UEFA EURO 2004: First Round Underway
For those of you that do not know, the second most prestigious and largest soccer/football tournament in the world is happening right now - UEFA EURO 2004. Portugal is hosting, and the tournament is held every four years. Naturally, it falls in between the greatest tournament, The World Cup. The greatest national teams from all of Europe are pitted against each other. A grueling qualifying season leads into the final sixteen teams.
It has been hard for me to catch a single game on tv because; the games are really only on pay-per-view in the US. Poppycosh I say! At least euro2004.com has it together will realtime dynamically driven flash based updates for me to peruse at work. They call it "Matchcentre." Check out an example Mathcentre from the recent Germany Netherlands 1-1 draw. Throughout the game, a running commentary is kept to update the play on the field. The commentary is complimented by pictures from the match. The flash movie also has loads of information on the venue, teams, and officials. You can look back through the game at a highlight timeline! I haven't tried the live chat, but I would like to later in the tournament. It's also fun to pick your man of the match.
The entire site is packed with other cool features. My other favorite is "The Shot." Check out The Shot from the Czech Republic Latvia 2-1 win. This is a place where fans can vote on the coolest photo from each match. There is always four you can choose from. Of course, there will be a photo choosen for the entire tournament. Below is my favorite of the entire tournament (so far). Everything about that photo is right, and I want to get one for myself. Good Bless Eastern Europe.
Besides the cool website, some great soccer/football has been played. I would have loved to see Zidane score two goals in stopage time to lead France over England. I am glad Denmark held Italy away from a win. Today's matches were awesome. My home country almost pulled one out against the dutch, but Ruud van Nistelrooij found the equalizer in the 81st minute. Of course, the game with the hot girl. The Czechs almost fell to the hands of suprise Latvia. I can't wait to get to work tomorrow to follow a few more games.
Comments
I am absolutely speechless, and I am moving to Latvia. Euro 2004...I love this time of year.
Sim, I must thank you for finding the girl I spent the night with while in Prague. I do Not no what I was thinking when coming back to the United States.. God Bless eastern Europe.. Ps---She never told me she was a soccer fan
