Di Stefano: Spain Can Do It

The 81-year-old forward represented no fewer than three national teams in his lifetime, but it is with Real Madrid and Spain that he's most associated.

The veteran now thinks that he can count on Spain picking up their first piece of silverware since 1964 if luck goes their way.

"Spain are playing very well," he told the Real Madrid website.

"Their players are fast and they dominate proceedings on the pitch. They have a chance of reaching the final.

"Football has the great virtue of unpredictability, but Spain can be champions. Let's hope so!"

Italy & Madrid

Spain face Italy in the quarter-finals, and for the ex-Millonarios man it's a match that must be faced with confidence.

"If you want to be champions, you need to beat everyone," he said, reflecting on the Azzurri's status as World Cup holders.

The man himself has fond memories of Italy, having played them twice with Spain, drawing 1-1 before winning 3-1 in Barcelona.

"Italy are always difficult to play against. They're rugged and tough to beat," he said.

Finally he closed by reflecting on the Real Madrid squad players involved in Euro 2008.

"They're doing great - that's why they're part of the top team. I hope they stick around for a long time," he concluded.


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