The passion and excitement that is European football (soccer) was well on display today in the Euro 2008 quarterfinal match between Croatia and Turkey. When 90 minutes weren't enough to decide the winner, the match went to 30 minutes of extra time. It took over 28 minutes for Croatia to capitalize on an error by Turkey's goal keeper, and put one in the net. The celebration had begun, Croatia seeming lock to move on to the semis against Germany.
Well some one forgot to tell Turkey, because just over a minute into injury time they sneaked one into the net, forcing a penalty kick shootout to decide the match. It was all Turkey in the shootout, with Croatia going wide with a couple shots, and Turkey's goal keeper coming up with a fantastic stop to seal the victory.
When I watch a match like that, and see the passion of the players and fans, I can't believe that this football still fails to capture the attention of the US. I know, I know, there's a list as long as my arm of reason why Americans don't watch soccer. But I guarantee that most of them have never taken the time to watch a meaningful match. I defy anyone to watch a match like today's, and not want to watch another.
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