Cesare Prandelli Adamant Germany Can be Beaten - UEFA Highlights

Cesare Prandelli Adamant Germany Can be Beaten - UEFA Highlights

Coach Cesare Prandelli believes Italy's momentum and belief are growing as they gear up for their semi-final against a Germany side he rates highly but insists "are not invincible".

Cesare Prandelli believes that his Italy side are gathering momentum ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final against a Germany team he insists are not unbeatable. "There is no such thing as an invincible side," he told today's press conference in Krakow.
Prandelli received a standing ovation from the press corps when he arrived at Casa Azzurri on Monday afternoon, journalists responding to Italy's agonising yet ultimately successful penalty shoot-out victory against England in Kyiv. All the same, it was not long before the Azzurri coach was being grilled about his team's failure to find the net in open play.
Italy had 35 shots compared to England's nine, yet despite dominating the match they were taken to spot kicks by Roy Hodgson's defensive-minded outfit. So why did they not win? "Because that's what makes football so fascinating," he replied. "A side that has that many shots on goal will win nine out of ten matches they play."
"There are lots of ways to win," he continued, "but I feel that we are obliged to take this route because football is constantly in a state of evolution and, at the moment, the difference is being made by those sides who have the courage to push their defensive line high and are brave enough to keep taking the game to the opposition for 90 minutes."
The Azzurri, it could be argued, were on the front foot for 120 minutes, and Prandelli commended the displays of players like Mario Balotelli, despite his inability to find the net. "Mario did really well as a target man. He had five or six chances he would have preferred to have converted, but the fact he got into those positions pleased me and meant he was on his game."
Balotelli, according to Prandelli, is one of the many players who are beginning to realize how good they could be. As their momentum builds over the course of the tournament, so they are growing in confidence – a factor that will stand them in good stead against Germany on Thursday.
"This is the first time that these guys have realized they have extraordinary capabilities," he added. "Once you have belief and know what you are doing then you have no fear, and when you are fearless you can play very well.
"We have a side of players who are growing in awareness from game to game and have the desire to measure themselves against the biggest sides in the game, by playing football. The most important factor that came out of the England match was that we showed we had the courage to keep playing the right way."
Before any tactical considerations are made for tackling the Group B winners, Prandelli's primary concern is the fitness of his players, who only have a three-day turnaround before going again. There are doubts over midfielder Daniele De Rossi (sciatica) and right-back Ignazio Abate (muscle), while Italy's other right-back Christian Maggio is suspended. At least centre-back Giorgio Chiellini returned to training today. Then there is the quandary of how to thwart a side that have more than doubled Italy's goal tally this tournament.
"We are quite a bit short because we only have very few days of recovery time. We need to put out a side that's athletically fit, because we will have to fight against Germany. If we play well, though, we have a chance. There is no such thing as an invincible side. Spain and Germany are truly very good, but we just need to stick to our task, and we must be meticulously prepared.
"Germany has that sense of knowing what they need to do. In Mezut Özil, they boast a player who has no defined role but who knows how to build a move from any position on the field. They are also physically strong and have players who have tasted international success at club level, so they are a side with the ingredients to go all the way. But we will study them closely and work on the few weak points they have."

Cesare Prandelli Adamant Germany Can be Beaten - UEFA Highlights

Football’s Technical Tricks exhibition in Warsaw

Bartosz Król reports from an exhibition in Warsaw dedicated to the evolution of technology in the game and discovers that one ten-year-old's "rag" is another man's prized possession.

Fans in the Polish capital are being given a crash course in footballing technology at an exhibition at Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science, right next to the city's fan zone

Football’s Technical Tricks exhibition in Warsaw

A joint production of the Museum of Technology and the Museum of Sport and Tourism, 'Football's Technical Tricks' gives a different slant on the development of the beautiful game. Housed in the Museum of Technology, the exhibits have been laid out in a huge hall lined with artificial turf, featuring authentic stadium lighting and a goal – with visitors being ushered into the action through a players' tunnel.
On show are shirts, boots, socks, balls and other accessories from different footballing eras, with the older exhibits proving something of a shock to younger fans. "Look at that old rag," said one ten-year-old, pointing towards a football shirt from the 1950s. He was somewhat surprised to hear that heavy cotton shirts were standard for the great Poland players of the past.
Significantly, the exhibition also showcases the evolution of television technology in football, with modern screens and 3D technology alongside old black-and-white sets. Visitors can admire the cameras that were focused on Poland games in the 1970s, and see a re-creation of a vintage commentary position, while modern computer football games are contrasted with the addictive trailblazers of the 1980s.
"It was a fascinating journey through decades of Polish football history, and showed how technology influenced how we view the game," said Maciej, visiting with his girlfriend. "When we're watching a game, we often forget that there are skills being used off the pitch as well as on it. It was nice to get the chance to think about that."

Football’s Technical Tricks exhibition in Warsaw

Germany can take heart from spirit of '96

It is often said that Germany never beat semi-final opponents Italy when it counts, but team reporter Steffen Potter has fond memories of a victory of sorts at EURO '96.

"Germany have never beaten Italy when it counts" – that is the line usually trotted out, but in my opinion it is not true. We have beaten them, but only once (sort of). OK, it may not have technically been a win, but it sure felt like one back then.

