Socrates

Purtroppo non ho visto la tappa in diretta ma solo qualcosa al tg1, anche l? hanno paragonato lo scatto di Ricc? a quelli che faceva il compianto Marco. Mi fa piacere per il ciclista modenese che tiene alto il nome dell'Italia al Tour.

We Can Make Champions League Final - Chiellini Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini talked about the national team and his ambition to lift a trophy in the coming season. It's almost time for every team to get back on the training ground for the summer. Next Thursday it's Juventus' turn, and defender Giorgio Chiellini thinks this year will be the right one to lift a trophy again. "This year I want us to lift a trophy," he said. Today he will be honored by politician Pier Ferdinando Casini as Italy's best player at Euro 2008. "I did not expect to do so well, but it should be a starting point for me," was his reaction to that. On the national team and Marcello Lippi's return, he said: "Nothing changes for me, I only have to think about working hard and being ready. With Donadoni I've also done well." Coming back on Juventus: "I can't wait to get started. I'm enjoying the last days of rest, but I talk to my team mates and the coach every day and I'm working on my own to restart well." On the Champions League, Chiellini did not hide his ambition: "I can't wait to get back into Europe. With Capello I had played 6 games. This year I want to go all the way. In these competitions not always the best team wins: we will need to do great things, but we have what it takes to get to the final. "We start from an excellent basis and we also have another new player coming in. Of course, it's not easy to rebuild the team of champions of the past, but we are on the right road."

7A TAPPA Brioude - Aurillac 159 km VIDEO Il colpaccio di Sanchez Tappa non facile nel Massiccio Centrale. Lo spagnolo della Caisse d'Epargne, parte di un quartetto di fuga, una volta ripreso trova la forza per attaccare di nuovo e vincere davanti a Schumacher e ad un arrabbiatissimo Pozzato. Ancora in ritardo Cunego, Kirchen resta in giallo AURILLAC - Sono successe parecchie cose lungo i 159 km in pieno cuore di Francia, sul Massiccio centrale. Percorso ostico, adatto per agguati, al termine del quale Pozzato schiuma di rabbia per aver mancato la stoccata, Damiano Cunego si becca un altro mezzo di ritardo, e la CSC dei fratelli Schleck alza la voce. L?uomo del giorno per? ? Luis Leon Sanchez, spagnolo della Caisse d?Epargne. La sua vittoria, la prima al Tour, ? accompagnata da un ghigno di determinazione che ? tutto un programma. Un trionfo strameritato, voluto praticamente per tutto il giorno. Attivo nella fase centrale della gara, Sanchez entra nella fuga pi? interessante di giornata, ma una volta ripreso riesce a raggruppare energie sufficienti per dare un'altra stoccata. Come sempre nel ciclismo, importante anche la forza della squadra. La Caisse d?Epargne, dopo il ridimensionamento (forse temporaneo, forse no) di Alejandro Valverde, ? ingolosita da prestigiosi successi di tappa. E' cos? che nel momento decisivo, Pereiro Sio appoggia tatticamente Sanchez, e tutta la squadra (Valverde compreso) gestisce bene la fase di copertura. Non fa altrettanto la Liquigas. Tre elementi (Pozzato, Nibali e Kreuziger), in avanscoperta, ma dormita collettiva sull'attacco di Sanchez. L'umore di Pozzato ? conseguenziale: ''Sono arrabbiato, a 2 km dal traguardo ho capito che neanche stavolta avrei vinto. Un peccato, a ogni occasione c'? sempre qualcosa che non va''. Capitolo Cunego. Se per la seconda giornata in fila si perde mezzo minuto, c'? qualcosa che non va. ''Sono caduto, per rientrare con la squadra abbiamo fatto una fatica tremenda, e quando siamo riusciti a farlo eravamo stremati ? spiega Cunego -. Le energie spese, il dolore, tutte cose che nel finale ho pagato. E' stata una giornata in cui ? andato tutto storto''. Oltre alla caduta ci si mette anche la CSC, che proprio in coincidenza con l'inconveniente scatena un attacco dimostrativo a Kirchen (che mantiene la gialla) ed agli altri big. Vento sferzante, tipetti come Cancellara e Voigt che tirano a tutta, uguale selezione assicurata. Cenni di cronaca. Dopo l?attacco della CSC, spazio ad un quartetto, con gli spagnoli Sanchez, De La Fuente e Jufre e il messinese Nibali. Dopo il Pas de Peyrol, Nibali disegna le curve di una discesa non semplice, De La Fuente accusa e fa l?elastico per poi tornare in auge sullo strappo finale (10 km all?arrivo). Qui Schumacher senza fortuna prova a riprendersi la maglia gialla di Kirchen. Poi parte Sanchez, campione spagnolo a cronometro non per caso, che prende una dozzina di secondi difesi con le unghie. Ordine d'arrivo 1. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spa) - Caisse d'Epargne 3h52'53" 2. Stefan Schumacher (Ger) - Gerolsteiner + 6" 3. Filippo Pozzato (Ita) - Liquigas s.t. 4. Kim Kirchen (Lus) - Columbia s.t. 5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) - Caisse d'Epargne s.t. 6. Oscar Pereiro (Spa) - Caisse d'Epargne s.t. 7. Samuel Sanchez (Spa) - Euskatel s.t. 8. Josep Jufre (Spa) - Saunier Duval s.t. 9. Christian Vandevelde (Usa) - Garmin Chipotle s.t. 10. Andy Schleck (Lux) - Csc s.t. Classifica generale 1. Kim Kirchen (Lux) - Columbia 28h23'40" 2. Cadel Evans (Aus) - Silence-Lotto + 6" 3. Stefan Schumacher (Ger) - Gerolsteiner + 16" 4. Christian Vandevelde (Usa) - Garmin Chipotle + 44" 5. Denis Menchov (Rus) - Rabobank + 1'03" 6. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) - Caisse d'Epargne + 1'12" 7. David Millar (Gbr) - Garmin Chipotle + 1'14" 8. Stijn Devolder (Bel) - Quick Step + 1'21" 9. Oscar Pereiro (Spa) - Caisse d'Epargne s.t. 10. Thomas Lovkvist (Sve) - Columbia s.t. 41 KIRCHEN Kim TEAM COLUMBIA 28h 23' 40" 133 FREIRE Oscar RABOBANK 174 DE LA FUENTE David SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 48 L?VKVIST Thomas TEAM COLUMBIA 28h 25' 01" da kataweb.it

Il corridore spagnolo della Liquigas ? stato portato nella caserma della Gendarmerie per un interrogatorio. La Liquigas continuer? a correre il Tour.

LE SQUADRE Silence - Lotto 1 Cadel Evans AUS 2 Mario Aerts BEL 3 Christophe Brandt BEL 4 Dario Cioni ITA 5 Leif Hoste BEL 6 Robbie McEwen AUS 7 Yaroslav Popovych UKR 8 Johan Vansummeren BEL 9 Wim Vansevenant BEL Team CSC 11 Carlos Sastre ESP 12 Kurt-Asle Arvesen NOR 13 Fabian Cancellara SUI 14 Vladimir Gustov UKR 15 Stuart O`Grady AUS 16 Andy Schleck LUX 17 Fr?nk Schleck LUX 18 Nicki S?rensen DEN 19 Jens Voigt GER Euskaltel 21 Haimar Zubeldia ESP 22 Mikel Astarloza ESP 23 I?aki Isasi ESP 24 Egoi Mart?nez ESP 25 Juan Jos? Oroz ESP 26 Rub?n P?rez ESP 27 Samuel S?nchez ESP 28 Amets Txurruka ESP 29 Gorka Verdugo ESP Caisse d`Epargne 31 Alejandro Valverde ESP 32 David Arroyo ESP 33 Arnaud Coyot FRA 34 Jos? Vicente Garc?a Acosta ESP 35 Jos? Iv?n Guti?rrez ESP 36 David L?pez ESP 37 ?scar Pereiro ESP 38 Nicolas Portal FRA 39 Luis Le?n S?nchez ESP Columbia 41 Kim Kirchen LUX 42 Markus Burghardt GER 43 Mark Cavendish IOM 44 Gerald Ciolek GER 45 Bernhard Eisel AUT 46 Adam Hansen AUS 47 George Hincapie USA 48 Thomas L?vkvist SWE 49 Kanstantin Sivtsov BLR Barloworld 51 Mauricio Soler COL 52 John-Lee Augustyn RSA 53 F?lix C?rdenas COL 54 Gianpaolo Cheula ITA 55 Baden Cooke AUS 56 Mois?s Due?as ESP 57 Chris Froome GBR 58 Robert Hunter RSA 59 Paolo Longo Borghini ITA Liquigas 61 Filippo Pozzato ITA 62 Manuel Beltr?n ESP 63 Francesco Chicchi ITA 64 Murilo Fischer BRA 65 Roman Kreuziger CZE 66 Aliaksandr Kuchynski BLR 67 Vincenzo Nibali ITA 68 Manuel Quinziato ITA 69 Frederik Willems BEL Lampre 71 Damiano Cunego ITA 72 Alessandro Ballan ITA 73 Matteo Bono ITA 74 Marzio Bruseghin ITA 75 Marco Marzano ITA 76 Massimiliano Mori ITA 77 Daniele Righi ITA 78 Sylwester Szmyd POL 79 Paolo Tiralongo ITA Cr?dit Agricole 81 Thor Hushovd NOR 82 William Bonnet FRA 83 Alexandre Botcharov RUS 84 Jimmy Engoulvent FRA 85 Dmitriy Fofonov KAZ 86 Simon Gerrans AUS 87 Christophe Le Mevel FRA 88 R?mi Pauriol FRA 89 Mark Renshaw AUS Quick-Step 91 Stijn Devolder BEL 92 Carlos Barredo ESP 93 Matteo Carrara ITA 94 Steven de Jongh NED 95 Mauro Facci ITA 96 S?bastien Rosseler BEL 97 Gert Steegmans BEL 98 Matteo Tosatto ITA 99 Jurgen Van de Walle BEL AG2R 101 Cyril Dessel FRA 102 Jos? Luis Arrieta ESP 103 Hubert Dupont FRA 104 Vladimir Efimkine RUS 105 Martin Elmiger SUI 106 John Gadret FRA 107 St?phane Goubert FRA 108 Christophe Riblon FRA 109 Tadej Valjavec SVN Gerolsteiner 111 Stefan Schumacher GER 112 Robert F?rster GER 113 Markus Fothen GER 114 Heinrich Haussler GER 115 Bernhard Kohl AUT 116 Sven Krau? GER 117 Sebastian Lang GER 118 Ronny Scholz GER 119 Fabian Wegmann GER Agritubel 121 Christophe Moreau FRA 122 Freddy Bichot FRA 123 Jimmy Casper FRA 124 Romain Feillu FRA 125 Eduardo Gonzalo ESP 126 Nicolas Jalabert FRA 127 David Le Lay FRA 128 Geoffroy Lequatre FRA 129 Nicolas Vogondy FRA Rabobank 131 Denis Menchov RUS 132 Juan Antonio Flecha ESP 133 ?scar Freire ESP 134 Sebastian Langeveld NED 135 Koos Moerenhout NED 136 Joost Posthuma NED 137 Bram Tankink NED 138 Laurens ten Dam NED 139 Pieter Weening NED Bouygues Telecom 141 Pierrick F?drigo FRA 142 Stef Clement NED 143 Xavier Florencio ESP 144 Laurent Lef?vre FRA 145 J?r?me Pineau FRA 146 Matthieu Sprick FRA 147 Yury Trofimov RUS 148 Johann Tschopp SUI 149 Thomas Voeckler FRA Milram 151 Erik Zabel GER 152 Ralf Grabsch GER 153 Christian Knees GER 154 Brett Lancaster AUS 155 Martin M?ller GER 156 Bj?rn Schr?der GER 157 Niki Terpstra NED 158 Peter Velits SVK 159 Marco Velo ITA Fran?aise des Jeux 161 Sandy Casar FRA 162 S?bastien Chavanel FRA 163 R?my Di Gregorio FRA 164 Arnaud G?rard FRA 165 Philippe Gilbert BEL 166 Lilian J?gou FRA 167 Yoann Le Boulanger FRA 168 J?r?my Roy FRA 169 Beno?t Vaugrenard FRA Saunier Duval 171 Riccardo Ricc? ITA 172 Rubens Bertogliati SUI 173 Juan Jos? Cobo ESP 174 David De la Fuente ESP 175 Jes?s Del Nero ESP 176 ?ngel G?mez G?mez ESP 177 Josep Jufr? ESP 178 Aur?lien Passeron FRA 179 Leonardo Piepoli ITA Cofidis 181 Sylvain Chavanel FRA 182 St?phane Aug? FRA 183 Florent Brard FRA 184 Herv? Duclos-Lassalle FRA 185 Samuel Dumoulin FRA 186 Leonardo Duque COL 187 Ama?l Moinard FRA 188 David Moncouti? FRA 189 Maxime Monfort BEL Garmin - Chipotle 191 Christian Vande Velde USA 192 Magnus B?ckstedt SWE 193 Julian Dean NZL 194 Will Frischkorn USA 195 Ryder Hesjedal CAN 196 Trent Lowe AUS 197 Martijn Maaskant NED 198 David Millar SCO 199 Danny Pate USA

