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2008 Uefa European Football Championship Round Up

2008 UEFA European Football Championship Round Up


HOSTS



CHAMPIONS
Spain


RUNNERS-UP
Germany


So, after twenty-two days, thirty-one games and seventy-seven goals, Euro 2008 is over. The thirteenth European Football Championship saw Spain claim only their second title, fourty-four years after winning it for the first time, in a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany. The Spanish side also became the second side in the tournament's history to have won all their matches - with France the only other team to do so (1984).

Sixteen national teams participated, with fourteen being determined via qualifying matches. The other two - Austria and Switzerland - automatically qualified as hosts. A poor qualifying campaign from England saw them become the only seeded team to not qualify, whilst Russia - who qualified ahead of England - became the only unseeded one to get through to the finals. Qualification for both Austria and Poland signalled their debut appearances in the tournament, with Germany making their tenth appearance - more than any of the other qualified teams.
Qualified Teams

GROUP AND KNOCKOUT STAGES

GROUP STAGE

Group A


Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma celebrate after securing progression for Portugal

Euro 2004 finalists Portugal were favourites to top Group A, also consisting of co-hosts Switzerland, Czech Republic and Turkey.

The opening game of the tournament saw co-hosts Switzerland lose their inspirational captain Alexander Frei due to injury, and saw the Czech Republic win narrowly, courtesy of substitute Václav Svěrkoš. Portugal defeated both Turkey and the Czech Republic, 2-0 and 3-1 respectively, in their first two games, ensuring their entry to the quarter-finals. Switzerland became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament, losing their second game - this time 2-1 to Turkey.

The final round of matches saw a second string Portuguese team play Switzerland, and a Turkish side take on the Czech Republic with the second quarter-final place to play for. With both scoring two, conceding three and having three points, a draw between the two would result in a penalty shoot-out to determine who progressed. However this wasn't to be the case, Turkey overcame a 2-0 deficit in the final fifteen minutes to win 3-2, and progress to the next stage, with Nihat Kahveci's brace equalising and then putting the Turks ahead. In the dying moments, Turkey's goalkeeper - Volkan Demirel - was red carded for a push on Czech forward Jan Koller.. resulting in Middlesbrough's Tuncay Şanlı taking the 'keeper's place. The game also saw Milan Baroš get booked despite him having been on the bench for the whole game. Elsewhere, already qualified Portugal lost 2-0 to the co-hosts, thanks to a brace from Hakin Yakan.

Switzerland 0 - 1 Czech Republic (Sverkos 70)
Portugal 2 - 0 Turkey (Pepe 61, Raul Meireles 90)

Czech Republic 1 - 3 Portugal (Sionko 17; Deco 8, Ronaldo 63, Quaresma 90)
Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey (Yakin 32; Senturk 57, Turan 90)

Switzerland 2 - 0 Portugal (Yakin 71, 83 PEN)
Turkey 3 - 2 Czech Republic (Turan 75, Nihat 87, 89; Koller 34, Plasil 62)



Group B


Ivica Olić celebrates after putting Croatia 2-0 up against Germany

Tipped to win the tournament, Germany were favourites to finish first in Group B, consisting of co-hosts Austria, Croatia and Poland.

Croatia surprised many when the became the first team to qualify for the quarter finals after following up a narrow 1-0 win over Austria with a 2-1 win over favourites Germany - who had started reasonably well with a 2-0 victory over Poland with a brace from Lukas Podolski. Austria's late equaliser, a "controversial" penalty awarded well into stoppage time by Howard Webb, to draw 1-1 with Poland, guaranteed Croatia a first place finish.

The second quarter-final spot was to be decided in the group's final games. Germany needed a win or draw to guarantee their progression, whilst a loss could have allowed Austria or Poland - if they were to beat Croatia - to qualify ahead of the Germans. However, a second half free kick from Michael Ballack earned Germany a 1-0 victory, rendering the Poland v Croatia match irrelevant. As it was, the Croatians were victorious and became the first team to gain maximum points in the group stage.

Austria 0 - 1 Croatia (Modric 4 PEN)
Germany 2 - 0 Poland (Podolski 20, 72)

Croatia 2 - 1 Germany (Srna 24, Olic 62; Podolski 78)
Austria 1 - 1 Poland (Vastic 90 PEN; Roger 30)

Austria 0 - 1 Germany (Ballack 49)
Poland 0 - 1 Croatia (Klasnic 52)



Group C


Dirk Kuyt celebrates his opener against France

Immediately after the draw was made, Group C was dubbed the "group of death". The group consisted of 2006 World Cup finalists Italy and France, as well as the favoured Netherlands and Romania.

Surprisingly, the Netherlands became the first team to qualify from Group C. After running out comfortable 3-0 winners over the Italian world champions, they defeated France 4-1. Such great opening results meant that the Netherlands were recognised as a force to be reckoned with. Both Italy and France had disappointed, with Romania take advantage and holding both to draws - 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.