Germany can take heart from spirit of '96

In 1996 I was 18 years old and in my last year of school; EURO '96 was on and my mates and I were gripped. The heartbreak of 2006 was still to come and all of us were too young to have experienced the 1982 FIFA World Cup final or the semi-final at the 1970 World Cup, which became commonly known as the 'Game of the Century'.

We knew that Italy always had a very strong team and were drawn in the same group as Germany. The two sides met in the final round of matches and, with Germany on six points and Italy on three, the Italians needed a win to go through at the expense of the Czech Republic, while Germany still could have gone out had they lost.

A group of us watched the game together with our Italian friend Vincenzo, who had been living in Germany all his life. I vividly remember just how well the Azzurri played and Germany would have gone out had they lost by five. It was a scenario that seemed incredibly unlikely before the match, yet suddenly we had an eerie feeling that it could very well happen.

Nine minutes had been played when Italy were awarded a penalty – and things could have gone rapidly downhill from there. Andreas Köpke was on hand to deny Gianfranco Zola, however, and somehow the German team managed to keep the game goalless. Italy were out, Germany won the group and went on to win the title. Vincenzo's Azzurri were beaten, meanwhile, and collapsed on the turf in despair.

Vincenzo started supporting Germany after that (he really did not have a choice, did he?) and went nuts when Oliver Bierhoff scored the equalizer in the final. "See, that's what he learned in Italy. See that? He learned that in Italy," he kept pointing out. We were happy to let him have that little victory.

Germany can take heart from spirit of '96

England Depart EURO Unbowed and Unbeaten - UEFA Historical Article

Roy Hodgson said his "dreams were shattered" as he departed Poland, but he and Steven Gerrard believe England have given a good account of themselves at UEFA EURO 2012.

England Depart EURO Unbowed and Unbeaten - UEFA Historical Article

Roy Hodgson says he will "look back positively" on England's UEFA EURO 2012 campaign despite his side's quarter-final exit at the hands of Italy.
Flanked by his captain Steven Gerrard, the 64-year-old manager offered a detailed analysis of England's performance at the tournament and suggested the foundations have been laid for a promising international future.
"We've done well to get through the tournament without [Wayne] Rooney and without losing a match in normal time," said Hodgson, ahead of the squad's afternoon flight back to London. "We wanted it so badly and when your dreams are shattered, you can't put too positive a spin on it, but I suppose we'll look back positively on the way we've performed here."
Hodgson said England "tried to play quite positively" and dismissed concerns over their lack of possession. "The statistics that interest me are the ones showing how much possession you've had in the final third and the number of times teams get behind you in the final third."
Gerrard, meanwhile, conceded "the football hasn't been fantastic" but feels England gave a good account of themselves in Poland and Ukraine. "I think the supporters will be happy that we've played for the shirt," said the Liverpool FC midfielder. "We've given it a lot of effort and there was a lot of pride out there. If you think how far we've come since we met up four or five weeks ago, everyone has given it their best shot."
The 32-year-old, who revealed he will be staying on as England captain following talks with Hodgson, said he was "reasonably happy" with his own displays at the tournament but admitted that was no consolation for the heartbreak of another penalty shoot-out defeat: "It's frustrating and disappointing because we came to close to ending that quarter-final hoodoo."
Hodgson hinted England's poor record at penalties was exacerbating the situation for future generations, but argued no amount of training could have altered the outcome of the spot-kick lottery.
"What can possibly prepare you for those sorts of situations?" he asked. "We practiced, we talked about it, we did all the things we could possibly do from a professional point of view, but it still doesn't change the fact that [Andrea] Pirlo has the infernal confidence to do a 'Panenka' chip over the goalkeeper. Our players were desperately trying to do the penalties that we'd practised and unfortunately it didn't come off."
Hodgson said the five weeks he has spent with the squad have proven "invaluable" in terms of getting to know his players, while the more experienced heads in the squad, particularly Gerrard and John Terry, were a "big, big help" in the dressing room. Wayne Rooney also "spent a lot of time talking to the younger players in the team", the likes of which have given Hodgson every reason to be positive about the future.
"I think there are some very good young players coming through and doing well at Under-21 level," he added. "It'll be interesting to see how we do at the Olympics. There are younger players breaking into teams – we've had a couple of them here. We'd have had even more had it not been for injuries, so we have to be optimistic and we have to believe."

England Depart EURO Unbowed and Unbeaten - UEFA Historical Article

Andrzej Szarmach - Exclusive Interview with Expert Opinion

The ex-Poland striker Andrzej Szarmach spoke to UEFA.com to share his thoughts on UEFA EURO 2012, reflect on a memorable international career and answer users' tweets.

