Yuvraj Singh hands over the MoM trophy to Swiss forward Hakan Yakin

Karachi: There was an Indian presence, actually quite high profile at that, in one match of the just-ended Euro competition. One is, of course, talking of Team India’s ODI vice-captain Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj, it may be recalled, made the MoM presentation after the June 15 Portugal versus Switzerland face-off in Basel. The experience of watching that match in person is something he won’t forget in a hurry.

On Monday afternoon, at the Pearl Continental here, Yuvraj took a few questions from The Telegraph on Euro ’08.

The following are excerpts

On Spain becoming the best in Europe after 44 years

Good for them... With Portugal out of the race, I’d been backing Germany... It really didn’t matter that the Germans had sent Portugal packing (in the quarters)... In fact, I’d watched the thrilling Germany versus Turkey semi-final the other night... It had such a rousing finish (Germany winning with seconds remaining).

Whether he watched Sunday night’s final

Unfortunately, no... I got the dates mixed up and, for some reason, it was in my mind that the final was tonight... (Adds laughing) Just goes to show what too much cricket can do.

His fascination for Portugal

Because their game has the Latin American touch... Has that flair which appeals... It’s exciting soccer... Their approach is different.

Not getting to meet Cristiano Ronaldo when he went to Basel

It was disappointing... He was rested that day and Portugal lost the match... Given the result, I didn’t ask for a one-on-one with him... I’d assumed the team would be upset... He’s one of my favourites, with a remarkably high level of skill.

Whether he was surprised on being invited to make the presentation

Well, they (Carlsberg) wanted an Indian sportsman and I felt honoured... I couldn’t have gone had the tri-series final gone to the reserve day... Getting to Basel had been one hell of a journey — Dhaka to Kuwait City to Frankfurt to Zurich (where his bag didn’t arrive) and, from there, by road... The hour-long drive, though, was beautiful.

MoM Hakan Yakin’s reaction on getting the award from him

(Grins) It was an awkward moment for both of us... A bit funny too... I don’t think the Swiss striker said much, probably because he wasn’t fluent in English... As for me, I didn’t say much either... Congratulated him, that’s it... I guess most there must have wondered who I was... Some could even have thought I was from outer space!

The experience of watching an Euro match live

It was great... Absolutely great... The whole presentation, so to say, was very different from the way we do it... There was professionalism every inch of the way... Then, viewing a match in person is different from watching it on the TV... On the TV, one gets the impression that the players have much space, not so while viewing live... Everything appeared condensed... The 90 minutes went in a flash... It was a new experience for me. I’d been tired because of the travelling, but it was worth it.

Crowd behaviour

It was known that Switzerland wouldn’t qualify for the next stage (quarters), yet it was a full house and the way the fans still supported their team was touching.

The Euro match which fascinated him

I couldn’t, obviously, watch all... The Germany-Turkey semi-final was memorable... That it got decided in the last minute (via a Philipp Lahm goal) tells its own story.

Whether he follows soccer in India

I’m aware of the teams and so on, but I don’t really follow it...

On being a passionate Manchester United fan

Absolutely... I try to watch as many English Premier League matches as possible and, boy, there’s always a distinct buzz around Man United... It’s special.

Finally, his favourite team — be it country or club

Brazil.