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Sukses menjuarai Piala Eropa 2008 mendongkrak posisi Spanyol ke urutan teratas dalam daftar rangking FIFA yang diumumkan AsosiasiFederasi Sepakbola Internasional itu. Spanyol menggeser Italia yang sebelumnya memimpin setelah sukses memenangkan trofi Piala dunia 2006. Namun Italia hanya bergeser satu tingkat ke urutan kedua meski hanya berhasil mencapai babak perempat final Piala Eropa. Ini merupakan kali pertama Spanyol mencapai peringkat teratas dunia sejak FIFA memperkenalkan sistem ranking pada 1992 lalu.
Runner up Piala Eropa 2008, Jerman naik dua tingkat ke posisi tiga, sementara Belanda berhasil mencapai peringkat lima, atau naik lima tingkat. Dua tim asal Amerika Latin, yaitu juara dunia lima kali Brasil melorot dari posisi dua ke posisi empat. Argentina turun drastis lima tingkat ke posisi enam. Argentina, yang sempat berada di peringkat teratas selama sembilan bulan, harus jatuh ke peringkat keenam, setelah tampil buruk di kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010 zona Amerika latin, termasuk dua kali imbang melawan Ekuador dan Brasil.
Sementara itu, keberhasilan Kroasia mencapai perempat final Piala Eropa 2008 membawa negara tersebut ke peringkat tujuh. Republik Ceko turun dua tingkat ke posisi delapan, Portugal naik dua tingkat, sementara Prancis, yang menuai hasil buruk di Piala Eropa 2008 dengan tidak lolos dari penyisihan grup, turun tiga tingkat ke posisi ke-10.
Juara Eropa 2004, Yunani melorot ke posisi 18 setelah tidak mampu memenangkan satu partai pun di penyisihan grup D Piala Eropa 2008, Rusia yang mencapai semifinal, naik 13 tingkat ke posisi 11. Ini adalah posisi terbaik Rusia dalam 10 tahun terakhir. Inggris, yang gagal masuk ke putaran final Piala Eropa, turun enam tingkat ke posisi 15, posisi terendah sejak 2001.
Sistem ranking FIFA ini dibuat berdasarkan hasil yang diraih sebuah negara dalam empat tahun terakhir. JIka sebuah tim berhasil meraih hasil positif di kejuaraan besar, perhitungan yang didapat makin besar.
Total gol: 77 Tim pencetak gol terbanyak: Spanyol (12)
Tim pencetak gol terminim: Austria, Polandia, Rumania, Yunani, Prancis(1) Tim paling banyak kemasukan gol: Turki (9) Tim paling sedikit kemasukan gol: Kroasia (2) Total Tembakan: 892 kali Pemain paling banyak menembak: Pavlyuchenko(28) Tim paling banyak menembak: Spanyol(117) Tim paling sedikit menembak: Rumania(33) Paling banyak tembakan per pertandingan: Belanda vs Rusia(57)
Total penyelamatan: 247 kali
Paling banyak penyelamatan: Igor Akinfeyef-Rusia(35)
Paling banyak tendangan sudut:Rusia(41)
Paling sedikit tendangan sudut: Rumania(9) Total Kesalahan: 1118 kali Paling banyak melakukan kesalahan: Spanyol (114) Paling sedikit melakukan kesalahan: Yunani(45) Total kartu kuning: 122 Paling banyak kartu kuning: Turki(16) Paling sedikit kartu kuning: Swedia(3) Total Kartu Merah: 3(Volkan Demirel-Turki, Bastian Schweinteiger-Jerman, Eric Abidal-Prancis) Paling banyak offside: Portugal & Jerman(17) Paling sedikit offside: Austria(1)
Fernando Torres, broke through off a brilliant feed from Xavi Hernandez in the 33rd minute. Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, at 38 the oldest player in the competition, charged from his net when he saw that defender Philipp Lahm was beaten on the right side. But Torres chipped the ball over the sliding Lehmann and into the gaping goal for the game-winning score.
