Euro 2008 Final

I have never watched so many soccer game in my life before. Euro 2008 happned to taken place in Switzerland in my second year in Zurich. In the beginning, I was not that interested since my home country was not involved. But in the end, I became big fan of German team and even organized ticket for the final ! (public viewing though..)



I knew Germany will play the final! Upon the semi-final, when Germany played against Turkey, I thought I will burn these tickets if Turkey wins. (sorry,, just being a big fan of Germany) I

I'm glad that I didn't have to do so and able to see German team in huge screen.

As you see in the photo, there were so many German fans who believe they will be a Champion.



and here come both team. Captain of Germany, Michael Ballack!! I'm especially a fan of him! He is great captain!



and the game bigins. However,,, it was such a beautiful summer day but the sky got dark all of the sudden. Maybe this was already a sign of tragedy..



German fans are all excited and they were absolutely majority among the spectators. But the atmosphere has changed soon.. The goal of German side was threatened so many times by Fernando Torres, an agressive player of Spain. Lehmann, the German goal keeper barely protected from his attack but finally,,,, Torres managed to squeeze the ball into the goal...

First score from Spain.

From this point, the strong belief of German becoming champion changed to anxious. And Spanish fans, who were minority gained more power. I see less spanish flags than german's one but they captured interest of Swiss people.

Well, my German friend told me that Swiss people always support the team playing against German. Maybe that's true. There were small number of spetactors in Spanish colour but obviously more people are cheering spanish. I believe these people were all Swiss.



I was looking forward to see big German party but sadly they lost. But my German friend sent me a SMS that German are not dissapointed and we are already ready to become World Champion by next World Cup. I like this positive idea. It's true that Spanish team played so well and they deserve it.

It was like a festival whole month in Zurich. I had great fun and also learned a lot about soccer, another side of European culture.

EM is heating up!

Euro 2008 is heating up in Zurich. Even during 1 hour lunch time, I see those people wearing T-shirts or flag of home countries every where on the street. Today, I even saw many people with board saying "I need ticket".
Yes, city is full of soccer feaver.



As most of you know, one of the most unforgettable game has taken place on last Friday.



My husband booked dinner at Hiltl in Munsterhof where temporarily opened restaurant-bar has built.



it equipped many many screens which shows of course,,,,,, soccer game!!



those who made reservation for course menu are escorted to the best seat and can stay there until second game is finish, which is 22:30.



It was the day "Italy - Romania" and "Netherland - France" the hottest game so far I saw!

Can't believe that Italy has lost twice!



after Italy has lost and all the Italian fans has left with dissapointment, our dinner has started.



Many different type of appetizer.



and many course. Hiltl is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Zurich. I'm quite impress how succesful they are. I mean, this soccer business is indeed huggeeeee!!!



Menu are like foods from their buffet but charging us a lot:)



but it was indeed worth!!



The game "Netherland-France" turned out to be a memorable one!!



Who ever imagined that netherland win scoring 4 points!

Since my home country is not participating, I was always in third-person point of view,, but I was really excited in this game!! After the game, I was fully satisfied. It was something you could not miss.



On the way back home, I saw even a Gross Muenster is decorated for EM.



It was a friday night. No matter who wins or lose, the street was full of people enjoying party:)

EURO 2008

Now it's started! EURO 2008!! All the hotels in Switzerland in June are sold out since long time and I was wondering how it gonna be in sich a small country.
It's crazy!



Jumbo soccer players suddenly appared on the main staion!!!



You can see from the people, how big these figures are!!



Zurich is not a normal Zurich now.. Usually it's like a ghost town on sunday but it was full with tourists and even shops are open!!

The city is full of soccer energy!!



Not only the city but also Odie is excited.. He stucked the flag "HOPP SCHWIIZ" (go Swiss!) on the car..



and organized Apello (cocktail) upon the first game of Switzerland.



SCHWIIZ!!!!!!



and my Swiss husband is all satisfied..:)



We toasted for Switzerland.... but they lost. SCHWIIZ!!!!!!



Even though Switzerland lost, we head on to the city to watch another game "Portgual - Turkey" at the outside monitor. Again, it was full of soccer energy. Lots of crazy fans with witsle, flag and towels,, many many more.



I, as a third person point of view, it was more interesting to watch the reaction of those fans than game:)

This day, portgual had beautiful victory scoring 3 goals.





No matter who wins, one thing very clear is that everybody really enjoying and having fun! I got jealous that my country is not playing..

I also want to hang my flag proudly or wrap myself with my flag!!!



Odie bought Swiss flag as well. He said, "Oh, I have to get one as well, I can use it on National Holiday and also Olympic, this is great!" and I told him "well by Olympic, Japanese flag will come next to yours!" and then Odie continues "Hmmmm, that I have to consider. Maybe Japanese flag has to go Toillet". WHHHHHHHAAAAAAATTTT!! Japanese flag in toilett! That I definetely can't accept! In such a case, I will cover Swiss flag with my Japanese flag!!

and so on... The battle between 2 countries has already started.. When Japan and Switzerland have to play upon World Cup, it will be a battle in our home as well..