As the soccer season heads into its final stretch, those players not on club teams competing for league titles are starting to think about another competition. Considered arguably the second greatest soccer event in the world behind the World Cup, the European Championships attract millions of spectators every four years. For soccer fans that can't wait for the 2010 World Cup to kick off, the Euro Cup, which starts in early June, is a tasty appetizer.
What makes the Euro so special? To begin, international soccer tournaments unify countries more than any other sporting events. In England, Manchester United fans embrace Arsenal and Chelsea fans, and they all cheer for England. Likewise, Barcelona supporters root for Spain side by side with Real Madrid fans.
"You even see it with the players," said sophomore Tom Bennett, who is from England. "They play for different clubs but become friends when they play for England, and it's the same with the fans. You even find fans who hate a certain player because they play for rival teams, but as soon as they play for England, the fans love him."
Even Americans who don't usually support European teams in the World Cup will be watching the games this summer. Naji Muakkassa, a freshman who usually supports Brazil, will be watching the Euro and rooting for Italy and France.
"It's a toss-up between the two for me," he said. "European countries are always worth watching, especially in big tournaments."
Another attraction of the European Championship is that it gives opportunities to two of the weaker European national teams to compete with the stronger ones. Only 14 teams from Europe are in the World Cup, but 16 teams will reach the major tournament this summer. Moreover, the teams that usually win the World Cup are either from Europe or South America, and in 2006, the top four teams were all European. Euro 2008 will give fans a good sense of how their teams might fare in the upcoming World Cup.
Although the European Championships are played every four years, 2008 already promises to be unlike any other. For one, two countries will host Euro 2008: Switzerland and Austria. The opening match will be played in Basel, Switzerland, while the final will be in Vienna, Austria.
Of the groups which were drawn in December, Group C features France and Italy, who will be meeting again after battling in the World Cup final in 2006.
A major surprise this year, however, is that England will not be traveling to Switzerland or Austria this year after a very poor finish behind Russia and Croatia in the qualifying stages.
"[It was] disappointing and frankly embarrassing," said Adam Raffa, a sophomore from England. "Especially with the talent on the team, it shows that the players didn't have the right attitude."
Outstanding players like Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will be watching the Euro from their homes, leaving many British fans frustrated and making the 2010 World Cup in South Africa more anticipated in England. But despite their country's absence, even British fans will be watching the Euro Cup.
"I will be watching because I enjoy top-level international football, but still, it won't be the same without England," Bennett said.
But it's not entirely surprising that the English squad didn't gel, even with all its talent.
"Playing for a club is more day to day," Raffa said. "And since they play together all the time, it's easier. When they play for countries, it's harder for the players to complement one another because they don't train together as often. I think the skill levels are the same, but when it's for their country there is a difference in team chemistry."
In addition to the chemistry, there is a different dynamic to national competitions. Players are less motivated by money when they play for their country. While their performance in the Euro might influence the clubs that will sign them, players are mainly concerned with national pride.
The European Championships will have many Europeans glued to the television. Some fans will be passionately hoping for the title, while others will be simply looking for high-class soccer. The one thing that remains certain is that millions of soccer fans are eagerly waiting for the Euro 2008 to kick off on June 7 when Switzerland takes on the Czech Republic.
