Löw: They deserve to be champions

The coach of the German team acknowledged that the Spaniards were higher. "In the first 15 minutes we were doing quite well, then, after a pair of losses of ball we ran out of rhythm and the Spaniards were dangerous" said Löw.

"The Spaniards technically have an immense quality. The players play in the Champions League at the highest possible level and are required to maximize the Spaniards and are committed to high quality, even in the youth team," Löw analyzed.

In that sense, the German said "recognize the high quality" of the combined Spanish, which said "deserve to be champions of Europe". The coach acknowledged the German Luis Aragones had more opportunities and stressed the great game shown by Spain throughout the tournament. "They had more opportunities than we do. The victory is correct," summed up.

With regard to the combined German captain Michael Ballack, whose presence in the party were doubts until the last moment, the selector said it was "very important participation" and defined it as a "leader" for the team. "It is our captain and has done many things special. Represents our team and I thank him," said Löw.

Read More.. Read More..

'This is football reference for a long time'

Luis Aragones not lost his composure and after winning the European Championship. The Spanish selector, to be dismissed from office with the greatest success of his career, simply felt "it is the duty fulfilled."

"I know what I told the players and I think they thought at first it was said to raise morale. Then, it will eventually believe what they were and realized it was true and we could be champions," said Luis. "I am delighted, but not ground exteriorizar my emotions. But I'm happy, around the world," explained selector for the champion of Europe.

"I think football has done in Spain this tournament will be a reference for many people over time. I think like lovers of good football. And many will be fixed, because it has been a model of playing football," explained the 'Wise of Hortaleza '.

On whether he wished to claim the post of selector, Luis felt that "sometimes we must take a little more tranquility." "For me the criticism has helped me to work with more enthusiasm, because you know you end up with something which will prove who has been more or less successful," said Luis. "When it comes I wish you the best treatment possible, because I can have a major mental strength, but the others do not have so much better," said the technician champion of Europe.

The international exultantes

Torres: "He has won the best, which has been speculation and has not left since the first match at the Cup and I think this is not only good for Spain if not for the entire world of football," he said. "I remember a lot of people, the doctor Genaro Borras, which would have been delighted; Villa, who is unable to play, all those who contributed to this."

Casillas: "We are not aware of what we have achieved. When the referee has pit has given us a subidón, has been an immense joy for all the fans that it deserves. I've met one of my dreams, get a diploma with the selection absolute. "

Villa: "It's very nice, we are privileged to leave the field wearing the coat, but the victory belongs to everyone. We are the happiest men in the world and we know that one day the country was enlarged, and we hope it lasts a month or two or three ...", said. "There is no doubt that Spain has been the best selection of the Euro from beginning to end."

Cesc: "It's a dream come true. We have fulfilled our objective. To all you people who did not trust us was wrong and those who do, congratulate them and enjoying"

Iniesta: "I am very happy. Winning this is unbelievable. We fought hard, but it was worth. We were very keen to celebrate something with this group and we succeeded."

Andres Palop celebrated the achievement of the Euro 2008 with the shirt of Luis Miguel Arconada, who dedicated the title: "I put the shirt to celebrate as a tribute to Arconada, because it reminds him a lot for a ruling that had at the time, but we must remind him more for what it was great goalkeeper and we've taught our generation, "he said.

Senna: "deserved to win. This is the happiest moment of my football life, I am very keen to get power and celebrate with all people," said Brazilian nationalized Spanish.

Cazorla: "Luis bet for me and allowed me to live an extraordinary moment. I hope you all enjoy together."

Xabi Alonso: "We all excited. It was an unforgettable moment for everyone to achieve this historic victory. It's a victory that touches the sensitive fiber each. Euro This goes for many people. He deserves so much my baby, as my girlfriend, as other people who could have been with us as Genaro Borras and Antonio Puerta, who unfortunately have been unable to enjoy this moment, but goes for them too. "(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Torres Greatness

It stopped the ball when that time exceeded the body of Lehmann, described a minimum parable, pushed a button and entered an entire country, mansa, full of glory. The goal, that goal immortal worth a Euro, the title of best player of the finals and makes Fernando Torres at the top of football, that it had already indicated during a superb season at Liverpool.

It was a booted that portrayed the indecision of Lahm and Lehmann and must tap left iced the entire German fund, impávido to the accuracy of the Child. Already he had done twice before in the finals of the European Under-17 and U-19 to France and Germany. And in both marked.

I was writing that the speed of the Child was to decide the match. Especially after a tournament where he also had known the bitter side. He had always been the first relay for Aragones, the same type that gave gallons of athletes, Second Division back in the spring of 2001.

When he saw the tablet, Fernando torcer el gesture. But then, between party and party, his father managed to convince him football, in private and in public, that this tournament was destined for him. Only Sweden had marked before. He had many more situations, but only on a cut or shot went whistling along to the post.

Among Anfield and the Ernst Happel

But the final gave him the deserved revenge. We went beside the corner, took his finger to his mouth, as this child who was always, was thrown to their knees and sang the goal dreamed that 45 million Spaniards who already is revered almost like Anfield. Because in Liverpool, no one forgets, and celebrated 33 targets in three competitions, 25 of them in the Premier League.

Benitez took him there in exchange for 36 million and this boy Fuenlabrada, even with freckles of cadet became coup in reference to the 'reds'. With that vitola came to the Euro. And with the desire to demonstrate that the criticisms were unfair to the Cross.

There was also a halo of evil with that shirt. An injury prevented him from playing in Aarhus, the decisive match before the Danes. It was October 2007 and nobody gave a penny by the group. Much less after the absence of reference in attack. However, Tamudo made a favour it is also fair to remember.

