The chronicle of the Cup

Underdog Austria, which as co-host has won its first-ever ticket to a European football championship, still glories in the memory of its Wunderteam and the 1978 win in Cordoba over archrival Germany.

In the 1930s, Austria's national football team developed into one of the best in the world, scoring a series of spectacular wins and earning the title of Wunderteam (Wonder team).

Under the helm of coach Hugo Meisl, it lifted the Central European International Cup in 1932 and took silver at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

But the team's greatest achievement was its 14-game unbeaten run from April 12, 1931 to October 23, 1932, during which it thrashed many of its greatest European rivals, including Scotland (5-0), Germany (6-0 and 5-0), Switzerland (8-1), Italy (2-1) and Hungary (8-2).

Meisl's death in 1937, and Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria and subsequent dissolution of the national football team spelled an end for the Wunderteam.

But captain Matthias Sindelar and his men are still remembered today as the most successful team in Austrian football history.

Cordoba, meanwhile, resonates among Austrians as the most important victory in the recent history of the sport.

On June 21, 1978, Austria defeated the defending world champions West Germany 3-2 in a second-stage match of the World Cup in Argentina.

Although Austria was eliminated from the tournament, the win also ended the hopes of its northern neighbour, which was still on track to reach the finals before the game.

The match, often painted as a battle between David and Goliath, saw the Austrians defeat Germany for the first time in 47 years and they finished 7th in the final World Cup ranking.

After 30 years, Cordoba remains the country's last victory against a reigning World Champion.

The Austrian players became known as the Heroes of Cordoba and gained national fame, with three of them going on to manage the national team: Herbert Prohaska, Hans Krankl, and current coach Josef Hickersberger.

"A small country achieved something great in football against a big country, that is a proud chapter in our sporting history," Krankl said recently.

Banks and fast food chains are now even proposing special Cordoba products, in the run-up to the Euro - though given the current rating of the present Austrian team it may need something rather more potent to see a repeat of that feat.

Poland will be ready to host Euro 2012

Polish officials guaranteed that the country will be ready to host the next European football championships after a visit by UEFA head Michel Platini amid concerns Poland and co-hosts Ukraine are behind schedule in their preparations.

"Mr. Platini and I listed all the warnings regarding the state of Poland's preparations for Euro 2012," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday. "And I can happily highlight that the plan - which we accepted and the UEFA accepted - is being realised."

Tusk said he guarantees the plan would be carried out and that Platini recognised Poland as "reliable."

Sports Minister Miroslaw Drzewiecki said his meeting with Platini went "very well," and assured that all projects would be completed either before or on the deadline. He said that while Platini was well informed, "today he saw for himself that everything was coming along on schedule."

The report on the visit by the boss of the sport's governing body in Europe will be completed in September and the final decision will come in the autumn on Poland and Ukraine hosting the tournament.

The visit came amid rumours the two former Soviet-bloc nations could lose the championship to better prepared and willing hosts like Italy or France.

Platini is slated to visit Ukraine on Thursday, where tensions are high amid long-stalled work on a decrepit stadium and worries about the country's ability to hold its share of the games.

Last year UEFA officials said Poland wasn't making enough progress in building stadiums, hotels, roads and airports. In January, Platini warned organisers of "critical slippages" and said the months ahead would be critical. He gave organisers another "wake-up call" in March.

The Weekend Trotter: Covelong Beach

Covelong Beach is located in between the city of Chennai and the adjoining Mahabalipuram. The beach stretch lies about 40 kms away from the city. The beach is typically noted for its serene beauty and beach activities. Covelong differs from the rest of the beaches in that the precincts are not over crowded and most of the pleasure is derived from the smooth and peaceful environment. This fact makes it one of the most sought after by people who want a little bit privacy, thrill and solitude. The beach has witnessed some historical events in the past era. It was Saadat Ali, the Nawab of Carnatic, who built a port here in the year 1746. In the meantime, the port area developed strategic importance and was subjected to a number of attacks. The port was captured by the French in 1752, under the commandship of General Laboudonnais. The French troops were soon routed by the British General Clive.

Attractions
Covelong Beach is famous for its clear waters and serenity. The beach is one of the best for people who like a dip and a dive. Swimmimg and wind surfing are popular activities of the tourists. The beach environs are quite fruitful for those who seek meditation. The beach houses the adorable fishing settlement. There are other attractions of the bygone era like an old old fort, church and a mosque. These attractions, however, are secondary and most of the people enjoy either the dip or basking in the sun.

Not very far from the beach is the tourist hotspot Mahabalipuram. The tourists who come to Covelong Beach, generally makes to the place of Mahabalipuram.