The Euro 2008 Finals are finally among us and one match is already in the books (a 1-0 Czech Republic win against co-host Switzerland). More about the match a little bit later. In this post, I want to talk a little bit about the opening ceremony.
The theme of this year's opening ceremony was that of co-hosts Switzerland and Austria's roots. It took place at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland just before kickoff against the Czech republic. The display presented, according to UEFA's official Euro 2008 website, was meant to portray a combination of "various elements" which include the heritage of host countries, sport and culture, and the values of fair play, respect, and the "joy of football. The show was 13 minutes long and featured 1,000 performers of different nationalities and ranged from ages 14 to 70.
Many VIPs and "royal guests" were present at the ceremony including Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince Alois of Liechtenstein. The European Union was represented by Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission.
President of the Swiss Confederation Pascal Couchepin was also in attendene with Czech Republic's Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Alandr Vondra. The Austrian co-host was represented at the opener by President Heinz Fischer and Chancellor Alfred and Gusenbauer. Austria will have their own opener against Croatia tomorrow at noon (I will probably be going to the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden in Astoria for that game). GO HRVATSKA/CROATIA!!!!!
For more information regarding the opening ceremony, check out this article.
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