Never had it easy Fernando. Nor with Spain, which debuted in September 2003 for 19 years before Portugal. He had to wait until April to get rid following with his first goal. It was at the Luigi Ferraris in Genoa. The shadow of Raul remained enormous. Nor helped failure in the Euro 2004. Neither party bad round World Cup 2006. There was already controls. But missing two years for this goal from Vienna. That puts it as a favorite for the Golden Ball. No Spanish what grabs since 1960. Maybe, 48 years later, Luis Suarez find a successor.(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

The Euro is our!

Spain has broken the last curse. Spain entire shouted goal at 32 minutes, when Torres to beat Lehmann. True to his usual football, ending the tournament with a statistic impeccable, without a defeat. And with a victory short for his well-deserved, but enough to change the course of its football history.

Germany is a powerful selection. Last, but flat. Veloz to the Contras, but predictable. E inifinitamente short of ideas. In reality, only poses a dynamic and launches into another side or from the angles. It does not give more.

Spain has love for his game, for his ability to suffering and for his conviction. For his wisdom. Sale with the trophy and the best scorer, with the best record scorer and the fewest goals embedded. He has been leading up to 'fair play'. Faced with Germany, any neutral spectator appreciated at a glance which team deserved the title.

Germany began to drown willing to centrocampistas Spaniards, remove them from positions of control and pass to exit at speed on his only area drinking left. We got half during the first quarter of an hour, which raised its offensive only argument: Lahm, the German who knows how to get the ball from behind, or connected with Podolski Frings, in the rapid dispatch to Ballack, who in his After the extension always sought again to the left, where he expected the tip or the side of Polish origin. As always, Schweinsteiger while waiting for riveting.

We were not Portugal. Neither this play-type, or loss on the faults, thanks to a goalkeeper who has learned to fly and remove the cuffs with authority. And Germany went alone canning, sauce in Spanish football, the best of the Euro with his head upright and the ball always on their feet. At best some Germans who were hoping, as Ballack was stepping on or striking the ankles of the 'thinkers' Luis Aragones.

Fernando Torres, in the first few minutes too separated from Cesc-links, Iniesta, Xavi or Silva, as the case may be-got some wild racing. It has been said selector thousand times since he ascended to First Division: "You are German." As the accelerating was 15 metres instead of 30, as measured Xavi pass between the lines, reached the goal of 'Child', surpassing Lahm and lifting the ball over Lehmann with any delicacy.

Since before, since the fourth time, the Germans shouted pity!. The Spanish had. Not ensañamiento and that made them suffer more from the account. A stick, a number of stops fortunate Lehmann, a rejection of Frings on the goal line should be sufficient to finish the 'Mannschafft'.

The result is not adjusted combined with the absolute domination of the ball and territory. The Germans pulled out tractors, were ambushed after an arbitrator scary, antithesis of justice. Spain continued playing football. Sometimes with difficulty, because the rival was laid to proceed with the only thing that holds the melee, physically imposing.

This is what happened after the break, when Lahm was in the German bank-not for his latest defensive mistake of the tournament in scoring Torres, but because of injury-and Joachim Löw what changed Jansen. After half removed to insert a defensive front more, Kuranyi. Neither worked tank Gomez, who replaced the lost Klose in the final minutes.

Spain has been a united team and therefore has long been the best. Xavi And his boss on the field. Only there, which brooks no discussion. In the finals again to build a work admirably from behind, from in front. And always received support, the company each of his colleagues adventure.

Changes in Luis Aragones was again a success. At rounds of Löw responded by reinforcing the area of media with Alonso and Cazorla. And ended with Güiza poking afraid to give rest to an exhaustive Fernando Torres, hero of the night and the history of selection from this very moment.

In Germany he graduated from the muscle power and who excel in their approaches. Hart was running for anything. He tried to acorralar 'pretty girl' of the continent with his last rattle of the brave. But Spain finished the match with the lungs filled with pride and muscles of iron. The Germans, pure straw. Dead and rendered the champion of Europe.(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Score Final Euro2008, Germany-Spain, 1-1 or 1-0?

PREDICTION Sulmaan Ahmad; Germany-Spain 1-1

It is sure to be a tightly contested encounter and will most likely start slowly. It is unlikely either side will allow themselves to be beaten in normal time, and whoever concedes first will most likely strike back and take the game into extra time. Both sides have an array of attacking talent, and while Germany's are more clinical, Spain will most likely have the majority of possession and create more, that coupled with their slightly better options on the substitutes' bench, may just be enough to edge it and win them only their second ever major trophy.

Prediction by Ade Adran Syahlan; Germany-Spain 1-0

Read More.. Read More..

Ballack and the 'trauma' finals

Will Cry champion of a new or frustration? On Sunday, before Spain, German Michael Ballack will attempt to break the "curse" of their final lost at the international level and shouting champion in the Euro 2008.

"It is something important, rather special, being in a final. It is not something that happens every day," said the Chelsea player, who has repeatedly seen images from the last title of the selection of Germany in 1996, Euro England. And just as Jürgen Klinsmann climbed the steps toward the stage of Wembley stadium on that occasion to receive the trophy from the hands of Queen Elizabeth, Ballack expects emulate in Vienna. For the former Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, on Sunday compared with boys of Luis Aragones will be the fourth final of his career outside the local level, and expected to be lucky. Because so far, frustration has pointed out that last match for the title, in which there are no half measures: either forget or coronation.

The 'trauma Ballack' had its last chapter barely six weeks ago, when the midfielder fell to Chelsea in the final of the Champions League, with Manchester United, in Moscow. Six years earlier, also experienced the taste of defeat while still wearing the shirt Leverkusen in the final of the Champions League compared to Real Madrid from French Zinedine Zidane.

