The opening ceremony in Vienna depicting the progression of the Euro 2008 tournament.

Both teams starting eleven lineup in Vienna, and sing their respective national anthems.

German manager Joachim Low managed to lead Germany to a runner up finish in his first tournament in charge.

Spain manager Luis Aragones leads Spain to a European Championship victory in his final match in charge. Aragones will join Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce in July.

Fernando Torres beats Phillip Lahm and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann on his way to goal.

Spanish striker Fernando Torres celebrates what turns out to be the game’s only goal.

German captain Michael Ballack had to leave to pitch to receive treatment on a gash above his right eye after a mid-air collision with Spains Marco Senna.

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made several key saves that kept Germany in the match.

Spanish Goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas didn’t have much to do throughout the final but dealt with several German crosses well.

German manager Joachim Low sits with Sebastien Schweinsteiger after the final whistle blows.

 Spanish captain Iker Casillas lifts the European Championships trophy, ending a 44 year wait for Spanish supporters.

The final ends what was a very memorable Euro 2008 tournament. Whether it was the heroics of Turkey, the speed of Russia, or the shock of giants France bowing out in the group stage, this tournament had something for everyone.  

After Portugal lost 3-2 to Germany in the Euro 2008 quarterfinals, quotes from Ronaldo rekindling his transfer saga started surfacing. Though the Manchester United star remained coy in interviews given to Spanish and Portuguese press, strong language than his pre-Euro statements further hints at a desire to leave the Old Trafford.

“The possibilities to go are great,” Ronaldo said. “In the next few days we will see if we can arrive at an agreement.”

Ronaldo said it will be at least 48 hours before he makes his desires known. Real Madrid have made the Golden Shoe winner their top summer priority. Speculation on how much they are willing to offer Manchester United as a transfer fee ranges from £50 million to £70 million, with players like Sergio Ramos and Robinho being mentioned as possible makeweights. Madrid is also set to offer Ronaldo a salary fo £200,000 per week, the largest contract ever given to a professional soccer player.

Ronaldo, who said that he will be speaking to Manchester United over the next couple of days, insisted that he has yet to make his decision, though he conceded “the people around me know what I want.”

Various sources within the British press report that a decision to try and move to Real Madrid has already been made. Real Madrid representative deny this.

“We’re waiting for Cristiano to make a statement,” explains Miguel Angel Arroyo, general director at Real Madrid. “Whenever he says he wants to play for Real Madrid, there would be conversations” with Manchester United.

Ronaldo’s statements come one day after the Glazer family, through unnamed sources, would support Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to bench the Portuguese star should he fail to report to the team in July. This possibility has been born of United’s insistence their star is not for sale, not even for the £70 million figure.

While that figure, Real’s contract offer, and Ronaldo’s expressed desire to go to Madrid could pressure Ferguson into a deal, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is said to have advised his client against handing in a formal transfer request.

The the interim, Ronaldo said he will be undergoing surgery for a foot ailment.

“I’m going to have an operation now,” he told the media, when asked what he plans to do next. “I have had a small problem for about three months.

Ronaldo was scoreless against Germany in Portugal’s loss, though he did contribute to the team’s first goal. German goalkeeper Jens Lehman made a good save on a Ronaldo shot but could not control a rebound that went to striker Nuno Gomes who put the ball in the net. The Portugal captain’s goal brought the German lead to 2-1, with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose scoring within four minutes of each other starting in the 22nd minute. Klose goal was a header off a set piece where Ronaldo failed to mark the Bayern Munich striker.

A mildly controversial Michael Ballack goal gave Germany a 3-1 lead in the 62nd minute. The Chelsea star’s header from a set piece was made possible as he gave a push in the back of club teammate Paulo Ferreira, allowing him room to score the winning goal. FC Porto’s Hélder Postiga put home a Nani cross with three minutes left in regular time, but Portugal never threatened again.

For all of us that tuned in to watch Czech Republic take on Turkey in a winner takes all match, we witnessed an absolutely breathtaking display. This match had the kind of suspense that no movie could ever match in the same 90 minutes. If you missed the game for whatever reason, I won’t spoil it for you, you MUST watch this game. If you have friends, family that have yet to embrace soccer, or fail to see the appeal, make them watch this game. If you weren’t able to TiVO or record this match, there are many ways to find it, one suggestion would be to head over to our friends at FBTZ.com, register, and take a look. For all of us that saw this live, what a game it was, for those that missed it, watch it and enjoy soccer at its very best.

