Spain, as is usually the case in most major tournaments, have made an excellent start to Euro 2008, topping Group D with maximum points, and scoring eight goals in just three games.
This Sunday they will be up against Italy, who they have not beaten competitively for 88 years, however the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Rodriguez Zapatero is confident of success.
“The objective is to shake off this curse that follows the national side,” Mr Zapatero said.
“Our football is top quality, but every time we play in a major competition we have problems with confidence.
“However, our team is better than Italy’s and I think that we will win the game 3-2.”
Spain have not got past the quarter finals of a major tournament since 1984, when they lost in the final of the European Championships to Michel Platini’s France.
Spain B beat Greece
Cannavaro To Spanish PM: You Are Wrong
Di Stefano: Spain Can Do It
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Cannavaro To Spanish PM: You Are Wrong
Mr Zapatero earlier today predicted that La Seleccion would end their 88-year curse of having not beaten the Azzurri, and knock them out of Euro 2008.
However World Cup-winning captain Cannavaro, who was forced to withdraw from the Euros due to injury, disagrees.
“I have a different opinion to Zapatero,” the 34-year-old stated.
“He thinks that Spain will win 3-2 and I believe Italy will win 1-0.
“They have more individual quality than us, but we have a better group solidarity. We are more of a team and that is our winning weapon.”
Cannavaro decided to stay with the squad in Austria and Switzerland despite his injury, and was given special dispensation by UEFA to sit on the Azzurri bench.
Italy and Spain last met competitively in the quarter final of the 1994 World Cup in America, with Arrigo Sacchi’s men winning 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Roberto Baggio strike.
Spain B beat Greece
Spanish PM: We Will Beat Italy
Who Will Win Euro 2008? La Liga Says Italy
Season Over For Arteta
However World Cup-winning captain Cannavaro, who was forced to withdraw from the Euros due to injury, disagrees.
“I have a different opinion to Zapatero,” the 34-year-old stated.
“He thinks that Spain will win 3-2 and I believe Italy will win 1-0.
“They have more individual quality than us, but we have a better group solidarity. We are more of a team and that is our winning weapon.”
Cannavaro decided to stay with the squad in Austria and Switzerland despite his injury, and was given special dispensation by UEFA to sit on the Azzurri bench.
Italy and Spain last met competitively in the quarter final of the 1994 World Cup in America, with Arrigo Sacchi’s men winning 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Roberto Baggio strike.
Spain B beat Greece
Spanish PM: We Will Beat Italy
Who Will Win Euro 2008? La Liga Says Italy
Season Over For Arteta
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.
Spain B beat Greece
La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 37
Platini: Italy, France & Germany Favourites
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.
Spain B beat Greece
La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 37
Platini: Italy, France & Germany Favourites
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Spain Game Will Be Like A Final - Toni
The Azzurri scraped through their group while Spain maintained a perfect record by winning all three of their matches to clinch top spot in Group D.
The outcome means a mouth-watering quarter final between two of the greatest football nations and the Bayern Munich striker cannot wait.
“Spain are a great team and they have so much quality,” Toni told Marca
“It will be a great game against them and I believe it will be like a final.”
The striker also spoke about his baron spell in front of goal. Toni has yet to get off the mark and he has warned that things will change when he confronts Luis Argaones’ side.
“The ball just doesn’t want to go in,” said the striker.
“I will have to see if my luck changes in our next game against Spain.”
This quarter final is the pick of the bunch and it’s sure to live up to all the hype and expectation.
The Azzurri are starting to improve following a woeful start where as Spain have been a tour de force right from the beginning of the tournament.
Toni has plans for future
Villa Agent Meets With English Clubs - Report
The outcome means a mouth-watering quarter final between two of the greatest football nations and the Bayern Munich striker cannot wait.
“Spain are a great team and they have so much quality,” Toni told Marca
“It will be a great game against them and I believe it will be like a final.”
The striker also spoke about his baron spell in front of goal. Toni has yet to get off the mark and he has warned that things will change when he confronts Luis Argaones’ side.
“The ball just doesn’t want to go in,” said the striker.
“I will have to see if my luck changes in our next game against Spain.”
This quarter final is the pick of the bunch and it’s sure to live up to all the hype and expectation.
The Azzurri are starting to improve following a woeful start where as Spain have been a tour de force right from the beginning of the tournament.
Toni has plans for future
Villa Agent Meets With English Clubs - Report
Benfica Close On Pongolle Deal
The Benfica coach, Quique Flores, sees Pongolle as an ideal addition to the forward-line of the team who have not won a league trophy since 2004/05.