And Germany has not ido better. In 2002 it was outside the World Cup final in Japan and Korea that the Germans lost to Brazil, there is a double caution. In Euro 2004, neither Germany nor Ballack came a long way: first round elimination. And two years later, Italy foiled in semis access to the end of World hosts.

Against this background, and despite his four titles in the Bundesliga, and three other Cup in Germany, it seems that the 'spell' subcampeonato prosecution of the 31-year-old player. His record is supplemented by three other posts second in the league and galemana other two in the English Premier League, plus a German Cup final loss.

After the dramatic 3-2 over Turkey on Wednesday, Ballack has taken refuge in silence, focusing exclusively on this new moment of truth in his career. With 43 international presences as captain (and 86 in total), is already among the major drivers of Germany in history, but for getting on the pedestal of Fritz Walter, Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthaus and Klinsmann in dire need of an international title.

In May, in Moscow, the impotence of Ballack for a new final loss was expressed with tears. But shortly after, the talented Midfielder lifted his head to take the lead in the German campaign in pursuit of its fourth European title in Austria and Switzerland 2008. "He left it behind. It's good in football when you have new challenges quickly," said the German, who in their presentations in Klagenfurt, Vienna and Basle showed the personality necessary to bring the captain's armband. "He has learned to cope with the responsibility," said Beckenbauer.

However, beyond orders to his companions and his commitment to the struggle for the ball, the Euro was not even a scene of extraordinary performance Ballack. To highlight include his two goals, both vital, of Austria 1-0 before, with a stunning free-kick, and the third to Portugal in the quarter, with a precise header. But, with touches of his talent and everything, if not before Spain leads his country longed to cry champion, in two or four years must be re-writing this note on Ballack and their trauma, compounded by years and Final lost.(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

The selection of unity

Both talk about Raul, hear his name chanted in a station or in a field, injuring them in their self-esteem, made them feel disparaged. It was not the presence of what they importunaba Madrid, was the debate itself, as if Spain were helpless without the greatest scorer in its history.

That germ forged unity of a group dominated the Antida, accustomed, in general, to outbreaks of the League to focus elsewhere. Es el caso de Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Villa Güiza or himself, in a selection of players with more than Villarreal Madrid, but also Puyol, Xavi or Casillas, always in the shadow of 'galactic' guard. Yesterday Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps tomorrow. The unit that so well illustrates the attitude of alternate refers to the champions of basketball.

At the end of Tokyo, Gasol, injured, said that involvement from the bench. Luis Aragones never believed that Raul would exercise that role and since it believed behind Villa and Torres, left him in Madrid. Since the football, the decision not to include it among the 23 is questionable, and should repeat it now with tail wind, from the collective, what happened endorse his arguments.

Sponsorship and internationally by generating Iron & Zubizarreta, Raul met a selection of tension and persecution hobbies, or outside with Javier Clemente Jose Antonio Camacho, which never seemed to break free. In this climate there is no track, despite the disguise that persecutes Luis Aragones. There have been no such discussions offensives by premiums, no personal physiotherapists relegate those of the Federation, as in Korea, nor caste in the team.

We believe it or not, Luis repeated that he did not believe in leaders, as if he wanted to flee the footballer-crossed, because what they meant was most needed desinhibición that tension. I wanted more game to fight for the technical quality of the Spaniards and the lack of physical. The model brought together some players who connected quickly around a common idea. Some confess to privacy be happy because football selection makes them better.

After World Luis ape to veterans (Raul, Cañizares and Michel Salgado) and the group became more homogeneous in the generation, while dispensed with those who had shown a weak commitment, as Joaquin and Kings, whose privacy had altered some concentration. The absence of both the Euro is not only justified by a system that penalises those extremes.

The selection was also a couch in which footballers depressed during the season, as Barcelona and Valencia, have found the climate to offer his best level. Such is the case with Xavi and Carles Puyol, Marchena, Silva and Villa, all among the best in the tournament. The plane was Cesc contrary, although the more unsuited to the system seemed to be more optimistic he saw in the merger. Along with the 'four of Liverpool', the Arsenal player has led the national team a different dynamic, more modern and, above all, competitive.

But if there is a stamp which talks about is the union of 'Sirtaki' alternate shortly before the end of the semifinals. They know they have few options because Luis has fixed most of the 11 tournament, but they feel part of something that Greece stood before them as if they play the classification. An attitude very different from the 'B Spain' to Saudi in the World. When the technician to Torres censured for his displicencia to be replaced in the debut, everyone understood the message. After beating Russia for the second time, the first thing he did Torres was launched to embrace Güiza, because the goal of Jerez was also theirs.(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Villa, for the low end

David Villa will not be able to help Spain on Sunday in the final of the Euro. Asturian striker, top scorer of the tournament, suffered a problem in isquiotibiales his right leg in the first part to Russia to conduct a sprint.

The screening itself confirmed its absence in the decisive match: "Villa will face Germany low", increased Aragones, 69 years. The Spaniard was fixed in the alignments of technical during the tournament but will have to sign off with his four goals achieved in the first two days.

The striker, who could take the trophy 'pichichi' despite not playing the last duel, regretted Four in their problems, but do not forget the positive side. "We enjoy playing outside, with more nerves inside."

The player of Valencia, 26, revealed that the injury occurred when performing a 'sprint' and ending break to launch a direct free. "At first I was cranky, but after the performance of a team are encouraged," said El Guaje.

Cesc or as alternatives Güiza

Villa also wanted comfort with the glorious collective action in Spain after the break. "The end of the Euro was a unique opportunity in life. However, with the happiness of the second part, everything has gone."

The predictions may not be best for the Cross, facing its first final in 24 years. Its maximum gunner sees it clearly. "We all have a terrible merit. Anyone who has played more and which less. We are a group and we take the glory."

