Doordarshan to telecast live Semis & Final of Euro Cup

To facilitate millions of sports lovers and football fans in India to watch the two semi-finals of ongoing Euro Cup i.e., on 26th June at 00.15 hrs. (25th night) and 27th June at 00.15 hrs (26th night), and also the finals on 30th June at 00.15 hrs., (29th night) of the Euro Cup 2008, the Prasar Bharati has arranged the live telecast of these matches through the Doordarshan National channel network.

After a two-week long exciting football, the final four has come to the fore as Germany will take on Turkey and Spain on Russia to determine the final clash in Vienna schedule on June 29, 2008.

Taking the tally into count, Spain though looks the favourite to advance to the final, which has candidly defeated Russia, Sweden, and Greece in the preliminary round, but other three teams’ performance so far can turnaround the whole scenario. However, Spain in its quarterfinal clash against Italy where it had to struggle the penalty kick shootout would certainly add more pressure on it.

Germany looks sound and solid to take on Turkey after a convincing quarterfinal victory over the Portuguese. Captain Michael Ballack, on the golden boot race with two goals so far, will be on his high to make it to the finals. This is the sixth semi-final appearance for Germany UEFA European Championship history.

Turkey, after some famous comeback games in European Championships thus far, possesses the ability to upset anyone in the Euro 2008 semi-clash, but the suspension of its key players would be a downbeat factor to match up Germany at St. Jakob-Park in Basel on Wednesday. However, Turkey coach Fatih Terim believes that his passion and unwavering faith in the ability of his charges is the reason why they have overcome adversity to reach the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008.

In the second semi-final clash, this would be the first semi-final appearance for Russia in any major international tournament. Russia with its attacking football would like to take the revenge on a high after having lost to the same opponents in the group matches. Russia considered as underdogs has performed well with some individual brilliance like Arshavin who return to the team after a two match suspension is still on the Golden Boot race scoring four.