The final games would decide the second quarter-finalists, with all three of the remaining teams still within a chance. The winner of France v Italy would progress if Romania were to lose or draw to the Netherlands. Whilst, if Romania were to beat the Dutch, France's and Italy's game would be irrelevant. This sparked somewhat "controversial" claims the Dutch would "allow" the Romanians to win, to knock out France and Italy. However, such claims were quashed when a second string Dutch side managed to do what neither France nor Italy could manage, beating Romania - in doing so becoming the second team to have a 100% record in the group stage. France's misery continued when Éric Abidal was red carded for a foul on Luca Toni, with Andrea Pirlo converting the resultant penalty and Daniele De Rossi adding a deflected free kick to wrap the game up.

Romania 0 - 0 France
Holland 3 - 0 Italy (van Nistelrooy 26, Sneijder 31, van Bronckhorst 80)

Italy 1 - 1 Romania (Panucci 56; Mutu 55)
Holland 4 - 1 France (Kuyt 10, Van Persie 59, Robben 72, Sneijder 90; Henry 71)

Holland 2 - 0 Romania (Huntelaar 54, Van Persie 87)
France 0 - 2 Italy (Pirlo 25 PEN, De Rossi 62)



Group D


David Villa and Fernando Torres celebrate the Torres' opener against Sweden

Consisting of defending European Champions Greece, as well as Russia, Spain and Sweden, Group D was expected to be topped by Spain.Most people were unsure whether Greece could mimic what they achieved four years ago, whether Sweden's golden oldies could get them through, whether perennial underachievers Spain could progress and what Russia had to offer.

Spain secured top spot in the group courtesy of David Villa's stoppage time goal in their 2-1 over Sweden, after taking apart Russia 4-1 in their first game - with Villa scoring the tournament's only hat-trick. Title holders Greece were eliminated following defeats to Sweden (2-0) and Russia (1-0).

The second quarter-final spot would be decided by the match between Russia and Sweden, with the Swedish only needing to avoid defeat. However, the impressive Russians were victorious, scoring a goal in each half to win 2-0 and progress to the knock-out stages. A second string Spanish side came from behind to heap more misery on Greece's campaign winning 2-1 and becoming the third team to qualify with three straight wins. Greece's defeat meant they became the only side to not score any points.

Spain 4 - 1 Russia (Villa 20, 45, 75, Fabregas 90; Pavlyuchenko 86)
Greece 0 - 2 Sweden (Ibrahimovic 67, Hansson 73)

Sweden 1 - 2 Spain (Ibrahimovic 34; Torres 15, Villa 90)
Greece 0 - 1 Russia (Zyryanov 33)

Greece 1 - 2 Spain (Charisteas 42; De la Red 61, Guiza 88)
Russia 2 - 0 Sweden (Pavlyuchenko 24, Arshavin 50)




QUARTER FINALS

Group A winners Portugal took on Group B runners-up Germany in the first quarter-final. A surprise to many, who had predicted that they would meet in the semi-finals, but Croatia's unexpected victory over the Germans, meant that the Portuguese had to play Germany ahead of "schedule". Germany seemed drew first blood half-way through the first half with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose scoring within four minutes of each other to put Germany in a two goal lead. Nuno Gomes pulled one back five minutes before half time, but on the hour, Michael Ballack restored Germany's two-goal lead. Hélder Postiga scored a second for Portugal with three minutes (plus stoppage time) remaining to set up a nervy ending for the Germans. However, Germany were able to hang onto their lead and progressed to the semi-finals for the first time since 1996.

The second quarter-final saw Croatia, Group B winners, take on Group A runners-up Turkey. No goals were scored in normal time, in a closely contested match. With one minute of extra time (plus any stoppage time) left to be played, Ivan Klasnić headed Croatia in front, and looked to have booked their place in a semi-final clash with Germany. However, Turkey - for the third game running - hit back at the death to force the first penalty shoot-out of the tournament, when Turkish goalkeeper, Rüştü Reçber's long free kick found Semih Şentürk, who turned and equalised. His villain-turned-hero routine was complete when he saved Mladen Petrić's spot kick, following misses from Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić, and with Turkey scoring all three of the penalties they took, they progressed to the semi-finals with a 3-1 win on penalties.
The penalty shoot-out
000 Croatia 0 - 0 Turkey 000 Luka Modrić misses
000 Croatia 0 - 1 Turkey 000 Arda Turan scores
000 Croatia 1 - 1 Turkey 000 Darijo Srna scores
000 Croatia 1 - 2 Turkey 000 Semih Şentürk scores
000 Croatia 1 - 2 Turkey 000 Ivan Rakitić misses
000 Croatia 1 - 3 Turkey 000 Hamit Altintop scores
000 Croatia 1 - 3 Turkey 000 Mladen Petrić's kick saved by Rüştü Reçber

The third quarter-final was between the free-scoring Dutch, who had won Group C having won all three group games, and Group D runners-up Russia. The Netherlands were favourites to progress, but the Russians secured an unlikely victory with two quick-fire goals in extra time from Dmitri Torbinski and Andrei Arshavin. Ruud van Nistelrooy had levelled the scores in the 86th minute to take the game into extra time after Roman Pavlyuchenko had given Russia the lead just before the hour mark.