Torres Clinches Euro 2008 For Spain Spain 1-0 Germany Spain overcame a nervy start to outclass and control Germany in a largely one-sided Euro 2008 final... Despite starting off on the back foot and almost conceding a penalty, La Furia Roja were able to steady themselves and carve out a first half lead which was very seldom threatened as they dominated the match and delighted their fans in equal measure. It was a merited tournament win for Spain - their first since 1964 - and an opportunity lost for a German side that wanted for a final ball and defensive stability. Die Nationalelf had a full squad available after Michael Ballack recovered in time to make the squad, and he lined up in attacking midfield with Schweinsteiger and Podolski to either side of him. Klose began up front, while Fernando Torres did likewise for a Spanish side bereft of David Villa. Francesc F?bregas supported him, while Xavi, Iniesta and Silva comprised the rest of the attacking midfield. Iker Casillas captained the side from in goal. First Half After just two minutes Sergio Ramos committed a grave error, inexplicably gifting the ball to the oncoming Miroslav Klose. To the Spaniard's relief, though, the Bayern man strode into the box and overtouched the ball, which rolled harmlessly wide. Overall the early stages saw die Nationalelf cme purposefully up the flanks, although there was little end product, even as Michael Ballack managed to whip in a cross (albeit a wayward one.) Eventually they did register a shot on target eight minutes in. With yet another attack coming down the left that culiminated in a Klose shot from the edge of the area. Casillas, though, stooped to easily save the effort. Spain, missing the movement of Villa up front, were largely reduced to the long ball game, while Germany made hay against what was a midfield more apt to stand off than tackle - Ballack looked particularly active in such an environment. But with their first fluid move of the match, Spain came inches away from scoring. After a fine passing move through Torres and Xavi, Iniesta was gifted to a fine through ball into the left-hand side of the box. Touching the ball past Mertesacker (almost inadvertently), he attempted to play it across goal, only for Christoph Metzelder to get there first - and deflect it goalward. To his relief Jens Lehmann stretched acrobatically to save. La Furia Roja were emboldened but still struggled to make too much of an impact in front of goal, with F?bregas also somewhat slow to get involved. But yet again when they did manage to get into the final third, they oh-so nearly made it count. The ever-energetic Sergio Ramos - further forward than might have been anticipated against Germany - launched a cross to the far post, where Fernando Torres manager to tower above Friedrich and head the ball towards goal. With Lehmann unable to reach it, the ball clattered off the post and broke to Capdevila, who shot wide. For a final the match was becoming remarkably open, and the opener could have come 28 minutes in. Many, in fact, will say that it should have. Capdevila, prior to making a clearance, appeared to handle the ball in the box after tapping it up off his foot, leading to fervent protests from the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger. Referee Roberto Rosetti, though, declined to blow his whistle. Five minutes later, though, and Spain were in the lead. It was simple yet beautiful: a 1-2-3 pass move down the middle starting with Marcos Senna before reaching Xavi. The Barcelona man then weighted an absolutely magnificent through ball for Fernando Torres, who outmuscles Lahm and chipped the ball deftly over the onrushing Lehmann into the far corner of the net. It should have been 2-0 seconds later after Iniesta broke down the left, performed his trademark across Mertesacker, and clipped a cross to the onrushing Silva. Completely unmarked, the Valencia man needlessly ballooned a volley over the bar when he had ample time in which to control the ball and test the 'keeper. Spain's euphoria was tangible, and in truth they Germany had begun to fade after their dominant spell in the opening ten minutes while their counterparts grew in confidence. Ugly scenes erupted 41 minutes in Ballack hacked down F?bregas; in the end Ballack, as well as Spain captain Iker Casillas, were booked for their part in the drama. But there was to be little more action of note in the first period as the half ended after another fine Xavi-Iniesta counter. Second Half Philipp Lahm, so convincingly beaten at Torres' goal, was hooked at half-time in favour of Marcell Jansen, but otherwise the teams came out unchanged. Spain started the brighter side, but there were to be relatively few chances. Indeed, Germany were to enjoy the first as Jansen, a positive influence, managed to play the ball to Podolski, but the Polish-born forward was dispossessed just before pulling the trigger. La Furia Roja launched a counter, and Lehmann had to be at his best to force the corner after a Xavi shot. From the resulting corner Silva eventually played it through to Sergio Ramos, but the right-back could make no contact. The Spaniards once again strode forward just a minute later, and with Mertesacker nowhere Torres was once again played through on goal. This time, though, Lehmann slid in well to save, much to the Liverpool forward's frustration. The otherwise-impressive Puyol was then caught out after a passing move across the edge of the Spanish box that culminated in a shot for Ballack. Casillas reacted slightly late, but the ball inched wide anyway. On came Xabi Alonso for Francesc F?bregas as Spain changed shape. With Germany committing men forward the Furia Roja had to adapt, and thus they did by going 4-2-4-1, Xabi alongside Senna. After another half-chance for the Germans, there was more disciplinary drama as Podolski and Silva clashed off the ball. The German took issue with Silva's pulling him down and squared up to him. The Valencia man reacted by jutting his head forward, although the referee decided not to deem it a headbutt. Silva was in any case withdrawn seconds later in favour of Santi Cazorla, and Spain renewed their offensive. Metzelder committed handball 30 yards out, and with relatively few staying back for it, it was a quiet box that met the delivery. It was a wonderfully taken free-kick by Xavi, and dreadfulyl defended by Germany, who played Sergio Ramos onside. The young Real Madrid man dived to meet the ball, but his header was saved brilliantly by Lehmann. Lehmann was called into action again as the final 20 minutes approached, although it seemed that his evening was becoming quieter as Fernando Torres, booked, was substituted off for Daniel G?iza. Germany, meanwhile, brought on Gomez for Klose as they committed men up front. In doing so, though, they merely afforded Spain a vast amount of space on the break and left their forwards stranded. The Roja almost took full advantage 81 minutes in after a mazy run by Senna - no doubt relieved to be given the freedom to surge forward and pass to Cazorla for a great cross to G?iza. The Mallorca man cut the ball back across goal, but the onrushing Senna missed the ball by inches with the goal at his mercy. Spain were well and truly in control as they reacted well to Germany's tactical change and kept the frazzled Nationalelf back four in disarray. Few would have been surprised if they managed a second, and as a solo Daniel G?iza somehow managed to force a corner despite being surrounded by four defenders it actually seemed inevitable. With few men in the box the corner originally seemed set to come to little, but it was cut back once again to Senna, striding forward, but this time the Brazil-born midfielder won a free-kick 25 yards out. Xavi, though, sclaffed it over the top. The probability of a second goal lessened as the match wore on, and indeed there was high drama at the other end as the whistle blew in the box, but in fact the referee saw a foul on Capdevila and not Schweinsteiger. Spain, then, were able to run down the clock in relative comfort as Germany's belief evaporated. The colossus of European trophy-getting, then, were left worn and defeated by the side that had all too often in the past flattered to deceive. The fans saw what so many in football wryly remarked they'd never see again: Spain lifted a trophy as European Champions. SPAIN 1-0 GERMANY 1-0 Torres 33' SPAIN: Casillas ©; Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila; Senna; Iniesta, Xavi Hern?ndez, Cesc F?bregas (Xabi Alonso 63); Silva (Cazorla 65); Torres (G?iza 77). Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Villa, Sergio Garc?a, Arbeloa, Juanito, de la Red. GERMANY: Lehmann; Friedrich, Mertresacker, Metzelder, Lahm (Jansen 46); Frings, Hitzlsperger (Kuranyi 57); Schweinsteiger, Ballack ©, Podolski; Klose (Gomez 78). Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Rolfes, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor. Yellow Cards: Casillas 42, Torres 74 - Ballack 42, Kuranyi 87. Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

Un sostegno alla nostra iniziativa viene da fratelli juventini ungheresi che hanno raccolto pi? di 100 firme contro l'arrivo di Stankovic. http://www.j1897.com/forum/index.php?showt...p;#entry4510994

Euro 2008 Preview: Germany - Spain What: Euro 2008 final When: Sunday, June 29 (2045 CET) Where: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna, Austria Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy) This Is It... What was 16 teams just three weeks ago has now been whittled down to a final two, Spain and Germany, who face off in Sunday's final for the trophy. The two are almost polar opposites of European football, with Germany constantly performing to or even beyond their ability at times to always pull through and be there or thereabouts in major tournaments while the Spanish, despite being technically talented, regularly flounder tactically, get overpowered and drop their heads far too easily. History Each team's tournament history tells a story. Germany have won three World Cups and three European Championships, having reached at least the semi-finals a staggering 18 times in total, with their main period of domination running through the 1970s and 80s. Spain, however, have reached the last four just four times - including this year - with their best finish in a World Cup being fourth place in 1950 and them having won the second ever Euro on home soil in 1964 and being losing finalists 20 years later. So this is just their third final - all of them in Euros - and what will inspire them is the opportunity to emulate the French team that beat them 2-0 in the Euro 84 final and win the tournament having made a clean sweep of their group, an incredibly rare feat. Past Meetings Germany have the edge on Spain in head-to-head meetings in the past, having won eight, drawn five and lost six. There is little between them, but in major tournaments, unsurprisingly, Germany's superiority is a little more significant. Spain gained a solitary victory over the Mannschaft on their way to the Euro 84 final, while Germany got the better of them on the way to the 1966 World Cup final, as well as in 1982 and in Euro 88. Spain have the most recent bragging rights, having beaten Germany 3-1 in 2003 with a brace from Raul and another from Real Madrid team-mate Guti. Despite both having had good seasons, neither made Luis Aragones' Euro squad amid much controversy. Meanwhile Germany last won in 2000 by four goals to one, with Michael Ballack the only member of that team still present in today's squad. Win-Loss Germany's history in Euro finals has a distinct win-loss pattern that could play into Spain's hands. They made the final in three consecutive competitions in the 70s, losing finalists in their first in 1972, winning in 1976 and losing again in 1980. They then lost to underdogs Denmark in a memorable 1992 final before winning the following tournament in England, beating the Czech Republic in the final. Is it their turn to lose again? Route To The Final Spain have looked the more convincing side throughout the tournament and have overcome superior opponents overall, remaining unbeaten in the process. Their double over Russia - each win by three goals - cannot be understated, particularly when considering Russia's win over tournament favourites the Netherlands. They also showed their resolve to keep pressing against Sweden and grab a late winner, as well as when the second string came from behind against Greece in a dead rubber to seal victory. They even put to bed their penalty shootout hoodoo with a win over Italy on the exact day they have exited major tournaments three times in the past on the dreaded spot-kicks. The only thing they haven't done is taken the silverware home, and considering their achievements