The 2008 European Championships kicked off in impressive fashion on Saturday, with the Czech Republic and Portugal registering Group A victories in the tournament's first day of action.
Co-host Switzerland outplayed the Czechs for much of their opening match, but an inability to finish coupled with the emotional departure of injured captain Alexander Frei proved too much to overcome as the Czech Republic defeated Switzerland, 1-0. Czech striker Vaclas Sverkos ran onto a headed long pass and scored the lone goal in the Czech's victory.
Portugal showed why they are considered one of the tournament's title favorites with a dominating 2-0 victory against Turkey. Real Madrid defender Pepe scored the opening goal on a beautiful run to make it 1-0 Portugal before substitute Raul Mereiles buried the final pass in a beautiful match-ending sequence to seal the victory.
Group B action begins on Sunday, with Austria facing Croatia and Germany playing Poland.
What did you think of today's action? Did you think the Swiss were unlucky? Did Portugal look like a champion? Will the Czechs repeat their 2006 World Cup form by winning the opener before flaming out?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer writer/columnist for FoxSoccer.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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