In the final quarter-final, Group D winners Spain were pitted against an Italian side that had disappointed many. Despite being an array of stars on show, neither team managed to score in normal time. It was still goalless after extra time, sending the game to penalties. Going into the penalty shoot-out, history wasn't on Spain's side. In previous tournaments, Spain had lost shoot-outs on 22 June (the date of this quarter-final) on three different occaisons. Also, Spain hadn't managed to beat Italy in a competitive fixture since the 1920 Summer Olympics. But, the rot was ended with Spain winning 4-2 on penalties, after Casillas saved penalties from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Nitale, with Francesc Fàbregas converting the winning spot kick.
The penalty shoot-out
000 Spain 1 - 0 Italy 000 David Villa scores
000 Spain 1 - 1 Italy 000 Fabio Grosso scores
000 Spain 2 - 1 Italy 000 Santi Cazorla scores
000 Spain 2 - 1 Italy 000 Daniele De Rossi's kick saved by Iker Casillas
000 Spain 3 - 1 Italy 000 Marcos Senna scores
000 Spain 3 - 2 Italy 000 Mauro Camoranesi scores
000 Spain 3 - 2 Italy 000 Dani Güiza's kick saved by Gianluigi Buffon
000 Spain 3 - 2 Italy 000 Antonio Di Natale's kick saved by Iker Casillas
000 Spain 4 - 2 Italy 000 Francesc Fàbregas scores


Portugal 2 - 3 Germany (Nuno Gomes 41, Postiga 87; Schweinsteiger 22, Klose 26, Ballack 62)
Croatia 1 - 1 Turkey (Klasnic 119; Senturk 120) AET [Turkey win 3-1 on penalties]
Holland 1 - 3 Russia (van Nistelrooy 86; Pavlyuchenko 56, Torbinsky 112, Arshavin 116) AET
Spain 0 - 0 Italy AET [Spain win 4-2 on penalties]


SEMI FINALS

The first semi-final saw Germany take on an injury- and suspension-hit Turkey. First time semi-finalists Turkey opened the scoring through Uğur Boral after twenty-two minutes, but four minutes later, Bastian Schweinsteiger levelled for Germany. Ten minutes before time, Miroslav Klose headed Germany into the lead, but "late-goal specialists" Turkey hit back in the 86th minute with Semih Şentürk flicking the ball past Jens Lehmann. With the game heading to extra time, Turkey got a taste of their own medicine when Philipp Lahm sent Germany into their sixth European Championship final, scoring in stoppage time.

The second semi-final had a sense of déjà vu about it, with it being a replay of the opening match of Group D. In the previous game, Spain had beaten Russia 4-1, the semi-final having the same outcome, with Spain beating Russia by three goals to nil. It was Spain's first appearance in a semi-final since 1984, and Russia's since 1988 (as USSR). The opening fourty-five minutes were goalless, but within five minutes of the restart Xavi Hernández opened the scoring, giving Spain the lead. With twenty-one minutes remaining, Dani Güiza replaced Fernando Torres and within four minutes doubled Spain's lead. David Silva rounded up the scoring eight minutes before time, giving Spain a resounding 3-0 victory.

Germany 3 - 2 Turkey [Schweinsteiger 27, Klose 79, Lahm 90; Boral 22, Senturk 86]
Russia 0 - 3 Spain [Xavi 50, Guiza 73, Silva 82]


FINAL

Spain became European champions for the second time after Fernando Torres's first-half goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Germany in the final.

The final saw Germany, seeking a fourth title themselves, take on a Spanish side that hadn't been beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament since 1984, and had won their only previous piece of silverware fourty-four years ago. Early on this showed, with Germany starting the stronger. However, it didn't take long for Spain to take charge and they were the more dangerous side throughout an entertaining final.

