大象传媒

Salzburg - 1,302 miles travelled

Greece's departure from Euro 2008 is as symbolic of the current European Championship as their in Portugal four years ago.

Back then, Otto Rehhagel's team caught the footballing world unaware when they lifted the Henri Delaunay Trophy with a 1-0 success over the host nation. It was , of organisation and a willingness to work hard.

Had they tried to play exciting, expansive football, no doubt they would have exited early, although in no way do I criticise the way they constructed their triumph.

But much as Rehhagel's achievement may have met with approval in technical workshops across Europe, it made for a poor spectacle as gifted teams were ground into the dirt. It was not the sort of football to make armchair supporters spontaneously throw their beer and popcorn all over the front room.

There was a touch of romance about it, but, a little bit like , you don't want to see it twice.

Thankfully, King Otto has lost his crown as defensive, stodgy football has given way to free-flowing action and a tournament that has restored one's faith in the international game.

The group stage at Euro 2008 has been rich in quality and last-ditch drama. There have been seven goals in second-half injury time as teams have opted to pursue victory right to the end rather than settle for a draw.

Poland, the Czechs and Switzerland all saw their campaigns undermined after conceding late goals - the last two at the hands of Turkey - while , combined with his team's dramatic , have ensured that the Italians have also provided plenty to engage the viewer.

As for the Dutch, top scorers so far with nine goals, they have been a revelation, while Spain, who have been just as entertaining, have scored eight times.

But for all the thrills and spills, we still have a quarter-final line-up boasting most of the pre-tournament favourites, the crushingly disappointing French excepted. You look at the teams left and I'm not sure there are any real spoliers. There will be no dour but triumphant Greece this year.

In Portugal, there were 64 goals in the group stage - compared to 57 this year - but just 13 followed in the seven knockout games. It resulted in a tournament that faded badly as a thirst for success succumbed to a fear of failure.

This year it could all be different. I really hope that the spirit of endeavour we have seen so far ensures that ties such as Germany v Portugal and Spain v Italy match their billing. We don't want bob and weave, more toe-to-toe, slugging it out.

If that happens, then we could have the best major tournament in a generation. Couldn't we?