For soccer fans the biggest event of the summer isn’t the Olympics (a glorified youth tournament), it’s the European Championships. Unfortunately, a battle against ugly racism is already surfacing in Poland, with speculation of teams potentially abandoning play if racist chants occur during matches. On the field, the Euros often play host to the most appealing, competitive international tournament.
Thankfully, ESPN is continuing in their new tradition of excellent soccer coverage by showing every match across ESPN and ESPN2 along with ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes. In addition to announcer pairings, the ESPN studio will include hosts Max Bretos and Bob Ley with analysts such as German legend Michael Ballack, MLS MVP Taylor Twellman, Tommy Smyth (who I actually enjoy), and Alexi Lalas. Sadly, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez doesn’t look like he’ll be reprising his role from the 2010 World Cup, at least according to the most recent ESPN press release.
With the group stage set to begin today, here are the announcer pairings and match schedule. We’ll be back after the group stage with the announcing assignments for the knockout round.
Friday, June 8th
Poland vs. Greece (12pm ESPN) Ian Darke/Steve McManaman
Russia vs. Czech Republic (2:45pm) Derek Rae/Kasey Keller
Saturday, June 9th
Netherlands vs. Denmark (12pm ESPN) Adrian Healey/Robbie Mustoe
Germany vs. Portugal (2:45pm ESPN) Rae/Keller
Sunday, June 10th
Spain vs. Italy (12pm ESPN) Darke/McManaman
Ireland vs. Croatia (2:45pm) Healey/Mustoe
Monday, June 11th
France vs. England (12pm ESPN) Darke/McManaman
Ukraine vs. Sweden (2:45pm ESPN) Rae/Keller
Tuesday, June 12th
Greece vs. Czech Republic (12pm ESPN) Healey/Mustoe
Poland vs. Russia (2:45pm ESPN) Rae/Keller
Wednesday, June 13th
Denmark vs. Portugal (12pm ESPN) Healey/Mustoe
Netherlands vs. Germany (2:45pm ESPN) Darke/McManaman
Thursday, June 14th
Italy vs. Croatia (12pm ESPN2) Rae/Taylor Twellman
Spain vs. Ireland (2:45pm ESPN2) Darke/McManaman
Friday, June 15th
Ukraine vs. France (12pm ESPN2) Rae/Twellman
Sweden vs. England (2:45pm ESPN2) Healey/Mustoe
Saturday, June 16th
Czech Republic vs. Poland (2:45pm ESPN) Rae/Twellman
Greece vs. Russia (2:45pm ESPN2) Healey/Mustoe
Sunday, June 17th
Portugal vs. Netherlands (2:45pm ESPN) TBD
Denmark vs. Germany (2:45pm ESPN2) TBD
Monday, June 18th
Croatia vs. Spain (2:45pm ESPN) Rae/Twellman
Italy vs. Ireland (2:45pm ESPN2) Healey/Mustoe
Tuesday, June 19th
England vs. Ukraine (2:45pm ESPN) Darke/McManaman
Sweden vs. France (2:45pm ESPN2) Rae/Twellman
[via ESPN]