so far, few would deny them that honour. Germany have been less convincing but incredibly potent in front of goal, a fact that will worry the Spaniards to no end. they scored three goals against Turkey with their only shots on target. Against Portugal, a side quite comparable to Spain, Germany produced their only top performance of the tournament; overpowering Luiz Felipe Scolari's men, punishing them from two set-pieces and won fierce counterattack. Their deficiencies at the back were compensated for by a strong defensive foundation in midfield, one they will be eager to replicate tomorrow evening. Goals from midfield have been vital for the Germans and as such, Spain will need to have a strong base in their own midfield and watch the runners to ensure they don't get hit on the break. FORM GUIDE Germany 25.06.08 Germany 3-2 Turkey Euro 2008 semi-final 19.06.08 Germany 3-2 Portugal Euro 2008 quarterfinal 16.06.08 Germany 1-0 Austria Euro 2008 Group B 12.06.08 Germany 2-3 Croatia Euro 2008 Group B 08.06.08 Germany 2-0 Poland Euro 2008 Group B Spain 26.06.08 Spain 3-0 Russia Euro 2008 semi-final 21.06.08 Spain 0-0 Italy (AET, 4-2 pens) Euro 2008 quarterfinal 18.06.08 Spain 2-1 Greece Euro 2008 Group D 14.06.08 Spain 2-1 Sweden Euro 2008 Group D 10.06.08 Spain 4-1 Russia Euro 2008 Group D TEAM NEWS Germany Torsten Frings has declared himself fit despite recently suffering a fractured rib that ruled him out of the quarterfinals and most of the semi. With his replacement, Simon Rolfes, suffering a nasty blow to the head against Turkey, the Werder Bremen midfielder is likely to slot back into his rightful place. With captain Michael Ballack's inclusion a given, Thomas Hitzlsperger is likely to retain his place to make it a three man midfield ahead of striker Mario Gomez, who disappointed in the groups and is only likely to make an appearance as a substitute if at all. The team is otherwise expected to remain as it has been in the knockout rounds, meaning no place for offensive full-back Marcell Jansen or Clemens Fritz on the opposite flank since Bastian Schweinsteiger seized his opportunity. Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): Lehmann; Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Frings, Ballack, Hitzlsperger, Podolski; Klose. Spain Tournament top scorer David Villa will almost certainly miss the final with a muscle injury, though there is a chance he may play a role from the bench if required. With Dani Guiza not the type of striker best suited to partnering Fernando Torres up front, Luis Aragones is expected to opt for star substitute Cesc Fabregas and line up a five-man midfield, for which he recently expressed a preference. The rest will remain as it is, with Aragones having made clear that he will stick with a winning formula. Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): Casillas; Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila; Iniesta, Xavi, Senna, Fabregas, Silva; Torres. PLAYERS TO WATCH Germany Michael Ballack: He is Germany's lynchpin, captain and chief big game player. Having been on the losing side in all the major finals of his career so far, he will certainly be looking to make amends for that tomorrow night - if he can play. Reports have emerged that he has aggravated a calf injury and is in serious doubt for the final, which would be the second major one he has missed in his career, having also sat out the 2002 World Cup loss to Brazil. Should he play, counting against him is the fact that Spain have shackled creative forces from opposing teams formidably in recent games - highlighted by Andrei Arshavin's muted performance in the semi-final - and an even slightly unfit Ballack will have his work cut out to make the difference tomorrow. However, his range of ability - from penalties and free-kicks to headers and long shots - means he could still pose a threat in almost any capacity. Bastian Schweinsteiger: Left out of the team at the start of the tournament in favour of Clemens Fritz to give the team more defensive balance, Schweinsteiger's poor season looked to have cost him his status as Germany's emerging untouchable star. However, despite a late sending off as a substitute in the loss against Croatia, Joachim Loew displayed great faith in the bleach-blonde midfielder and it has paid dividends. His set-piece delivery has been magnificent - setting up two goals against Portugal - and his runs into the box have seen him grab one in each of the knockout games so far as well. Quite a redemption. Lukas Podolski: Germany's top scorer and quite arguably most impressive player, considering he has not been given much of any playng time this season at Bayern Munich and is being played out of position in left wing at the tournament. He of course has been afforded a free-role of sorts, but nevertheless his work-rate, anticipation, direct running and absolute bullet of a shot have made him one of Germany's most uncontainable players. Almost all of Germany's attacking play and goals have come from his and Philipp Lahm's left flank, giving Spain right-back Sergio Ramos a lot to think about. Spain Carles Puyol: While Germany's defence has been renowned for its strength and has looked second rate, the opposite can be said of Spain at this tournament and much of the credit goes to Carles Puyol. He has led by example at the back in a defence that has conceded just two goals in four games (with the Greece encounter being almost an entirely different team and not including him). Puyol will need to maintain his discipline and positional to track the out-of-form but ever-present Miroslav Klose, an unenviable task, as the Bayern man has looked woefully short of form all tournament but still been on the mark with two headed goals after poor defending. Cesc Fabregas: Spain's super-sub of the tournament and most impressive player for that exact reason. Few would expect someone to come off the bench and produce results so consistently over such a short space of time, but the 21-year-old cannot be denied his credit and, following an unfortunate injury to David Villa, he will almost certainly earn the start he deserves tomorrow. It will be up to him to prove he can do it from the off, acting as the sharp end of a three-man central midfield with Xavi and Senna in behind and Silva and Iniesta either side of him, and the man ahead will of course be... Fernando Torres: Without David Villa in the side, there is more pressure on Torres to deliver. The Liverpool ace has delivered just one goal in four appearances so far despite being the focal point of La Furia Roja's attacking play. While his movement has been good and his running potentially dangerous, the finishing touch has been found wanting, and that is something Spain will not be able to afford tomorrow night. Will he seize the moment? PREDICTION 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. Germany 1-1 Spain (1-2 AET)

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Euro 2008 Preview: Germany - Turkey 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) For a side with such a brief international pedigree, Turkey certainly have a habit of getting into final fours in recent years. Germany, meanwhile, are the dogged old campaigners of European football, and for them a semi-final appearance is a less of an accomplishment than an expectation. The two meet in Basel for what is sure to be a memorable clash... The Walking Wounded The Turks enter the match as underdogs not only on reputation, but also in terms of squad. That's not so much because their pool of 23 players lacks class, but rather it's down to the fact that only around half are available to play. With four suspensions, two confirmed injury absentees and a further three doubtful, just 12 men are guaranteed available - and two of them are goalkeepers! It's far from ideal for Fatih Terim, but his side have shown that they are capable of overcoming adversity, if nothing else. On no fewer than three occasions in this tournament they've shown themselves able to fight back in the nick of time: first they banished memories of an opening day loss against Portugal by edging the Swiss, and then they stunned the Czech Republic courtesy of a brace from the now-injured Nihat Kahveci to secure their passage to the quarter finals. There they met on-form Croatia, but sent the Balkan boys crashing out of the tournament with yet another spirited late showing. That raised confidence on so many levels: not only have Turkey now matched their feat of finishing third in the 2002 World Cup, but they also managed to oust a group leader. Germany, of course, finished second to the Croatians in Group B, and as such they could be considered by some measures an even easier proposition. But the might of the Nationalelf can simply never be dismissed. Good Vibrations At least that will be the thought in the German camp. With characteristic confidence the Nationalelf head into this fixture intent on winning, and they have a full squad available with which to do so. Germany are no strangers to this stage of the competition, having reached either the final four or the last two on seven occasions (inclusive of this one) since their first appearance in the competition back in 1972. That said, they've had some gaffes along the way. Not only did they fail to qualify in 1968, but the last two championships saw them crash out at the first stage, failing to win a match in either Belgium-Holland or Portugal. This was simply unacceptable, not least because they'd sandwiched a World Cup final appearance in between these two tournaments, showing that the flesh was not weak but perhaps the spirit was. Still, L?w has Germany on track in this tournament and will now aim for high success. One factor playing in his favour is the strength of his squad: another is that Basel is about as within spitting distance of the Fatherland. Not that this will discourage Turkey, of course: the huge expatriate/diaspora community in this part of the world will be out in force, as will some hardy travelling fans. Head-to-Head Since German reunification the sides have met on four occasions. Turkey won the first two 1-0, the third was drawn 0-0, and the fourth - the only match played this century - saw Turkey oust Germany 2-1 in Istanbul in a friendly. The old West Germany beat the Turks ten times, drawing twice and losing just once - in the first meeting between the sides, funnily enough, in West Berlin in 1951. (The old East Germany met Turkey five times, winning once, drawing once and then losing three in succession.) FORM GUIDE Germany 19/06/08 Portugal 2 Germany 3 (Euro 2008) 16/06/08 Austria 0 Germany 1 (Euro 2008) 12/08/08 Germany 1 Croatia 2 (Euro 2008) 08/06/08 Germany 2 Poland (Euro 2008) 31/05/08 Germany 2 Serbia 1 (Friendly) 27/05/08 Germany 2 Belarus 2 (Friendly) Turkey 15/06/08 Czech Rep. 2 Turkey 3 (Euro 2008) 07/06/08 Turkey 0 Portugal 2 (Euro 2008) 29/05/08 Turkey 2 Finland 0 (Friendly) 25/05/08 Turkey 2 Uruguay 3 (Friendly) 20/05/08 Slovakia 0 Turkey 1 (Friendly) TEAM NEWS Germany With absolutely no injury or suspension worries at the moment, Joachim L?w has a full complement of players available to meet the Crescent-Stars. The Nationalelf are likely to line up 4-4-2 with on-fire Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez leading the line, and on-form Lukas Podolski breaking in from the flank. Possible Starting XI: Lehmann; Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Ballack, Frings/Rolfes, Podolski; Klose, Gomez. Turkey Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik have joined the suspension list. Volkan Demirel, too, remains banned, although Mehmet Aurelio returns from his own sanction. Injury problems have hit the side hard, though: Nihat Kahveci and Emre Gungor are definitely out, while Emre Belozoglu, Servet Cetin and Tumer Metin are doubtful. Third-choice goalkeeper Tolga Zengin could be named as an outfield substitute. Possible Starting XI: Rustu Recber; Altintop, Emre Asik, Gokhan Zan, Balta; Kazim-Richards, Aurelio, Tumer Metin, Karadeniz; Erding, Semih Senturk. PLAYERS TO WATCH Germany - Michael Ballack: Ballack is Germany's second-highest scorer in the tournament so far, his two strikes putting him just behing Lukas Podolski. Moreover, the veteran Chelsea man has begun to return to his best form at Euro 2008 and must be considered a key influence ahead of this encounter, not least as he dons the captain's armband. Turkey - Gokhan Zan: The Besiktas stopper is highly likely to line up as he strides past the 20 cap mark, and it's time for him to take the lessons learned in European football with the Black Eagles and apply them to the national team. Germany are strongly expected to surge forward and he'll need to be up to the challenge. PREDICTION 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! Germany 2-1 Turkey

