Euro 2008 Soccer Brings Ball State’s International Students Together

Many of Ball State’s international students set their laptops and books aside for a few hours while at Bracken Library to watch the European Championship together.

From June 19-22, 2008, the quarter-finals resulted in Portugal’s loss to Germany while Croatia and Turkey tied at one goal each. Russia beat the Netherlands 3-1, and Spain took the win over Italy on penalties with a score of 4-2.

The library staff enjoyed the students’ camaraderie and positive spirits during the playoffs. The semi-finals on Thursday and Friday, June 25 and 26, ended with Germany ousting Turkey at 3-2 and Spain trumping Russia, 3-0.

The final game was billed as a clash of Germany's efficiency and power versus Spain's fluidity and creativity. Spain had not won a major tournament since 1964, yet they finally proved they are able to cope with pressure of the highest stage. Spaniard Fernando Torres scored the only goal for a 1-0 win over Germany.

The comfortable seating and large screen television in Bracken’s lower level provided a great opportunity for students to enjoy the Euro 2008 soccer matches, which topped the television ratings in all of the participating nations.