Andrés Iniesta hooked up with Barcelona teammate Xavi to open the scoring in Spain's semifinal meeting with Russia. When Iniesta fired a shot toward the far post from outside the area, Xavi slipped into the box and rocketed the ball past Russia keeper Igor Akinfeev -- an emphatic redirection to give Spain a 1-0 lead on its way to the Euro 2008 final.
Lahm drove home a redemptive 90th-minute winner for the Germans off a nifty one-two with Thomas Hitzlsperger, sealing his team's 3-2 victory in the semis. Just four minutes earlier, the 24-year-old left back had been undressed by Sabri Sarioglu on Turkey's late equalizer.
The match ball for the finals was unveiled at the draw ceremony. Produced by Adidas and named the Europass, it is a 14-panel ball in the same construction as the Teamgeist, but with slightly modified surface structure. Slogan
The slogan for UEFA Euro 2008 was chosen on 24 January 2007: Expect Emotions.
The UEFA President Michel Platini stated "It describes in a nutshell what the UEFA Euro 2008 has to offer: all kinds of emotions — joy, disappointment, relief or high tension — right up to the final whistle." Mascots
The two official mascots for UEFA Euro 2008, were named after a vote from the public of the two host nations, the options were: Zagi and Zigi Flitz and Bitz Trix and Flix
After receiving 36.3% of the vote, Trix and Flix were chosen. "I am sure the mascots and their names will become a vital part of the understanding of the whole event," said Christian Mutschler, who is the tournament director for Switzerland. Prize money
UEFA announced that total of €184 million has been offered to the 16 teams competing in this tournament, increasing from €129 million in the previous tournament. The distributions as below: Participating fee: €7.5 million
Extra payment based on teams performances: Group stage (a match): - Win: €1 million - Draw: €500,000 Quarterfinals: €2 million Semifinals: €3 million Runner-up: €4.5 million Winner: €7.5 million
If the winner of tournament win all the three matches in the group stage, they will receive total prize of €23 million. New trophy
A new trophy will be awarded to the winners of the Euro 2008 tournament.
The new version of the Henri Delaunay Trophy, created by Asprey London, is almost an exact replica of the original designed by Arthus-Bertrand. A small figure juggling a ball on the back of the original has been removed, as has the marble plinth. The silver base of the trophy also had to be enlarged to make it stable. The names of the winning countries that had appeared on the plinth have now been engraved on the back of the trophy, which is made of sterling silver, weighs 8 kilograms and is 60 centimetres tall. Rakitic better than Suker?
The media are obviously comparing this Croatian team with the epic 1998 team that featured the likes of Suker and Prosinecki who climbed to 3rd place at the French World Cup. However Darijo Srna said: “We are better.”
Console the Austrians! A German travel agency offers a 10% discount on flights to Austria. The reason? Console the Austrians. However, the motto says: “Enjoy the faces of losers.”
Fussy Ref Despite not openly criticizing the referee’s decisions during the Austria-Germany game, Jens Lehmann shared with us a peculiar decision of the ref: “At the beginning of the game the ref asked the Austrian captain to change the white band he was wearing around his shinpad. He wanted it to be red.”
Acquitted! According to Poles Leo Beenhakker is not the reason for Poland’s disappointing campaign. The main reasons are “the people in charge who don’t do anything about corruption”, “the players who didn’t put enough effort” and “politicians who neglect sport in Poland”.
Banned Advertisement A Paris-based society has made an advertisement that has been censored in Austria. It represents a passionate French Kiss between a German and an Austrian fan.
Rubbish 500,000 fans have left over 95 tonnes of rubbish in the old town of Vienna. Monday evening, following Austria-Germany, five trucks emptied the public WC’s of 52,000 litres!
Swiss Holidays Due to the early exit, the Swiss players are heading towards their summer destinations. Inler is going to stay in Braga, Portugal. Philipp Degen is going to be divided between Basel and Ibiza (quite different climates, huh?. Barnetta, Lichtsteiner, Zuberbuehler and Gygax have no idea yet! They certainly didn’t expect to have such long holidays. Alas.