Casillas The Hero As Spain Send Italy Packing Spain 0-0 Italy (Spain win 4-2 on penalties) Iker Casillas was the hero as Spain progressed to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after defeating Italy 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of football faild to produce a goal. Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale were denied by Casillas, while Daniel Guiza was the only one to miss for Spain as Cesc Fabregas scored the decisive penalty to book a semi-final date with Russia. First Half Group D winners Spain reverted back to their strongest line-up having rested players during their dead-rubber win over Greece. Defender Carles Puyol was originally thought to be a doubt for this game due to injury, however he was fit enough to start. Fernando Torres and David Villa partnered each other up-front. Italy coach Roberto Donadoni had problems in midfield as Milan-duo Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo were suspended, meaning that Massimo Ambrosini and Alberto Aquilani came in. Defender Andrea Barzagli picked up an injury in training on Thursday and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Antonio Cassano again started off target man Luca Toni. There was a cagey start to the game as both teams felt each other out. The first shot of the game came in the ninth minute as Silva?s 25-yard shot was deflected into the arms of Gianluigi Buffon. It was a very tactical affair with much of the game being played in the middle of the field. Villa went down in the box under a challenge from Ambrosini, and although there was minimal contact the referee was never going to give a penalty. Torres then found space down the left and cut into the area, but Gianluca Zambrotta quickly got back to put the forward off. Italy had their first attempt on 18 minutes, as Simone Perrotta made a late run into the box, and headed straight at Iker Casillas from an Ambrosini cross. Down the other end Villa tried to ambitiously lob Buffon from miles out but his effort was well wide. Ambrosini robbed Sergio Ramos down the left, and had Toni all by himself in the middle, but he over-hit his cross. The chess match continued but Spain were awarded a dangerous free kick just outside the area when De Rossi felled Villa. The Valencia man took the set-piece himself, and Buffon had to be alert to get down low to save. Buffon had to be sharp again just past the half-hour as Silva drifted to the right, cut inside, before unleashing a daisycutter that the keeper took no chances with, even though it was probably creeping wide. Xavi also tried his luck from range, but his shot was deflected off target. Spain started to have a little spell of possession but all the efforts were from long range, with Iniesta and Senna both shooting wide. Italy created their best chance on 35 minutes, as Cassano made half a yard against Sergio Ramos, crossed into the middle for Toni but his goal-bound header cannoned off Marchena in front of him. Silva had been Spain?s liveliest player in the first half, and he cut inside from the right again before shooting inches past the far post. Iniesta, who had switched over to the other side for Silva, played a clever give-and-go with Villa before scuffing well wide. Second Half Into the second half, and Silva almost had a glorious opportunity inside the area following a poor clearance from Christian Panucci, but Giorgio Chiellini made a superb last ditch tackle. Torres shrugged Panucci off the ball down the left, and tried to cross for Villa who would have had an open goal at the back post, but Chiellini made another crucial intervention. Spain were now on top, and Italy made a change on 57 minutes, with Mauro Camoranesi introducing Perrotta. La Seleccion continued to attack, and Silva had another attempt from outside the area that went wide. Luis Aragones then made a double change, introducing Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla for Xavi and Iniesta. On the hour mark Italy had a golden chance to take the lead, as a scramble in the box broke to substitute Camoranesi eight yards out, but Casillas made a superb save with his foot to keep the scores level. Aquilani then tried his luck from distance, but he never caught hold of his volley and it went well wide. Down the other end Villa?s free kick looped up onto the roof of the net off the defensive wall. The Valencia man was booked for simulation moments later after going down easily in the area under pressure from Chiellini. Italy were pinning their hopes mainly on Toni, and the target towered above his marker from a Zambrotta cross, but headed over. Sergio Ramos bombed forward from right back for Spain, but he slashed the ball well wide. On 74 minutes Italy?s forgotten man in this tournament, Antonio Di Natale, replaced Cassano as Donadoni looked to inject some pace into their game. Sergio Ramos tested Buffon with a looping left footed shot following a short corner, but it was comfortable for the Juventus man. Spain were coming on strong now and on 79 minutes Buffon beat away a dipping Villa shot. Seconds later Buffon was thanking his lucky stars as he fumbled a straightforward Senna shot, and as he scrambled back towards his line, the ball came trickled onto the post before he gratefully dived onto the ball. Down the other end Spain also had a fortunate escape as Di Natale crossed from the right, and Grosso seemed destined to score at the far post until a retreating Toni unwittingly took the ball off his foot. Daniel Guiza replaced Torres as Aragones made his final substitution, and almost immediately had a fine chance as Chiellini got underneath a Villa cross, however Guiza controlled the ball with his hands and he was penalised. Poor control also cost Villa dear in injury time following a fine Fabregas ball as the game inevitably moved into extra time. Spain attacked from the off in extra time, and they were inches away from breaking the deadlock on 92 minutes as Chiellini?s block on Guiza fell to Silva, whose ferocious shot from the edge of the box whizzed inches wide. Italy went close themselves down the other end as Di Natale?s header forced an acrobatic save out of Casillas. The luckless Toni then flicked a near post header onto the roof of the net from a corner. Extra Time The slow pace off the game continued, and penalties loomed nearer and nearer. Guiza meanwhile screwed a shot well wide just before the two sides swapped around for the final 15 minutes. On 107 minutes Alessandro Del Piero was introduced for Aquilani, presumably with the intention of taking a penalty if, as was looking likely, it went to a shootout. Silva slid Villa through on goal, but the striker?s touch forced him wide, and Buffon made the block. From the resulting corner Ramos headed wide. In the 117th minute Di Natale found space to run into, but he shot disappointingly off target. Guiza pot-shot down the other end was watched wide by Buffon. Cazorla was then out of luck with a cross-shot as the referee blew for full time and the game went to penalties. Penalties Villa, Grosso, and Cazorla all scored their penalties, before Spain drew first blood with a stunning save from De Rossi. Senna and Camoranesi both scored, before Buffon looked to have got Itaky back into it by denying Cazorla. However Di Natale then had his tame spot-kick easily saved by Casillas, and it was left up to Fabregas to win it for Spain. The Arsenal man scored easily as Spain won 4-2 to end their June 22 penalty curse. Spain are through to their first major semi final since 1984 and will now play Russia. Italy meanwhile see their dream of adding the Euros to their World Cup triumph shattered. The Azzurri will take little comfort in the fact that they haven't been beaten in normal time in a major tournament knockout tie for 20 years now. Penalties and golden goals have proved their undoing. Villa (S): Scored Grosso (I): Scored Cazorla (S): Scored De Rossi (I): Saved Senna (S): Scored Camoranesi (I): Scored Guiza (S): Saved Di Natale(I): Saved Fabregas (S): Scored Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta (Cazorla 59), Xavi (Fabregas 59), Senna, Silva, Torres (Guiza 84), Villa Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, De Rossi, Ambrosini, Aquilani (Del Piero 107), Perrotta (Camoranesi 57), Cassano (Di Natale 74), Toni

Spain 4 - 2 Italy After penalties David Villa (120'+) - Fabio Grosso (120'+) - Cazorla (120'+) - Marcos Senna (120'+) - Mauro G. Camoranesi (120'+) - Cesc F?bregas (120'+) 1 Casillas I. Goalkeeper - 15 Sergio Ramos Defender - 5 Puyol Defender - 4 Marchena Defender - 11 Capdevila Defender - 19 Marcos Senna Midfielder - 8 Xavi Midfielder Out - 6 Iniesta Midfielder Out Card - 21 David Silva Midfielder - 7 David Villa Striker Card - 9 Fernando Torres Striker Out *23 Reina Paez J. Goalkeeper - 10 Cesc F?bregas Midfielder In - 14 Xabi Alonso Midfielder - 20 Juanito Defender - 2 Albiol Defender - 17 G?iza Striker In - 3 Fernando Navarro Defender - 18 Arbeloa Defender - 22 De la Red Midfielder - 13 Palop A. Goalkeeper - 12 Cazorla Midfielder In - 16 Sergio Garc?a Striker *Aragon?s L. Manager/Coach 1 Buffon G. Goalkeeper - 19 Zambrotta G. Defender - 2 Panucci C. Defender - 4 Chiellini G. Defender - 3 Grosso F. Defender - 22 Aquilani A. Midfielder Out - 10 De Rossi D. Midfielder - 20 Perrotta S. Midfielder Out - 13 Ambrosini M. Midfielder Card - 9 Toni L. Striker - 18 Cassano A. Striker Out *14 Amelia M. Goalkeeper - 17 De Sanctis M. Goalkeeper - 6 Barzagli A. Defender - 23 Materazzi M. Defender - 7 Del Piero A. Striker In - 11 Di Natale A. Striker In - 16 Camoranesi M. Midfielder In - 15 Quagliarella F. Striker - 5 Gamberini A. Defender - 12 Borriello M. Striker *Donadoni R. Manager/Coach 131' The Spanish are celebrating as their quarter final hoodoo is finally broken and they can now look forward to facing Russia again at the end of the week. R. 130' F?bregas scores to send Spain in to the semi finals of the European Championships and the curse has been broken. Italy's defensive tactics have not worked and they are out. R. 130' Penalty Goal F?bregas C. R. 129' Di Natale has failed to take advantage and Casillas has saved his penalty! R. 129' Missed Penalty Di Natale A. R. 128' G?iza, who does not take Mallorca's penalties, has seen his spot-kick saved by Buffon. R. 128' Missed Penalty G?iza R. 127' Camoranesi calmly lifts the ball into top right corner past Casillas. R. 127' Penalty Goal Camoranesi M. R. 126' A fine penalty from Senna who lifts it up and straight down the middle of the goal. R. 126' Penalty Goal Senna M. R. 125' Casillas has gone the same way for a second time and made a superb stop to deny De Rossi!!! R. 125' Missed Penalty De Rossi D. R. 124' The same corner yet again from Cazorla and it is 2-1 to Spain. R. 124' Penalty Goal Cazorla R. 123' Grosso tucks homes Italy's first just beyond the dive of Casillas' dive. A confident effort. R. 123' Penalty Goal Grosso F. R. 122' Villa hammers home Spain's first penalty with a low drive into the bottom left corner. R. 122' Penalty Goal Villa D. 120'+1 Cazorla tried a cross-cum-shot as he slid the ball across the face of goal and wide and the referee's whistle has sounded and we have penalties. 