Andrzej Szarmach - Exclusive Interview with Expert Opinion

Former Polish forward Andrzej Szarmach had an excellent international career in which he scored 32 goals in 61 appearances, and the UEFA EURO 2012 ambassador took time out to speak to UEFA.com and answer a selection of users' tweets. The ex-AJ Auxerre man had his say on the tournament so far, who he thinks will be top scorer, and the positives of co-hosting the finals for his homeland.
UEFA.com: What are your thoughts on UEFA EURO 2012 so far?
Andrzej Szarmach: In the group stage the Netherlands were very disappointing because they didn't manage to get even a point. Sweden played very well in their final game, but unfortunately that did not stop them from going out. There have been a few surprises, like Poland and Russia not qualifying from Group A as they were the teams that had been tipped to go through before the tournament began. Unfortunately football is one of those sports where favourites exist only on paper; on the pitch this is not the case.
All the matches have been very interesting. [Until England–Italy] there had not been any goalless draws and the fact there had been goals in every match is not only important for the players, but also for the supporters. I agree with the majority of the fans that there has been some very good quality at this tournament.
UEFA.com: As a former striker, who do you think will be top scorer at the championship?
Szarmach: Cristiano Ronaldo started poorly and faced criticism, but then scored some goals and I think he will go on to be top scorer.
UEFA.com: How will organizing this event influence Poland as a country?
Szarmach: It will be a positive, certainly in terms of how much has been done with the stadiums, roads and hotels. All this creates a very good impression, along with the atmosphere at the finals. I think lots of people from lots of different countries are very pleased with the tournament, and afterwards many people will come to Poland.
UEFA.com: What is your favourite memory from all the games you played in and tournaments you were involved in?
Szarmach: I took part in three [FIFA] World Cups: 1974 in Germany, 1978 in Argentina and 1982 in Spain. I also played at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada. The best memories I have are of that first tournament in 1974, where we went to the tournament as the team to beat. Personally, it was also great for me to get the Golden Boot by scoring five goals – that was the springboard for my career.
UEFA.com: What were your favorite goals?
Szarmach: Some were the most enjoyable and some were the most important. A good goal that I scored, one still shown on TV today, was the goal in the third match of the group stage during the World Cup in Germany against Italy. I scored with a header and it was one of the most important I got in my career. The most important goal was at the Olympics in Montreal, where we were playing a tough team and I scored a late winner that got us into the final.

Andrzej Szarmach - Exclusive Interview with Expert Opinion

Inside Kyiv Fan Zone - Babes are Having Fun

Face painters and body artists are helping supporters in the Kyiv fan zone stand out from the crowd, with locals continuing to seek a makeover despite Ukraine's early elimination.

Inside Kyiv Fan Zone - Babes are Having Fun

Away from the on-field action at UEFA EURO 2012 there is another competition taking place – among supporters.
It is impossible to convey in words the incredible variety of costumes and accessories fans wear in order to stand out from their contemporaries at a celebration of football such as this. While some play safe and don the shirt of their national team, others dress up, say, as a Greek warrior; other visitors to the Kyiv fan zone have indulged in body art to show their devotion to the cause.
One of several artists on hand with paint and brush is Tetiana, whose love of the game and desire to meet new people meant she simply had to set up her pitch on Khreshchatyk, the street in Kyiv where the fan zone is situated. "I'm a passionate fan," she told UEFA.com. "I live in Zhytomyr and travel to Kyiv on matchdays.
"All my life I've been drawing pictures at home for my own pleasure, but here is a great opportunity to practise and meet interesting people. My husband and father are also a big football fans. They supported me in this venture – that's why I'm here."
Tetiana was pleasantly surprised at the number of people looking for a makeover when she first set out her stall. "I didn't expect such a rush," she said. "Big queues were forming; everybody wanted to stand out somehow. I use a special paint that glistens in the dark, so if paintings look impressive by daylight, in the evening they become even more distinct."
What have supporters been requesting? "Usually fans asked for a different interpretation of their country's flag. Even after Ukraine's elimination, local fans are still asking for a national symbol painted on their bodies. But most of all, I remember one Swedish fan – we started on his abdomen and ended at his face. It tickled him when the brush was touching his stomach."
Above all, Tetiana is proud to be playing her part in the festivities. "I'm impressed by the atmosphere in the Kyiv fan zone and I'm glad I joined the celebration. There are so many different people – locals and those who have come from afar. Everybody is very friendly. People are talking and having fun, despite the fact they are mostly fans of different teams."

Inside Kyiv Fan Zone - Babes are Having Fun

Spain's Enormously High Standards - UEFA European Event

Spain's Enormously High Standards - UEFA European Event

That Spain have made few noises about their progress this far is, as Graham Hunter writes, a mark of the businesslike approach and ruthlessness that is rife among the squad.

Given how much we the media, and the players themselves, talk about the hunger to become champions and how rocky the path to nirvana can be, it's odd how little is discussed about the cost of trying to stay there.

Vicente del Bosque made a throwaway remark the other day which put the spotlight on the concept of expectations and how they can change between feast and famine. Once Spain beat Croatia 1-0 and qualified for the quarter-finals, the coach remarked that his players were the only ones of those who had progressed not to embrace each other and show their relief at having done so.

His point was a constructive one – the players took moving forward as a) no more than the target they had set themselves and b) a very small step on the road to winning this trophy. Not complacency, not disregard for an achievement – just enormously high standards.

So once Spain saw off France to reach the last four the media were, of course, very keen to know how much celebration that achievement had been worth. Two years ago in South Africa it had been pretty intense fiesta time (with the players being allowed to party the night away) after the quarter-final and semi-final victories over Portugal and Germany.

And there was added piquancy to the enquiries given that some Spain fans, who had travelled far and sacrificed much to be in Donetsk, were critical of how much acknowledgement their heroes gave them at the whistle.

Assistant coach Toni Grande said there had been some noisy revelry in the dressing room but, to be fair, the impact of getting to a semi-final was now less momentous than it once was. Only winning the tournament would bring nirvana and unleash a torrent of joy.