Bankrupt Hotel? France’s exit is ruining someone else’s summer. The Bleus had their lodgings at the Hotel Mirador Kempinski (Vaud - Switzerland) and were supposed to be the only guests until the 1st of July. Yet they left today and the Hotel doesn’t know whether they’ll be able to open before that date.
Fan Village fails to impress The Fan Village in Bout-du-Monde, Geneva, has had a very low attendance. The owners of the stands had to pay the lease beforehand and have lost a considerable amount of money. They demand that they be reimbursed. The organisation was excellent in Geneva although the choice of placing a fanzone in such a remote area is a questionable one, hence the consequences.
Heat Wave approaching! According to the Swiss Meteorological Service a heat wave is approaching. The temperature should rise to 30° on Sunday which is quite a change compared to the 15° in Romania-Netherlands. We shall see what consequences this will have on the players.
The Barcelona star was a regular member of the tournament-winning side and scored the opener in the semi-final win over Russia.
Xavi, 28, was one of nine Spain players selected among a team of 23 by a panel of Uefa technical experts.
Manchester United's Dutch keeper Edwin van der Sar, Chelsea's Michael Ballack, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool's Fernando Torres all made the final 23.
Ballack was part of the Germany side that lost in the final, while Fabregas and Torres helped Spain seal the spoils.
Chelsea's new signing Jose Bosingwa of Portugal and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who will play for Tottenham in the Premier League next season, were also both selected.
There was no room in the final selection for Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo.
Uefa technical director Andy Roxburgh explained that Ronaldo's absence was because Portugal's exit at the quarter-final stage.
"Of course he was mentioned - and if Portugal had gone further, there's no argument he has been in this group because he's a fantastic player," said the former Scotland boss.
"He was in our Champions League all-star squad for the season - and at the beginning of the tournament he threatened he was going to be in this one.
"But then it came abruptly to an end. When it comes to a squad of the tournament, those that go to semis and final dominate things like this."
Regarding the selection of Xavi and eight other Spaniards, Roxburgh added: "Xavi epitomised the Spanish style of play. He was extremely influential.
"We are not all that surprised - because for more than a decade now, the top youth teams in Europe have been Spanish; we have been watching Xavi and others in this squad from a very young age."
Euro 2008 team of the tournament
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands).
Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Carles Puyol (Spain), Yuri Zhirkov (Russia).
Spain claimed their first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a deserved victory over Germany.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was Spain's goal hero, striking after 33 minutes when he cleverly lifted Xavi's pass over Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.
Spain dominated the final throughout, with Torres heading against the post and Marcos Senna almost adding a second from close range after 80 minutes.
Michael Ballack came close for Germany, shooting narrowly wide after the break.
Spain have long had a reputation as under-achievers on the big occasions, but this was a richly-merited victory for veteran coach Luis Aragones and a team that played outstanding football throughout the tournament.
Germany were outclassed, and for captain Ballack his catalogue of misery in major finals continues having lost two Champions League finals and also been suspended for the 2002 World Cup final when they lost to Brazil.
Match-winner Torres enhanced the reputation he forged at Liverpool last season, but this was an all-round effort for a side that is young enough to already be marked down among the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Germany were lifted by Ballack declaring himself fit after a calf injury - but he had little impact on a first 45 minutes in which Spain were the vastly-superior side.
Andres Iniesta almost created the opening goal for Spain in the 13th minute when his driven cross took a deflection off Christoph Metzelder, but Lehmann pulled off a fine reflex save.
And they came even closer nine minutes later when Torres rose to meet Sergio Ramos's cross, but his header bounced to safety off the post.
But he was not to be denied and put Spain ahead with a trademark piece of sharpness in front of goal after 33 minutes.
Xavi's pass created uncertainty for Germany defender Philipp Lahm and Torres shrugged him off the ball to lift a superb finish beyond Lehmann.
Germany's problems threatened to worsen when Ballack needed lengthy treatment for an eye wound after a clash of heads with Marcos Senna.
