The number one

The Spanish midfielder Xavi was named player of the tournament by UEFA. For football’s governing body, "it was him (Xavi) who gave the team its tempo".

The joy

Spain are crowned European Champions after defeating Germany 1-0 in the final. After a 44-year drought and decades of underachievement, the Spanish are overwhelmed with joy.

The duel

The two best goalkeepers of the Euro, Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon and Spain’s Iker Casillas, cross paths during the penalty session won by the Spaniards.

 

The revelation

 

A Russian doll representing Arshavin, Russia's unstoppable striker. Without a doubt, he is the Euro's revelation. 

 

 

 

The symbol

Two young supporters, one German, the other Turkish, pictured together ahead of their teams’ semi-final clash. Over the years, Germany’s numerous Turkish community has supplied a fair number of players to the Bundesliga.

 

 

 

The debacle

France’s group-stage clash against world champions Italy soon turns into a nightmare, as Frank Ribery collapses with a thigh injury shortly before Abidal’s sending off. Italy went on to win 2-0, leaving France to rue a miserable campaign – but not before French coach Raymond Domenech asked his girlfriend to marry him in a dramatic and much derided post-match interview.

 

 

The come-back heroes

The Czech striker Jan Koller cannot believe it. Two goals up with 15 minutes to go, his team has just lost to Turkey in a bewildering encounter. The Turks went on to repeat the feat against Croatia in the quarter-finals, and very nearly managed a third upset when they faced Germany in the semis.

 

 

 

History

Germany play Austria in a derby full of historical significance. Before the match, an advertising campaign seeks to ease the tension. On the field, a stunning free-kick by Ballack fires the Germans to victory.

 

 

The goal

Poland’s Artur Boruc was the only goalkeeper to concede a goal to the Austrian team, while Ivica Vastic was the co-hosts’ only goal scorer.

 

The absents

England midfielder David Beckham can follow the NBA playoffs during Euro 2008 – his team is the tournament’s big absent.