120' G?iza tries from way outside the area and the ball flies well away from BUffon's goal and penalties are now moments away. 118' Things have suddenly sped up and Casillas was almost too quick for himself as he looked to start a break and sent a wild kick straight to the Italians. 116' Spain look to break after Toni's pass back was intercepted, but they too lost possession and there are just four minutes away from spot kicks. 114' Di Natale rolled off the pitch with a knock and then, incredibly, rolled himself back on to stop the game with Spain going forward. The linesman did nothing. 112' The resulting corner saw Ramos connect, but his header hit G?iza and span away and Italy can build themselves. 111' Silva slots a pass through to Villa and after stretching to reach it, the Valencia striker shoots and sees the ball deflect behind off Buffon. 110' Alessandro del Piero comes on to a lively reception after replacing Aquilani and his presence could mean Italy are going to look for a late goal. 108' Italy now have a free-kick on the angle of the Spanish area after Ramos fouled Camoranesi. It is lifted in and goes out on the far side for a throw-in. 107' Substitution Aquilani A. Del Piero A. 106' The Italians start the fourth segment of the encounter and we are 15 minutes away from a penalty shoot-out. 105' Spain have a free-kick on the left flank which is easily cleared moments before the referee blew the whistle for half-time. 103' The chant of 'A por ellos' rings out from the Spanish fans as they try to cheer their team on, while Senna receives treatment. 101' Puyol is down after he flicked his ankle up and connected with Toni's studs. The ref gave a free-kick to Spain for a nudge by the striker though. 99' Villa fell when receiving the ball in the area, but he still managed to flick a pass to F?bregas who was then edged out by Zambrotta. 97' Toni meets a corner and guides a reverse header just over the bar at the near post. 96' Huuuyyy!!! - Di Natale meets a cross and sends a header goalwards only to see Casillas tip the ball over the bar. 95' Grosso's cross was diverted away from Toni with a superb touch by Marchena and the ball is cleared. 93' Huuuyyy!!! - The ball came back out to Silva after G?iza's shot was blocked and the Valencia forward fired just wide of the post. That was close. 92' Ramos went over in the area under Chiellini, but the referee was not going to point to the spot when it was clearly six of one and half a dozen of the other. 91' Spain have the ball after kicking off the first half of extra time in Vienna. Will it go to penalties or will one side finally find a way through? 90'+4 The whistle blows and the third consecutive quarter final goes to extra time. Spain's penalty hoodoo on this date is still on unless they can find a way through. 90'+3 Spain do have a late corner after Villa takes the ball down and sees the chance cleared by Gianluca Zambrotta. 90'+1 Toni hobbles to his feet after seeing the referee stop the game for him to recover from a tackle from Puyol. Italy kick the ball back to the Spanish. 89' Heading towards the final whistle for normal time and it does appear unlikely that either side will find a late breakthrough to avoid extra time. 87' Villa sent over a cross that G?iza controlled, but the ball struck his hands so Buffon's fine save was for nothing. 85' Torres' game ends and the last time he went off there was consternation from the striker. Dani G?iza is on. 84' Substitution Fernando Torres G?iza 83' Toni took the ball away from Grosso as he put his boot up to try and pluck the ball out of the air, but he could not have known. 81' Huuuyyy!!! - Buffon enjoys some luck after he fumbled Senna's drive and saw the ball roll away and come back off the post. 80' Huuuyyy!!! - Senna takes over the free-kick duties and his effort is on target, but Buffon punches the ball away. 79' The Spanish are enjoying a spell of pressure and possession once more, but still Buffon's goal remains largely unaffected. 77' Panucci went up to meet a F?bregas free-kick and Spain win a corner which ends with Ramos looking to loop the ball over Buffon, but that was never going to happen. 75' Cassano goes off to be replaced by Antonio Di Natale after failing to have any great effect on the encounter. 73' Huuuyyy!!! - Sergio Ramos opted not to cross and took aim from distance, but saw his drive fly well wide of the goal. 73' Substitution Cassano A. Di Natale A. 72' The Italians cheer as Villa is booked for diving in the area. The striker did slip and cannot have thought he was going to win a penalty. 71' Huuuyyy!!! - Finally Toni receives a pass that he thrives on with a curling cross from the right, but the Bayern striker nods wide. 71' Yellow Card David Villa 69' Villa looks furious after being brought down by Christian Panucci from behind and now it is the Spaniards' turn to take a set piece from distance. 67' Toni was trying to bustle his way down the right after being found by Camoranesi and Italy have a free-kick on the right flank. 65' The crowd are not pleased that Silva escapes with no booking after clipping over Camoranesi as he was about to move forward. 63' Spain have changed things in the middle and are continuing to pass the ball around. Italy sit back patiently once again. 61' Huuuyyy!!! - There was panic in the Spain defence as Toni lifted the ball up ahead of Casillas and as it came down Camoranesi shot and the keeper was back to make a great save. 59' Cesc F?bregas is on for Iniesta and Santi Cazorla is on for Xavi so Luis Aragon?s evidently feels his passing midfielders were not working out. 58' Substitution Xavi Cesc F?bregas 58' Substitution Iniesta Cazorla 57' Substitution Perrotta S. Camoranesi M. 57' Both teams are making changes with Mauro Camoranesi coming on for Italy and Spain set to make a double change themselves. 55' Although it is opening up there are still scant openings and the keepers are having a relatively easy evening so far. 53' Italy have already showed slightly more attacking intent in the opening few minutes and that could leave more space at the back. The game is opening up. 51' Grosso plays an early cross in and Toni looked to connect with his head but missed the ball, before being called back for offside. 49' The referee is not having the best of games as Toni goes under a challenge from Marchena, but no foul is awarded. 48' Cassano has switched wings and he tried to jump and turn over the ball, but he forgot to take the ball and Spain were able to clear. 46' The second half is underway with Italy kicking off and the second half can only improve after a defensive display from the Italians in the opening period. 45'+2 The half time whistle goes and there are whistles around the stadium and whether they are because it is slow or for the referee is difficult to tell. 45'+1 Both coaches will be wondering what they can do to open this game up as it has been tight throughout. Spain have had the better chances overall. 44' Iniesta cut in from the left flank and this time he slots a shot well wide of Buffon's near post. 43' Spain continue to play the ball around having found their rhythm once again and looking for a way through. 42' Grosso again makes contact with a Spain player close to the area and this one looks more like a foul as Silva goes over. It would have been just outside the box. 41' Spain are defending now after a poor corner was returned by Grosso and Sergio Ramos had to dive to head away. 39' Huuuyyy!!! - Torres saw his shot blocked and the ball fell down to Silva, who turned back in to drive a low shot inches past the far post. The closest either side have come. 37' Cassano lifts the ball across the face of goal and Toni is given space to meet the ball, but he heads it against Marchena and the chance is gone. 35' Spain have decided that finding a way through the Italy defence on the ground is too difficult and are trying from distance. Iniesta's wild effort was never going in through from 20 yards out. 33' Xavi did well as he slalomed his way forward to crate some space, but his shot was deflected wide and Spain have a corner. 32' Huuuyyy!!! - Silva decided to take matters into his own hands, as it were, when he chose to shoot from distance rather than pass and saw Buffon have to go down to keep out his drive. 31' Cassano fails to lift the ball in to the area and is easily tackled as his ineffective performance down the left continues for Italy. 31' Yellow Card Ambrosini M. 29' Iniesta showed that he is going to have to be a lot craftier then he was when trying to push past Grosso. 27' Toni on his own up front is not going to do much unless he is given more support. The game remains deadlocked without very few chances or highlights. 25' Huuuyyy!!! - Villa drives the ball under the wall, but Buffon was down well and had his whole body behind it. 24' Villa is chopped down by Daniele de Rossi, who oddly tries to claim it was not a foul, and Spain have a free-kick 25 yards from goal... 23' Sergio Ramos tried his trademark cut inside and was easily dispossessed by Ambrosini, who then whipped in a cross that Toni was never going to meet. 21' There may be few Italian players complaining about Donadoni's tactics at the moment, with Villa and Torres unable to find any space. 19' Ambrosini lifts the ball into the area over the head of Puyol and Simone Perrotta meets it only to not make true contact and Casillas claims. 17' Villa was caught by Ambrosini and was slightly miffed that the referee failed to spot the kick on the back of his leg. The play continues after Italy had put the ball out for him. 16' Torres tried to bustle his way along the edge of the Italy area from the let and is well tackled by Ambrosini. 14' Neither team can find any opening with the defences remaining tight whenever the opposition have the ball. Italy look to send long balls to the flanks, while Spain try to pass their way through. 12' Iniesta is the first name to go in the book for his first tackle of the game after he caught Grosso on the back of his leg. 11' Yellow Card Iniesta 10' Luca Toni is ploughing a lone furrow up front, but he will need better service than he has had so far despite having a height advantage over both Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena. 8' Spain continue to employ their passing game and make Italy work back, but Silva's latest effort was partially blocked and Gianluigi Buffon was able to claim easily. 6' Silva looks up and hoofs the ball off after an array of passing on the edge of the final third in front of Italy's area. No way through past the Azzurri's ten man rearguard at the moment though. 5' Iniesta embarked on a great run forward, before Villa did superbly to track back and tackle Fabio Grosso as he made his way down the left flank. 4' Xaviu has already had time to put his foot on the ball, but Italy have enjoyed more possession in the opening minutes and are looking for an early opening. 3' The statistics of the game show that Spain were eliminated on penalties from the 1986 and 2002 World Cups and the 1996 European Championships on penalties on June 22. 2' Italy are without Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso in midfield through suspension leaving coach Roberto Donadoni to draft in Massimo Ambrosini and Alberto Aquilani to replace them. 1' Spain kick off and the fourth and final quarter of the European Championships is underway between these two Latin heavyweights in Vienna. 0 There is no surprise that Luis Aragon?s has changed his starting line-up once again and put back the ten first choice players after resting them for the win against Greece. 0 Italy were won penalty kick away from being eliminated against Romania and now are just 90 minutes from a semi final meeting against Russia. 0 After all the talk the game is upon us and Spain have not beaten Italy in an official game for 88 years, but did defeat the Azzurri in a friendly earlier this year.

