Euro 2012: Press Round-up 28th June

28 June 2012 15:38
MARCA: "Our Heros!"

All Spanish press is celebrating Spain's pass to the Euro 2012 final, after a tough game were at times looked in favour of Portugal, it came down to penalties.
In Spain only Xabi Alonso missed the first penalty, Iniesta, Pirque, Ramos and Cesc found the back of the net. Paulo Bento's strategy didn't work, Cristiano Ronaldo was going to be the last shooter, but didn't get a chance to.

"La Roja is closer than ever to that Euro-World Cup-Euro treble, Ramos shines with a Panenka penalty, and Cesc scored the last penalty, just like in 2008".

Marca point out the great game displayed by Busquets, and as ever, Iniesta and also the entire Spanish defense.


AS: "We're going to the final!"

Del Bosque says that his group of players are fantastic. This paper puts emphasis on Sergio Ramos' penalty by saying "He culminated the best match of his life with a Panenka style penalty".

The extra time was considered a prize. Cesc Fabregas, who scored the last penalty, said that what he was saying to the ball was "We're going to continue making history".

Cristiano Ronaldo was completely cancelled out by the Spanish defense. Casillas, who stopped a penalty said "Who would've told us any of this would happen 4 years ago".

SPORT: "Finalists!"

This Catalan newspaper puts the focus on Cesc, who scored the winner "Cesc scored the decisive penalty and Spain will now fight for their third consecutive title".

This paper also has a though for Cristiano Ronaldo with a headline reading "Goodbye Ronaldo!" and going on to say "The Portuguese striker says goodbye to the tournament and to the Ballon D'or".

The picture shows Jordi Alba, Jesus Navas, Pepe Reina, Negredo and Ramos - among others, celebrating with Fabregas, the caption says "The euphoria showed by the players after a dramatic match against Portugal was decided on Penalties".

A BOLA: "Proud of Portugal"

Portuguese newspapers in general say it was down to luck "Bruno Alves' penalty hit the cross-bar and then went out, Fabregas' penalty hit the post but went in, giving Spain the victory".

Paulo Bento says "We went down with honour, we weren't lucky". Cristiano Ronaldo however is more adamant that "We deserved to be in the final".

RECORD: "We hit the crossbar"

Record again want to lift up spirits, just above the "Record" header, you can read "Thank you, Portugal".
The main headline about hitting the crossbar refers to Bruno Alves' penalty. Paulo Bento says that Portugal "did an extraordinary tournament" while Captain Cristiano Ronaldo says that everyone should be very proud".

Only a penalty shoot-out ended Portugal's Euro 2012 tournament.

O JOGO:  "The champions in our hands"

O Jogo believes that Portugal had the final very close, but Portugal let that chance escape. The picture in the front page is of goalkeeper Rui Patricio on the floor, after Pique scored his penalty.

"The penalty shootout ended Portugal's participation in the European Championship".

Paulo Bento believes that with this European tournament, Portugal made their country believe in them again.

Source: DSG