Spain Plays Beautiful Soccer, Beats Germany

We've had a little coverage of the Euro 2008 Tournament, so it seems proper to add a few final thoughts.

I made it no secret that I was pulling for Spain throughout the contests, so I was delighted to watch them win yesterday. With all due apologies to Stanley C. and his German nationalism, there was no doubt who the better team was. Spain was head and shoulders above the rest of the competition, never losing and executing with a healthy combination of grit and finesse.

And how can you not be happy for the Spanish? They've endured disappointment after disappointment, heartbreaking losses and major choke jobs. Now they can call themselves champions, and do they ever deserve it!

If watching Spain was a treat, it was an even greater pleasure to hear the absolutely brilliant announcing of Adrian Healey and Andy Gray. Joe Buck should be taking notes.

Spain vs. Russia at 2:30 EST

It's an extraordinarily busy day in the South Florida sports scene. The Marlins are currently playing (and losing), the NBA Draft is tonight, and there are rumors swirling everywhere.

If you want a welcome distraction, I strongly encourage you to give Spain vs. Russia a look today. The winner will battle Germany for the Euro 2008 Cup.

Spain comes in as the favorite, but the Russians have been awfully good. Spain also has a reputation for choking in big games...in other words, don't count out the Russians.

Either way, we should have a great finals matchup. Germany vs. Spain would be a scintillating contest between giants (with some lingering resentment from the Spanish Civil War...see Orwell's Homage to Catalonia). Even better, how about the explosive history between Germany and Russia (do I need to go into details?) Take a break from NBA Draft talk and watch Spain take on Russia.

A Little Euro 2008 Chatter

The semifinals are set in the Euro 2008 battle of wills. What an incredibly dramatic quarterfinal round, featuring three OT games and two penalty kick scenarios. Let's preview the upcoming matches:

Germany vs. Turkey - The Germans come in heavy favorites, with Ballack and Podolski both looking strong. Turkey just seems to defy the odds, though. They got here by shocking Croatia with a game-tying goal in the final minute of 2OT, then winning in penalties. I doubt Germany ever thought they'd be playing the Turks...still, they'll be prepared.

Prediction: Germany 2, Turkey 0

Russia vs. Spain - Russia joins Turkey as the other unlikely semifinalist. Apparently, their placement over England in the qualifying rounds was no fluke. Spain has showed the strongest in the tournament so far, but will their history of chokes and disappointments catch up to them? They JUST snuck by Italy in a scoreless penalty bout, even though they dominated the run of play (Italy's notorious defense lived up to its billing). I say this is the year Spain performs up to snuff.

Prediction: Spain 2, Russia 1

More interestingly, which side does South Florida support? Based on the large Spanish population and common Miami-Madrid flight routes, I'll go with Spain. I'm pulling for them too.