Euro 2008 semi-finals, Copa Libertadores final, managerial casualties and appointments, as well as guns all feature in this week’s good, the bad and the ugly.
Good
It was good for Spain and Germany as they both won through to the Euro 2008 final. The Germans winning with a last-gasp winner against Turkey while Spain crushed Russia 3-0. Differing manners of victory, styles of play, managers and footballing history ensures we will have an intriguing final.
It was also good for Ecuadorian side LDU Quito as they beat much-fancied Brazilian team Fluminense 4-2 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final. If they hold on in the second leg next week they will become the first ever team from Ecuador to hold the trophy.
Good for Paul Ince and the English game in general as he was appointed the new Blackburn boss to become the first English black manager to work in the Premier League.
Bad
Roberto Donadoni was fired as manager of the Italian national team as they failed to make it past Spain in the quarter-final. Not a popular choice in the first place, Donadoni’s struggle to win over the azzurri fans was hampered by injuries and suspensions to key players but the manner in which they left the tournament meant he had to go. Italy turn back to World Cup winner Marcello Lippi to help improve the team’s fortunes.
Not so good for Spain’s David Villa who injured himself during the semi-final match against Russia and subsequently misses the final. He will now have no chance to add to the four goals he has already scored in the tournament and it will be interesting to see how Spain cope without him.
Ugly
Former Colombian superstar Faustino Asprilla has been charged with a firearms offence after allegedly going on a shooting spree in his homeland. Pretty bizarre indeed.
