¡Viva España!
Spain won its first major trophy in 44 years, capping off an excellent European Championship tournament. I couldn't find the TV ratings for the final just yet, but early indications here and here are that the tournament boasted successful TV ratings for the previous stages. Just more great news for soccer fans in the U.S.
A quick note about D.C. United before I sign off; yesterday's match against David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy at RFK Stadium (the lead-in to the Euro final yesterday on ABC) was just amazing. From the blowout win, to the awesome pre-game display for Ben Olsen, to his stirring and unexpected introduction in the 75th minute, and even to the disorienting and stifling heat, yesterday was just a day I will never forget. And I was about as wrong as I possibly could have been about United earlier this season. A public apology to Coach Tom Soehn, Luicano Emilio (nine goals in his last six matches, including two yesterday), and the entire team, who are beginning to look like the most dangerous squad in MLS again.
United's display for Olson is one of the coolest things I've been a part of as a sports fan. Especially when you hear Olsen's reaction: "It's emotional. You know, a lot of this stuff, you act like 'Oh, it's not a big deal,' but I like to play soccer. This is my living. I want to come back, but again, it's going to be a long road back. But I'd like to thank the fans for helping me through this and giving me the benefit of the doubt. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it."
ReplyDeleteAnd like you said, I'm not going to forget that game, the win, the atmosphere, and Benny's introduction and his acknowledgment of the Barra. What a day.