I’ve seen thousands of football matches in my time – but never one played at 11,333 feet above sea level on an Alpine glacier.
That was Switzerland’s way of launching the countdown to Euro 2008 which it is jointly staging next summer with neighbours Austria.
Original definitely, if not a little dangerous for the 400-odd people invited to watch the event who had to risk their limbs sliding around on the snow at the top of the Jungfrau.
It was Switzerland’s way of saying it is not a boring grey country where the trains run on time and everything is organised to the nth degree.
There were even plenty of stars on show for the five-a-side game, including Michael Laudrup (104 caps for Denmark), Arsenal’s charming Swiss youngster Johan Djourou and Portugal legend Paulo Sousa.
Not forgetting the national coaches of both host countries, Kobi Kuhn and Josef Hickersberger, and captains and Euro 2008 ambassadors Stephane Chapuisat (103 caps for Switzerland) and Andreas Herzog (103 caps for Austria).
I couldn’t help but sense a little naivety amid all the thigh-slapping and regalia of the Swiss hosting a major footballing event.
The country oozes class, sophistication and money. There was even a harpist playing at Zurich Airport. The trains do arrive and depart literally to the minute, the scenery is breath-taking with lakes, mountains and Sound of Music-style wooden farm chalets.
Back to the naivety I touched on a few lines back. Given the stunning natural beauty of the place, why would the Swiss want thousands of marauding football supporters invading their peaceful land? I asked numerous Swiss folk that very question and got the same answer every time: “It will be fine”Labels: football news, news |