David Silva then wasted a perfect opportunity to double Spain's advantage when he was set up by Iniesta, but he rushed his finish and shot wildly over the top.
Germany made a change at half-time, sending on Marcell Jansen for Lahm, but it was still Spain who dominated.
Xavi and Silva were both off target - but Germany were sticking to their task and almost grabbed an equaliser when Ballack shot just wide after Carles Puyol had conceded possession in a dangerous area.
Spain continued to look the more threatening side, but there was still the lingering prospect of Germany's refusal to accept defeat yielding an unlikely equaliser.
Silva was fortunate to stay on the pitch when he appeared to motion to head-butt Germany's Lukas Podolski, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti decided against taking any action.
Ramos should have put the game beyond Germany's reach after 66 minutes when he headed straight at Lehmann from point-blank range as he got on the end of Xavi's free-kick.
Iniesta then had a shot cleared off the line by Torsten Frings and another effort saved by Lehmann as Spain looked in the mood to add a second.
And Germany had a remarkable escape after 80 minutes when substitute Daniel Guiza - on for Torres - headed the ball straight into Senna's path right in front of goal, but he could not apply the final touch.
Spain were not made to pay for their generosity in front of goal and ran out worthy winners.
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Fabregas (Alonso 63), Xavi, Silva (Santi Cazorla 66), Torres (Guiza 78). Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Villa, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.
Booked: Casillas, Torres.
Goals: Torres 33.
Att: 51,428
Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).
Info: Spain have won the European Championship for the second time. In 1964, they also lifted the trophy after beating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final. In 1984, they also reached the final but lost 2-0 against France.
Just as Greece four years ago, Spain have kept clean sheets in all three knock-out rounds after the group phase.
As well as winning the European Championship three times (1972, 1980, 1996), Germany have now also lost three European Championship finals (1976, 1992, 2008).
With four goals, David Villa has become top scorer at Euro 2008 without having played in the final. That is the fewest goals for a European Championship top scorer since 1992, when Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Brolin, Henrik Larsen and Karl-Heinz Riedle all scored three goals.
At the age of 38 years and 232 days, Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann became the oldest player ever to appear in the European Championship final, breaking the record set by Arnold Muhren (37 years, 23 days) in 1988.
At the age of 69 years and 337 days, winning coach Luis Aragones has become the oldest coach ever to appear in the final of a European Championship. Aragones is more than four years older than Otto Rehhagel (65 years, 327 days) was four years ago when Greece beat Portugal in the Euro 2004 final.
Germany was favourite for bookies to win the Euro 2008, just before the tournaments started, we can’t say the same thing for Spain. Strong teams like Italy, France, Croatia, Portugal, Netherlands which had their chances, are at home already and they will watch the final from TV.
Spain always had a pretty good team but for some reason they failed to reach the final stages of such tournaments in the last quite a few years. They now have a very strong team, players from the top club teams in Europe and a very productive attacking mentality.
On the other hand Germany is a strong team, they always been some sort of favourites at any tournament they participate. Players like Ballack, Podolski or Klose can always make they difference on the pitch.
I expect a beautiful match, close enough as I believe none of the teams will assume strong attacking responsabilities at the begining. It is a difficult match to bet on, probably the best option would be to bet on handicap or “under”/”over” - goals scored. I would like to think the match will be decided in extra time or perhaps at penalties but you’ll never know what to expect from a final!
On Sunday evening, Spain will line up against Germany in what promises to be a mouth-watering Euro 2008 final in Vienna. In a match which will mark Spain's first major final in twenty-four years, Luis Arganones's side will be hoping to rewrite the history books and claim their second European trophy after a 44-year wait.
Buoyed by the recent twist in fortune which has seen La Furia Roja (the red fury) lay to rest ghosts of previous penalty shoot-out exits and advance to the final, Aragones will be looking to recall the spirit of the 1964-winning side to lead his nation to European glory in this year's final.
IS THIS THEIR YEAR?