Euro 2008 Preview: Spain - Italy What: European Championships, Quarter Final Who: Spain vs Italy When: Sunday 22 June 2008, 20:45 CET Where: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna Spain On Fire Luis Aragones? men are on fire, roaring into the last eight after finishing top of Group D with maximum points. They have scored eight goals in three games, and will go into this match as many people?s favourites to progress to the semi-finals. Spain have indeed won all seven of their fixtures in 2008, including pre-Euro 2008 warm-up wins against France, U.S.A, Peru, and Italy themselves. The question now is ? will Spain once again flop when it really matters? We have seen this scenario so many times in the past where La Seleccion have made a flying start to a major tournament, only to then lose their nerve once it gets to a big knockout game. This was the case at the last World Cup, when Spain played some delightful football in the group stages, only to then lose 3-1 to France in the second round. Spain are certainly in better form than Italy, but they have a dreadful competitive record against their opponents. There is also the small matter of the so-called June 22 curse. Spain have exited three major tournaments on penalties on this exact date in recent history, losing to Belgium at World Cup ?86, England at Euro ?96, and South Korea at World Cup 2002. Italy Scrape Into Knockouts The Azzurri confirmed their status as being slow starters as they somehow sneaked through into the last eight, despite picking up just one point from their first two games. After losing 3-0 to Holland and drawing 1-1 with Romania, Italy?s destiny was out of their own hands, however a 2-0 win over France, coupled with a Dutch victory over Romania, saw them progress. Roberto Donadoni?s men were much improved against Les Bleus, and they will now be hoping that they have started to hit form at just the right time. Italy have an outstanding knockout record in major tournaments, and indeed have not lost a knockout tie in 90 minutes since the 2-0 semi final defeat to the Soviet Union at Euro 1988. The Azzurri are renowned for their big game temperament, in stark contract to their opponents Spain, who despite being in better form, are often labelled as big-game bottlers. Past Meetings In total Spain and Italy have met 28 times, with the Azzurri winning nine, Spain eight, and 11 ending in draws. The last meeting was a friendly in March of this year when La Seleccion won 1-0 in Elche, with David Villa scoring a brilliant winner late in the game. Italy have not defeated Spain since the dramatic quarter-final of the 1994 World Cup, when the legendary Roberto Baggio rounded goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta in trademark fashion to give Arrigo Sacchi?s men a last-minute 2-1 victory. Italy however have not lost to Spain in a competitive match for 88 years, a 2-0 defeat at the 1920 Olympic Games. The Azzurri emerged victorious at the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, the 1934 World Cup, drew 0-0 at Euro 80?, and won 1-0 at Euro 88, thanks to a Gianluca Vialli strike. FORM GUIDE Spain 17/06 (Euro 2008) Spain-Greece 2-1 14/06 (Euro 2008) Spain-Sweden 2-1 10/06 (Euro 2008) Spain-Russia 4-1 04/06 (Friendly) Spain-United States 1-0 31/05 (Friendly) Spain-Peru 2-1 Italy 16/06 (Euro 2008) France-Italy 0-2 13/06 (Euro 2008): Italy-Romania 1-1 09/06 (Euro 2008): Holland-Italy 3-0 29/05 (Friendly): Italy-Belgium 3-1 26/03 (Friendly): Spain-Italy 1-0 TEAM NEWS Spain Defender Carles Puyol was originally thought to be a doubt for this game due to injury, however he will be fit enough to start in Vienna. Luis Aragones will bring back all of his big guns after resting many of them during the dead rubber 2-1 win over Greece on Wednesday. Probable starting XI: Casillas; Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila; Senna; Iniesta, Xavi, Silva; Villa, Torres Italy Roberto Donadoni has problems in his midfield area as Milan-duo Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo are suspended. The coach will probably choose four from Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani, Massimo Ambrosini and Mauro Camoranesi. Defender Andrea Barzagli picked up an injury in training on Thursday and is out for the rest of the tournament. Probable starting XI: Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso; Camoranesi, Ambrosini, De Rossi, Perrotta; Cassano, Toni PLAYERS TO WATCH Spain ? Fernando Torres: Following an outstanding club season for Liverpool, Torres has been overshadowed somewhat at Euro 2008 by his strike partner David Villa. However the 24-year-old has the pace and trickery to trouble the Italy backline if he is afforded the space to do so. Italy ? Luca Toni: Has still failed to score in Austria and Switzerland, and missed an absolute hatful of chances in the 2-0 win over France. However his overall game was good, and many feel it is only a matter of time until he finds the back of the net. If anyone is to score against Spain surely it will be Toni. PREDICTION 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. Spain 1-1 Italy

Hiddink's Boys Shock Holland Holland 1-3 Russia Guus Hiddink?s Russia pulled off a shock yet richly deserved 3-1 extra time win over tournament favourites Holland. Guus Hiddink?s Russia pulled off a shock win over tournament favourites Holland with a convincing 3-1 victory. Russia had taken a deserved lead in the match but a late van Nistelrooy equaliser sent the game into extra time. Goals from Torbinsky and Arshavin sealed a deserved win for Russia who go on to face either Italy or Spain in the semi final. The Russians began the game by far the better team. A Zhirkov free kick as early as the fifth minute set the tone, forcing van der Sar into a good save as Hiddink?s men took the game to the Dutch. Minutes later and Pavlyuchenko should have opened the scoring. A good cross into the box found him unmarked in the Dutch penalty area but he somehow contrived to put his header over the bar with the goal gaping. Holland meanwhile simply couldn?t get into the game and there was no sign of their immaculate passing game that had taken both France and Italy apart earlier in the tournament. Yet as the half wore on the tense, cagey start started to slip away and both sides began to carve out opportunities. Sneijder and Engelaar both had shots for the Dutch as they warmed to their task. Holland came even closer still just after the half hour mark. A van der Vaart free kick was whipped in from right and first de Jong and then van Nistelrooy were only inches away from converting from close range. At the other end Russia were still looking dangerous. Good work from Arshavin forced van der Sar to fingertip the ball around the post whilst Kolodin from long range forced him to tip another shot over. Minutes later another 40 yard shot from Kolodin whistled over the bar As the half came to a close Kolodin almost gifted the Dutch an undeserved half time lead. A mistake by the centre half on the edge of his own area let in van Der Vaart but the midfielder?s shot was well saved and the teams trooped in level, although with Russia clearly, and perhaps surprisingly, the better side. Van Basten, clearly unimpressed by his side?s first half display chose to change things at half time with van Persie replacing Kuyt. The substitution almost paid immediate dividends with the Arsenal striker volleying a shot just wide within seconds of the restart. However the Russians were not to be denied and within ten minutes of the second half their adventure was rewarded. Semak made a run on the left and crossed in an excellent ball for Pavyluchenko to open the scoring at the near post. Suddenly the Dutch found themeslves behind for the first time in the tournament but curiously the goal failed to ignite them. Aside from some lovely van der Vaart set pieces, Sneijder was possibly the only player looking likely for the Dutch but his shots from range failed to trouble goalkeeper Akinfeyev. Russia meanwhile were continuing to look a threat on the break and had the chances to put the game out of reach but neither Arshavin nor Pavlyuchenko could quite find the finish required. With only five minutes remaining Holland finally equalised, their Real Madrid duo combining to deadly effect. A glorious free kick from the left was floated in by Sneijder and van Nistelrooy was on hand to head in at the far post. Russia had only themselves to blame but as the match went into extra time the chances continued to come for Hiddink?s men. Pavlyuchenko hitting the bar and Arshavin forcing van der Sar into two good saves. Although fatigue began to take its toll Russia were clearly the better side, Holland simply unable to replicate their previous good form. How van Basten must have wished he could have brought Robben on, but the winger injured yet again, could only watch from the sidelines. With penalties looming and less than ten minutes to go Russia finally got the reward their performance deserved. Some great work from Arshevan on the left saw him loop an awkward ball into the box which Torbinsky was on hand to bundle into the box from close range. The Dutch were stunned but minutes later it was all over as Arshavin made it three, a result that didn?t flatter the Russians who had thoroughly outplayed a Dutch side who had looked disjointed all evening. After thoroughly deserving their victory the Russians will fear no one and will no doubt watch tomorrow?s contest between their potential semi final opponents Italy and Spain with interest. Holland meanwhile, having topped the dreaded ?Group of Death? and having convincingly beaten world champions Italy and France in the process will no doubt look at this tournament as very much an opportunity missed. However one Dutchman at least will be delighted at tonight?s result, for coach Gus Hiddink the result surely comes from Russia with love. GOALS 1-3 Russia (Arshavin, 116) 1-2 Russia (Torbinsky, 112) 1-1 Netherlands (van Nistelrooy, 86) 0-1 Russia (Pavlyuchenko, 57) Netherlands: van der Sar, Boulahrouz (Heitinga, 53), Ooijer, Mathijsen, van Bronckhorst, de Jong, Engelaar (Afellay, 61), Kuyt (van Persie, 46), van der Vaart, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy. Russia: Akinfeyev, Anyukov, Kolodin, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Zyryanov, Semak, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov, 68), Saenko (Torbinsky, 81), Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko.

