Recent days in Vienna have begun bright and fresh, but gradually the heat starts to rise. By early evening, the atmosphere is unpleasant and sultry, at which, with great crashes and flashes, the inevitable storm breaks.

One wonders whether the European Championships are following a similar pattern: for all the novelty and freshness provided by the likes of Russia, Turkey and Croatia, at the end of the day will it once again be all about the Sturm und Drang of the Germans?