Going into the game, Germany had recieved a boost with captain Michael Ballack being included despite a publicised calf problem. Spain, on the other hand, were missing their four-goal leading scorer David Villa due to a thigh injury. Perhaps this was the reason why Germany seemed to settle quickly, with German passing looking crisper, though failing to make the most of any glimpses of goal proved decisive. Spain soon established themselves as the greater threat, forcing Jens Lehmann into action in the fourteenth minute when Cristoph Metzelder inadvertently deflected Andrés Iniesta's cross towards his own goal. The Spanish were finding their feet and cutting through the German defence with ease. Failing to heed the warning signs, Germany fell behind thirty-three minutes into the match. Xavi Hernández was, again, the architect, playing a pass behind the German back line towards Torres, who outmuscled Philipp Lahm and clipped the ball over the diving Lehmann. More chances were being created as Spain threatened to increase their lead. But on the hour, Germany showed that they still posed a threat with sub Marcell Jansen and Bastian Schweinsteiger combining for Ballack to shoot wide. Miroslav Klose then deflected a Schweinsteiger effort wide. In response, Spain made some chances, introducing Xabi Alonso and Santi Cazorla in place of Francesc Fábregas and David Silva. Spain's changes immediately reinvigorated their threat, with Lehmann being forced into smart saves, whilst Torsten Frings was on hand to block an Iniesta effort on the line.

As the final drew to a close, Spain continued to waste chances, whilst Germany failed to carve out enough chances to try and get back into the game. In the end, one goal was enough for Spain to become European champions.


Champions Spain Parade Their Trophy

Germany 0 - 1 Spain [Torres 33]


TOURNAMENT STATISTICS

GOAL SCORERS

Throughout the tournament seventy-seven goals were scored by fifty-three players. David Villa tops the list with four goals, having scored a hat-trick in Spain's 4-1 victory over Russia and one in the following game against Sweden. An injury in the semi-final put him out of the final, but in the end, his four goals in the opening two games were enough.

Golden Boot
David Villa (4 goals)

Complete List of Goal Scorers
4 - David Villa (Spain)
3 - Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia)
0 - Lukas Podolski (Germany)
0 - Semih Şentürk (Turkey)
0 - Hakan Yakin (Switzerland)
2 - Andrei Arshavin (Russia)
0 - Michael Ballack (Germany)
0 - Daniel González Güiza (Spain)
0 - Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
0 - Nihat Kahveci (Turkey)
0 - Ivan Klasnić (Croatia)
0 - Miroslav Klose (Germany)
0 - Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)
0 - Wesley Sneijder (Holland)
0 - Fernando Torres (Spain)
0 - Arda Turan (Turkey)
0 - Ruud van Nistelrooy (Holland)
0 - Robin van Persie (Holland)
1 - Ugur Boral (Turkey)
0 - Angelos Charisteas (Greece)
0 - Deco (Portugal)
0 - Rubén de la Red (Spain)
0 - Daniele de Rossi (Italy)
0 - Francesc Fàbregas (Spain)
0 - Nuno Gomes (Portugal)
0 - Petter Hansson (Sweden)
0 - Thierry Henry (France)
0 - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Holland)
0 - Jan Koller (Czech Republic)
0 - Dirk Kuyt (Holland)
0 - Philipp Lahm (Germany)
0 - Raul Meireles (Portugal)
0 - Luka Modrić (Croatia)
0 - Adrian Mutu (Romania)
0 - Ivica Olić (Croatia)
0 - Christian Panucci (Italy)
0 - Pepe (Portugal)
0 - Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
0 - Jaroslav Plašil (Czech Republic)
0 - Hélder Postiga (Portugal)
0 - Ricardo Quaresma (Portugal)
0 - Arjen Robben (Holland)
0 - Roger Guerreiro (Poland)
0 - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
0 - David Silva (Spain)
0 - Libor Sionko (Czech Republic)
0 - Darijo Srna (Croatia)
0 - Václav Svěrkoš (Czech Republic)
0 - Dmitri Torbinsky (Russia)
0 - Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Holland)
0 - Ivica Vastic (Austria)
0 - Xavi Hernández (Spain)
0 - Konstantin Zyryanov (Russia)

Goals by Team
12 - Spain (Champions)
10 - Germany (Final)
00 - Netherlands (Quarter Finals)
08 - Turkey (Semi Finals)
07 - Russia (Semi Finals)
00 - Portugal (Quarter Finals)
05 - Croatia (Quarter Finals)
04 - Czech Republic (Group Stage)
03 - Italy (Quarter Finals)
00 - Sweden (Group Stage)
00 - Switzerland (Group Stage)
01 - Austria (Group Stage)
00 - France (Group Stage)
00 - Greece (Group Stage)
00 - Poland (Group Stage)
00 - Romania (Group Stage)


MATCH OFFICIALS




QUICK STATS

31 games played [three went to extra time, two of which went on to penalties]
26 games won [one of which was won after extra time]
05 games drawn [two of which went to penalties]

77 goals [including goals scored in extra time]
03 braces
01 hat trick
00 own goals
05 penalties awarded (four scored)
53 different goal scorers
18 clean sheets kept

122 yellow cards
003 red cards

First Goal: <