Recently in Euro 2008 Category
EURO 2008
Firstly hats off to the stylish Spanish who brought a breath of fresh air to a major Championships and fully deserved to win on the big stage for the first time since 1964.
While striker Fernando Torres of Liverpool was the hero last night in the final against Germany Spain boast an entire squad of gifted players who for
once all pulled in the one direction for the benefit of their country.Today the 28 year old Barcelona midfielder Xavi (pictured right) was voted player of the tournament though I have to say I disagree with UEFA's panel on that decision.
Certainly he played a major role in Spain's return to the big time and his goal against Russia opened the floodgates for his side but at least two of his fellow countrymen stood out for me.
EURO 2008
I remember wiping tears of joy from my eyes in New Jerseys Giants Stadium in 1994 after watching Ray Houghton score for the Republic of Ireland to defeat the Italians 1-0 in the World Cup.
We were on cloud nine and thought we were world beaters.
A few short weeks later our boys were on their summer holidays and Italy were in the World Cup Final against Brazil, a clash they lost in a cruel penalty shoot out.
That tournament showed clearly that writing off the Italians is as fool hardy as placing Theo Walcott in your World Cup squad though you know you'd rather play with 10 men than use him!
True neither they nor pre-tournament favourites Germany have set this competition alight yet in the same way Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands have but they have experience on their side and a mental resilience that all the skill in the world can't match.
