Spain’s Sergio Ramos (1st R) and teammate Carlos Marchena (1st L) vie with players of Italy during the quarterfinal at the Euro 2008 Championships in Vienna, Austria, on June 22, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
All history is bunk?
Euro 2008 says it’s partially wrong, as Spain came out the sole group winners surviving the quarterfinals after Sunday’s ugly win over Italy.
Luis Aragones’ side, dubbed as one of the most formidable teams in offence, only managed a 4-2 victory on penalty shootout after holding 0-0 in 120 minutes to knock out world champions Italy at Ernst Happel here on Sunday.
The procession of the Group D winning Spaniard followed victories of group runners-up from Germany over Group A winners Portugal, Dark Horses Turkey over surprising winners of Group B Croatia, as well as a decent win of Guus Hiddink’s Russian side over all-conquering Holland, the perfect record holders in the Group of Death.
Since the format of the Euros changed to accommodate first semifinals in 1984 and then quarterfinal matches in 1996, only twice has a side topping their group gone on to win the trophy.
France were champions in 1984 and Germany in 1996, but the four other winners, Netherlands, Denmark, France and Greece, all stepped up a gear in the knockout rounds after finishing group runners-up.