Their harshest judges might wonder whether this more laconic greeting for a significant feat was a good signal or not. What I believe is that these players have so rigorously set themselves the high water mark of lifting the trophy that nothing else will properly satisfy them. Relentlessness, even ruthlessness, is the mark of champions.

As for the supporters, I think they were victims of Spain's players being tired, tense and businesslike. Cesc Fàbregas pointed out: "Sometimes there's so much tension you can forget the fans. They make huge efforts to follow us and it won't happen again."

There was a day when La Roja's fans, too, would simply be happy with a triumph over France and a place in the last four. The value of fame, success and the hunger for more can come with a price tag attached.

Spain's Enormously High Standards - UEFA European Event

DFB handed fine of €25,000 - Inside UEFA Mega Event

The German Football Association (DFB) has been fined €25,000 by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body due to the improper conduct of supporters against Denmark on 17 June.

DFB handed fine of €25,000 - Inside UEFA Mega Event

The German Football Association (DFB) has been fined €25,000 by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body.

The charges relate to the improper conduct of their supporters at the UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Denmark in Lviv on Sunday 17 June.

An appeal can be lodged against this decision within 24 hours of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.

DFB handed fine of €25,000 - Inside UEFA Mega Event

Custódio on Portugal's Tried and Tested Arsenal

Midfielder Custódio freely admits that Portugal's "weapons aren't a secret" and that they will "play in the same style" as ever when they take on Spain in Wednesday's semi-final.

Custódio on Portugal's Tried and Tested Arsenal

In keeping with the scenic setting of Portugal's training camp, away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Poznan, there is an atmosphere of remarkable calm among the squad as the semi-final against Spain approaches. Whereas some have been here before, there is a sense of wonder and of a shared adventure for many, such as Custódio. When the 16 finalists announced their squads on 29 May, the midfielder was the oldest uncapped player named.
Football moves on quickly, and so has Custódio, 29. Four days later he made his debut for the Selecção das Quinas in the final pre-tournament friendly against Turkey, and has appeared twice at UEFA EURO 2012 as a late substitute in the wins against the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. He laughs off the suggestion from one journalist that he has become a lucky "talisman" for the team, though he has fast overcome the feeling of being a newcomer.
"We all share the same objectives," he said. "In that sense it doesn't matter who starts or ends the games." The SC Braga man, who celebrated his birthday in the first few days of the squad's pre-championship training camp at Obidos, knows he will almost certainly begin on the bench again for the Spain game, with consistency of selection key to coach Paulo Bento's plans.
"Our weapons aren't a secret," he said. "We use them every game, and we're going to play in the same style that we have in every other game so far. We'll try and be aggressive when we have the ball. We're very comfortable with the game plan and we believe in the coach's ideas."
Custódio is under no illusions about the task ahead against the holders and world champions in Donetsk on Wednesday. He singles out Andrés Iniesta as a "phenomenal player", but insists Portugal will take their opportunity to bring their own virtues to bear. "[Spain] have great quality," he added. "They're very good on the ball. When we have it, we have to be ready to show the quality that we have and show we're a great team too."
The former Sporting Clube de Portugal player knows the focus will be on his old club-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain is set to face several of his Real Madrid CF colleagues; will that familiarity be enough for Spain to stop him? "Sincerely, I don't think so," Custódio said. "Everybody knows Cristiano and his qualities. He's the most complete player I know, both physically and technically."
Confidence has also been built by enjoying now familiar surroundings. "We didn't know much about Poland before we came here," Custódio explained. "But the training centre is great and everyone's been very good to us. When we've had the chance to go into the city [Poznan], we also found the people very kind and friendly." The locals share Custódio's hope that the team will say goodbye en route to the final in Kyiv.

Custódio on Portugal's Tried and Tested Arsenal

Spot-on Czechs show England how it is done

As England reflect on yet more penalty woe we look at the EURO's spot-kick masters – the Czech Republic, whose 100% tally began with perhaps the most famous shoot-out of all.

Spot-on Czechs show England how it is done

Gary Lineker's famous quote, apocryphal or otherwise, about football being a simple game involving 22 men and a ball and always won at the end by Germany often serves, in English minds at least, as a reminder of their old rivals' enviable record of success when it comes to penalty shoot-outs. As it happens, a look through the UEFA European Championship annals reveals a slightly different picture, starting with West Germany's defeat in perhaps the most famous shoot-out of all.

The pressure heaped on Antonín Panenka seemed prodigious. He was one well-struck kick away from securing the 1976 UEFA European Championship crown for Czechoslovakia, against no lesser opponent than holders West Germany, the reigning world champions. Uli Hoeness's skied penalty had left the shoot-out poised at 4-3 for the Czechs, and so Panenka stepped forward knowing he could seal it.

A hush descended in Belgrade as the 27-year-old placed the ball on the spot and walked back some 15 metres. He stopped, turned, and in a pitter-patter of small steps approached his destiny, shaping as if to send his right-footed effort into the bottom-right corner of the net. Sepp Maier guessed as much, and was on his way to that post as Panenka audaciously chipped a penalty over the goalkeeper and straight down the middle.

It was a memorable end to the first penalty shoot-out at a major tournament and while there have been many since, including at FIFA World Cup finals, perhaps none have bettered it. For the Czechs, it proved a sign of things to come. Four years later, they beat Italy 9-8 in the shoot-out that followed the third-place play-off, Fulvio Collovati missing the decisive penalty. At EURO '96, now playing under the flag of the Czech Republic, they made it a hat-trick with a 6-5 semi-final triumph against France.

