Saturday evening kicked off the Euro Cup 2008 being hosted by Austria and Switzerland. I remember two years ago, while Germany was hosting the World Cup, reading about and seeing the absolute craziness of football fans here. I am totally excited that this year I get to witness such hysteria in person. This is the worlds third largest sporting event behind the Olympics and World Cup. So, last night was Germany's first match and they were pitted against Poland. Going into this they are ranked #5 in the world currently. Ryan and I were invited over to a viewing party. On our ride over the we passed restraunts and bars at over full capacity to watch the game on patios, and at times it seemed that the stadium was in the near distance as I heard commentary spilling out of windows all over the city.
Unfortunately we missed the excitement of the first goal made by Germany, apparently answering the door isn't as important as the game. So we headed over to the, surprisingly empty, bar next door until the half. Watching the game was fun enough, but in the presence of excited fans it was so much better. In the end Germany won the game 2-0, both goals being made by the Polish born Lukas Podolski.
The ride home was as entertaining as the game itself. Bikes ringing their bells, songs blaring from stereos. When I came to the "Death Circle" (a roundabout and main traffic artery in and out of the city) it was completely blocked by celebrating pedestrians with the police nearby supporting the spectacle. These will be some very fun weeks....
2 comments:
I hope you realize how fortunate you are to be able to witness, first-hand, the carnal atmosphere that makes European Football what it is! It brings a tear to my eye...
Actually, while I didn't say it, this post was really just for you, brother. I have to say I do feel lucky and constantly amazed. Wish you were here too.
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