I finally got a chance to catch a Euro 2008 game live today as I watched the second half of the Holland vs. France match.  I was very pleased to see the excellent counter-attacking approach adopted by the Dutch.  They have a fine group of players and it was a real shame to see them disappoint in World Cup 2006.  Their mindset was very defensive and they looked more interested in grinding out 1-0 victories.  But after watching them play today, I see how much they have changed in the last two years.  The team is more or less the same but the way they play is much different.

They are playing as a team and even though Nistelrooy and Robben were particularly impressive, this was a team win.  Everyone did their bit and what took down France was the scintillating speed of the Dutch counter-attacks.  It seemed that every time they got the ball near the French box, they would score.  They missed a few good chances but also converted four of them into outstanding goals.  Now both Italy and France have their tournament futures in their own hands.  Winner takes all!  An interesting twist in the tale would be Holland losing to Romania - it would eliminate both Italy and France at once.  But the way they have been playing, I don’t see Holland losing to Romania.

Enough of my gushing.  It’s adequately clear that I loved the Dutch performance today.  In other Euro 2008 news, Portugal are looking good and Ronaldo opened his account against the Czechs.  Germany looked quite weak against Croatia and I’m wondering if they are serious title contenders this time around.  Spain looked menacing in their sole game so far and will probably make it to the next round.  Whether they can finally win a major tournament remains to be seen.

It’s time for another Euro championship.  I clearly remember Euro 2004 and how Greece came out on top, rather unexpectedly.  I was studying for the SAT and TOEFL exams back then and as we all know, history repeats itself.  So for Euro 2008, I’m preparing for the GRE.  Different standardized test, different championship, different outcome.  Greece will not win again.  For reals.

I haven’t decided whom to support yet.  Traditionally, I go with The Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.  The first two tend to disappoint in spite of having good teams while the third blows hot and cold.  There’s also Portugal under Luiz Felipe Scholari with Cristiano Ronaldo.  Germany, as always, are a great side.  So, there are plenty of good teams in the competition.

I guess I should take a look at all the teams and also the first few games before I decide whom to support.  But right now, I’m just looking forward to some great football action over the next few weeks.  I’m going to try and set up my TV Tuner again to see if my room gets ESPN.  They are broadcasting most (all?) of the games from Euro 2008.  May the best team win!

Oh man, what a day!  No really, WHAT A DAY!  Manchester United were crowned champions of Europe for the first time since 1999, thus winning the Double (EPL and UCL).  It was a nerve-wracking final.  Ronaldo put United ahead on 26 minutes with a pinpoint header after a superb cross from Brown.  Paul Scholes also played a role in the goal, as it was his brilliant 1-2 with Brown that provided the setup for the goal.  But as luck would have it, United missed a couple of chances and then Chelsea levelled just before half-time.

The scores stayed level after 90 minutes and the game went into extra-time.  Even 30 minutes of extra time could not separate the two teams.  However, Drogba was sent off 4 minutes before the end for slapping Vidic - a similar incident got Zidane sent off in the 2006 World Cup final, and Italy went on to win that game on penalties.  In somewhat of a repeat, United beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to lift the European crown.

Of course, with the game going to penalties, I had to wait 7 hours after it ended to find out the final result.  I had my 3/BTBAM/Opeth/Dream Theater concert to go to, and I was already worried that the doors would open before I got there.  That didn’t happen, but the line was already going around the block and I had to settle for a spot on the second floor balcony.  I was right above the soundboard so sound-wise, I was in a good place.  Anyway, more on the concert tomorrow.  Right now, I need to relax and enjoy the victory!

My head might just explode. First, we have the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea. Of course, you all should know by now whom I will be supporting. Then, there’s the Dream Theater/Opeth concert which while definitely awesome, will be tiring due to four bands playing for a total of nearly four hours. As if this wasn’t enough, I just learned that the first installment of the Penny Arcade game also hits next Wednesday. It will be interesting to see what Tycho and Gabe came up with after years of experience gained by criticizing the work of others (when it sucked).

But that’s next week. Before that, I need to get through my 2.333 remaining finals. Peace the fuck out.

Countdown to Freedom: 40 hours.

Oh man what a day of football!  United went in front courtesy a penalty by Cristiano Ronaldo, then Chelsea also went 1-0 up at home to Bolton.  I got the feeling that the team to score a second goal would be crowned champions of England.  Thankfully, that second goal went to United - this time, Giggs scoring from a Rooney pass.  I did not watch the game but let me assure you that I was biting my nails nonetheless.  The icing on the cake was Bolton’s late goal at Stamford Bridge.  But after a riveting season, Man United have come out on top, deserved winners.  At the other end of the table, Reading and Birmingham were relegated along with Derby, despite winning comfortably today.

While the madness was still in progress, I had this crazy thought that United and Chelsea could both lose and if Arsenal won, they’d be only a point away from equaling United and Chelsea’s points total!  As it ended, Untied got 87, Chelsea 85, and Arsenal 83.  Only 6 points separated the top 3 teams - shows how fierce the competition was this season.

In 10 days, the Champions League Final will take place in Moscow and I hope United can stick to Chelsea again!  I then get to see Opeth and Dream Theater play live that night.  Should be awesome.

Countdown to D-Day:  0 DAYS ZOMG IT’S HERE.  FINALS TIME.