The cover of "Like a Superstar"

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Saying EURO 2008 is popular is like saying The Beatles had a few hits in their day. More than 8 billion viewers across 180 countries are expected to tune in to the tournament, which pits the best European international soccer teams against each other. But EURO 2008 is about much more than kicking a ball around a soccer pitch. A wide variety of entertainment is at the forefront of the fan experience, including a selection of official songs for the tournament.






Official Song

Can You Hear Me – Enrique Iglesias: Given that the Spanish-born Iglesias has scored a number one hit on every continent, he seems the perfect choice to be the voice of a tournament with a multicultural fan base. With lyrics like, “where I am there’s no limit, no walls, no ceiling, no intermission, so let the party begin,” the song certainly captures the essence of players rising above expectations to achieve greatness. It also conveys the celebratory nature of winning a major competition, which is essential given that Iglesias will perform the track at the closing ceremony of today’s EURO 2008 final in Vienna. Unfortunately, the song lacks the sense of grit and determination that players express as they excel on such a big stage. Also, anyone who hears the song out of the context of this tournament will be unlikely to make a connection to the action on the pitch.

Grade: B +

Mascot Songs

Like A Superstar – Shaggy: The songs of Jamaican reggae musician Shaggy supplement videos for EURO 2008 mascots Trix and Flix. This catchy track expresses the glamour of European football, but some of this glitz gets lost with the song’s affiliation to the mascots. Superstar-quality soccer conjures up images of Cristiano Ronaldo’s dazzling ball tricks or David Villa’s laser strikes, not videos of cartoon mascots.

Grade: A-

Feel the Rush – Shaggy: The aura of excitement surrounding EURO 2008 comes alive in this track’s cheerful chorus. The joy of seeing your favorite team score in a pivotal match provides an unparalleled rush of adrenaline. This song provides a reminder of the “rush” that awaits as EURO 2008 builds to its climax during today’s final. Yet, the song invariably feels flat and uninspired in parts. It especially sounds inferior when compared to “Like A Superstar.’’

Grade: C+

The final of EURO 2008 airs on ABC at 2:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. PST.