• -Extended coverage(Bundesliga, La Liga, Champions League, USL, and more!)
• -Complete site redesign
• -More guest player blogs 
• -Online 24/7 Tv Channel(interested in getting involved?, email us at info@americansoccerreader.com)

Scolari will complete his assignment with Portugal before joining Chelsea on July 1.

Scolari will be replacing Avram Grant, who was fired as Chelsea manager on May 24.  Since Grant’s departure, various high profile coaches have been associated with the vacant position, including former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard and, most recently, AC Milan’s Carlo Ancelotti.

Scolari’s name, in the mix since the position’s opening, had seen rumors of his eventual hiring increase with the Euro 2008 coverage.  Those rumors escalated over the last week with Scolari confirming he was ready to move on from his Portugal job after his contract ended this month.  One report had Scolari agreeing to a deal last Friday.

Scolari’s greater coaching achievement came in 2002 when he won the World Cup with Brazil.  After that tournament he joined Portugal, taking them to the final of Euro 2004 and the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup.  Portugal currently leads Group A of Euro 2008, winning their first two matches.  He is the most successful coach in Portugal’s history and is given credit for transitioning the team from the Luis Figo, Rui Costa-led “Golden Generation” to the current, Cristiano Ronaldo-led squad.

Before being named head of the Brazil MNT in 2001, Scolari was coach Cruziero in Brazil’s Serie A.  It was the last time Scolari coached club soccer.

Last week, Scolari said that he would not talk about his coaching future until after Euro 2008, making today’s announcement a surprise.  Uncertainty concerning a vacant Chelsea managerial position during the transfer season may have been motivated an early announcement with the hopes that players being targeted by other clubs may be influenced by the high-profile signing.

Saturday was a day of efficiency and missed chances. Both Turkey and Switzerland wasted multiple chances in front of goal that could have seen the days results turned upside down. More on the days matches: 

Match 1:

Final Result: Czech Republic 1-0 Switzerland

Man of the Match: 

Czech Republic: Vaclav Zverkos, he came on as a substitute and took his and the Czechs only chance well, hitting the back of the net.

Switzerland:  Alexander Frei/Hakin Yakin, Frei played quite well in the first half, but unfortunately picked up an injury at the very end of the half. Yakin came on for Frei in the 2nd half and played very well, helping Switzerland dominate large periods of play.

Goal Scorers: Vaclav Zverkos ‘71

Analysis: 

Czech Republic:

Although the Czechs will be happy with the final result, they will certainly be disappointed by the manner in which they achieved it. The Czechs were outplayed by Switzerland for a majority of the game, and only had one shot on goal, which resulted in the match’s only goal. While 3 points is always 3 points, the Czechs will need to put in a better performance if they expect to go far into the tournament. 

Switzerland:

The Swiss played quite well, dominating play, and creating far more chances than their opponents. All they lacked today was a finish, and the loss of Alexander Frei will not help in their two remaining games in their group. The Swiss fans were at the opener in full force, and will be happy if Switzerland can put in a similar performance for their two remaining matches, accompanied with finishing. 

Match 2

Final Result: Portugal 2-0 Turkey

Man of the Match: 

Portugal:

Pepe, Pepe had a great game in both defense and attack for Portugal. After having a goal disallowed earlier in the match, Pepe put Portugal ahead with a headed goal in the 61st minute. The Brazilian born defender made several key interventions on the defensive end, helping Portugal keep the clean sheet.

Turkey:

Volkan Demirel, the goalkeeper kept Turkey in the match with a series of key saves. This includes an incredible save off a wordclass Cristiano Ronaldo freekick, where Volkan managed to use a finger tip to turn the ball onto the far post. Despite conceding 2 goals, I thought the goalkeeper had a fine game, and should he continue this form, will give Turkey a much better chance of sneaking into the knockout stages.

Goal Scorers: Pepe ‘61, Raul Meireles ‘90+3

Analysis:

Portugal dominated the match from start to finish, showing the ability to quickly convert defense into attack. Despite Portugal’s dominance, I still felt Turkey could have snagged a point from this match. Turkey had several chances in front of goal, but like Switzerland in the first match, failed to finish. Manager Fatih Terim’s decision to exclude goal poacher Hakan Sukur from the Euro 2008 squad, looks like it may come back to haunt him, although there are still 2 matches to be played. Portugal will be happy with their performance and the result, but they showed a few glimpses of defensive frailty throughout the match, which will need to be sured up if they plan to get back to the Final.

Overall a very entertaining day of World Class soccer, and a great kickoff to the tournament. Make sure to see our post including the ASR staff picks, and the FULL US television schedule for Euro 2008, in the Euro 2008 category. 

