If you think Euro 2008 isn’t shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments in the last few years, then just ask Rafael Nadal how important the games mean to him. He’s currently competing at Wimbledon, but that’s an aside to Spain’s semifinal clash against Russia tomorrow. Rafael is so dedicated to his national team that he’s asked those spiffy, all white wearing stiffs at Wimbledon if he could please, oh god please, let him play really early so he can cheer Iker and the boys on.

Rafael Nadal wants Wimbledon organisers to give him an early start for his second-round match tomorrow so he can cheer on Spain in their Euro 2008 semifinal.

Keen football fan Nadal faces Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis for a place in the last 32 and then hopes to complete a dream day by sitting in front of the television to watch Spain beat Russia and make the Euro final. “I hope so,” said the World No 2 when asked if he was hoping for an early start.

He should hope an “early exit” from the tournament isn’t what he gets. Even though Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis is ranked 48th, and is 19, and has never, ever beat anyone that was ranked higher than 3rd, there’s still a karmic chance that a huge upset is in store tomorrow morning.

Nadal wants to watch Euro match [IOL]
Image [Zimbio]