The curtain goes down

Yesterday night Vienna had to forgo the classical Waltz to make way for the Spanish flamenco as the La Selección returned victorious after a 44 year drought. Spain although gifted with several talented players did not start the football tournament as favourites. The pundits were placing their money on teams like world cup champions Italy, Germany, Portugal and France. In fact, when the tournament kicked off, the odds being quoted were 11 to 2. As usual, football critics noted that Spain was a valid team but has more than often underperformed in major competitions. The fact that the cameras were not Luis Aragonés's men may have helped Spain to reach stardom after so many years.

France were the biggest disappointment and this also brought with it an end to a glorious era that saw them lift the World and the European Cup. The blues only managed to grab a point and finished in last place in what was known as the group of death. Italy, as four time world champions played under par and bowed out of the tournament in the second round. Ironically they lost to Spain in a penalty shoot-out. Just after the Euro, the Italian technical trainer, Donadoni, was sacked only to be replaced by their former trainer Marcello Lippi. This decision may be seen as unfair, as the former Milan winger is not to be blamed with the team’s underperformance and lack of luck. Italy lost their captain, Cannavaro just before the tournament started and was replaced with Juventus, central defender, Chellini . Most probably, the substitute Chellini was the best player of the Italian side. Donandoni re-introduced Cassano who also had some magical moments and stayed out of trouble. Unfortunately, the front line did not manage to deliver the goods as Toni, Del Piero and Di Natale failed to score important goals. It was also amazing how Del Piero and Toni did not even take up a penalty kick against Spain, whereby both are the main takers for their respective clubs.

Portugal, like their Iberic counterparts Spain, is always downed with talented players but fail to make their mark in international tournaments. After a storming start they cooled down and were knocked out of the tournament by Germany 3-2. On the other hand, Germany, were as industrious as ever and managed to reach another final. They were never spectacular but always bagged the points when needed. In the final match of the tournament they were outplayed although they had an additional day of rest. The sorry point was Balack who was so close to win every major cup this season but had to settle for the silver medal in the Champions Cup, the Premier league and the Euro 2008.

At the end, the Spaniards brought the curtain down on the Swiss-Austrian Euro. A tournament that was well organised and well marketed. Apart from the football, it will be remembered for the various candid shots from the stands. Producers were eager to market football as a family and beauty event. Children, teenagers and families flocked to the stadiums dressed in every costume imaginable. A football marketing ploy that costs nothing but speaks volumes!!

At the end, Spain played the best football, suffered the least goals and entertained all supporters. They will be taking the cup home where the party is expected to last days and the sangria will flow through the Spanish streets. Most probably, the unity among the various regions in Spain has never been so strong. Let’s hope, for the good of the game that this is the beginning of an era and not just a day to remember.