also managed more scoring opportunities, but were unable to connect as the much taller Italian side dominated 50/50 challenges inside the box. Neither team was able

to score a goal in regulation or the extra periods. Therefore, the game was sent to a penalty shootout, a Spaniard's worst nightmare. June 22, the date of this match with the Italians, has proved to be doomsday for

the Spanish in the past. The Spaniards have lost in the quarterfinals of the '86 World Cup, '96 Euro Cup, and '02 World Cup, all on PK's, all on June 22. Needless to say, if you were to tell a Spanish supporter that his team's fate relied on them beating the World champions in a penalty shootout on June 22nd, you might find him heading toward the edge of a cliff or tall building. But history was not to repeat itself, as Spanish goalie Iker Casillas, was able to save two of the four shots he faced. Spain was

able to put four out of five past Italy's world-class goalie Gianluigi Buffon, becoming the only group winner to advance to the semi-finals.