Manager: Guus Hiddink

Euro 2004 Performance: At the last Euro Championships, Russia played in Group A but failed to progress after losing twice and winning their last match which had no meaning.  Although they were in arguably the toughest group at that tournament, the taste of defeat always runs sour, so they will be looking to show their Russian pride at the start of this weekend.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: In qualifying, Russia was in Group E, the same group that saw England fail to reach the finals.  Finishing on 24 points, Russia crept their way into the finals, and will be looking to prove that they really are a better side than football giants England, as they want to show they deserve their place.

Key Attacking Player: Andrei Arshavin showed last month in the UEFA Cup Final why people instill so much belief in him.  He controlled the game completely for his side FC Zenit St. Petersburg, dictating pace and play.  However, Arshavin will miss the first two games of the group stage, as he was red-carded in the last match of qualifying.  At that point when he returns, he can only hope Russia still has a chance to qualify to the knockout rounds.

Key Defensive Player: Aleksei Berezutski might be entering his first major tournament at the national level, but that does not mean he will not show the same fortitude he has for CSKA Moscow over the past few seasons.  After receiving the captaincy for the first time in March, he will look to use his leadership knowledge to keep the back line together.  Four years ago, it was the lack of goals and poor defense that led to Russia’s exit from that tournament.  For a strong tournament this year, Berezutski needs to keep that backline locked down.

Breakout Player: Pavel Pogrebnyak may be in his mid-20s, but the striker has been in the form of his life the past campaign, tying as top scorer in the UEFA Cup with none other than Luca Toni.  However, in the defeat to Serbia last Wednesday, Pogrebnyak suffered a knee injury that could leave him out of the squad.  This would be a major blow to Russia as he brings energy and tenaciousness every time he touches the pitch.  Hopefully, his injury will not be serious and he will be geared for action when Russia kicks off next Tuesday.

Predicted Group Finish: Fourth

Russia really does have a strong squad, but their lack of strength at the back will fail them, as keeping the ball out of the net has always been their weakness.  With Arshavin in amazing form, he will need to give some brace for Russia, even if it is only for that final game.  With him missing the first two though, it’s difficult to find a player in their squad that resurge and assume the role of controlling midfielder.  Not only does Russia have injury woes, but their group is one hardest to predict, as class is located all around.

Country: Spain

Manager: Luis Aragones

Euro 2004 Performance: Like their group mates Russia, Spain failed to progress to the knockout phase, but only after going through a tiebreak with Greece.  However, Greece was allowed through to the next round, as they both had the same goal differential, but Greece had netted more goals than Spain.  That problem will certainly be fixed come this tournament.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: Spain finished atop Group F on 28 points, with a record of 9-1-2.  Their nightmare from the last Euros also seemed answered as they tied in the group for most goals scored.  David Villa led the team with 7 goals scored.

Key Attacking Player: Fernando Torres has proved to be one of the most lethal strikers in all of football.  In his first season at Liverpool, not enough could be said to how nearly single handedly on many occasions looked to be salvaging the team’s season.  Scoring 33 times through the campaign is what Spain will want to see, as they are looking to finally live up to the hype that is associated with Spanish football through the eyes of enthusiasts around the world.

Key Defensive Player: Carles Puyol is a name that every football fan knows.  Everyone knows of his ability to clear, to lock down, to start counter attacks, etc.  It will be interesting as to how he interacts with the assumed partnership with Sergio Ramos, the Real Madrid brick wall in defense.  With the tournament so short, mistakes cannot be allowed, so it is crucial for the ball to be kept out the net.  This has failed Spain before, but hopefully this year, a new chapter is finally written.

Breakout Player: David Silva might not be the youngest player at this years tournament, but his presence will defeinitly be called upon.  Although he may be limited to appearances from the bench, he is the kind of player that can regenerate a squad and reinvigorate all the players on the field.  His strike against Chelsea in the previous Champions League campaign is a testament to what this kid can do.  Inevitably, players like Villa and Torres will get tired, so having the firepower such as David Silva will certainly not hurt Spain.

Predicted Group Finish: First

You would have to assume that Spain would be a good favorite to win this group and progress decently deep into the tournament, but every major tournament, something always happens, whether on or off the pitch.  Prior to the ’06 World Cup, Aragones was placed on high scrutiny after he made racist comments on the training pitch in reference to Thierry Henry.  That incident left a gushing whole in the Spain squad, and although they performed decently, it marred their World Cup.  In terms of their play, they have all the tools, but sometimes having all the tools still doesn’t get the screw in the hole.  The thing that’s been missing with Spain has been chemistry: chemistry that Portugal has or even Germany.  I want Spain to do well this year because of all that flair in their side, but whether they can put it all together leaves me doubtful.