Holland 1 - 3 Russia Roman Pavluchenko (56') - Ruud Van Nistelrooy (86') Dmitriy Torbinskiy (112') - Andrey Arshavin (116') 1 Van der Sar E. Goalkeeper - 21 Boulahrouz K. Defender Out Card - 2 Ooijer A. Defender - 4 Mathijsen J. Defender - 5 van Bronckhorst G. Defender - 10 Sneijder W. Midfielder - 17 De Jong N. Midfielder - 8 Engelaar O. Midfielder Out - 23 Van der Vaart R. Midfielder Card - 18 Kuyt D. Striker Out - 9 Van Nistelrooy R. Striker *13 Timmer H. Goalkeeper - 16 Stekelenburg M. Goalkeeper - 3 Heitinga J. Defender In - 12 Mario Melchiot Defender - 14 Bouma W. Defender - 15 de Cler T. Defender - 20 Afellay I. Midfielder In - 6 de Zeeuw D. Midfielder - 11 Arjen Robben Striker - 22 Vennegoor of Hesselink J. Striker - 19 Huntelaar K. Striker - 7 Van Persie R. Striker In Card *Van Basten M. Manager/Coach 1 Akinfeev I. Goalkeeper - 8 Kolodin D. Defender Card - 18 Zhirkov Y. Defender Card - 22 Anyukov A. Defender - 4 Ignashevich S. Defender - 11 Semak S. Midfielder - 17 Zyryanov K. Midfielder - 20 Semshov I. Midfielder Out - 9 Saenko I. Striker Out - 10 Arshavin A. Striker - 19 Pavluchenko R. Striker Out *16 Malafeev V. Goalkeeper - 12 Gabulov V. Goalkeeper - 2 Berezutskiy V. Defender - 5 Berezutskiy A. Defender - 3 Yanbayev R. Defender - 15 Bilyaletdinov D. Midfielder In - 7 Torbinskiy D. Midfielder In Card - 23 Bystrov V. Midfielder - 14 Shirokov R. Midfielder - 6 Adamov R. Striker - 13 Pogrebnyak P. Striker - 21 Sychev D. Striker In *Hiddink G. Manager/Coach 120' Marco Van Basten's decision to use all three of his substitution in the first hour has completely backfired!!! Michel blows his whistle to end a wild affair with the Russians progressing to the semi finals with an upset victory over a Dutch side that was favoured to reach the finals!! 118' The Dutch are going to crash out of the tournament at the hands of one of their own. Guus Hiddink is going to lead Russia to an improbable birth in the semi-finals!! 116' Goal Arshavin A. 116' GOAAAAAAAAL!!!! Surely it's all over now as Arshavin splits the defence and sends in a low shot that squeezes between Van der Sar's legs and into the net!!! 115' Substitution Pavluchenko R. Sychev D. 114' The Russian fans are in absolute ecstasy at the moment as their team has found another goal with only six minutes left in the match. Can they hold the lead this time around? 112' GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!! It was only a matter of time as Russia are back in front after Arshavin made it to the byline and Torbinksiy slips the ball past Van der Sar!!!! 2-1 for Russia! 112' Goal Torbinskiy D. 111' Yellow Card Torbinskiy D. 110' OH!!!!! It's all Russia right now as Pavluchenko sends a shot over the net with the goal at his mercy after Bilyaletdinov made it to the byline and cut the ball back. Russia come close once again!!! 108' The Russian fans are in full voice right now pushing their heroes to score just one more goal. OH!!! Zhirkov is brought down in the area but Michel waves away his protests and play continues. Hiddink is absolutely furious with that decision!!! 106' The second half of extra time is under way with a berth in the semi-finals still up for grabs as Van Persie pushes forward but cannot keep the ball in bounds. Do penalty shots loom on the horizon?? 105' Zhirkov sticks his knee into Van Persie's back and is rightfully shown a yellow card. The flag is up as van Nistelrooy tries to sneak behind the Russian defence. The first half of extra time is over with the score still notched up at a goal apiece. Russia came the closest to breaking the deadlock as Pavluchenko's shot crashed back off the crossbar. 104' Yellow Card Zhirkov Y. 103' Russia have been the better side in extra time but have nothing to show for their dominance as the nail biting continues for both sets of supporters. 101' Arshavin is making a real menace of himself as he finds some space and tries to curl a shot past Van der Sar who is up to the task!! Arshavin wins his side a free kick in a dangerous area. Kolodin stands over the ball and sends in a rocket that slices wide of the target. 99' Afellay tries his luck from 25 yards but his shot is well wide. We shall see how the Dutch players cope with their fitness levels as Van Basten made all three substitutions within the first hour of this match. 97' Arshavin misses a terrific opportunity as he runs at the Dutch defence and sends in a shot that sails over the crossbar.. OH!!!! Pavluchenko almost brings the house down with a sensational shot that bangs off the crossbar!!! Russia come close to retaking the lead!! 95' Anyukov sends in a dangerous cross that is cut out for a corner kick but Zhirkov wastes it and the change goes begging. Oh!!! Van Persie tests Akinfeev with a low shot that deflects off two defenders! 93' Sneijder runs at the Russian defence and sends in a low shot on his weaker left foot that fails to trouble Akinfeev who needs to take some of the blame for van Nistelrooy's late equaliser. OH!!! Arshavin twists and turns in the Dutch penalty area and sends in a low shot that Van der Sar initially fumbles but then recovers and cradles the ball. 91' The first half of extra time is underway as the Russians try to shake off the still fresh memories of van Nistelrooy's late equaliser. 90' The fourth official indicates there will be two minutes of extra time as Van der Sar boots the ball upfield and Sneijder does ever so well to keep the ball in play and he is fouled by Kolodin who is shown his second yellow card of the match!!!.......WAIT..... Michel checks with his linesman who tells him the ball ran out of play and the yellow card is rescinded!!! Unbelievable scenes in Basel as we head to extra time! 88' OH!!!! Russia almost retake the lead as Ooijer is forced to clear off his own line!!! What drama here in Basel!! The Russian supporters can hardly believe what has just transpired in the last two minutes! 87' GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!! van Nistelrooy sends in a diving header past a shocked Akinfeev as we are on level terms in Basel as the Oranje Army explode in delight!!!! It was a dazzling free kick to the back post by Sneijder and van Nistelrooy did the rest!! 86' Goal Van Nistelrooy R. 85' Russia have ten men behind the ball as they defend with all of their worth at the moment. Sneijder wins a vital corner kick and it's taken short to Sneijder whose shot deflects out for another corner. 83' OH!!!!! The Russians almost put the match out of reach as Zhirkov is one on one with Van der Sar but he elects to square the ball to Torbinsky who cannot tap the ball into the open net!!!! 81' OH!!!!! Sneijder almost finds the top corner with a long distance effort!!! The Dutch come close to bringing this match onto level terms. Will there be any late game drama in Basel tonight? 81' Substitution Saenko I. Torbinskiy D. 79' The Dutch supporters in the stands are wearing worried expressions as time is running out for their heroes to find an equaliser. Pavluchenko picks out Saenko who is quickly muscled off the ball by Ooijer. 77' It's end to end stuff here at St. Jakob Park as Pavluchenko bears down on goal with only Van der Sar to beat but he cannot chip it past the towering goalkeeper!! 75' Sneijder drives forward and finds Heitinga whose cross intended for Van Persie is headed away. Sneijder unleashes a drive from 20 yards but it fails to trouble Akinfeev. The Dutch are pushing everyone forward at the moment! 73' Great play be De Jong as he intercepts a pass that would have sent Pavluchenko clear through on goal with only Van der Sar to beat. Pavluchenko beats the offside trap but not Van der Sar who scampers off his line and clears the ball into the stands. 71' Kolodin takes down van Nistelrooy down at the edge of the penalty area as these are nervy moments indeed. Van Persie wastes the free kick as his blast sails high over the crossbar much to the chagrin of the Oranje Army. 71' Yellow Card Kolodin D. 69' OH!!!! Brilliant one touch football by the Russians forces Van der Sar into making a save from the foot of Anyukov who made a late forward run! 69' Substitution Semshov I. Bilyaletdinov D. 67' The Dutch are down to ten men at the moment as Heitinga receives some treatment for a split lip on the sidelines. Zyryanov wins his side a corner as Hiddink makes his first substitution of the match. 65' Van Persie chests the ball and down and finds Sneijder who lays the ball off to Van der Vaart but his shot is charged down. This is a good response by the Dutch as they pepper the Russians penalty area. 63' Van Basten has made his last substitution of the match bringing on Afellay in favour of Engelaar who in truth has had a disappointing evening. Van Persie wins his side a free kick as Van der Vaart's delivery is swung in deep but Van Persie heads the ball wide. 62' The Russian faithful are in full voice and rightfully so as their beloved team hold a one goal lead with thirty minutes standing between them and a date in the semi-finals. Van Persie tries a speculative long range effort that sails over the crossbar. 61' Substitution Engelaar O. Afellay I. 60' Yellow Card Van der Vaart R. 60' The Dutch need to regroup as Van der Vaart picks up a yellow card for dissent. That's three yellow cards in the last ten minutes for the Dutch who are in danger of self destructing. 58' OH!!!! Arshavin almost extends the lead but his low shot whizzes past the far post!!! It's Russia's match to lose now as it is advantage Hiddink in the battle of the Dutch tacticians. 