Spain, Kings of Europe Again
After many disappointing World Cup’s and Euro Cup’s, Spain has finally won a major championship, the 2008 Euro Cup beating Germany 1-0. All it took was an excellent goal by Spain’s Fernando Torres in the 33rd minute showing his speed, determination, and finishing abilities by outsprinting German goalkeeper Jens Lehman. This is Spain’s first major championship in 44 years since last winning the Euro Cup in 1964.
Spain was clearly the better team in the match taking 14 shots, eight of them on goal and should have probably scored on some more opportunities. Germany never could get close to the net, only taking four shots, three of them on goal. The last 30 minutes, Germany brought two bigger, more physical forwards into the game but it was Spain who attacked. Marcos Senna came inches from putting away a header from Daniel Guiza to put the nail in the coffin. Even more surprising was Spain won without Euro 2008 leading scorer, David Villa who had a thigh injury and did not play for Spain. As the referee blew the whistle to end the match, the Spanish fans celebrated with chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole!” and “Viva España!”
Mexico Advances to the “Group of Death”
After easily beating Belize 9-0 over two matches, Mexico, the number one ranked team in CONCACAF according to FIFA, will now be in Group B with the number three ranked team, Honduras and number four Canada. Jamaica is also in this group. Mexico’s first match with Sven-Goran Eriksson will be against Honduras on August 20. The United States is in Group A with Cuba, Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. will play in La Habana, Cuba on September 6 and in Washington D.C. October 11. Group C has Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti and Suriname. Matches start August 20 and continue to November 19. The top two teams in each group advance to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying.
In South America, Argentina and Brazil tied 0-0, Ecuador and Colombia also tied, 0-0, Paraguay lost in a shocker to Bolivia, 4-2, Uruguay defeated Peru 6-0, and Chile beat Venezuela 3-2. Standing after six matches have Paraguay at the top with 13 points, Argentina in second with 11, Colombia and Chile are tied for third with ten each, and Brazil is in fifth with nine. In other World Cup qualifying news, Asian Champion Iraq was eliminated after losing 1-0 to Qatar.
Mexico vs. USA Rivalry Renewed in SuperLiga 2008
For the second year in a row, the four best teams from the Mexican League and Major League Soccer will face off in the SuperLiga. In Group A, two time defending MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo and the most successful team in MLS history, DC United will represent the United States. Apertura 2007 champion, Atlante and the most successful team in the Mexican League’s history, Guadalajara’s Chivas will represent Mexico. Matches for Group A are Saturday, July 12; Tuesday, July 15 and Saturday, July 19.
In Group B, Mexico is represented by its oldest team and defending SuperLiga champion, Pachuca and Clausura 2008 champion Santos. The United States is represented by the MLS Cup runner up, two years in a row, New England Revolution and Chivas USA, led by Claudio Suarez. Matches in Group B are on Sunday, July 13; Wednesday, July 16 and Sunday, July 20. Times for all games are at 7 and 9 p.m. on Telefutura. The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals to be played on Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30. The final will be played on Tuesday, August 5. The champion receives one million dollars.
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