The Eagles have reportedly decided to open their cheque book and spend a total of €10 million for the Frenchman in a deal that is understood to include the move of midfielder Carlos Martins to the Portuguese capital club.
Pongolle's father has said that the 23-year-old is relishing the prospect of returning to one of Europe's top clubs, having spent three seasons at Liverpool.
"We have spoken and for what I can see he will really sign for Benfica," the player's father told Clicanoo. "He had other offers from Spain and France, but he is excited with the idea of going to Benfica."
The striker is expected to fly to Lisbon in the next few days to seal the switch, with reports claiming that he will be officially unveiled by Friday.
Rennes Look To Sinama-Pongolle
Reds close on Dossena
The Eagles have reportedly decided to open their cheque book and spend a total of €10 million for the Frenchman in a deal that is understood to include the move of midfielder Carlos Martins to the Portuguese capital club.
Pongolle's father has said that the 23-year-old is relishing the prospect of returning to one of Europe's top clubs, having spent three seasons at Liverpool.
"We have spoken and for what I can see he will really sign for Benfica," the player's father told Clicanoo. "He had other offers from Spain and France, but he is excited with the idea of going to Benfica."
The striker is expected to fly to Lisbon in the next few days to seal the switch, with reports claiming that he will be officially unveiled by Friday.
Rennes Look To Sinama-Pongolle
Reds close on Dossena
Lyon Want Abidal Return
The French full-back left Lyon to join Barça for €15 million just a year ago but enjoyed only moderate success in his first season in Catalonia.
And while coach Josep Guardiola includes Abidal in his plans for the next season, Barça are reportedly open to listen to offers for the 28-year-old.
Lyon are desperate to see Abidal returning to Stade Gerland as the French champions plan on mounting a serious Champions League challenge.
"Barça's situation is not easy, why shouldn't he want to return? I would like him to return to play for Olympique," said Aulas.
The Lyon president, who was in Barcelona last week, admitted to have enquired the Catalan club about the prospect of signing the left-back, who was sent off in yesterday's Euro clash against Italy.
"I have not spoken directly to Eric, but I was in a meeting with the most important clubs in Europe although I have not got an answer yet," Aulas concluded.
Piqué: It Is A Dream Come True
Barca set Ronaldinho price
Sylvinho Set To Sign New Barça Deal
Barcelona Maintain Benzema Interest
And while coach Josep Guardiola includes Abidal in his plans for the next season, Barça are reportedly open to listen to offers for the 28-year-old.
Lyon are desperate to see Abidal returning to Stade Gerland as the French champions plan on mounting a serious Champions League challenge.
"Barça's situation is not easy, why shouldn't he want to return? I would like him to return to play for Olympique," said Aulas.
The Lyon president, who was in Barcelona last week, admitted to have enquired the Catalan club about the prospect of signing the left-back, who was sent off in yesterday's Euro clash against Italy.
"I have not spoken directly to Eric, but I was in a meeting with the most important clubs in Europe although I have not got an answer yet," Aulas concluded.
Piqué: It Is A Dream Come True
Barca set Ronaldinho price
Sylvinho Set To Sign New Barça Deal
Barcelona Maintain Benzema Interest
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Villa Agent Meets With English Clubs - Report
AS have reported that Villa’s agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, has spoken with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool about their interest in Villa since the end of the club season.
Villa has had a great start to Euro 2008 with Spain, prompting an increase in the already prominent interest in signing the player. The Valencia striker scored a fantastic hat-trick in his side’s first game against Russia, and added a fourth tournament goal with a dramatic last-gasp winner against Sweden to send the Spaniards through to the quarter-finals.
Liverpool fans are dreaming of re-uniting Villa’s international strike partnership with Fernando Torres as they look to bid for the Premier League title, while Manchester United are already searching for a striker, and may need more firepower if Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed sold this summer.
New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari will have money to spend throughout the summer months, while the British media have been linking Villa to Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, although they were not mentioned to have met with Tamargo in the AS report.
Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona remain the favourites to sign Villa however, with the striker reportedly not solely driven by potential financial gains that lie in prospect in England.
And Villa, despite being a known admirer of the Premier League, is rumored to favour a stay in Spain, although it is now clear that the Spanish duo will face fierce competition for the player’s signature.Toffees eye Joaquin
Ronaldinho Won’t Rush For Milan - Agent
Atltico Success Thrills Torres
Zlatan eyes English challenge
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