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Attacking teams provide breath of fresh air at Euros

The emergence of Netherlands and Spain as title contenders, superb displays by Portugal and Croatia and a scrap for survival by world champions Italy were among the highlights of the opening phase of Euro 2008.

  • Reuters
  • Published: 00:08 June 20, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: AP

Basel: The emergence of Netherlands and Spain as title contenders, superb displays by Portugal and Croatia and a scrap for survival by world champions Italy were among the highlights of the opening phase of Euro 2008.

The first 24 matches of the tournament produced 57 goals and almost every one of the 16 finalists came with a positive, attack-minded approach, which was a breath of fresh air.

As expected neither of the co-hosts Austria or Switzerland made it to the last eight.

Greece also went out, ending their unlikely four-year reign as European champions. France also finished bottom of their group.

Meanwhile, the Czechs fell to an astonishing comeback from Turkey, who face Croatia in the quarters today. The Croats have already underlined their title potential with a gritty, tactical 2-1 win over Germany.

Still, Germany made it through to the knockouts, but will find a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal tough to beat.

Marco Van Basten's exciting Dutch side have emerged as favourites after beating both France and Italy, and should win against Guus Hiddink's Russia, who made a late run to reach the last eight.

Meanwhile Italy, who flirted with elimination but made it to the last eight, are unlikely to play as badly against Spain as they did versus Netherlands and Romania.

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