Euro 2012: Press Round-up 18th June

18 June 2012 16:49
Euro Press Round-up 18th June

MARCA: "Don't worry Italy, we don't hold a grudge"

Marca says this referring to the 1994 World Cup held in USA, where Tassotti elbowed Luis Enrique and broke his nose.
This newspaper wants to avoid any talk of "biscotto" (word used by the Italians referring to Spain's possible 2-2 draw against Croatia). Spain, like always, is thinking only of a victory, not even considering the 2-2 draw.

La Roja will look to their fantastic football to get through to the quarter finals, any draw is good for Spain, however a 2 goal draw - or higher, would see Italy out of the tournament. "Even though the Azzurri have made us cry loads of times, they shouldn't worry: La Roja doesn't do 'match-fixing' ".

"Cristiano appeared" Just like everyone hoped, Ronaldo appeared and had a fine game with Portugal, Paulo Bento's team beat Holland 2-1 and are through to the quarter finals, Germany qualified top of their group, they will face Czech Republic and Greece respectively.

AS: "Courage, luck and do the job"

This message is pretty clear, however just in case in brackets it says "And a 2-2 draw is forbbiden". Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he doesn't fear a 'biscotto' and says those are just rumours made up by the mediocre and general loser talk.

Del Bosque has a warning for his players "All the nice things Croatia have said should keep us in alert".

Cristiano is still in the running for Ballon D'or after his two goals which helped Portugal qualify for the quarter finals. Germany met expectations and will face Greece on Friday.

A BOLA: "Portugal great, Ronaldo even better"

Portugal will play the quarter finals against the Czech Republic.
Cristiano Ronaldo, start of the night said "We always believed, we were spectacular and now everything is possible", A Bola says hi scored to great goals, which he dedicated to his son, who coincidently, celebrated his second birthday yesterday.

Paulo Bento believes his team qualified fairly "because of our quality and because we all believed we could"
this newspaper says most of Portugal is still celebrating after yesterday's game.

RECORD: "Now let's go for it!"

A double by Ronaldo get Portugal through to the quarter finals.
Paulo Bento reckons last night's game was one of Portugal's most brilliant matches.
With his two gaols yesterday, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first Portuguese player to score in 5 finals.

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus believes Portugal have the players to rival Spain and Germany. He would also like to see Ronaldo win the Ballon D'or.

O JOGO: "He is Real"

O Jogo uses a play on words, referring to Ronaldo and his club Real Madrid, this paper doesn't break the pattern of the other Portuguese papers and make Cristiano Ronaldo the hero of the day. He made his critics shut-up in yesterday's game.

A great game by the "quinas" make them play the quarter finals against Czech Republic. Paulo Bento sent a message to his critics "I know they thought it would all be over today".
The Portuguese players boycotted interviews to the journalists after the match in the mixed zone.

GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT: "Nothing should we said, until we don't have it in the sack"

Then we can think about Croatia-Spain. The Italian paper tries to be funny, in their front page a little piece of cake with the forbidden sign, a message to Spain that 'biscotto' (that can be translated into pact) is not allowed.

Prandelli will use Cassano and Di Natale in the front, suggesting that Ballotelli will start on the bench after failing to wow his last two matches.

Source: DSG