Vicente del Bosque: “Spain is ready for the start of the tournament”

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque on the eve of game 1 of the 1st round Euro-2012 with Italy stated that command is configured to avoid a repetition of the situation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when the Spaniards started the tournament with a defeat. 

“Spain is ready for the start of the tournament. We do not want to repeat the sad experience of the 2010 FIFA World Cup when we lost the first match. This time we want to start well. The skorotečnom group stage is important. 

We have emerged from the starting line-up for the match with Italy, but the players won't know in advance. Of course, it is always very difficult to select 11 players, especially when you are eager to get out on the field. 

Since Cesare Prandelli headed the Italian national team, they changed their style of play and have become very strong. But we are prepared for any eventuality.” – said Vicente.

Xavi made more than 100 assists in a Euro 2012 against Italy

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has made more than 100 assists in a Euro-2012 qualifier against Italy (1: 1). 

Xavi Hernández became the second player in team history, have fulfilled more 100 passes per game for the European Championship. The first was Josep Guardiola.

Fabregas equaliser in the match with Italy (Video)

Spanish midfielder Francesc Fabregas equaliser of the match group stage of Euro-2012 against Italy. Transfer was noted midfielder David Silva.

Cristiano Ronaldo: “I started my speech for Manchester United”

Interview on last season's Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, winning the title and the upcoming Euro-2012… 

“I really want to achieve success at the upcoming European Championships with his national team. All in Madrid and only talk about the Champions League and its importance for OS blancos. Last season we were very close to win this tournament, but we had no luck. Our team is to win the Champions League next season. I'm sure we can”. 

“We have not been able to get to the finals, losing in a penalty shoot-out. You cannot win a series of penalty kicks, without realizing the three attacks. I think we have proved in the first half of the match with Bayern, but the second half is not has gone right for us. Perhaps the reason for this is the complex calendar and moral tension. I understand that this is not justification for our defeat. Bayern was playing in the final with an excellent game. At the helm is a great mentor undone.” 

“I started my speech for Manchester United FC at the age of 18 years, and Sir Alex was for me as a father. He supported me in many ways, and I've learned to have many important things. I can say with confidence that he is a wonderful man. Now, my tutor is José Mourinho, which I consider to be the best coach in the world. It motivates me, and I can improve more and more. I really enjoyed working with him.” 

“I think we had better Barcelona this year. They demonstrated its corporate football, but we managed to beat them and bring the case before the title. To date, we are stronger Barcelona.” 

“Last year, journalists asked me if I beat my record of success, and I replied that I improved with each season. I understand that it would be difficult to score more League goals in 46 years of procedure, but nothing is impossible. I have enough strength and power to beat this result. Also, it would be difficult to beat the record, 100 points for the season, but I think this is real.” 

“Every year I want to improve their level of play. And this is not a competition with Messi, this contest with yourself. People like to compare me with Messi, but it's still that compare "Porsche" and "Ferrari". We are completely different players. We are in different clubs, playing for different national teams. We simply cannot be compared.” 

“I have no right to judge whether I deserve Golden Ball this season or not. Just saying that this year has been fantastic in my career. I first became the champion of Spain, which is very important for me. Now I am completely focused on the game of football, and will try to show the best side to the euro. While I don't want to talk about the Golden Ball.” 

“Mourinho stated in his interview that counts on each player's team and wants to see Higuain remained. Gonzalo should itself take a decision and we will respect his choice. We love him and he's a wonderful player.” 

“I am happy with Madrid and want to be in that Club. I like the stadium, guide, and I like playing in La Liga. However, I do not know what awaits me in the future.” 

“We have been joking about the upcoming game Germany-Portugal. Especially we like to joke with Mesut because it's funnier than Sami Khedira. The more calm and serious man. Sometimes we smeëmsâ together with the Spaniards who intending to win the euro. It's good that we sometimes so podšučivaem stacked on top of each other, it gives cohesion to our team.” 

“I believe that the main favourites for the European Forum are Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. These three countries have the best chance of winning. Portugal never considered a favorite, and this is good, because we don't feel much pressure to others. Our team of good players and a good coach. It was not an easy group, but we have to get out of it. Let's see what will.”

Italy and Spain will play in the finals of the European Football Championship

Italian players reached the final of the European Championship, which takes place in Poland and Ukraine, and now compete for the title with the team in Spain. 

The Italians on Thursday defeated the Germans in Warsaw with the score 2: 1. Two of the Italian team made the striker Mario Balotelli, who scored on a 20-36 minutes. The German team's midfielder Mesut Mesut Özil at the second minute, added at the time of the second half, converted a penalty kick. 

Germany to the semi-finals remained the only team to win all the matches of Euro-2012. 

German players have never beaten the Italians at world and European Championships. From now eight games the Germans half lost, and another four have finished in a draw. To Euro-2012 the last match held in the semi-final of the home team for FIFA World Cup Germany 2006. The Italians then won in extra time with the score 2: 0, then the French won on penalties in the final. 

For victory at the Euro-2012, the Italians will compete with the existing world and European champions Spain. The match will take place in Kyiv on July 1. Germans and Portuguese completed the European Championship with bronze medals.

England vs Italy. Firefighters

People say that England has played in the Italian style, but this is nonsense. Only Italy could play in the Italian style. And we don't care who try to copy us, so put Andrea Pirlo on the England national football team before the start of the UEFA Euro-2012 match quarter, and it is difficult to argue with him. Roy Hodgson's team really played defensively, but it's rather resembled panic fire erupting here and there fires rather than organised approach to solving the problem. 

In General, throughout the tournament, giving the feeling that England played without a plan, according to the situation. Absolutely outstanding in defence, the lack of communication between the midfield and the attack had come in from James Milner - though Hodgson chose 11 players from the list of the most known names and with the words "Let us guys, bear with" released them onto the field. In four games he was still the same lineup with the only difference being that in the first round instead of Rooney played Oxlade-Chamberlain, and in the second, Carroll. 

The clash with the Italians, the protection of "Three lions" has manifested itself in all its terrifying glory. Do not give Pirlo do penetrative pass into the penalty area they can't, but at the last moment to cover hit Mario Balotelli is please. The first offside Englishmen, after futile attempts to set up midway through the second half, with Lescott was so pleased with it that poaplodiroval themselves and partners. Enjoying leave Rio Ferdinand will slyly smiled, looking like a team that's not invited, once again left out in the cold. 

Playful Italy goes into the semifinals of the tournament, and the English team leaves it dull. Defeat at the stage 1/4 finals of the Italians to shame does not name, but is so ugly, the weak game leaves a lot of questions. Although, if you think about it, is to blame not Hodgson and not players and soccer authorities, which, after all the anticipation, spread over a month before the start of the tournament was appointed head coach of the old Roy. The latter is not the blame, he did what he could. It is, in fact, also sent put out the fire.

Andrea Pirlo: "People say that England play in Italian football"

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has shared expectations of Euro-2012 quarter match againstEngland. 

“People say that England play in Italian football, but this is nonsense. Our team is able to act only in the same way. We don't care about the other teams that try to impersonate us. It is like playing against Spain in the Spanish manner. 

Hodgson knows that Italian football is a small advantage. In addition, he is a cunning tactician. However, I've seen several games against England in the tournament. I am not impressed, sure we will beat them in the quarterfinals. 

They have a weakness that we can use, especially in midfield. Sometimes they are missing key players. Very strange to see England play on the counterattack. Perhaps, they will use a different tactic in the game with us. However, I doubt it, it's fairly predictable team,” – said Pirlo.

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