Euro 2008

Today concludes the group stage of Euro 2008. The football tournament, a contest between European national teams, has been thrilling in the preliminary rounds, each days games offering something marvelous. The Dutch, a side close to my heart both because of their open, aggressive style of play and the wonder of their country, have been dominant, scoring brilliantly and with ease. Spain has also impressed, though they will be tested early in the knockout rounds, where they often falter.

With matches daily, keeping up with the tournament has been a challenge, particularly with its matches played during the work day. Fortunately, ESPN has been much better about broadcasting this tournament, and most afternoons, a match greets me upon my return to my hotel.

Perhaps the greatest appeal to international football tournaments like Euro and the World Cup is the ceaseless stream of matches, offering neutral fans little respite. When most matches are of this high quality, played daily, fans can barely recover from the drama of one match before being thrust into another, then another.

The schedule also inhibits the endless post- and pre-game analysis, most of which offers no insight. What’s left is sport of the highest quality and drama, with few distractions. Amazing what happens when commerce isn’t allowed to gut the essence of athletics.