The Czechs' record of three wins from three shoot-outs, with 20 penalties converted and none missed, is unmatched. Germany have prevailed on spot kicks five times since 1976 but only once – in the other last-four fixture at EURO '96 against England – at a UEFA European Championship. They, like England, Spain, France, Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy need no introduction to both the pleasure and pain of penalties.

Last night England joined the Netherlands as the competition's least successful shoot-out exponents, suffering their third defeat in four attempts. Andrea Pirlo's nerveless chipped effort, all the more impressive considering Italy were trailing at the time following Riccardo Montolivo's miss, bore all the hallmarks of Panenka. Penalties, said Cesare Prandelli, are a "lottery" – some players and teams seem pretty consistent at choosing the winning numbers, though.

Spot-on Czechs show England how it is done

Portugal's Warning Shot to Mesmeric Spain - UEFA Euro 2012

Portugal's Warning Shot to Mesmeric Spain - UEFA Euro 2012

No player has had more shots at UEFA EURO 2012 than Cristiano Ronaldo. Next to try to tame the Portugal captain are Spain, who dominate the passing and possession statistics.

When Portugal take on Spain in the first UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final, the tournament's most dangerous player will attempt to put one over the country in which he plays his club football.
Following another prolific campaign for Real Madrid CF, Cristiano Ronaldo has left his imprint on the finals in the Selecção's last two matches, scoring three goals in respective group stage and last-eight victories against the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
While Spain's deployment of Cesc Fàbregas as a 'false nine' – ahead of orthodox forwards Fernando Llorente and Fernando Torres – continues to prompt debate, Ronaldo's barrage of shots from his position on the left of a Portuguese front three has been one of the most striking aspects of the championship so far.
Whether it is in the air or on the ground, the 27-year-old, influential in helping Paulo Bento's team defeat Spain 4-0 in a friendly 19 months ago, has been Portugal's principal threat. His 29 efforts on goal (four of which have hit the woodwork) in this edition is a record for a player in any EURO, while his 14 on-target strikes account for almost half of his side's sum total of 33.
Spain's tally of 44 shots on target, second to Italy's 50, is more evenly shared, yet Portugal are about more than just one man. Against the Czechs, they attempted 26 crosses from open play, more than any team has managed in a UEFA EURO 2012 fixture.
Nani, playing on the opposite flank to Ronaldo, is Portugal's main supply line. His 19 attempted deliveries is a figure unmatched in Poland–Ukraine and a number which may give Spain left-back Jordi Alba reason to consider suppressing his attacking instincts.
That Portugal (76) have sought to cross the ball more than twice as much as their Iberian rivals (37) is little surprise given the wide men at their disposal. Just as predictable, though, is La Roja's domination of the passing and possession statistics via their famed tiki-taka style.
Portugal's 1,164 completed passes pale in comparison with Spain's finals-leading 2,616, as does their average possession total per game of 46%. Central to Spain's 61% figure has been the midfield trio of Xavi Hernández, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets, the first and last of those being part of what Sir Alex Ferguson famously called FC Barcelona's "passing carousel".
Such is Spain's supremacy in this department that six of the top ten players to have delivered the most passes at UEFA EURO 2012 are in Del Bosque's party: Xavi (371), Alonso (318), Busquets (300), Sergio Ramos (266), Alba (253) and Andrés Iniesta (240).

Portugal's Warning Shot to Mesmeric Spain - UEFA Euro 2012

Psychological Upper Hand of Spain in the Next Game and Overall the Event

Psychological Upper Hand of Spain in the Next Game and Overall the Event

Spain have yet to find their scintillating peak form, yet the holders remain in fine fettle and will take some stopping if they are to fail to regain the title won four years ago.

