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June 22, 2008

Fanning football fever at Euro 2008

Posted: 1208 GMT

VIENNA, Austria - Imagine 70,000 passionate football fans from every corner of the globe gathering in your city center...You have just pictured the fan zone at Euro 2008 in Vienna.

A sizeable part of the city centre from the Rathausplatz to the Heldenplatz has been closed to traffic to host football supporters from all over the world. The kilometer-long strip features 10 giant screens where fans can watch every second of the action - but there are many other things to do.

You can play football yourself, take part in a variety of games and activities related to the beautiful game, and of course, eat and drink as much as you like.

Considering tickets to the games have been very hard to come by, the fan zone has been a great solution to get the atmosphere and passion you would see at the stadiums.

So far, during our stay in Vienna, the most picturesque scene took place before, during and after Friday night's Croatia versus Turkey quarterfinal. There are large immigrant communities from both nations here in the Austrian capital, and tens of thousands of fans dressed in blue and red poured into the city centre to follow the game.

There were screams, chants, tears and laughs as the drama on the pitch had everyone on the edge. When Fatih Terim's side miraculously scored an equalizer in extra time and later won the penalty shoot-out, a wild party errupted as the Turks celebrated long into the night.

Organizers are expecting the total attendance of the Vienna fan zone to reach the one million mark as more and more people flock to the area ahead of the big final next Sunday.

If you happen to travel to the Austrian capital over the next week, be sure to make a stop there.

Posted by: CNN International Sports Anchor, Pedro Pinto
Filed under: General

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Kitty Boy -La Rioja SPAIN

June 22nd, 2008 2237 GMT

I am not particularly a football fan – but there are games which grab you, even though you do not wish it.
Such is the case tonight between Spain and Italy in the Eurocup Semifinals. The lottery of penalty shoot-out decided the outcome:
Spain eliminated Italy.
I did NOT say that Spain BEAT Italy. Both teams deserved to win the match. As the Spanish goal-keeper, Iko Casillas, remarked after the match: Penalties are only a question of luck.
Thus for the first time since 1920, Spain outdid Italy in a major championship, perhaps deservedly, but in no way should the Italian side feel they "lost". They didn't.
Thumbs up for both teams for an exciting match.

Denise in Canada

June 23rd, 2008 1833 GMT

I have relatives in Austria and I am KICKING myself for not 'just happening' to pop over for a visit at this time!! I predict that the talented German squad will win the Cup this year for the 4th time and continue holding the record for the team that has won it the most!! TOR!!!!!

Ameer

June 24th, 2008 415 GMT

Those fans can get wild when their teams scores or wins, it is an incredible sight. I am not going to Vienna in the coming weeks to experience this wonderful atmosphere but have plans to attend the euros one day.

Goren

June 25th, 2008 138 GMT

No body can write off Turkey. It may be difficult to understand for the rational westerners, but one needs more than talent and experience to win the game, and that is heart.
You will witness another so-called miracle!! tomorrow. for me it is a natural outcome. Why? I tell you why, because tomorrow Turkish B-team will be on the field. They are as talented as A team and in addition they are fresh and hungry for success. You will see another Turkish show tomorrow and I will be enjoying watching people who does not understand how this happened and call it another "mysterious" Terim phenomen or miracle...

nosa

June 25th, 2008 1542 GMT

Am so excited about washing competition most especially the match between Rusia andHolland ,i specifically predited for Hollad term ,but ,to my greatest surprise ,the Rusian tuned the game around and played a talented foolball with the young talented young players.
I wish them the best

Tommy

June 26th, 2008 217 GMT

The Turks are not European. Why are they even playing?

By the way they lost. Praise Allah!!

Malik

June 26th, 2008 1443 GMT

Tommy the sarcastic "praise allah" comment and the claim that Turkey is not a European ball club are both ignorant and elitists comments. Turkey deserved to be here just as much as any of the bigger name nations. Frankly they played at a level above most of the usual favorites. I would feel that this blog is for people to talk about the wonderful sport of football and not to spew hateful racism.

hude

June 26th, 2008 2148 GMT

Tommy, Don’t be ignorant. Educate yourself .

Alfred (Western Canada)

June 27th, 2008 932 GMT

To Tommy "a typical redneck response".
I am looking forward to the final on Sunday. I hope that Spain continues with their attacking style of Football. My heart will be cheering on Deutchland. But really when the last teams do make it to the finals they are both winners.

Martin Okoth

June 28th, 2008 1314 GMT

Tommy is arguing from no base. Never seen an ignorant person my entire life

stacy

June 28th, 2008 2354 GMT

I hope for a great final tomorrow. Long live great football

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