EM Days 19-20 - too fun

Europameister 08 continues delivering on every level. After a much-needed two-day break from games--the first break in 2-1/2 weeks--we reconvened Wednesday night for the first semifinal: Germany v. Turkey, played in Basel. Our United Nations gathering (primarily again the ABB group) consisted of two Germans, a Mexican, Australian, Spaniard (Barcelona), two Swiss, a Venezuelan, and two Americans (us). We arrived 90 minutes early to an already-crowded viewing area in central Zürich alongside the Limmat river. Germans must constitute the most populous ex-pat group in Zürich because they were out en masse. More than a few Turks turned out as well.

Most people expected a romp: Germany was the tournament favorite and Cinderella-team Turkey had doubtlessly overperformed thus far, snatching literally last-minute victories from its last three games to advance. I suppose that's why they play them, as the match was the tournament's best so far. Turkey turned Germany inside out for the opening 20 minutes and was unlucky to score only one goal instead of two. Every time Turkey built up and then narrowly missed a chance on goal--about five times--a rabid fan immediately behind me shouted YI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YIE-YIEEE-NEI-NEI!!! directly in my ear. Unfortunately for him, Germany tied it only four minutes after Turkey's first goal. The game seesawed with more unbelievable last minute heroics from Turkey to tie 2-2 with only four minutes remaining, until Germany turned the tables with a marvelous goal in the 90th minute to steal victory and advance to the final. The hundreds of Germans in our viewing area went completely batty, singing and dancing and drinking for the next several hours; we behaved only marginally more respectably.

We met a different couple of friends, a work colleague of Steph's, at a different city viewing area Thursday night for Spain v. Russia, played in a Vienna downpour. Both our behavior and the game were considerably more restrained, with a tight scoreless first half followed by Spain later opening a clinic for a 3-0 romp. Reminiscent of Spain's 4-1 cakewalk over them in the first round, Russia never showed the confidence or form they demonstrated when dominating Holland.

The final game of Europameister 2008--the most wildly entertaining major soccer tournament anyone can remember from the last 20 years--is set for Sunday night: Deutschland vs. España. Should be excellent. Yes, we're going out to watch it.

Check out a few event pics http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=2hd8fyj.by3024uj&x=0&y=mym95q&localeid=en_US and brief video sample of the Deutschland victory celebration over Turkey: