Match ballThe 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.
SloganThe 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."
MascotsThe 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 moneyUEFA 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 trophyA 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 RefDespite 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 AdvertisementA 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.
Rubbish500,000 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 HolidaysDue 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 impressThe 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.