The absence of Villa is the first in the tournament incovenient for Aragones. So far no Spanish player was injured or lost by one minute penalty. The solutions tactics pass through train with Fernando Torres and Cesc as the only tip or Güiza accompanying El Niño in the face of attack.(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Spain amazes Europe

Unforgettable, without further. Spain was planted 24 years later in an end to the Championship by a door that can not be bigger or more beautiful. His impressive second half to Russia, accurate touch and uncheck, dynamism and variety of resources was dramatically announced to the world its favoritism.

The Russian sensation Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko was reduced to rubble, crushed by the lesson of football and collective combination of Senna, Iniesta, Silva, Cesc and company. Germany, still with its phonebook and the end titles, should have much cause for concern.
Spain raised the party faithful to his style before an enemy with less canallesca steel and Italy.

The pulse not started as the breeze of the first phase ... but that's the plan and that was demonstrated in 45 minute spell late total. Again Senna planted their camp in the midfield, the supreme court and out of the ball along its major partner, Xavi, who gave the ball faster and even stepped on areas that neither divisó against the Italians. Spain handled the threads and prevented Arshavin, the deterrent threat of Hiddink, the endangered red arms. On 10, with little ball, ending anesthetized by the clamp Senna, Puyol and Marchena in a perfect surveillance area. And Spain thrash it being a real football hard to remember, playing collective higher.

The danger spot of the Russians had more to do with mobility Pavlyukhenko, a classy striker who knows sought life across the front and attack the area. Spain administered patience but also was more direct when the match was open. Torres and Silva applied mobility accustomed to a pair of Russian central vulnerable, hip rígida.Y Ramos-now, that mainstay of Madrid-speed ahead and subjected to Zhirkov, one cyclone by his side in front of the Dutch. It was the lateral incisor usual, even ventured into the auction. There was grilled by millimetres in a thread and try your luck with the left-handed in a couple of shots after breaking his marker.

But the best times were distributed in about 45 minutes early cooking almost Pacha. A couple of shots from Villa, another that Torres was unable to control or direct, one to screw Pavlyuchenko which was followed by a header in which pilló back to Marchena-again-impeccable in the only mistake he committed.

The floodwaters of the second half

Spain was never allowed uncontrolled Russian courage, never entered into an exchange of blows: it was undesirable. The unfortunate injury for Villa, which forced them to leave Torres lonelier up, nor could announce the remaining Spanish squall to come. Fábregas and it is for other things, as were unpayable, but also broke the nerve and the invention of Silva and Iniesta, who grew up 10 bodies in the second half. Insurmountable.

The resumption started with the goal of Spain in a CARACOLE of Iniesta left in a semidisparo that ended with a door connecting Xavi almost goal mouth, as if it were a 9. And from there, the fever broke out, the potential Spanish in a few minutes of fiction, pure exhibition football in Europe. With Russia in purgatory, came another invention Silva left a thread bite Torres threw to lose. Spain carbide as ever sent into the field and on the scoreboard, was in the final game and ambition ... Launch. With Russia in the ICU, the troops of Louis designed a few arrivals dream that did not end in goal by chiripa.

They were minutes of enjoyment, grabbing, but also in full command and authority to administer an advantageous situation. Because Spain finally distill an orgy of football. Silva, Iniesta and Cesc, that generation does not understand or complex or victims, felt great and started to distribute gifts to others. For Hiddink was not the shirt on his body and Arshavin and his cronies still did not appear mistreated by the Spanish touch and control. After the first flood, Aragones got more power with Xabi Alonso by Xavi. And the best, followed by Russia disarmed, tempted even the game hard because it was unable to resist, to oppose such a charming Spanish.

And more with the play's second goal in a wonderful booted right that desarbolar in full to the Russian defense. The passing of Cesc, glitter to the first touch, had a precise continuation of Güiza in petroleum jelly. Jugada gold. Goal for the frenzy of the 20,000 Spaniards who endured the shower. And there was the sensational deployment there. More art and charm in a carousel of arrivals which culminated in a third goal from Silva that exemplifies the powers of the new Spanish football. The Germany-must always know that Spain is not the usual.(source:elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Russia Threatens hoped Germany

Now or never. The plot forge selection in this young rebelled against their genetic loser. The players are looking sharp with the faces by wear and faith of the possessed person. It encouraged with words and pushing, with that aggressiveness that is part of the liturgy of a dressing room, where the desire for victory is perceptible even in the smell.

With the antibodies generated by the triumph versus Italy, Spain is measured in semifinals tonight in Vienna, the heir to Russia that the Soviet Union before it won its only title whatsoever in the Euro 1964. If that was against Italy defeat the ghosts of the past, compared to the new rival is necessary to beat real footballers, and grown convinced, thanks to Guus Hiddink has organized his talent and improved self-esteem of the Slavic soul on a playground. This is another Dutch wandering ghosts that Spain should enclose, once and for all, along with others in the attic of their frustrations. Only in this way can defeat Germany in the grand finale.

The Spanish international had not born in 1964 and a good number nor had done when Michel Platini Cole the ball under the body of Arconada, 20 years later. The feats in black and white are not in their ipod. I really interest them or because they have not grown up in nostalgia, but in triumph. They have been champions of Europe and the world in almost all categories, whether Torres, Xavi, Casillas ... together, separately, with colleagues who in some cases no longer engaged, nor soccer and reminiscent between laughs.

They have been winners on their computers and are determined to be faithful to that status in the selection. They lack a game to feel that way and then have 90 minutes in front of Ballack's Germany, fewer names than other times but with the same shaft, in order to catch up by Luis Suarez, Amancio or Iribar. That's history.

