The three-week tournament, this year's biggest soccer event, is expected to bring millions of tourists and euros to joint hosts Austria and Switzerland.
Some Austrians, though, say there is little interest in the country, especially with fears that the national team will prove an embarrassment.
"I'm no football fan and I don't really care that the tournament is happening here," said 27-year-old doctor Thomas Jasik, sitting by a hotdog stand in the capital.
"It doesn't help that the (Austrian) team is not very good. Austrians are great at skiing but when it comes to football -- forget it!" he said, laughing and shaking his head.
A quarter of Austrians do not care that Euro 2008 is being held in their country, according to a recent survey of 1,000 people by marketing group Makam, although a majority said it was positive that Austria was a host.
While teams from the host countries automatically qualify, a petition started last year by the son of former national player Werner Kriess pleaded with Austria not to take part because they were not good enough. It has collected more than 10,000 signatures online.
Geez, Louise, what're ya scared of?
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