In head-to-heads, history slightly favours the Germans who have won eight of nineteen meetings, while Spain have claimed five wins. There have been six draws. The last meeting came fourteen years ago during the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA which ended 1-1, leaving this game even harder to predict.
Spain, thanks to their impressive form this year, may go into the game as narrow favourites. Their loss of David Villa through injury will certainly hand Germany a morale boost, but the Spaniards will still pose a very stern threat through Daniel Guiza, who has scored twice when coming off the bench so far in this tournament.
Tournament So Far...
Undoubtedly the talking point will be Spain's flair and strength in depth, but a more significant issue is the seeming end of infighting between rival Real Madrid and Barcelona players in the dressing room. This Spanish side seems a more complete unit and, although Aragones's decision to leave out Real talisman Raul sent shockwaves through Spain last month, it looks like a decision well made with a new generation of talents David Silva, Torres and Fabregas given greater freedom to express themselves on the field.
In comparison, opponents Germany demonstrated their efficiency as they reached their thirteenth major final despite a troubled campaign. It certainly hasn't been pretty to watch, but the Germans have shown grit and determination in each game to make it through to this final. Unapologetic towards critics which have labelled them boring and unattractive, the Germans will enter Sunday's final eager to prove their doubters wrong and claim their first major honour since winning this tournament in 1996.
However, despite their reputation for ruthless efficiency, Joachim Low's side are not without their flaws. Unconvincing performances against Turkey in the 3-2 semi-final triumph and an early defeat to Croatia outline a major defensive problem for the European giants, and judging from their stuttering campaign it is possible they will struggle to contain Spain's free-flowing passing and off the ball movement.
Key Men
The Spanish line-up offers a rich blend of creativity and defensive proficiency with Marcos Senna's holding role in front of the back four allowing starlet Xavi Hernandez the freedom to push forward. Senna's performances for Spain has been outstanding this campaign and this is a key area in which the game will be won and lost. David Villa's imperious presence will certainly be missed, but with Torres also looking sharp this year and Cesc Fabregas at his talismanic best in the semi-final versus Russia, Spain have enough quality to compensate for his absence.
However, Germany are certainly not without key men and a major threat will once again come from Michael Ballack. He has been on top form in this campaign, and has often lifted a mediocre German outfit when matches were beginning to slip away from them. Coach Joachim Low will also be encouraged by the return of Torsten Frings from injury, while Bastien Schweinsteiger will be looking to maintain his top form and his tussle with wing-back Capdevilla is sure to be a fascinating spectacle. If Lukas Podolski can return to the form he showed in the opening game against Poland, the Germans certainly have the man-for-man quality to match their opponents.
Conclusion
Despite Spanish football's illustrious domestic history, the country has failed to deliver on the international scene, while Germany have thrived. However Euro 2008 has breathed hope into the Spanish game and given us good reason to believe that the pendulum of power in Europe maybe about to move once more. The Germans can draw strength from their dominance in previous competitions, of course, but Spain's young guns have the chance to make history and achieve what so many Spanish greats could not - and we reckon they will rise to the occassion.
2, Wesley Sneijder, Ardjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy(Belanda), Arda Turanm, Nihat Kahveci(Turkey),Andrei Arshavin, Torbinsky(Russia), Michael Ballack, Klose, Schweinsteiger(Germany), Ivan Klasnic(Croatia), Daniel Guiza, Fernando Torres(Spanyol)
1, Vaclac Svercov, Libor Sionko, Jan Koller, Jaroslav Plasil(Cheska), Pepe, Raul Meireles(Portugal),
Luka Modric, Darijo Srna, Ivica Olic(Kroasia), Dirk Kuyt, Van Persie, Klaas Jan Huntelaar,
Giovanni van Bronckhorst(Belanda), Cesc Fabregas, Ruben de la red, Xavi Hernandez, David Silva(Spanyol),
Vastic(Austria), Roger(Poland), Adrian Mutu(Romania), Christian Panucci, Andrea Pirlo, De Rossi(Italy), Thiery Henry(France), Philiph Lahm(Germany), Angelo Charisteas(Greece), Boral(Turkey)
