I’ve resisted writing about Euro 2008, because I could wibble on for a very long time without having very much to say. I drew Turkey in the office sweepstake, which seemed like a poor choice at the time but they’re still in it, at least for the next five hours. More promisingly, I drew Robin Van Persie for the golden boot, which if Holland keep up the form they started off with might get me somewhere.
Before the tournament started I confidently predicted Germany would win. Now I’m not so sure, even though they looked good against Portugal (my second choice) last night. Mainly, though, I just don’t understand football. How can a national team maintain the same characteristics over decades and across completely different players and coaches? But history still works better than form as an indicator of a team’s chances. As I said to my beloved last night, Portugal should win because they’ve looked three times better over the competition, but traditionally, Germany win difficult knock-out games. And lo and behold, they breezed it. It’s all very odd, and means that my latest tip for the trophy, Spain, will probably go out on Sunday. That’s what Spain do after all, isn’t it?
