Saturday, 7th June 2008
Kickoff!
So here we are. After a relative short break, competitive football is about to return. 16 nations will give life to Euro 2008 in Switzerland and Austria tonight. High-level tension and never-ending drama are usually a feature of the knock-out stages of such tournaments.
Yet, the group-stage draw has revealed a potentially ‘adrenaline-packed’ set of encounters.
One of these is Germany vs Poland. The Polish tabloids have even taken the opportunity to urge their players to avenge what happened in the war (and the defeat the Poles suffered against the Germans in the last World Cup).
Another match is France vs. Italy. The French are going to be given a chance to take revenge on Italy, who beat Le Bleus 2 years ago in the World Cup final. In the last few months, the rivalry between the two countries took a curious twist in the political and glamour scene. The French President married an Italian model and just few days ago leaders Sarkozy and Berlusconi agreed to form a strategic pact for the region they both are in. At the same time they made it clear, even if sarcastically, that this new alliance and friendship will be suspended during the 90 minutes of the game.
In the 2000’s edition of the tournament, Italy and Holland produced one of the most nerve wrecking semi-finals. Francesco Toldo was the hero of that game. He managed to save an incredible number of penalties during the 120 minutes of play and in the eventual penalty shoot-out.
In 1998, 2000, 2004 or 2006 the match between the Czech Republic and Portugal would have been dubbed as a top match. The disappointing Czech performances in 2006 and Portugal over-dependence on Ronaldo’s talents might tilt the balance in favour of the Portuguese team.
The cross and the crescent which adorn the flags of the Swiss and the Turks remind me of the symbols of the crusades. The combative spirit seems to have sifted down to the football associations. The last encounter between the two countries had a violent end, with elements of the two ending up in a brawl on the pitch. That day the Turks failed to make it to the World Cup finals in Germany.
Another match which I will make sure I see, is Spain vs Sweden. These two teams have the potential to be protagonists in this tournament. The only thing is that while Sweden can rely on Ibrahimovic’s lethal finishes, Spain’s coach chose to leave lethal Raul home. I believe that this was a bad choice and Spain might pay dearly for it.
Splashes
This weekend will also see Malta hosting the Malta Grand Prix of the Sea. The fact that Malta has become a fixed venue for these powerboat races is a vote of confidence in the local partners of this project. Malta, through Aaron Ciantar, will also be participating in this year edition. His boat currently leads the SuperSport class after the first two events of the year. It would be great if the Maltese will win here… a re-confirmation of the fact that the Maltese can do it.
This weekend will also see the start of the summer water polo championship. Experts say that there is too much of a gap between the quartet made by Neptunes, Sliema, Sirens and St Julian’s and the rest. Neptunes will start as favourites, given their recent victory of the winter league; however I will be following and supporting my home-town team, Marsascala.
The only problem this weekend is the abundance of choice what to see, as such whatever you chose, enjoy another sport-packed weekend.
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