The first meeting takes place tonight at the Prater in Vienna and can say that the opponent is not the same as that Spain Golea in Innsbruck for two reasons: its will and its star. The first has changed radically from the caution to boldness, which marks the current tournament. The second is the alignment of Arshavin, who leaves a track where passing inescapable, as an Attila with boots.

Luis Aragones retains the same team from the start and looking like a script, but the tranquility that has enjoyed in Neustift was altered yesterday, the move to Vienna for the announcement of his signing by the Fenerbahçe of Turkey. It was not the right time, but perhaps himself and Luis turkish club wanted to avoid the temptation that in a climate of euphoria, some managers of the Federation or the environment of technical rethink its continuity. Even when confronted with one of the parties that can put a laurel to his career, Luis may discharge small controversies that have overshadowed his good offices behind closed doors. It is their fate.(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Score Semifinal Euro2008 Spain-Russia 2-1 or 1-2?

What: European Championships Semi Final; Who: Russia v Spain; When: 20:45 CET - Thursday, June 26, 2008; Where: Ernst Happel, Vienna

Prediction by Lucas Brown, Goal.com: Spain 2 - 1 Russia

Russia have certainly been reinvigorated since the last time these two met, but it will be a case of them having to outscore Spain given the fact that the defenders will have to cope again with Fernando Torres and David Villa. That combination was the undoing of Russia last time out and will be again here, even if things will be a lot tighter.

Prediction by Ade Adran Syahlan, owner blog: Spain 1-2 Russia

Factor Hiddink, warning to Spain. Action Arshavin, dangerous.

Read More.. Read More..

Germany does not know Discounts

This time the discount was cruel to Turkey, a victim of a golazo Lahm, which defined the pass to the end of a minor and Germany always trailer. Terim's team, with multiple casualties, managed to stay ahead on the scoreboard, but said goodbye to the tournament after signing his best game (3-2).

The end is German and was turkish bath. Despite all the injuries and penalties, survivors Terim as if nothing came out, without fear, with legs and light with the nerve to those who know they have nothing to lose.

After three consecutive deeds, still seemed touched by the divine gift that there called baraka. It was clear that what they remained in the convent, the best thing was abandoned and enjoy. At fifteen minutes, many are rubbing their eyes. These secondary players were giving a tribute.

There was energy and spontaneity in Turkey, which signed the first shot, the first offense and the first ball at larguero. Obviously also was ahead on the scoreboard, thanks to a free kick that banda pilló asleep at the central and Lahm. All their lines were occupied by patches, but at that roster of unknown dazzled Ugur Boral, velocísimo left and executioner of the first Lehmann confused.

The Germans, without the aggressiveness of mourning quarter, or learned during half an hour. Loew remained at once a Rolfes and Hitzspelger, two successful developments before Portugal, but its center of the camp was razed by the turkish optimism, which was going from prudence to the festival. The dynamism of Kazim, the fight of Senturk at the tip of fighting and Mehmet Aurelio.

Failure and redemption for Lahm

Having said all that, in Germany marked its first approach, a loss that took advantage of Altintop Podolski and Schweinsteiger on the left, in an exemplary maneuver despiste, crossed to the network. An action in the best legacy of forceful Germany, which despite the injection of morality, remained behind.

N

either is immutable Germany with the passing of minutes. A sample of authority or trust over a tricampeona world can only presume that the speed of Podolski and improvisation of Lahm. It was difficult to believe, but the Turks remained the initiative, although without much joy, victims of fatigue.

But doubting the effectiveness German is doubt as daylight. It intuía in the environment of any concession Rustu, a goalkeeper who had to leave this business for some time. Three defenses defended a centre from the left when former Barcelona goalkeeper left his post to put the goal on a plate to Klose. A pifia similar to the quarters, where at least it was the revenge of the penalty thanks to Senturk.

An error such as the resounding silence of Bussaco after Lahm on an entrance to the bay area, for example that children learn what is a penalty. Light reward for corajuda Turkey, which drew arrests for Amager with another heroic. Patino Lahm before Sabri, one of the heroes of Tehrim, and Lehmann was left waiting while nothing Senturk put the tie.

The match was upside down. Maybe that's why fill the soccer fields. Also to see how in the middle of the maze is no time for the redemption of convicts. Lahm began and ended the German collective best move, with the clock and threatening to further extension. Germany will play another final. He may also fill the fields to see that.

Read More.. Read More..

'Bild' and 'Hurriyet', the 'German-Turkish friendship'

The two newspapers with the largest circulation in Germany and Turkey published in its edition of Wednesday, the day of the semi-final between their two selections, in a joint statement calling for "friendship" between the two communities.

The German Bild and Hurriyet turkish remind his readers that "the German-Turkish friendship should today be in the foreground, whatever equipment is classified for the final of Euro. "We do not know which team will win today [to read in both rotary on Wednesday]. But the editors of Bild and Hurriyet already know the names of the winners: friendship and cordiality," says the manifesto signed by journalists Kai Diekmann, German newspaper, and Ertugrul Ozkok, the turkish.

"The 2006 World Cup gave us wonderful scenes in Germany: Turks with German and Turkish flags celebrating German victories. We wish to see repeated those images today. Germans and Turks at a party together," continues the editorial package.

The newspapers also highlight the fact that 2.4 million people from Turkey living in Germany and that more than three million Germans choose each year the turkish country for a vacation.

Captains call against racism

In an act with the same goal of peaceful coexistence, captains of four teams in semifinals issued a message against racism and for equality in the same playing field before the start of each game, as reported by the network fare (Football against Racism in Europe), an organization that works with the UEF.

Both the German midfielder Michael Ballack and goalkeeper Rüstü turkish, at the meeting on Wednesday in Basle, as the Spanish captain Iker Casillas and medium Russian Sergei Semak, on Thursday in Vienna, will be directed directly to fans across the the stadium PA system just after the national anthems.

