We should be seeing more good things from Spain
Right team won: young team should figure in years aheadBob Lenarduzzi, The Province
Published: Monday, June 30, 2008
Congratulations to Spain, who have ended their long drought by finally finding their way to the winner's circle, and doing so in some style.
Any team that beats both Italy and Germany in the knockout stage is a deserving champion in my book.
From a neutral perspective, the right team won. This tournament was about creative attacking play, which Spain has certainly exemplified.
Against Germany, the Spanish were full value for the win, as Fernando Torres took his goal well and could easily have had another.
In fact, Spain had numerous chances to put the game away, but either just failed to connect,or were denied by German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
There is a lot of youth in this Spanish side, so we should see more good things from Spain in the years ahead.
Another young team with a bright future is Russia and their play was the high point of the tournament for me.
Just when you think you know what to expect on the international stage, along comes this brilliant young Russian squad that took everybody by surprise - including themselves.
In the end, they just didn't have the experience, but I am sure they will back.
If the tournament had a downside, it's that neither of the host nations were able to advance from the group stage.
On balance, Austria and Switzerland played fairly well, probably better than most of their fans expected, but they couldn't get the results.
I think the knockout stage missed having the energy that a home team adds.
Overall though, EURO 2008 has been a great advertisement for the game. It's been a three-week festival of good soccer, good goals, high drama, and some breathtaking finishes.
Now, it's time to take back that breath, and let life return to normal for a while. At least until the Beijing Olympics start.
Bob Lenarduzzi is president of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. For information on Whitecaps tickets and seasonal camps, visit www.whitecapsfc.com or call 604-669-9283.