Euro 2004 Day One

First, a word of appreciation to my gracious host Steve Schroeder for hosting the Euro 2004 viewings, as well as thanks to Ryan Wise for providing bevvies and my favorite potato chips, and last but not least thanks to Josh Berezin for making sure the TV recorded everything. Now let's talk about the action.

Well it was certainly an interesting and mildly shocking start to the Euros today. Greece scored an early goal on hosts Portugal and went on to a 2-1 victory. Pictured below is the young Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored late in the match but will be remembered more for his tackle in the box which led to Greece's game-winning second goal on a penalty kick.

The second match went mostly as expected, with favored side Spain defeating Russia 1-0. Everyone was talking about the brilliant substitution made by Spanish coach Inaki Saez, as Juan Carlos Valeron scored what proved to be the game winner seconds after arriving on the pitch.

So, here's what I've figured out so far after two matches:
1. There are a lot of bad haircuts on these guys, especially in the Russia vs. Greece match--I think I counted at least a half-dozen mullets. Check out Fernando Morientes.

2. In the first two games there were adidas vs. Nike sponsorships, and in both instances adidas came out on top.

3. Russian fans are cute and Spanish fans are fancy.

Off to get my TV-watching rest. Tomorrow's lineup includes the Swiss vs. Croatia and the big England vs. France matchup. I bet a limey $10 the frogs would come out on top. Allez Les Bleus!