Getting closer
The former Bayer 04 Leverkusen general manager has noted the rising anticipation levels in Klagenfurt in recent weeks. “The excitement is building daily,” he said. “The national championships are over and the UEFA Champions League final has been and gone. Now, all the interest is focused on UEFA EURO 2008™. The team training camps are getting under way and the fans are starting to arrive. All this has had an effect on local people. Many people in Carinthia already have red-white-red flags on their cars. Everything is ready for a big festival. The party will soon be starting.”

More than football
Calmund is now looking forward to sampling the atmosphere once the tournament kicks off. “I will be walking around the fan mile in Klagenfurt,” he said. “There are public events scheduled and that’s great. A UEFA European Championship is not just a footballing spectacle, it’s about so much more. It’s about variety, culture and society. There will be fantastic pictures and messages going around the world. We can all look forward to that.”

German experience
Having played a role in organising the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Calmund predicts a similarly successful EURO in Austria and Switzerland. “The stadiums may be smaller but the mood will be fantastic,” he said. “Austria and Switzerland offer a delightful atmosphere. The fans will be celebrating in the stadiums, along the fan miles and on the streets – delivering great scenes similar to those experienced two years ago in Germany.”

‘A lot of potential’
For Austria, much may hinge on their final Group B game against Germany in Vienna – but if a recent 3-0 friendly defeat by their neighbours augurs poorly for the co-hosts, Calmund feels this may be a closer game. “Austria are much stronger than people think. This team have a lot of potential. Germany are favourites but you cannot underestimate the Austrians. They can spring a few surprises as underdogs, not least because they have the home fans behind them.”