The European championships are nearly upon us! The sixteen finalists are highlighted in this nifty map (you can click on it for more detail, if you wish).
After the World Cup (and maybe the Olympic Games), this is probably the most prestigious international soccer event. European soccer is very competitive and they have a lot of national pride. Greece is the defending champion, winning the event in 2004. Watch this video...you can't tell me that this is not an intense tournament.
The winner of Euro 2008 qualifies for next year's Confederations Cup held in South Africa. The Confederations Cup is an 8-nation event, taking the champions from all six geographical regions, plus the host nation and the defending champion. Below is a map of nations that have qualified thus far:
There are two countries to be determined still. The winner of Euro 2008 qualifies (Italy automatically qualifies as the defending champions of the Confederations Cup. If they win Euro 2008, then the runner-up qualifies for the Confederations Cup). We are also awaiting the winner of the Oceania tournament, which will most likely be won by New Zealand.
Friday, May 30, 2008
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