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Camden New Journal - MATCH POINT by RICHARD OSLEY
Published: 3 July 2008

Cesc secures silverware and Murray’s muscled out

THINGS I learned watching the final of Euro 2008 and Wimbledon this week.

1. Spain deserved it.
If Arsenal want £35million for Emmanuel Adebayor, how much would they want for Cesc Fabregas? And how much would the rest of the Spanish squad be worth? They were the standout team of Euro 2008 and more than deserved to pick up the trophy. There are some uncomfortable things about the Spanish team, a few racist remarks from the manager and the fans have chequered its past. Every team and their supporters, of course, has its faults but it was good that Spain grabbed headlines for the right reason and fantastic to see Fabregas with some silverware at last. He deserved it for the season he had with Arsenal.

2. Germany didn’t.
Any team that thinks it can win a major trophy with Kevin Kuranyi, the least impressive substitute I have seen since Darren Bent, needs a reality check. Germany were lucky to be in the final and they were lucky they didn’t get a severe hiding once they were there. If England are serving their time in the wilderness for resting on their laurels too often, the same fate should await Germany.

3. ‘And Michael Ballack’s record in finals is getting embarrassing.’
Not my words but one sign-off line from John Motson on his last big night out. For once, I couldn’t find fault in what he was saying.

4. It’s not the best idea to show off your muscles if you’re Andy Murray – and you are about to play Rafael Nadal.
Just when you thought Andy Murray was worth a cheer with his impressive comeback against Richard Gasquet, he does something to remind you why he is so hard to like. As he peeled up his shirt to reveal his bicep – which didn’t seem that amazing when you looked at his next opponent – it was a toe-curling, cringing moment which we could all have done without. A blink of the eye later, he was out in straight sets and few tears were shed.

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