Passions run high as Euro 2008 kicks off
Published 08 June, 2008, 00:09
Euro 2008 got underway with a defeat for co-hosts Switzerland against the Czech Republic and a win for stylish Portugal over Turkey. The Swiss lost 1-0 to the Czechs in the tournament’s opening game, while in Geneva, a P
But the opening day has been blighted by violence in Klagenfurt, Austria. Police had to deal with clashes between German and Polish fans ahead of Sunday’s match between the two nations. Riot police moved into the crowd and arrested seven Germans.
The police said that the mood between the two groups of supporters, each numbering around 100, became sufficiently aggressive to justify them stepping in to calm things down and prevent any escalation.
Security has been tightened with police patrolling the streets and setting up road blocks.
Security officials are hoping the scenes will prove to be an isolated incident rather than a sign of more trouble to come.
Back on the pitch, Russia’s hopes have been dealt a massive blow with the news that key striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has been ruled out of the finals with injury.
He picked up the knock in a pre-tournament warm-up match against Serbia, but there had been high hopes he would be able to shake it off.
However, the Zenit St Petersburg forward will now leave the training camp.
It compounds problems for Russia who will also be without star player Andrei Arshavin who is suspended for the first two group games.
Russia’s opening match is against Spain on Tuesday, June 10, with further matches against Greece and Sweden.
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