In each semifinal, teams tree two giant banners bearing the inscription "United Against Racism '. Also before the start of the matches, spectators will participate in a choreography against racism. Both the 40,000 spectators in the capacity of Basle as the 50,000 who go to the stadium in Vienna find their seats on a pennant yellow, green, blue or red with the antiracist registration, which will be invited to move at the same time.

"We want to ensure that all major football competitions are conducted in a respectful and harmonious environment," he argues satisfied the Uefa president, Michel Platini.

Read More.. Read More..

Turkey cree in the fourth miracle

Act first. After losing to Portugal in the opening match, Turkey comes to rest in the second encounter virtually eliminated and almost no options. Loses by 1-0 with the hosts and the Swiss delegate for issuing tickets begins to prepare for the rapid return to Istanbul. In the second part, comes the comeback with a goal in minute 90. The 1-2, the first cat Ottoman life.

Events second. The Czech Republic 2-0 to Turkey marks the failing 15 minutes from the end. The kamikazes of Fatih Terim is to launch a suicide attack and end up winning by 3-2 with two goals from Nihat, after the first big mistake of goalkeeper Cech. The sorting room is assured. The delegate returns of return tickets.

Events third. The harder still, squaring the circle, the triumph of faith of the enlightened. The Croatian goalkeeper Rustu Klasnic to bat in 119 minutes, 60 seconds of the final whistle. The delegate turkish back to thinking about tickets for the sad trip home. Before opening your wallet, Semih Senturk tie. In the penalty was decided that the Croats are those who have to fly.

Events quarter. Turkey is in the semifinals before winning the German team and arrogant, that he carries inside his shirt three stars by the World conquered and that passage is in their showcases three other Euro. Terim said his troops and is lower than with Napoleon after the flight from Moscow. There are four sanctioned, the goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, the defense Emre Asik, the steering wheel Tunkay and mediapunta Arda Turam, one of the sensations of the tournament.

Five other players are injured, including the big star, Nihat, always incisive attacker's Villarreal. The situation is desperate and the technician admits that at best will have to place the third goalkeeper, Tolga Zengin, as a forward, at some point in the semi-final clash, while acknowledging, somewhat ironically to subtract drama, that the lad is a disaster with the ball at his feet. Its strength lies in their hands.

Events fifth. What to emulate the extreme measure taken by Javier Clemente, who face Norway in a friendly placed the goalkeeper Molina as far left, was really a joke, as recognized Terim. But the reality of the Turks is desperate. Nevertheless, the agony in which they have moved with dexterity throughout the European allows them to think that all is not lost. Yes, really think they can beat Germany with half the army in the infirmary.

Neither Asterix would have dared to so much in their struggle to save the irreducible village of Gauls. But the Turks have learned to live permanently with the risk and have taken pleasure. In addition, the stands will be supported by the vast tide of immigration on arrival from Germany. A plus to raise self-esteem and rebelliousness to forecasts.

Straits ties between both countries

Faced with few rivals enfebrecidos and able to throw against a car in motion with the assurance that remain alive, the Germans, who repeated the block that was imposed to Portugal, take the party with suspicion. We know undisputed favorites, but opt for caution. There is also an enormous respect for an opponent who has taken the party as a derbi by the close ties that unite the two countries' soccer. Not only that the Turks are the largest minority in Germany.

In strictly football terms, the interrelationships abound. More than a dozen German technicians had trained in Turkey, a country that has soaked the winner of his football philosophy, the tradition of triumphant Germans with the ball. Joachim Loew, the current selector, is one of them. He made many friends in Istanbul and Ankara that occasionally organizes your vacation there. He has several houses available.

In Germany have grown many players who now defend the colours of the Turkish selection. Hamil Altintop plays for Bayern Munich, was born in Gelsenkirchen and the shirt was sheathed in Turkey even though he had only seen that country as a child on a trip with his parents, immigrants from Trabzon.

Sahim Nuri, who has 20 years and has not been convened by Terim, is considered a future star of the selection. He also was born in Germany and plays for Borussia. There are things in the environment of concern to the Germans. Not relying on the three Turkish lives. Or are seven? (source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Score Semifinal Euro2008 Germany-Turkey 2-1 or 1-0?

What: Euro 2008 Semi-Final 1; Who: Germany (2nd, Group B) vs Turkey (2nd, Group A); When: Wednesday 25 June 2008, 20:45 CET; Where: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland; Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland)

Prediction by Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com: Germany 2-1 Turkey

I did not have faith in Turkey to progress in the last round and was proved wrong. This time around, I feel that injuries and suspensions will ultimately trump character and guile, and Germany will emerge the victors. Let's see if I'm right!

Prediction by Ade Adran Syahlan, owner blog: Germany 1-0 Turkey

I feel, Turkey difficult play. Crisis player. But, Turkey passion is dangerous. Germany have offensife.

Read More.. Read More..

Hiddink: We want revenge

The Dutchman Guus Hiddink, coach of Russian team, has ensured that his team wants "revenge" with Spain next Thursday after the 4-1 embedded in the game of the first phase.

"A team always wants revenge," said Hiddink, who recalled that the ultimate goal of Spain at the meeting of the first phase, achieved by Cesc Fàbregas, was offside.

The Dutch hopes that the party is very different from then. "In the opposite case, we would have many problems. Spain has benefited the most, the 9 points in the first phase, a team is indeed very experienced, while we reacted after the defeat against Spain and hopefully the team reacts even better, "he said.

Hiddink believes that the party that Russia vs. Greece was "key" in order to qualify for quarters. "Having reached the second phase is for Russia a great success, after we played against Holland and tactics, physically and mentally, the team improved enough," he indicated.

