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Spain´s Queen Sofia (R) and Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (2nd L, standing) are pictured in the stands before the Euro 2008 championships final Germany vs. Spain, on June 29, at Ernst-Happel stadium in Vienna, Austria. Zapatero is now dreaming of glory for Spain at the 2010 WC in SAfrica after his side beat Germany 1-0 to win Euro 2008, its first major title in over 40 years. |
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MADRID (AFP) - Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is dreaming of glory for Spain at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after his side beat Germany 1-0 to win Euro 2008, its first major title in over 40 years.
"They deserved to win and this is only the beginning. The best is yet to come. We have to go for the World Cup now," he told private Spanish television Cuatro from Vienna, Austria after congratulating the squad.
"I am happy, really happy. Its a privilege because I believe I am the first premier of the democratic era who has presided over a title win. My generation had the right to enjoy seeing its national team win a championship like this," he added.
Spain last lifted the European Cup in 1964, when right-wing General Francisco Franco ruled the country with an iron grip, with victory over the former USSR in what was its only triumph at a major tournament to date.
Spain was ranked fourth in the world by FIFA before the Euro 2008 final while Germany was ranked fifth.
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Discuss- Add comment
bontekoe June 30th, 2008 14:24
His generation had "the right to enjoy seeing its national team win"? What nonsense--even for a politician! So the English, and the Russians, and the Dutch, etc. presumably do _not_ have such a "right"?? Just feel-good, chauvinistic twaddle from the Spanish prime minister.Giorgio June 30th, 2008 14:42
Bontekoe,You hit the nail right on the head !!!! But then, we shouldn't be surprised, because Zapatero is an arrogant man. And now that the Spaniards have won something, for the first time in 44 years, we'll never hear the end of it !!!!!
ajax72 June 30th, 2008 16:53
bontekoe-although english isn't you mother language you should be able to grasp the meaning of the sentence in the context of his whole statement. Let me try to explain: he's talking about SPAIN and his SPANISH generation in the context of the political changes which saw Spain overthrow the dictatorship and establish the democracy. He doesn't mean his generation in general, so English, Russians, Dutch, etc. have nothing to do with this. As for 'chauvinistic', google for the meaning of the word.Tontodonati June 30th, 2008 19:17
The World Cup is not the domain of Spain! Brazil, Italy, Germany and Argentina have a lock on it!Tontodonati June 30th, 2008 21:52
OK! Shauvinism is a term coined after Joseph N. Chauvin, a French napoleonic soldier who , like Napoleon, was infatuated with an unhealthy love for his country, France! Today is also used in a different connotation like "Chauvinistic Pig" which means hatred toward women, or a show off man!bontekoe June 30th, 2008 21:59
ajax72, what makes you think English is not my native language? We're not all Bulgarians. Not only is English my native language, but I was formerly (before becoming a university professor) a high school English teacher. My use of the term "chauvinistic" is entirely correct, and my contempt for the Spanish Prime Minister's remarks was (and remains) fully justified. You may wish to make allowances for the foolish remarks he uttered in the excitement of the moment. I tend to expect dignitaries of state to set a good example (of clear reasoning as well as dignified decorum) on those occasions when they are asked to speak on behalf of their nations.Tontodonati June 30th, 2008 22:20
Bontekoe, for a Canadian you seem to be quite emotional, but you're right. I, also an English Professor, though English is not my mother tongue, can tell you that you used the term Chauvinism correctly. As I stated in the message above, the denotation (original) meaning of Chauvinism is an "exagereted love for one's Country." By the way, I lived in Toronto for 38 years and I'm a Canadian citizen. Where in Canada do you live?ajax72 July 1st, 2008 03:00
bontekoe - You an university professor?! So I'm the Pope. After the interpretation you gave to this simple, straightforward statement how you managed to become a high school teacher, let alone university professor, beats me. But it's your student's problem not mine. Wish you all the best anyway and no hard feelings.Giorgio July 1st, 2008 09:19
It's amazing how little interest, or enthusiasm, Spain's victory in Euro 2008 has generated on this blog. I find this to be really strange !!!!!If Italy had won, there would have been al least 50 messages (with the usual repertoire of insults).
ajax72 July 1st, 2008 10:59
There are no Spaniards nor Germans on this site so it's normal to have only a few comments. It would have been different if Turkey, Italy or Holland have reached the final. As for Italy I'm afraid you are right - its football doesn't enjoy as much fans as its cars,food or clothing. Well I mean supporters outside Italy of course.Tontodonati July 1st, 2008 12:11
Giorgio, you got that right buddy! Spain is nothing in the soccer world. Brazil and Italy hold the reign. Ajax72, Don't tell me that this web site does not have members other than the countries you just mentioned. Italy's the "enemy." You may fool fools but not me!pulzar July 3rd, 2008 15:08
Does anyone know if many became bald in Spain like they said they would if Spain won Euro2008 ?sifet123 July 3rd, 2008 18:31
u only get lucky one time and by wining the EURO and now they are seying to wint he World Cup 2010 i dont think soobat good luck
the winners of 2010 World Cup are England,Portugal, or Germany bat Italy or Spain noo
There are other Countrys too like Barsil and Argentina
we never know who is going to win bat my team that is what to win is Bosnia
iggy1711 July 4th, 2008 06:06
Spain would probably have a better chance of winning if the World Cup was sooner so that they could maintain the momentum because in soccer, like all sports, optimism means vey much. But I believe that Spain has a chance. I'm not saying that surely they will win and that they will crush everyone else, but they have a chance. And Giorgio, what do you know about Zapatero? Are you just saying he is arrogant because he is Spanish or do you actually have a reason other than this one comment? I'm just asking, I know little of him.