EURO 2008: Results

EURO 2008 is the thirteenth European Championship held in Austria and Switzerland. It was the second tournament that was held in two countries. It was held from June 7 to 29, 2008. 16 teams took part in the tournament. Prefabricated hosts are allowed to participate directly. The remaining 14 teams qualified and were divided into groups.

For the right to host EURO-2008, the Russian Federation also fought, but quickly withdrew its candidacy, as it claimed for the 2018 World Cup.

Changes in regulations

The 2008 European Championship was remembered by the change in the rules. The "gold" and "silver" goals that were in effect at the previous tournaments were canceled. At the qualifying tournament there were no play-offs.

Russia in qualifying matches

In qualifying matches there were no sensations. All the participants were divided into seven groups, of which two teams entered the final section.

To qualifying matches the Russian team came up with a new coach. They became Dutchman Guus Hiddink. He replaced Semin, who failed to bring the national team to the 2006 World Cup.

The group included Croatia, England, Israel, Macedonia, Estonia and Andorra. The first three teams were the main rivals in the fight for entering the UEFA EURO 2008. The table of matches turned out interesting and on heat was not inferior to the final stage. England began the qualifying round unsuccessfully. At first, I could not beat Macedonia (0: 0), and then completely lost to Croatia (0: 2). The Russian national team was a plus. She started much better, playing a draw with Israel and Croatia. The indicators have given hope to the hearts of the fans.

Next on the way to the team of Hiddink stood Estonia and Macedonia, who with the same score (2: 0) were beaten. Did not stop her and the Andorran team. The return matches ended in favor of Russia.

Especially intense fights were against the British. The first game of the house the ancestors of football won with a crushing score 3: 0. England was on the second line, ahead of Russia by five points. The reciprocal game took place in the "Luzhniki". The match was dubbed "Game of the Year". The British opened the account, but could not keep it. First he realized the penalty shooter Pavlyuchenko, and then he brought his team forward.

To leave the group, the Russians needed to beat Israel and Andorra. Then the players and made the fans nervous. In Israel, they could not win, losing 1: 2. Now England was enough to play a draw with Croatia and go to UEFA EURO 2008 with second place, since with an equal number of points from our team, she had an advantage over other indicators.

However, Croatia, which has already come out of the first place, decided to finish its course with dignity at the filled "Wembley". Already to the 14th minute of the fight the Croats were 2-0. By the second half, the hosts managed to play two goals, but immediately missed. Russia in a parallel match defeated Andorra with a minimum score and went to EURO 2008. We can say that Croatia was a pass to the tournament.

UEFA EURO 2008 soccer

In addition to Austria, Switzerland and Russia, Poland, Portugal, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Romania and the Netherlands went to the tournament.

Group A

Position: Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic and Switzerland.

The Czech national team, which analysts considered the favorite in the group for UEFA EURO 2008 in football, failed in two matches and took only third place. The best performers were Turkey and Portugal, having scored six points each.

Group B

Position: Croatia, Germany, Austria and Poland.

Croats were shining here. Without difficulty, they managed to score nine points and go to the playoffs from the first place. The second line went to Germany, which did not easily restrain it. Austria fought to the last minute, but could not bypass a more professional opponent.

Group C

Position: Netherlands, Italy, Romania and France.

Worst of all in the "death group" were the French. We started with an uncertain draw in the match against the Romanians, and then completely lost in two rounds. The Netherlands proved to be the strongest and easily withdrew from the group. The second place went to Italy.

Group D

Position: Spain, Russia, Sweden and Greece.

EURO-2008 Russia began with a major defeat from Spain. On four goals from the Spaniards only one Pavlyuchenko answered in the end of the match. The current champions of Europe (Greece) lost to Russia with a minimum score. EURO-2008 Russia continued its victory over Sweden (2: 0). Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin then distinguished themselves. This result has already become an achievement. Before that, in the new history of Russia there were no hits in the playoffs of the championships of Europe. Spaniards and Russians continued to conquer UEFA EURO 2008. Matches, which our team held at this tournament, became classics.

1/4 finals

In the first quarterfinal match came Germany and Portugal. The game was very hot. By the 25th minute thanks to the goals of Schweischtiger and Klose the Germans already led in the account. At the 40th minute, Portugal scores the first goal, but they can not squeeze the opponent. In the second half, Ballack makes the score 3: 1, and in the end the Portuguese score a comforting ball.

Croatia was considered a favorite in the duel with Turkey. The national team managed to pass through the group without losses and was lucky to get on the Turks. However, the main time of the match ended in a draw (1: 1), and on penalties Turkey went to the semifinals.

In 1/4 of Russia went to the Netherlands - a team that defeated all the opponents in the group. The chances of winning by the victors against such a formidable team were zero. However, the "orange" showed unsatisfactory football, for which they were punished. The main time ended in a draw (1: 1), but in additional Russians could score two more beautiful goals.

Eternal opponents Spain and Italy issued a boring match, which decided the victory of the first in the penalty shootout.

Semifinal

The Russian national team was once again competing with Spain. Up to the 50th minute they managed to hold back the Spaniards, but then followed three goals, which sent the Russians home.

In another semifinal match Germany and Turkey came together. The second, having emboldened after the victory over Croatia, threw all forces into the attack. They did it, but the Germans were better. The result is 3: 2.

The final

The final match did not live up to the expectations for a bright game. The only goal scored by Torres and helped Spain take the second title of European champions.