Euro 2008

And so it comes to an end. After 22 days, and 30 games, there is but 1 remaining. And within a few hours, either Germany or Spain will be crowned deserving champions. Because, normally, that's who wins. Even in 2004 when Greece won and coined the term anti-football, as well as garnering respect and loathing in equal measure, sometimes even from the same sources.

But, the night is darkest before dawn, just as it was when the clean sheet fest that was Italia 90 led to the introduction of the backpass rule. Euro 2004 proved that you could win a football tourament without attacking, and Euro 2008 has proved that you can win one without defending. Looking at the defences, and particularly centre backs, before the tournament began, goals always seemed on the cards. The French had an ageing out of form Thuram and an error prone Gallas. Fabio Cannavaro was the reason Italy won the World Cup in 2006. When looking at the Dutch team, it wasn't the defenders that stood out. Even the finalists aren't steady at the back - Mertzelder and Mertesacker look unsteady and perpetually error prone, whilst Puyol and Marchena are accidents waiting to happen. While it easy to salute Puyol's ability to make the last ditch tackle and his full blooded commitment to every challenge, fewer mention that if he had any positional sense he wouldn't have to do so in the first place.

All this has lead to the most glorious tourament since at least Euro 2000, if not Mexico 86 (so I'm told), so here's a few standouts.

Player of the Tournament.

Andrei Arshavin brought his undoubted talent to the table, and the only surprise was that people were surprised by him. Anyone who has more than a passing interest in football outside the Premier League already knew that he was a gifted ball carrier. Suspended for the first two games, he was Russia's best player against Sweden, before giving the individual performance of the tournament against the Dutch. However, he was countered well by Spain, and a few pieces of genius aside never really looked in the game.

Player of the torunament for me then is one of the men who shackled him brilliantly. Marcos Senna may not be the glamour name in the Spanish XI, but without him they would not be in the final. He has been the lynchpin that has allowed the undoubted midfield genius of Xavi, Iniesta, Silva and Cesc to do their thing. He has pulled the strings magnificently, not letting the opposition play, and releasing those in front of him into space with exquisite passing. Simply put, he is the player that Michael Carrick wishes he was, and even at the age of 32 would grace any stage with aplomb. It may be called the Makele role, but only one man in this tournament has been fit to grace it.

Individual performance of the tournament

Already mentioned above, but Arshavin was magnificent against the Netherlands, ripping them to shreds, and going past men at will.

Team performance of the tournament

A difficult one - Spain's semi final destruction of Russia, Germany tearing Portugal apart, Russia against the Dutch in the quarters. But the Netherland's destruction of France by 4 goals to 1 was a thing of counter attacking beauty. While their performance a few days before against Italy was a game to behold, the 3-0 victory was somewhat harsh on the Italians. There was no such luck involved 4 days later.

Goal of the tournament

Almost impossible to call - Sneijder's counter attacking goal against Italy, Ballack's moment of magic in an otherwise dull match against Austria, Ibrahamovic's strike against Greece, or even Nihat's second against Czech Republic but for me it was Sneijder's impudent strike against France that was the single best goal.

Lesson's not heeded

Never write off Turkey. Switerland, Czech Republic, Croatia, all thought they had them beat, but the Turks showed admirable determination to get to the semis, and were incredibly unlucky to go out in the semis after outclassing an off colour Germany.

Tactical call

Van Basten showing an admirable set of cojones by bringing on Robben and Van Persie to stop France getting the upper hand in a game where Holland were already 1-0 up. It made the match.

Biggest Disappointment

Easy. France. An idiot for a coach, it was a tournament too many for Thuram, Makele and Henry, and one too soon for Toulalan, Nasri, and Benzema. With the players coming through, they could be a real threat in South Africa in two years time.

Team of the tournament (in the fashionable 4-2-3-1)

Casillas (GK) - a majestic save against Italy kept the Spaniards in the match.

Lahm (RB) - better on the left, but sums up the tournament by being sumptious going forward and lacklustre at the back. A wonderful goal against Turkey.
Zhirkov (LB) - utter class, great coming forward and comfortable in possession. Would be an asset for any side.
Pepe (CB) - comfortable on the ball. A stand out defender (except at set plays)
Chiellini (CB) - not the fastest, but looked solid. Didn't play against Holland, but looked comfortable against France, Romania, and Spain.

Senna (DM) - for all the reasons above
Deco (CM) - the best Portuguese player in the tournament. Rarely wastes a pass, and seems to ahve more time on the ball than any other player. Makes the central midfield role look easy.

Arda (LW) - summed up his game, but beating his man within 5 seconds of kick off against Switzerland and capped a fine performance with a wonderful goal. Fast, skillful, with a massive bag of potential.
Sneijder (RW) - another contender for player of the tournament. Wonderful in posession, and scored two of the most memorable goals of the tournament.
Arshavin (SS) - an irrepressible genius. Makes everything look easy, and sure to be plying his trade on a bigger stage.

David Villa (ST) - started with a bang with a brilliant hat trick, before winning the game against Sweden. Quiet against Italy, but few strikers have brilliant games fighting their way through banks of 4 and 5, and was injured before getting into his stride against Russia. Even then, no real competition in terms of strikers.

Whoever wins tonight will ultimately be remembered as the champions of a truly great tournament, which will be a yardstick for years to come. Spain deserve it, and their midfield could have a field day against a weak German defence. Equally German's height at set plays will be factor, and Puyol and Marchena will need to be at their last gasp best.