Three finely executed goals, two entertaining matches and two sell-out crowds in Basel and Geneva signalled a positive footballing start to Euro 2008 despite wet weather and cloudy skies.
Despite a number of arrests and the usual acts of drunken vandalism associated with the game’s big competitions, Saturday’s two games provided plenty of entertainment; although the Swiss had a day they would rather forget.
The momentum was set early in the opening match between co-hosts Switzerland and Czech Republic in Basel as the Swiss went at the Czechs straight from the kickoff and had two good scoring chances in the opening 16 minutes.
Although a single goal from Czech substitute Vaclav Sverkos decided the Group A match, the tempo was quick for most of the game and both sides came close to scoring more goals.
In Geneva, Portugal played some outstanding football in their 2-0 win over Turkey, who also contributed to an open, attacking game.
Both of Portugal’s goals came from well-worked moves, with Pepe opening the scoring in the 61st minute after a one-two with Nuno Gomes and substitute Raul Meireles making it 2-0 in stoppage time after another flowing build-up.
Although it is far too early for meaningful comparisons, the opening day of the tournament reflected the opening day of Euro 2004 when the hosts were beaten in their first match.
Despite home advantage, Portugal lost 2-1 to eventual champions Greece and a total of four first-day goals were scored after Spain beat Russia 1-0 in the second match.
Swiss woe
Although neutrals might have enjoyed two good matches, Saturday was not a particularly good start for the Swiss in terms of their chances of success in the tournament.
As well as losing, they learnt on Sunday that their all-time leading scorer and skipper Alex Frei will miss the remainder of the tournament after partially rupturing a ligament in his left knee and will be out for around six weeks.
Gerard Houllier, a member of UEFA’s technical team, told reporters on Sunday the tournament had started reasonably well.
”Usually, the first day looks a bit defensive as people don’t want to lose the first game so there are not many goals scored on the first day of competition for all the groups.
”But the second and third matches are usually more prolific,” he added.
”For me, this tournament is probably the best tournament in the world.
”You have the best 16 teams in Europe — well the top 14 and the two organising national teams. But the tournament is just as good as when the World Cup gets to the last 16. I am sure we are going to see a tournament played at the very highest level.” – Reuters 2008