Have clear that the role of Andrei Arshavin has been instrumental in improving his team, believing that the player's Zenit St Petersburg gives "great capacity" to play the Russians.

Anyway, recalled that without Arshavin Hiddink-who was punished first two matches, his team and played "pretty well" against Greece. "Anyway, taking him, gives us more tranquillity", he argued.

Despite the improvement experienced by his team, Hiddink that Russia is no cree favorite before the match in Spain next Thursday. "How can you say that? Russia came from far-in the world ranking, while the (players) and their selection Spaniards are accustomed to playing strong games every 4, 5 or 6 days before the game against us Sweden before or after the Netherlands, almost nobody knew the names or clubs where they played the (players) Russians, "he suggested.

The Russian selector admits that it is "a great success" to have reached the semifinals of the competition. "If before the tournament tell us that we were going to qualify for the second round, we had already signed," said Hiddink, who want to check "limits" of his team.

Regarding the chances of victory, the Dutch coach gives a 60 per cent of options for Spain and 40 for Russia. For Hiddink he escaped a smile when asked about whether the form of Iker Casillas, shown in the victory to Italy, should not reach the penalty and the Dutch responded that he personally has "good experience" with Madrid goalkeeper in a wave.

He was referring to when, where selector from South Korea, his team eliminated Spain from the point penalty in the World 2006. "Anyway, he is very calm," he insisted.(source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Aragones has doubts about the ownership of Villa and Senna before Russia

How had David Villa and Marcos Senna forces to launch their penalties after 120 minutes without stopping to about 30 degrees temperature? On Monday morning they have not understood the very Luis Aragones, who found the level of their fuel tanks. Or the two refuel urgently or not arrive in time to start at the event semifinals. The striker and midfielder could be the first two changes in the eleventh day of Louis holder since the start of the Euro.

The team will undergo tests contrast to recover muscles, quite worn at this stage of the tournament. Once the study results, doctors notify him if you can count on Luis Villa and Senna for a long effort or just for an extra game.

The selector prefers to get in the bad, because it meets two of its footballers emblematic of the team, and already studying possible changes in front of the set of Guus Hiddink. The output of Villa team would give entry to Cesc Fabregas, the post of Senna would be occupied by Xabi Alonso. Both changes will not discourage the technician, especially in the case of striker, who looks pretty tired. In addition, since beginning to outline a plan before this new Russia that so little seems to rival with which started the tournament.

"Physically, is the strongest rival of the four semifinalists. Has improved, but not only by Arshavin, which will undoubtedly improve anything. It is that the team has fewer than ido." Words of praise also for Hiddink, who feared Luis almost as much as he leads the whole "surprise will be very difficult."

Luis thinks pose a usual game: permanent and permanent attacks: "In Russia loves and is attacking what is going to do. We will have to risk quite with the first line pressure. We should not just do shadow, but to adjust very well ". And that will be complicated because Luis knows that at the moment, the Russians have one advantage against one because about one hundredth ahead in sudden movements.

The imminence of the semi-final is also warning that the Euro is near its end and, hence, that of Luis in front of the national team. There is no possibility of reversing a decision that is not only theirs, but took according to the Federation: "I appreciate any praise, but all parties know that when this end, my work will also be completed. Whatever happens, I am leaving. "

Luis seems to be satisfied by the work he has done and will continue cree: "I am grateful to everyone, even those who have criticized me, which led me to think further. I think there is time for selection and that has generated a very important group. " (source: elmundo)

Read More.. Read More..

Casillas buried the curse

Miro to heaven, their peers and pressed his fists. The Spain football and will never be the same. Casillas, with two penalties unemployed in the round to De Rossi and Di Natale, banished two decades of complex and frustrations of rooms, many rounds of tragedy y. .. to Italy. Almost nothing of a stroke. Spain, with more football that the world champion in 120 minutes of tap and drama, wear and twisted auctions, won playing with the Russian sensation a place in the finals of Vienna. Casillas Ave! Since there are no ghosts.

The first act resulted in a purely tactical matter, of fouling and macabre tension that covered over the feísmo a match that ended in the agony of apology. Spain, with Senna emperor of zapa, was devoted to play and perform to distract almost without finishing among the three clubs. Each arrival was like a birth, "hard and difficult and that" it said Zapatón. A tireless teacher of tap sterile and unproductive. To be against the wall in a game that favored the plan racanería Donadoni.

Italy, which began with the top line pressure, handed the ball completely and was fall backward, that, as releasing balonazos, never gave them or give them shame. Barely connected with Luca Toni, who apart from a header that deactivated the nape of Marchena-impeccable-not a single scratch ball in 45 minutes murky as the Italian courage. Cassano, the only offensive option drinking whites, Hurgada on the weak side of Spain-yes, Sergio Ramos addressed to Spanish-and how many times could.

Spain is empacho up balloon, but the trench Italian populous Centurion, monitored very closely mobility Villa and Torres. Silva, as happened with Cassano duel with Ramos on the other side of the field, made to swallow Quini Grosso breaking his waist three times. The penalty was that the arbitrator Birla the Spaniards a couple of faults as clear as dangerous. Spain gave more sense of pride and greatness also because Silva, together with the invaluable work of 'súperSenna' in the marrow, is not tired of stubborn by his side and downtown on a day refused to complete the move. Lottery stalking obstacle to any faux pas.

Luis bet everything for the game against the entry of Cesc and Cazorla-by Xavi and Iniesta in the second half. But Mr Donadoni also commanded top lines. And in a chaos after a ball bounce a shot from De Rossi was an armed cisco in which Italy was about to get another award as many times in his art and abuse feísmo. But Casillas, the man of the night, threw reflexes to save with the left foot of an auction to bocajarro Camoranesi scored one goal that was sung.

