Germany

The best of Euro 2008

Emmanuel F24 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:12:27 +0200

The Euro 2008 in 10 pictures. From England's absence to Spain's first victory since 1964, Franck Ribery's injury and France's disqualification, this championship had its moments. Here's our pick of the best.

Spain crowned European champion

Emmanuel F24 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:07:13 +0200

Spain has won the Euro 2008 championship in Vienna, beating three-time champions Germany 1-0 in the final with a Fernando Torres goal. The team last won the championship in 1964. Luis Aragones became the only professional to have won an European cup as player and manager.

Germany pip brave Turks to reach final

Marc F24 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:39:36 +0200

Germany qualified for the Euro 2008 final after a late goal by Philipp Lahm sealed a thrilling 3-2 win over underdogs Turkey. Despite controlling vast swathes of the game, the injury-wrecked Turkish side proved unable to stage yet another upset.

Germany: nags or subtle tacticians?

Marc F24 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:50:16 +0200

Is the German team a bunch of nags, or a group of subtle tacticians? This is the question we put to our Observers and former French international players Manuel Amoros and Bernard Bosquier, before comparing their point of view with that of Rainer Bonhof, the former German international player and coach.

A game of belief

Marc F24 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:22:57 +0200

With just 14 available players for Wednesday’s semi-final clash, Turkey manager Fatih Terim has precious few options as he picks his team to face Germany. Having held off the Czechs and Turks to claim a surprise place in the last four, will a desperately stretched Turkish side manage to defy ill-luck? Or will the repeated injuries and suspensions dent Turkey’s team spirit and belief?

"Germany hasn't shown its true face yet"

Julien — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:19:17 +0200

After a convincing game against Poland, the Germans have shown difficulties in their battles against Croatia and Austria. They nonetheless qualified for the semi-finals, beating Portugal 3-2. Rainer Bonhof, former national player, shares his point of view about the role of Mannschaft's captain Michael Ballack, the failure of striker Gomez and the poor referee decisions made in this tournament.

Ballack sends unconvincing Germany to quarterfinals

Marc F24 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:57:20 +0200

Germany defeated their smaller neighbour Austria, the co-hosts of Euro 2008 1-0 to reach final eight. Croatia, already sure to win the group, beat Poland 1-0 in Klagenfurt. Germany will play Portugal in Basel on Thursday in the quarter-finals with Croatia playing Turkey in Vienna the following day.

'The penalty is no excuse'

Nicolas F24 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:21:55 +0200

Flickr picture by Jadranka

Taking advantage of a sleepy Mannschaft, Croatia stormed into the lead in Group B and booked a place in the quarter-finals. With one win and one defeat, Germany remain in a strong position, though they cannot afford further mistakes. As for Austria and Poland, a win in their last game is crucial if they are to stand any chance of qualifying.

Croatia upset Germany to lead the group

Emmanuel F24 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:40:51 +0200

Croatia delivered their best performance so far to beat Germany and take command of Group B.

The Mannschaft played like they never thought about losing. On the other hand, the Croats took their chance as outsiders and dominated the game. Despite a goal from Podolski in the 79th minute, Germany were never in full control and couldn't do much against an over-motivated Croatian side.

Croatia finally won 2-1 and now lead Group B with 6 points. Croatia delivered their best performance so far to beat Germany and prevent them from leading their group.

Croatia finally won 2-1 and now lead Group B with 6 points.

"In this tournament, the Mannschaft should fear no one"

Emmanuel F24 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:00:02 +0200

Rainer Bonhof is a former German national player. He won the 1974 World Cup with West Germany. He is actually in charge of Chelsea's recruitment in Austria and Germany.