Good goals help finals make a bright start

By Mike Collett

BASEL (Reuters) - Three finely executed goals, two entertaining matches and two sell-out crowds in Basel and Geneva signalled a positive footballing start to Euro 2008 despite wet weather and cloudy skies.

Despite a number of arrests and the usual acts of drunken vandalism associated with the game's big competitions, Saturday's two games provided plenty of entertainment; although the Swiss had a day they would rather forget.

The momentum was set early in the opening match between co-hosts Switzerland and Czech Republic in Basel as the Swiss went at the Czechs straight from the kick-off and had two good scoring chances in the opening 16 minutes.

Although a single goal from Czech substitute Vaclav Sverkos decided the Group A match, the tempo was quick for most of the game and both sides came close to scoring more goals.

In Geneva, Portugal played some outstanding football in their 2-0 win over Turkey, who also contributed to an open, attacking game.

Both of Portugal's goals came from well-worked moves, with Pepe opening the scoring in the 61st minute after a one-two with Nuno Gomes and substitute Raul Meireles making it 2-0 in stoppage time after another flowing build-up.

Although it is far too early for meaningful comparisons, the opening day of the tournament reflected the opening day of Euro 2004 when the hosts were beaten in their first match.

Despite home advantage, Portugal lost 2-1 to eventual champions Greece and a total of four first-day goals were scored after Spain beat Russia 1-0 in the second match.