Euro 2004 Day Three

Today the Euro 2004 viewing began with a classic, entertaining 0-0 result between Italy and Denmark. Some people might have a difficult time understanding how a game without goals could be interesting, but there were multiple exciting scoring opportunities and numerous outstanding saves by both keepers--Denmark's Thomas Sorenson was named man of the match after making tremendous stops like this.

In the second match we watched Sweden take it to the Bulgarians, coasting to a 5-0 victory after the first half was mostly a back-and-forth affair. Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljunberg opened the scoring with an easy finish off a two-on-one break. However, it was the once-retired striker Henrik Larsson that sealed the deal with two quick goals in the second half, the first on a superb, full-extension diving header that found the bottom corner of the net.

Today's musings:

1. The British TV analyst for the Sweden vs. Bulgaria match made a comment after the fifth Swedish goal about them having a "nap hand." Unfamiliar with this term, I scoured the Internet for an appropriate definition, but the best I could come up with was some hockey reference to a player scoring goals in varying fashion. Considering that a hand has five fingers, I'm gonna assume it just means they netted their 5th goal.

2. Another commentator mentioned one of the players hitting a "brommer" (sp?). I'm still trying to figure that one out.

3. Fans of the day: This Swedish lady is all over the photo galleries, must be the face paint. Italians are real into face paint and slick hair with bands in them. Here we see both, plus some awesome shades.

4. What's up with taking off your boots and storing them in your shorts?

5. This photo's a day later, but I thought it was a nice bit of defending from Sunday's Swiss vs. Croatia match.

Tomorrow's viewing schedule:
Germany vs. Netherlands ~ 2:30
Czech Republic vs. Latvia ~ 4:00