Spain have been expectedly impressive so far, if not spectacular – putting on a particularly eye-catching display against the Republic of Ireland before seeing off France in comfortable fashion in the quarter-finals. They remain intent on playing possession football, a style that is taking them ever closer to becoming the first side to win a third straight major international tournament.
Tactics: Spain have started all their games in a 4-3-3 formation, with both full-backs regularly pushing higher up the pitch and one of the pivotal midfielders, Sergio Busquets or Xabi Alonso, dropping in between Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos to let La Roja play an attacking 3-4-3 when possible. The debate has never been about tactical shape, but rather whether a traditional centre-forward or the floating 'false No9' represented by Cesc Fàbregas is more beneficial.
Key man: Andrés Iniesta, so integral to Spain for years, has raised the bar once more – and to stand out in this remarkable group of footballers takes something pretty special. Almost without exception, he has the last or penultimate touch before a goal is scored and he has twice lifted the Carlsberg Man of the Match award. "The years pass, you learn, accept more responsibility and now I'm in a good moment where I feel fine in the Spain team – I hope it lasts a long time," Iniesta told UEFA.com.
EURO semi-final record:
17/06/1964 Spain 2-1 Hungary (Madrid)
24/06/1984 Denmark 1-1 Spain (aet, Spain win 5-4 on pens) (Lyon)
26/06/2008 Russia 0-3 Spain (Vienna)
Basecamp: This is predominantly the same squad of players that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and not only are they used to living together for four or five weeks, they relish each other's company. Cards, table tennis, darts, remote-control cars, swimming, laughter, music and regular days off granted by coach Vicente del Bosque are a recipe for time not dragging. Xavi Hernández, Iker Casillas and Del Bosque sat down to ensure there were no issues hanging over from the domestic season and have patently done a good job.
Record in Donetsk: Spain are visiting Donetsk for only the second time after Saturday's quarter-final. However, their FC Barcelona contingent know the city pretty well – Víctor Valdés, Piqué, Xavi and Busquets won 1-0 against FC Shakhtar Donetsk at the Donbass Arena in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, with Valdés, Piqué, Xavi and Iniesta having also featured in a 2-1 victory over the Pitmen at their previous stadium in the 2008/09 group stage.
However, Valdés, Iniesta and Xavi may prefer to forget their 2004/05 group stage visit, when a 2-0 defeat made Barcelona the only Spanish side to have lost a game in Donetsk. The overall record for Spanish clubs in the city is W3 D3 L1, with other current internationals to have played there including Raúl Albiol and David Silva, who figured in a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar with Valencia CF in the 2006/07 UEFA Champions League group stage.
Room for improvement: The loss of David Villa and Carles Puyol has stripped Spain of the men who scored six of their eight goals in winning the World Cup and, occasionally, converting chances has been a problem during this tournament. When Silva and Fàbregas play up front together, there is a lack of searing pace.
The view from home: "Ooh la la Xabi" is one of the best headlines so far, celebrating the fact Xabi Alonso marked his 100th cap with both goals in Spain's 2-0 quarter-final success against France. "We've managed to make the abnormal normal by winning so much," was Iniesta's way of summing up the extent of Spain's achievements to date.
Mission statement: "Losing isn't a disaster; what would be a disaster is abandoning our football philosophy – which we'll never do." Iniesta, Xavi, Del Bosque and many, many others in the squad.

Psychological Upper Hand of Spain in the Next Game and Overall the Event

Panenka reflects on perfect penalty at EURO '76

Antonín Panenka discusses the physical toll – to his waistline – developing his audacious penalty took, and why the chance to use it in the 1976 EURO final shoot-out made it all worth it.

Panenka reflects on perfect penalty at EURO '76

There have been many penalty shoot-outs in major tournaments over the years, but perhaps the most famous was the very first: in the 1976 UEFA European Championship showpiece in Belgrade. Twice Czechoslovakia led; twice world and European champions West Germany equalised, the second in the last minute. A half-hour later penalties were needed, and after Uli Hoeness had struck West Germany's fourth effort over the bar, Antonín Panenka sensationally chipped the ball past Sepp Maier to seal a 5-3 shoot-out win.
That penalty...
After each training session I used to stay behind after a game with our goalkeeper and take penalties – we would play for a bar of chocolate or a glass of beer. Since he was a very good goalkeeper it became an expensive proposition for me. So, sometimes before going to sleep I tried to think of ways of getting the better of him, to recoup my losses.
I got the idea that if I delayed the kick and just lightly chipped it, a goalkeeper who dived to the corner of the goal could not jump back up into the air, and this became the basis of my philosophy. I started slowly to test it and apply it in practice. As a side effect I started to gain weight, because I was winning the bets. I started to use it in friendlies, in minor leagues, and eventually I perfected it so I used it in the main league as well. The culmination was when I used it at the European Championship.
Giving Sepp Maier nightmares...
Well, I don't think Sepp Maier took it very well; he was and, perhaps still is, somewhat discomfited – I suspect he probably doesn't like the sound of my name too much. I never wished to make him look ridiculous, though. I am not aware of anyone who would be able to make fun of someone when the European Championship is at stake. On the contrary, I chose the penalty because I realised that it was the easiest and simplest way of scoring a goal. It's a simple recipe.
Czechoslovakia's surprise success...
When we left for the European Championship we were basically outsiders and nobody expected us to achieve any success there. We, the players, had a somewhat different view, even if we weren't great optimists either. Yet the fact is that we had a really strong team; the composition of the team was outstanding, made up of outstanding individuals.
We had a great balance; we had some real tough fighters, a few creators and a few finishers; the combination and range was ideal. We had excellent trainers and in 20 matches – both qualifying and friendlies – prior to the European Championship, nobody beat us. With the two matches at the finals we made it 22 games unbeaten; that in itself is sufficient testimony to the team's great strength.

Panenka reflects on perfect penalty at EURO '76

Alonso Defiant Ahead Of 'Intense' Portugal Game - UEFA Championship 2012

Alonso Defiant Ahead Of 'Intense' Portugal Game - UEFA Championship 2012

Xabi Alonso insists Spain "won't change our style" for what the midfielder describes as an "intense" semi-final meeting with neighbors Portugal in Donetsk on Wednesday.

