Euro Update #3

The Czech Republic fell to Turkey 3-2 in their final group match, missing out on the knockout stages. A win or draw would have sent the Czechs through, but some goalkeeping errors and lax defense allowed the Turks to come back after being 2-0 down.

Germany did just enough to defeat Austria 1-0 in their final group game. German captain Michael Ballack struck a fierce free kick into the upper right corner of the goal, securing the Germans a place in the quarterfinals.

On June 19, the Germans faced Group A winner Portugal. After a close miss by Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho early on, the Germans woke up and scored in the 22nd minute. Winger/forward Lukas Podolski worked a magical combination play with Phillip Lahm and Michael Ballack, then sent a low cross just outside the 6 yard box to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who slotted the ball in the net. The Germans struck again just 4 minutes later, as weak defending allowed Miroslav Klose to head Schweinsteiger's free kick in the goal. Though the Germans led 2-0 inside the first half hour, Portugal kept pushing and netted just before halftime via Nuno Gomes' goal. After halftime the Portuguese kept attacking, but another Schweinsteiger free kick found the head of captain Michael Ballack, making it 3-1 to the Germans. There was evidence of a slight push by Ballack on his marker, but the goalkeeper's hesitation ultimately cost the Portuguese. In the 87th the Portuguese found a bit of consolation through the head of substitute Helder Postiga, but the Germans were able to hold on for the win. Germany now plays Turkey in the semifinal.

Euro 2008 Update #2

On June 13, the Czech Republic fell to Portugal 3-1. Deco put Portugal up 1-0 in the 8th minute, but Czech midfielder Libor Sionko equalized 9 minutes later with a header. The score was level at halftime, but with Portugal controlling more of the attacking play. In the 63rd, Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a hard, well placed shot from about 16 yards. The shot went through the legs of one Czech defender, past the leg of another, and was in the back of the net before goalkeeper Petr Cech really knew anything about it. Ronaldo turned provider in injury time as he dribbled past Cech and passed to substitute Ricardo Quaresma, who made it 3-1 with a cool finish into an open net. The Czechs now lie in second place in Group A, tied with Turkey.

Germany fell to Croatia, 2-1. In the 24th minute, Croatian midfielder Darijo Srna cut inside German left back Marcell Jansen to steer Daniel Pranjic's cross into the net. Though it pains me to say, the goal capped a succession of passes that spread the German defense and could well be the most well-worked goal of the tournament thus far. Germany attempted to strike back soon after, but striker Mario Gomez headed the ball over Stipe Pletikosa's net. In the second half, German keeper Jens Lehmann did well to parry a deflected cross, but the rebound deflected off the post right into the path of Croatian striker Ivica Olic (pictured right), who plays his club football in Germany for Hamburg SV. The goal rivals Swiss player Hakan Yakin's close range tap in against Turkey in its simplicity. After that, the coffin was all but nailed down, though the Germans did pull one back in the 79th. Lukas Podolski scored his third of the tournament to put himself on par with Spaniard David Villa as leading scorer. Germany now lies in second in Group B.

Euro 2008 Updates

EURO 2008

In the opening game of the tournament on Saturday, June 7th, the Czech Republic defeated host country Switzerland 1-0. Czech substitute Vaclav Sverkos netted in the 71st minute with a half volley into the lower right side of Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio's goal. However, the Czechs were fortunate to escape with all 3 points as Swiss sub Johan Vonlanthen hit the crossbar later in the match. Czech Republic next plays Portugal on the 11th.

Tournament favorite Germany opened the tournament in style, defeating rival Poland 2-0. 23-year old Lukas Podolski scored in the 20th and 72nd minutes against his native Poland. Podolski and his parents moved to Germany when he was very young, and he chose to play for his adopted country rather than his birthplace. Germany leads Group B and will next face Croatia on the 12th.

Our Team

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Germany Sites

Hofbrauhaus, Munich














Allianz Arena- Home of FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich

Trip Itinerary

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup Tour

June 30 – July 7, 2008

Munich, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic

June 30 – Monday – Munich, Germany

Arrive in Munich International Airport, meet your group escort and bus and

depart for hotel to check in. Dinner at the hotel.


July 1 – Tuesday – Munich, Germany

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning guided tour of Munich followed by tour of

the Allianz Arena venue of 2006 FIFA World Cup where you will see an

Introductory film illustrating construction of the Allianz Arena and tour

places like dressing rooms, tunnel, Press Club, stayed in interior, business and

sponsors lounges, event boxes, a VIP area, upper tier and exterior. (unless

unforeseen events occur restricting or preventing a tour). Lunch on own.

Afternoon practice at local field. Dinner at Hofbraeuhaus Brewery Restaurant with lots of food,

drinks, music, and entertainment. Depart for hotel.


July 2 – Wednesday – Prague, Czech Republic

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Prague. Lunch on own along the way.

Afternoon arrive in Prague and check into the hotel. Afternoon depart

for Prague Castle where you will start your walking guided tour. Prague

Castle was originally the seat of Czech royalty and nobility and now it

serves as a residence and office for the Czech President. Important part

of Prague Castle is St. Vitus's Cathedral, the largest and the most

important church in Prague, with history dated back to year 925. Your

tour will then continue to Lesser Town, New Town, across one of the

oldest stone bridge in Europe Charles Bridge to Old Town. Tour will end

on Old Town Square in front of Prague’s Horologe. Dinner in downtown

restaurant.


July 3 – Thursday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 1

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to Rückl Crystal

Factory in Nizbor. In crystal factory you will experience

how Czech crystal is done. You will work through the

product line from glass blowing to glass cutting. After the

tour you will be able to shop at factory store. On the way

to Prague possible reservation at local pizzeria for lunch on

own. Afternoon first game of the tournament. After game depart for hotel to

get ready for evening event. Depart for Social Gathering full of good food,

drinks, and music. Evening depart back to the hotel.


July 4 – Friday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning second game of the tournament Lunch

on own. Afternoon third game of the tournament. Evening boat cruise

on river Vltava with dinner. You will enjoy the breath taking view from

the river on lighted Prague Castle.

July 5 – Saturday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning depart to visit The concentration

camp for Jews the Terezín Ghetto. Terezín was established at the

end of the 18th century as a fortress; still surrounded by its massive

ramparts, the town lies at the confluence of the rivers Labe (Elbe)

and Ohře (Eger). The Main and Small Fortresses at Terezín,

although the modern for their period, gradually became obsolete,

and having lost their military function fell into disregard. Lunch

own. Depart for Prague for your fourth game in the tournament.

After game transfer to typical Czech Restaurant for dinner. You will experience some of the rich

Czech cuisine, music, and dance.


July 6 – Sunday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel. Final games. Lunch on own. Afternoon Awards

Presentation. After Awards Presentation depart for Munich for last overnight.


July 7 – Monday
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel and depart for the airport.

Depart for US.