Country: Sweden

Manager: Lars Lagerback

Euro 2004 Performance: At the 2004 Championship, Sweden finished atop Group C on 5 points, level with Denmark.  Unfortunately, Sweden’s hopes were soon dashed in the first round of the knockout phase as their match with the Netherlands went to the dreaded penalty shootout, where they would lose 4-5 on penalty kicks.  That disappointment spells redemption quite clearly to the Swedes.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: In qualifying, Sweden finished second in Group F behind group mate Spain on 26 points.  With a record of 8-2-2 with 23 goals scored, their defense will draw the biggest question marks when the first ball is kicked next week.

Key Attacking Player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic over the past few seasons has shown his appetite for goal leaves other teams with nothing but an empty plate.  For Inter Milan, he continues to be one of the most menacing forces in Serie A and the Swedish fans hope he can translate that ability into the national squad.

Key Defensive Player: Olaf Mellberg may be best remembered for that infamous Aston Villa, Birmingham game in which his throw-in found its way into the back of his own net, but surely he has moved on from that and into a class defender.  His move to Juventus is testament to this and his solid defensive skills will be called to action.

Big Surprise…: Henrik Larsson has amazingly come out of retirement at the request of Lagerback to give it one last go at a major trophy.  Larsson has had one of the most illustrious careers a footballer can achieve, and knowing that this will no doubt be his last tournament will just be a bigger motivator for the Swede.  His experience and leadership will be a great locker room builder for the Swedish squad, and should translate to on the pitch success.

Predicted Group Finish: Second

Sweden is another team that is full of firepower.  Players like Kallstrom, Ljunberg, and Elmander will all be crucial in how deep their success will run.  Again though, qualifiers are one thing, but major tournaments are completely different.  I do not know if Sweden can carry over the same chemistry they had through qualifying into the tournament.  And the news of Elmander sustaining an injury is another worrisome thought.  As one of the leaders in qualifying, his presence is crucial for triumph for Sweden.

Country: Greece

Manager: Otto Renhagel

Euro 2004 Performance: After entering the tournament as one of the teams with absolutely no expectations placed upon them, they left a month later as European Champions.  Their sit-back-and-wait tactics brought about that wretched play all enthusiasts of soccer hate to see.  However, their defensive tactic ultimately prevailed.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: In qualifying for this year’s tournament, they finished on 31 points with a 10-1-1 record.  Their similar tactics once again proved to sit down other team’s offense, as they let up only 10 goals, while scoring 25 goals.

Key Attacking Player: Fanis Gekas is like most of the Greek players in emerging later in their careers.  Leading the squad in goals in qualifying with five, including a hat trick against Malta.  His break into the national squad with the belief from Rehhagel is what will give him the confidence needed to keep up his prolific form for his country.

Key Defensive Player: Traianos Dellas is a towering defender who earned All-Star honors at the last Euro Championships.  Although he never performs well at the club level, his consistent performances for the national squad are what keep getting him the caps he wants.  His height will make the other teams attacks off the ball be resorted to counter-attacks or ground play.

Breakout Player: Vassilis Torosidis is one of the most prominent rising Greek stars.  Although he may not start, he will just be taking in everything around him and gain experience with the aged stars on his squad.  As it turns out, his birthday is on the same day Greece opens their campaign against Sweden, so what a sweet present that would be to get an appearance.

Predicted Group Finish: Third

After their 2004 triumph, other European nations quickly realized the tactics Greece used were just draining to play against and even more draining to watch.  Any enthusiast will tell you that if they see those same tactics, they would a hope a team like Spain or Sweden would just quickly show them how to play real football, fluid football, and flair football.  This tournament, every squad knows their tactics and will be able to combat it, which spells a short June for Greece.

As defending champions, we almost need to thank them for their gritty and grinding finals performance in Portugal, as now every team knows: you cannot just play defense and expect to win. You are going to have to score, and score a lot.  With the talent located throughout literally every single squad at this tournament, the goals will be flying, bodies will be rolling, and pure heart will give eternal glory to those who will give it all in a total football tactic.  So until June 29^th, everyone has got a chance, and what a chance it is.

Goalkeepers: Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (out of contract), Dan Califf (Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock).

Midfielders: Freddy Adu (Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado). Forwards: Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Nate Jaqua (out of contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham), Josh Wolff (out of contract).

Notable exclusions: Landon Donovan(Injury), Jonathan Spector(Injury) Jozy Altidore(back in NY), Kenny Cooper(back in Dallas), Robbie Rogers(back in Columbus)

What starting lineup would you like to see Wednesday?  

Any result predictions?