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso's imperious display against France was particularly eye-catching amid a serious of impressive performances in the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo emphasised his class, Miroslav Klose wrote another chapter in his remarkable international career and Andrea Pirlo mimicked what may be the most famous penalty of all, that of Antonín Panenka in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final. However, Alonso set himself apart with a two-goal masterclass on his 100th cap.
Spain now face Portugal in the semi-finals in Donetsk on Wednesday, with Germany playing France in Warsaw the following day. "The four sides who have reached the semis are excellent," said Alonso. "They've performed well to get this far and the games have been really entertaining which is good for the tournament. The best thing is that each of the remaining teams wants to win the ball, dominate possession and to use it to attack. We all deserve to have come this far."
All but one of Alonso's 15 international goals have come since Vicente Del Bosque took the reins in 2008, something partially explained by his partnership with FC Barcelona's Sergio Busquets in the centre of midfield. "Busi has my back; he allows me to venture forward significantly more than I'm entitled to do with my club," the 30-year-old explained.
That three of Paulo Bento's key men – Ronaldo, Pepe and Fábio Coentrão – share a club changing room with Alonso at Real Madrid CF also entitles him to run the rule over Spain's next opponents, Portugal, who Spain eliminated from the FIFA World Cup two years ago. Although Alonso says there "have not been great changes" in the two squads since South Africa, he fully expects a game "as intense as Italy v England."
Alonso, however, is adamant that Spain will not alter their style for Portugal, not even to account for the threat of Ronaldo. "I've spoken to all three of the guys during this tournament and it's no surprise that they have carried on their excellent form from our domestic season," he said. "For all the talk about Ronaldo we won't change our style and we don't have a special marking plan. We'll study his play and we might make minor adjustments but our best defense is to play as a team and not give him space."
Alonso's team-mate Cesc Fábregas is equally clear about Portugal's strengths. "There might be three Real Madrid players in their side but they have a distinct style" he said. "Portugal have a midfield which likes to hold the ball and use it well. Portugal have a strong counterattack, but if I was a coach and had Nani and Ronaldo I'd probably play that way too."

Alonso Defiant Ahead Of 'Intense' Portugal Game - UEFA Championship 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo and His Inspirational form for Portugal

Portugal may have begun with a loss to Germany but, propelled by the inspirational Cristiano Ronaldo, look in great shape going into their third EURO semi-final in four attempts.

Cristiano Ronaldo and His Inspirational form for Portugal

When Portugal arrived at their Poland training camp three weeks ago, expectation was relatively low. Without a win in three games in 2012, scoring just once in the process, they faced a tough group stage against fancied Germany, not to mention the Netherlands and Denmark. Now in a third UEFA European Championship semi-final in four attempts, there is growing belief that Paulo Bento's side can go one better than their 2004 showpiece defeat on home soil and snare a first major international trophy.
Tactics: Bento has taken stability to a new level, selecting the same starting XI in all four matches – incidentally, an identical XI to the one that played both legs of the qualifying play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina last November. Though there will be no seventh successive game unchanged due to Hélder Postiga's thigh injury, the 4-3-3 will remain, with a central striker – most probably Hugo Almeida – flanked by Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo. "We won't change for anyone," said Bento last week.
Key man: Ronaldo has met his reputation as the tournament's highest profile player with gusto, making the difference with both goals against the Dutch and the decisive strike in the quarter-final against the Czech Republic. "He's a very complete player," said team-mate João Moutinho. "I don't think I could highlight any weak points. He's great with his head, his feet, and he's very fast." Ronaldo's partnership on the left with Real Madrid CF colleague Fábio Coentrão has been hugely important for Portugal.
EURO semi-final record:
23/06/1984 France 3-2 Portugal (aet) (Marseille)
28/06/2000 France 2-1 Portugal (gg) (Brussels)
30/06/2004 Portugal 2-1 Netherlands (Lisbon)
Basecamp: The squad appear to revel in each other's company, and their unity, happiness and dedication have shown on the training pitch at their Opalenica base. Defender Ricardo Costa, yet to play at UEFA EURO 2012, said this week that everybody has their own role. "Ronaldo-dependent?" he said. "We're Ricardo-dependent, Eduardo-dependent and [Raul] Meireles-dependent too. Cristiano's our standard-bearer, he's the best player in the world and he helps us immensely, but we don't depend just on him."
Record in Donetsk: This is a first trip to Donetsk for Portugal, but their coach has cause for confidence having led Sporting Clube de Portugal to a 1-0 victory at FC Shakhtar Donetsk in his only previous outing in the mining stronghold. Furthermore, his side for that 2008/09 UEFA Champions League group stage fixture featured current internationals Rui Patrício, Miguel Veloso and (as a late substitute) Postiga.
Moutinho, Rolando and Silvestre Varela have also played at the Donbass Arena before, winning 2-0 with FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League group stage earlier this season. The six UEFA matches played by Portuguese teams in Donetsk have ended W3 D2 L1, with Hugo Viana appearing in that lone defeat, a 2-0 reverse with SC Braga in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League group stage.
Room for improvement: One area that could be addressed is Portugal's slow start to games. In each of their four UEFA EURO 2012 matches, Bento's men have begun on the back foot. They have been good at responding to adversity, at least, recovering from a goal down against the Netherlands, yet reacted too late to rescue a point in their opening fixture with Germany. A side of Portugal's attacking nature have the ability to be more proactive than reactive, and Bento will be keen to avoid ceding early ground to Spain.
The view from home: Optimism continues to build the further the team go. Portuguese newspaper Record insists that "Portugal aren't scared of Spain", while O Jogo focuses on the growing influence of Bento's captain and talisman, Ronaldo: "Better than [Lionel] Messi and all the rest."
Mission statement: "We have a lot of respect for them, but we have respect for ourselves too; we have a great squad and great players, and we're confident in our way of playing." Right-back João Pereira is not cowed by the prospect of facing the defending champions.

Cristiano Ronaldo and His Inspirational form for Portugal

Spain Kitted Out For Success

Spain Kitted Out For Success

It takes more than just good players and a canny coach to achieve success at the highest level – meet Antonio Guerra, Spain's kit man and a key part of their backroom staff.

