Austria and Switzerland are all set to host Europe's coveted football championship, Euro 2008. The soccer fever has raised to stratospheric levels much before the opening of the gala event, slated to be held from June 7 to 29, 2008.Austria and Switzerland, being the hosts, have automatically qualified for the 2008 edition. Poland, Portugal, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Romania and Netherlands are the other teams vying for the title in the quadrennial football extravaganza. The winner of Euro 2008 will represent the UEFA at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Scolari silent on his future Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has insisted he will make no decision on his long-term future until his team's participation in Euro 2008 is over. Says he is focusing only on Portugal's bid to claim European glory in Austria and Switzerland.
Euro contenders ready for real battleThe phoney war is over and now the real one begins as the 16 Euro 2008 finalists can get down to the real business of who is the fairest or rather the best among all. World champions Italy, Last time champions France, three-time champions Germany and perennial contenders Spain and The Netherlands go into the championships as favourites.
Mourinho’s arrival at Inter Milan welcomedAC Milan midfield dynamo Gennaro Gattuso says he is delighted that Jose Mourinho has come to ply his trade in Italy, despite signing for cross-city rivals Inter. He says that the arrival of such a great coach is important for Italian football.
Ronaldo admits Real desireManchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he does want to play for Real Madrid, according to a Brazilian website. Although United have repeatedly insisted they will not sell their prize asset, Ronaldo's comments re-open the possibility that he could leave Old Trafford.
Croatia send England packingA nightmare evening for goalkeeper Scott Carson and a late goal by Croatia substitute Mladen Petric combined to ensure England will miss out on Euro 2008 after a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat at Wembley. The defeat may end McClaren's 15-month reign as England manager.
Spain end Irish Euro dreamsNorthern Ireland's dream of reaching their first major finals since the 1982 World Cup came to an end when they lost 1-0 to Spain. Though Spain dominated in all departments, the only goal of the Euro 2008 qualifying match came after 52 minutes from Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
Euro 2008 Qualifier Photo Highlights
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