Luca Toni-even when it seems that not-always a threat because it began to get more food. And Donadoni Di Natale got a lot less pinturero Cassano in the second half. In Spain he was still lacking truth, the final pass but the ball returned to his power. It rose tension in a few minutes in which Italy returned to acomplejarse, tired of Spain back again HANDS the match, to deny.

And among estirón without head tiritonas of Spain and Italy continued to lead the drama in an extension of long knives. Spain, in a backlash of vertigo, grazed the KO in a double shooting and another Cesc de Silva who was by an inch. Tremble the 20,000 Italians, who do not respond quickly. Always do.

Italy answered with an auction of Di Natale, which led to the best of Casillas, the hero end of the Viennese tragicomedy. Thus continued the walk and bursts of an extension without clear dominator. More cansacio, pure epic of resistance and very few arrivals accurate. Faltaba as usual, the last pass, finishing among the three clubs, precision in controlling the truth, like the one he went to Villa in the second for the extension after a shipment measured Silva.

Yes ... Playing penalty. And this time the figure emerged from Casillas, who flew as those elected in the sentences of De Rossi and Di Natale, and finally banished complexes Spain in the round ... and to Italy. Yes, the same wave taught us that the tragedy in Corea'2002 (to Korea), Inglaterra'96 (England) and México'86 (to Belgium), turned to Spain in the most futbolera dichosos the world. It was about time, since Francia'84, Spain pisaba not like heights. Thanks Casillas.

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Score Spain-Italy 0-1, No Penalty?

What: European Championships, Quarter Final; Who: Spain vs Italy; When: Sunday 22 June 2008, 20:45 CET; Where: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

PREDICTION by Goal.com: Spain 1-1 Italy

This will surely be a tight game, and the chances are that it could go to extra time or even penalties. Clinical finishing could be the difference.

Prediction by Ade Adran Syahlan, owner blog: Spain 0-1 Italy, no drama penalty

Read More.. Read More..

Arshavin manages threads

Arshavin and Russia. Russia and Arshavin. Unable to understand what one without the other in Basel, witnessed an exhibition without precendentes in this Euro, a chant at football's brilliant tip and half a masterpiece group Hiddink, who was removed from enmedio the great favorite, gripped for the accuracy and speed Slavic (1-3).

Nobody wins to shocks in a tournament where Portugal and Holland, the two major references for the first phase, already have suitcases full of dirty clothes. The Dutch were eliminated in all fairness in a game that was long remembered. The Russians offered a recital, an ode futbolera to tell their grandchildren.

Russia was one equipazo, which sometimes tries to sleep and embaucar in Cyrillic, but who speaks clear with the ball at his feet. Faced Sweden had already Amager than they were capable. Faced with Holland, just skirting the football.

For some remained skeptical whether in the courtroom, left no alternative to rival the ever and always wanted envy first. This is a team that plays like a clock, with specific orders to be fulfilled by decree. Arshavin put the magic. He was almost always looking, but their centrocampistas provided to quite, you know that two taps accurate are the best way to approach the goal.

The first partnership, in 7 minutes, ended with a header from Pavlyuchenko that was lost centimetres in the squad. Holland took 20 minutes to tread area rival. We could hear the gears grinding Dutch, before the apparent invisibility of their brains. Only asomó with a lack of lateral Van der Vaart was right not to riveting Van Nistelrooy.

Russia was left wanting un ratito up to a mistake that opened the way Engel of the first against truth. In the book, modelled on those of Zenit who made slurry to Bayern. Van der Sar was stretched to almost break to draw all the venom Arshavin. The Russians knew what they were doing yy only remaining rival to the ball stopped, the desperation of Hiddink, the condemnation of its central, stiff as mannequins. But Kolodin, the highest and blond, surprised with two estacazos since its' dacha 'forced back to Van der Sar.

Restlessness in the ball stopped

Kuyt, as selfless as insubstantial, gave way to Van Persie after the break, but Holland followed with a venda in the eyes. The Russians were playing and ran, but they had lost all the virtues with which they had love in the first phase. It even allowed the violent response Boulahrouz, author of a chilling kick to muzzle Arshavin.

Van Basten exhausted changes with 30 minutes ahead because in Holland seemed dead. Semak dealt with Sneijder and flyers Russians, with special mention for Semshov and Saenko, showed a special intelligence for the walls and ambushes. He was able to define the lateral Anyukov paper'9 ', two minutes after the failed Pavlyuchenko and harder still forgave Torbinski. Well that was going to agree Hiddink.

Netherlands hurry their last puffs of life. There was no improvement, or distribution, nor surprise. None of anything except a handful of shots from midway of Sneijder, which would aim to refine in each attempt. Five minutes from the end, put a ball directly to the second pole at the head of Van Nistelrooy. A word of mouth just in time, a respite for the entire Basle orange.

However, there was no subidón morale in the 'Oranje'. He won weight Sneijder and Van Persie threatened a couple of times since the right, but the field always seemed inclined in the same direction. A slight respite Prelude the final Russian cargo, a catalogue of luxuries left of Zhirkov and punch final Arshavin.

In those few minutes seemed the best footballer on earth, capable of everything, and attend racing. Holland did not give credit. I was being overwhelmed by a Trans to any machine. Pavlyuchenko tasted the flavor of wood and Heitinga slowed in penalty to Zhirkov, but Lubos Michel left forward.

Holland had water to the neck and arsenic in the lungs. There was no way to stop that. The settlement came with a glorious center Arshavin from the left that Torbinski placed on the network. There was justice in the world. It was confirmed four minutes later, with the judgement of the'10 'after a free kick banda. Sometimes also won the best play.

Read More.. Read More..