It requires a team effort to succeed at a major international tournament. Not just within the squad of 23 players and their coaching staff – a whole backroom team is also needed to keep a campaign on track.
One such integral member of the entourage is the kit man. Antonio Guerra fulfills this role for Spain, and he told UEFA.com about the intricacies that his essential job entails. It is far more than a simple matter of putting 11 jerseys onto pegs in the dressing room – Guerra says he is responsible for "3,000kg of sporting kit" at UEFA EURO 2012 and our video with the man who looks after the world and European champions reveals more.

Spain Kitted Out For Success

Mesut Özil - Quite Confident of Germany's Win

Mesut Özil - Quite Confident of Germany's Win

Mesut Özil warned there is more to come from him and Germany as Joachim Löw's side lay out plans for how to beat the Azzurri for the first time in eight attempts at a major tournament.

Mesut Özil is a man of few words. What he says never touches on anger, never raises the decibels, never rocks the boat. He speaks of respect for opponents, of gratitude for team-mates. Yet beneath the courteousness lies a steely determination. Germany, he whispers, are here to claim the Henri Delaunay Cup.
"We knew before the tournament that we have a strong team," said the 23-year-old. "We believe in ourselves and the goal is to return to Germany with the title. That's why we are here and I'm convinced we can do it." Not that he is daydreaming about a flight home from Kyiv on 2 July just yet – he remains focused on the present, dismissing talk of a Spain final in favor of a more immediate task: Italy on Thursday.
"We are concentrating on the here and now. We are looking forward to the semi, which will be very difficult. But we are confident we can beat anybody. Italy are surprisingly strong. You could also see that in the very good match they had against world champions Spain. I think they deserve to be in the semi-finals. They are compact, very strong, but in general we look only at ourselves. If we play as we can, I am convinced we will beat Italy."
Andrea Pirlo has been irresistible at times in Poland and Ukraine, and never more so than against England on Sunday. The way in which the veteran dictates the pace and shape of Italy's game has drawn comparisons with Özil, who is an obvious fan of the Azzurri midfielder. "He is a world-class player. The way he converted that penalty characterises him. For years he has been playing at the highest level, but I am not really focusing on [any likenesses with him]. I am looking at team performance and Italy have shown what they are made of."
Germany have been impressive so far, but will Özil have to raise his game to make it five wins from five? "I am pleased with my performances so far, but there is room for improvement. I will show that against Italy." If Germany want to overcome the Azzurri for the first time in eight attempts at a major tournament, Özil will have to make good on that promise.

Mesut Özil - Quite Confident of Germany's Win

Abate Want to Get Italian Dreams - UEFA Euro Cup 2012

Abate Want to Get Italian Dreams - UEFA Euro Cup 2012

In Wayne Rooney England have "one of the best players in the world", Italy defender Ignazio Abate has told UEFA.com, but that will not stop the Azzurri from "keeping a nation dreaming".

Though he knows his country's fate may depend on how well he helps nullify "one of the best strikers in the world", Italy defender Ignazio Abate is resolved to resist the stern challenge posed by Wayne Rooney and England in Sunday's UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-final.
Abate made his UEFA European Championship bow in Italy's final group match against the Republic of Ireland on Monday and gave a typically combative display in their first win of the tournament. "I don't think we have been favourites since the start and we are still not now we're in the quarter-final," the full-back told UEFA.com. "We have overcome the tricky obstacle of the group stage and now we feel that with the heart we have shown we can become something of a depth charge in this tournament."
Abate is clearly happy for Italy to maintain a low profile ahead of their trip to Kyiv. However, having faced Premier League opposition on UEFA Champions League duty, the AC Milan man knows Roy Hodgson's side will pose a formidable challenge. "England play a lot on the flanks, are quick on the counterattack and get to the other end of the pitch with relative ease," he said. "They deliver a lot of crosses and have Wayne Rooney, a striker who is a great header of the ball. He is a complete player, one of the best in the world. It's an incredibly tough challenge, but it will be hard for them too."
Abate is not yet sure about whether he will keep his place in the side as injury to Giorgio Chiellini may convince Cesare Prandelli to revert to a 3-5-1 formation that has tended to favour Christian Maggio's selection in the right wing-back role. "This side consists of many great players and our ability to switch formations during the course of a match has never been a problem," said Abate. "In fact, it's another sting to our bow."
The Azzurri certainly appear to have embraced Prandelli's free-flowing footballing philosophy and Abate is no different, lauding the former ACF Fiorentina coach for his refreshing egalitarian methods. "The coach has a great relationship with all of us and he is always there to talk to," he said. "He is a real tracksuit manager, a good teacher and a good talker: the whole squad enjoys working with him and results have reflected that."
With over 20 million viewers tuning in to watch their compatriots beat the Irish on Monday, Italy are also gaining favour back home. The importance of this great stage is not lost on Abate, who added: "It's an incredible feeling, you get shivers when you're preparing to walk out of the tunnel and when you listen to the national anthems, as you never know when your next chance will come.
"We are trying to transmit this passion of ours to the whole nation. We are a group of simple guys who are working together to realise the same dream of winning something important. With hard work and heart we will try our best to keep the whole nation dreaming."

Abate Want to Get Italian Dreams - UEFA Euro Cup 2012