Euro 2012 Awarded Tomorrow; Everyone Sure They’ll Win
By: Martha | April 17th, 2007
The race to host Euro 2012 is, to put it mildly, an unusual one. Rather than three competing hosts, all of whom crow about their awesome level of preparedness, this year’s race instead features three hosts — Italy, Poland/Ukraine, Hungary/Croatia — who are all basically saying “Well, Ok. Yes. Things are pretty messed up here. But, hey, they’re way more messed up at the other possible sites! Why not give the event to us?”
In Italy, the tragic violence in Sicily and recent problems at the Olimpico are being presented with the best possible spin. The violence is longer a problem: Instead, they key to Italy’s potentially successful hosting bid. Had the problems not occurred, you see, nothing would have been done. Now, though, there are all sorts of laws regulating stadia and fan behavior and, thanks to the beatings administered Man U fans by cops in Rome, police will now only be stationed outside the grounds, rather than with away fans. Thanks, Man U traveling support!
For their part, Poland and Ukraine are resorting to a similar tack, emphasizing Polish football’s new anti-corruption campaign over, well, the corruption itself. Hungary and Croatia, meanwhile, are mostly bragging about the booklet of materials they turned into the UEFA committee charged with making this decision — the ability to photocopy, apparently, makes them viable hosts for a major European tournament. Actually, Croatia has been dealing with stadium security issue of its own, which makes them just as qualified as Poland and Italy.
It’s a neck-and-neck race to the middle, friends — enjoy the thrill while you can, because it all ends tomorrow morning when UEFA announce their decision. (For what it’s worth, the only bookie bothering to lay odds has Italy as the strong favorite.)
Category: Rumors & News
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Comments
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it should be given to italy i mean we did just win the WC after all….plus we are soccer in europe i mean we are the best league in europe simply because there is always something going on. yes being able to photocopy automatically qualifies Croatia! hahahaaha thats a good one! well i hope italy gets it just because we need to prove to the world after the whole calciopoli and violence that we are still one of the if not the best footballing nation in the world. So Forza Italia and Forza Azzurri!
Posted from
Canada
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I love Italy but there is no way the country should be rewarded with the tournament. It would just send the message that the scandals in Serie A and the continued problems with fan violence are ok. The other applicants have their issues too as you point out, but Italy has a pretty outstanding track record of not fixing its mess.
Posted from
United States -
I have to agree with Bob. Italy may still be a great footballing nation, but in terms of off-the-pitch issues, its the worst in Europe. UEFA might very well pick Italy, because of money, but I frankly hope they don’t. I love Italian football – I just think there have to be consequences.
Posted from
United States -
Being married to an italian and moving to Italy within the year, I would love for Italy to get Euro 2012. In a way, I agree with Bob but I don’t see how Hungary-Croatia, Poland or the Ukraine could prepare how Italy will if they win the bid.
Posted from
United States -
ana does make a point, and its very cold there (so I herd) but Croatia and Hungary, their both pretty average footballing teams and I think they should get a chance. That is of course Italy fails to show improvement in the stadiums .
Posted from
United States
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