Are you going through Euro 2008 withdrawal? You’re not the only one. After three weeks of upsets, late goals and attack-friendly soccer, fans around the world are just now getting back to their daily routines.
Some will count down the months until the 2010 World Cup. Others will be forced to explain to their bosses why they’ve been skipping work lately.
But before we say goodbye to one of the most entertaining soccer tournaments of our time, here are my Euro 2008 awards:
Best game: Turkey’s 3-2 win over the Czech Republic.
Turkey was staring elimination in the face in the group stage when it went down 2-0 in the 75th minute. The Turks went on to score three goals in regulation, including two after the 85th minute.
Honorable mention: Russia’s 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in extra time in the quarterfinals.
Best player: Iker Casillas (Spain).
He wasn’t tested as often as other goalkeepers, but he allowed only two goals in five games and made two clutch saves in Spain’s shootout win over Italy in the quarterfinals.
Honorable mention: Michael Ballack (Germany), Xavi (Spain).
Best coach: Guus Hiddink (Russia).
Hiddink is known for his overachieving teams, but many figured his young Russian squad was just trying to gain experience before the World Cup qualifying campaign. In the end, Hiddink led Russia to the semifinals by playing fearless soccer.
Honorable mention: Fatih Terim (Turkey), Luis Aragones (Spain).
Best goal: Wesley Sneijder’s goal off the counter attack against Italy.
The passing up the field was fluid, the final assist was acrobatic and Sneijder’s volley was absolutely brilliant.
Honorable mention: Ballack’s rocket against Austria off a free kick.
Best save: Gianluigi Buffon’s save on Adrian Mutu’s penalty kick.
The Italian goalkeeper saved the Romanian striker’s shot by first getting his right hand on the ball and then kicking it away with his right foot as he fell down.
Honorable mention: Casillas fully extended himself to save Italy’s Daniele De Rossi’s penalty kick in the shootout.
Biggest surprise: Russia.
Expectations were low for the Russians entering the tournament, and they became even lower when they lost 4-1 in the opening game to Spain. Russia bounced back thanks in part to the play of Andrei Arshavin and stunned a red-hot Netherlands team in the quarterfinals.
Honorable mention: Turkey.
Biggest disappointment: France.
After finishing as the 2006 World Cup runner-up, most expected more out of France than a last-place finish in its group. Les Bleus scored only one goal in three group games.
Honorable mention: The host countries, Austria/Switzerland, combined for one win and failed to advance past the group stage.
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larroyave@tribune.com
