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JOHN MOTSON ON THE FINAL OF EURO 2008
Sunday's European Championship final between Germany and Spain will be my last commentary at a major international tournament - although you'll still hear plenty from me next season on Match of the Day, Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website.
This is the 18th major tournament I've commentated on - nine European Championships and nine World Cups - and I wanted to finish when I was still coherent.
I didn't really want to be seen to be deteriorating or declining, so I just thought this was the right moment to say thank you very much and pass the baton on so to speak.
I've really enjoyed Euro 2008. There have been lots of exciting games and, more specifically, lots of exciting finishes to games.
Teams have concentrated on a quick, counter-attacking style and we have seen plenty of fast, fresh football. Very few games have been sterile. Teams have been imaginative and results unpredictable.
Holland, Russia and Turkey especially, have to take an awful lot of credit for that and I think my enduring memory of this tournament will be Turkey's energy and enthusiasm and how close they came in the end to reaching the final.
I'll be preparing for Sunday's final pretty much the same way I always have done and just hope that Mark Lawrenson, my co-commentator, and I can convey the sense of occasion to the BBC audience.
As for the match itself, I think Spain will have a real go. They play a fast, pressing game and can run with the ball. Germany looked very shaky against Turkey and will need to play an awful lot better if they're going to win.
One way or another I think we're in for an decent final. |
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