Grand Euro spectacle
NANDITA SRIDHAR
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The history, the phenomenal reach, personalities and the stakes have made Euro 2008 a much awaited event..
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Photo: AFP
Beautiful game : German midfielder Michael Ballack in action during the Euro 2008 Championships quarter-final — Portugal vs. Germany,
Despite traditionally lacking in the natural creative flair of the South Americans and the Africans, the European football Championship is sport’s biggest multi-nation event after the World Cup. The sheer weight of history, the phenomenal global reach of European club football and the nations, personalities and the stakes have made this one of the most awaited events in world sport.
From the time of its origin, (1958), the UEFA Euro championship has built itself on a number of triumphs, events and strong figures on the field.
South American and African presence in European clubs has made for some exciting exchanges and blends of styles in club football, making Europe the powerhouse of world football.
Undiminished interest
France’s Michel Platini, one of the greats of the game and of the Championship, was a spectacular force in the 1980s, with his side claiming the Cup in 1984. The likes of Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Mueller formed the core of the German team that was in 1972 (it was West Germany then) regarded as the best German national team, and holds true to this era.
The younger followers of the game would recall France’s win in 2000 through a golden goal (whoever scores wins) by David Trezeguet, and unfancied Greece’s triumph — by sheer will and a relentless tactic of denial — in 2004.
Despite the absence of England, a side with more recognisable players than any other, worldwide interest in Euro 2008 has been undiminished. Attacking strategic football and some thrilling finishes have made for a spectacle. Germany’s Michael Ballack — creative and inspiring — and Russia’s Andrei Arshavin — super-quick, strong and talismanic — have been this edition’s standout performers.
Also uplifting for football fans, have been the spirited and confident runs of Russia and Turkey, the rise of perennial underachievers Spain and the sheer strength of the German squad.
Football’s stature as the world’s biggest sport has made the European Championship a success. The beautiful game, as football is referred to, is unparalleled.
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