After the opening game of Euro 2008 in Basel, Switzerland with the victory of the Czech Republic over the host country Switzerland, Portugal played its opening game against Turkey in Geneva, Switzerland. The game was transmitted live via Shortwave and Internet Radio by RDP Internacional [The External Services of Portuguese Radio and Television]. During an interview, Luis Felipe Scolari [the Coach of the Portuguese National Team who is from Brazil] was willing to recognize the strength of the Turkish National Team and was willing to be content with either a 1-0 victory for Portugal or a draw. The events that transpired showed otherwise.
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FIRST HALF

The Portuguese and Turkish National Teams used the first half to attempt possession of the game. It was a mark of brinkmanship in which the Turkish Team blinked and Portugal took possession of the game within the last ten minutes of the first half. The Turks were no match for the onslaught that was to follow.

SECOND HALF

Portugal continues with possession of the ball and the game with the Turks attempting to play a football that was weak. Portugal continued its consistent offence with the first goal by Pepe after an exchange of the ball with Nune Gomes. There were some members of the Turkish National Team who were playing violently to the point that Kazim Richards, Zan, and Sarioglu were booked. Aurelio deserved a red card for his violent kick to the left leg of Nani leaving a profound gash. Regardless, Raul Meireles helped Portugal get its revenge by scoring a second goal just before the game ended. With the goal by Meireles, Portugal deserved its victory.

REVIEW

Luis Felipe Scolari either on purpose or because of the nerves underestimated the Portuguese National Team. Portugal played a clean, disciplined, and honourable game. Portugal played with dignity and with tenacity. Portugal deserved its victory. Turkey on the other hand played with little desire except to impose pain on members of the Portuguese National Team. The bookings were not sufficient and I insist that Aurelio should have been sent off. At the present rate, Portugal and the Czech Republic will be the top teams in Group A with Portugal winning in the Group. Everything hinges on how Portugal can defeat the Czech Republic and Switzerland. RDP Internacional [The External Services of Portuguese Radio and Television deserves high honours for its exceptional coverage of the first game by the Portuguese National Team in Euro 2008.

Portugal 2-0 Turkey

PRELUDIO

Despues de la apertura de Euro 2008 en Basilea Suiza con la victoria de la Republica Checa contra el equipo de los anfitriones, Portugal jugo contra Turquia en la bella ciudad de Ginebra. El juego de Portugal contra Turquia fue transmitido en vivo por RDP Internacional [la emisora internacional de onda corta y cibernetica de la Republica Portuguesa]. El tecnico del equipo portugues Luis Felipe Scolari [natural de Brasil] reconocio la fuerza de Turquia con el comentario de que “son jugadores de futbol al estilo de Brasil”. Luis Felipe Scolari anuncio que estaria conforme con un empate.

PRIMERA MITAD

Los Portugueses y los Turcos compitieron por la posesion de la pelota y el juego pero no hubo resultados. Parece que Portugal y Turquia aprovecharon de la primera mitad para medirse en fuerza y poderio pero el juego para Portugal [recordando de la cancion del cantautor Willie Chirino y sus versos: “Lo Que Esta Pa‘ Ti, Nadie Te Lo Quita“]. En los ultimos diez minutos, parece que Portugal se desperto y dejaron a los Turcos sin aire con su manera de jugar el futbol.

SEGUNDA MITAD

Portugal sigue en posesion de la pelota y el juego con los turcos recibiendo las tarjetas amarillas. El primer gol del juego fue por Pepe despues de un intercampus de la pelota con Nuno Gomes. Estamos en el comienzo de un juego con vida con los turcos siendo agotado por la defensa por excelencia de Portugal. Portugal sigue en posesion a pesar de los intentos de los turcos en hacer trampas. Incluso Mehmet Aurelio propino una patada en la pierna izquierda de Nani dejando una herida profunda y abierta. Mientras tanto, Raul Meireles logro el Segundo gol para cerrar el juego con una victoria para Portugal.

COMENTARIOS

Portugal con Luis Felipe Scolari mostro que merecen la victoria. Portugal jugo un juego sobresaliente y fueron un equipo con diciplina y tenacidad. Turquia jugo sucio y no tenian posesion de la pelota. No se en que parara las cosas pero considero que la Republica Checa y Portigal seran los clasificados de Grupo A con Portugal ganando en ese Grupo. Quiero felicitar a RDP Internacional por su cobertura sobresaliente de este juego historico. Mis felicidades para Portugal y RDP Internacional en su victoria contra Turquia. Portugal merece la victoria.

Portugal 2-0 Turquia

Portugal: 10/10
Turquia: 0/10

McCain fails to separate himself from the Constitution-defying programs of his predecessor

Washington, D.C. - The Libertarian Party is questioning John McCain's rhetoric of bringing "real change" to Washington after it was revealed by a McCain adviser that the Republican presidential candidate supports the warrantless wiretap programs of the Bush administration. "McCain's support of President Bush's domestic spying program would indicate that a McCain administration would be another four years of Constitution treading and civil liberties abuse," says Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis.

"McCain has tried to project himself as a 'real change' from the disastrous programs of the last seven years," Davis continues. "However, McCain's reluctance to fully abandon the egregious policies of his predecessor makes him simply a repackaged version of the Bush administration--far from the illusion of change McCain has worked so hard to create."

On Friday, the New York Times reported that a McCain adviser had stated McCain as believing that “neither the administration nor the telecoms need apologize for actions that most people, except for the A.C.L.U. and trial lawyers, understand were constitutional and appropriate in the wake of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.” Taking such a position would put McCain in lockstep with the highly criticized programs of the Bush administration.

"Real change--the kind that a Barr administration would bring to Americans--would be returning America to a place where citizens can trust that the government is not looking over their shoulder or listening in on their phone calls," says LP presidential candidate and former Congressman Bob Barr. "A McCain administration would undoubtedly be a continuation of the status quo from which Americans are ready to escape. McCain is not change. McCain is four more years of the same."

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

For more information on this issue, or to arrange a media interview, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 333-0008 during normal business hours, or at (202) 731-0002 during any other time.