56' GOAAAAAAAAAAL!!!! Semak makes a run on the right flank and sends in a delicious low cross that Pavluchenko guides in with his right foot past Van der Sar who was rooted to the spot!!!! Russia take a well deserved lead!!!! 56' Goal Pavluchenko R. 55' Yellow Card Van Persie R. 54' Substitution Boulahrouz K. Heitinga J. 54' Boulahrouz receives a nice ovation as he is substituted off in favour of Heitinga. Van Persie is shown a yellow card for introducing his elbow to Zyryanov's face. 52' Zhirkov sends in a cross that finds Saenko but he cannot beat the wily, old veteran Van Brockhorst who makes a good play. The pace of the match has slowed considerably due to a rash of fouls as Van Persie shoves Anyukov off the ball. 51' Yellow Card Boulahrouz K. 50' Play is halted as Semak receives some medical attention after colliding with van Nistelrooy. Boulahrouz picks up the first booking of the match for a late sliding tackle. 48' The Dutch have come out with guns a blazing to start this second half. It would have been interesting to hear what Van Basten told them at halftime. OH!!! Van der Vaart sends in a free kick cross flashes wide of the post!!! 46' The second half is underway with the match still very well up for grabs as both teams look for the goal that will book their place in the semi-final. OH!!! Van Persie almost makes a fairytale introduction but his volley slices wide of the intended target. 46' Substitution Kuyt D. Van Persie R. 45' Michel blows his whistle to end the first half festivities as both teams head into the halftime interval still looking for the first goal of the match. There have been chances for both sides but Akinfeev and Van der Sar have been excellent between the posts tonight. We were promised goals before this match started but will have to wait until the second half. 43' Zyryanov tries to find Semshov in the corner of the penalty area but his pass is just out of reach and out for a goal kick. OH!!! Van der Vaart stings Akinfeev's palms with a ferocious drive but the Russian keeper keeps the ball out of the net!! 41' The Netherlands win another free kick and this time Van der Vaart takes it and his delivery is to the back post but it's just out of De Jong's reach and runs out of play. 39' Sneijder is taken down and wins his side a free kick in a dangerous position. Van der Vaart and Sneijder stand over the ball and Sneijder's shot deflects off the wall and into the waiting arms of Akinfeev. 37' OH!!!! The Dutch almost score against the run of play as van Nistelrooy sidesteps Kolodin and sends in a low drive that forces a diving save out of Akinfeev!!! 35' Van der Vaart plays in a pass to Kuyt who gets it all wrong as the ball bounces off his shin and out of play. It has been a frustrated first thirty-five minutes for the Dutch attackers who can't seem to get anything going. 33' Semshov chips a delicate pass over the top of the Dutch defence looking for Pavluchenko but Van der Sar rushes off his line and beats him to the ball. Russia are piling on the pressure right now! 31' Engelaar gives the ball away cheaply and Arshavin almost makes him pay as he curls a low shot that Van der Sar parries away!!! OH!!!! Kolodin dials up a long distance effort that seemed destined for the top corner until Van der Sar steered it over the crossbar!! 29' The Dutch win a corner kick as Van der Vaart stands over the ball. OH!!!! His picture perfect delivery is just missed by a trio of Dutch players including van Nistelrooy who was a hair away from opening the scoring!!! 27' Arshavin finds Aniukov who makes a rare attacking foray and his cross is cleared away by Ooijer who has been solid at the back so far tonight. 25' The first twenty-five minutes of the game has not quite lived up to it's pre- match billing as a wide open, attacking affair as Engelaar sends in a low shot that rolls wide of the far post. 23' Boulahrouz concedes a free kick as Zyryanov stands over the ball. His delivery almost finds Semak but Ooijer cuts it out and clears the danger. 21' Van Brockhorst chops Saenko down and concedes a free kick much to the Dutch defender's dismay. Russia play some possession football until Pavluchenko is sprung free but he cannot beat Ooijer who clears the danger. 19' OH!!!! Sneijder pounces on a loose ball and unleashes a drive from 12 yards but Ignashevich makes a vital block!!!! The Dutch look like they might wake up from their early slumber. 17' Play is halted as Boulahrouz is injured and needs some attention from the Dutch medical staff. He walks off on his own accord and looks like he will be able to continue. Kuyt is caught offside as he looks to sneak behind the Russian defence. 15' Russia win a free kick but Semshov's delivery is poor and runs out of play. We are still scoreless in Basel with Russia having the best chances in the first fifteen minutes. 13' Pavluchenko tries to play Semshov through but Engelaar hurries back and makes a vital interception. Semak founds Pavluchenko who is wide open on the left flank but his pass is poor and the chance goes begging. 11' Akinfeev is forced to scamper off his line and clutch the ball with van Nistelrooy lurking around dangerously. It's the Russian fans making all the noise right now as their team have made the brighter start. 9' OH!!!!!! Pavluchenko finds himself wide open in the Dutch penalty area but he cannot direct his header on goal!!! He should have hit the target from there!! It's all Russia in the early going!! 7' Russia win a free kick in a dangerous position as Zhirkov stands over the ball. OH!!!!! Zhirkov unleashes a rocket that forces Van der Sar into making a diving save!! Russia fire an early warning shot here in Basel! 5' It has been a cagey opening with both teams waiting for the other to make the first mistake of the match. Boulahrouz gives the ball away cheaply and Pavluchenko runs at the Dutch defense but Ooijer bails his teammate out . 3' The Oranje Army are already in full voice giving the match an electric atmosphere in the early going. Russia attack first through Saenko who tries to play a one-two with Arshavin but the ball runs out of play. 1 Lubos Michel gets us underway with Van Basten starting Kuyt and van Nistelrooy upfront while Hiddink counters with Arshavin and Pavluchenko. The Dutch uniforms are donned with a black armband in memory of Khalid Boulahrouz's prematurely born daughter who sadly passed away a couple of days ago. 0 Welcome to Goal.com?s live coverage of Euro 2008! Tonight?s match comes to you from St. Jakob Park where the Netherlands will lock horns with Russia in what promises to be an intriguing affair. Marco Van Basten will match wits against fellow countryman Guus Hiddink in a winner-take-all quarter-final that should produce plenty of goals. It will be a carnival like atmosphere in Basel tonight so sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Rustu From Villain To Hero As Croatia Pay The Penalty Croatia 2-4 Turkey After penalties Absolutely unbelievable stuff in Vienna. A Recber Rustu howler handed Croatia the lead with three minutes of extra time to go, but Turkey equalized in the final second to push it to penalties. Croatia never quite recovered, and Rustu then turned hero, saving the final penalty as Turkey landed themselves a semi-final spot... Penalties looked set to decide the destiny of the game when Ivan Klasnic made the most of a moment of madness from Recber Rustu with just three minutes of injury time remaining. However, Semih Senturk converted with the final touch of the game to take it to penalties nonetheless. Croatia never quite recovered from the blow as Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric missed, and Rustu rounded it up with a fabulous save to send Turkey into the semi-final against Germany on Wednesday. Neither side had ever faced a competitive penalty shootout before and the tension was palpable. Luka Modric was to be first to try his luck, but fired his kick wide to the right. For the Turks, Arda Turan, the Galatasaray winger, then fired through Pletikosa to edge his side into a decisive lead. Darijo Srna gave Croatia a hope to cling to with a well executed kick. The goalscorer, Semih Semturk was next up and made no mistake with a confident effort. 20-year-old Ivan Rakitic, who had hitherto enchanced his reputation at the tournament, then stroked his effort wide as the game slipped from Croatia?s grasp. Hamit Altintop made it three from three for Fatih Terim?s side with a penalty that exuded coolness. Mladen Petric had to score to keep his side in the tie, but was denied by Rustu Recber. The veteran atonted for his baffling extra-time error to put Turkey into the last four against Germany. Slaven Bilic will rue the inability of his two brightest charges to hit the target from twelve yards. For Terim, his side take their place in the semi finals, despite leading matches in the tournament for a grand total of two minutes. Line Ups: Croatia (4-5-1): Pletikosa - Corluka, R Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic - N Kovac, Srna, Rakitic, Kranjcar (Petric 65?), Modric - Olic (Klasnic 101?). Subs not used: Galinovic, Runje, Simic, Vejic, Pokrivac, Knezevic, Vukojevic, Leko, Kalinic, Budan. Turkey (4-4-2): Rustu - Sabri, Emre Asik, Gokhan Zan, Hakan Balta - Mehmet Topal (Senturk 76?), Arda Turan, Hamit Altintop, Tuncay - Nihat (Gokdeniz 117?), Kazim-Kazim (Ugur Boral 61?). Subs not used: Tolga Zengin, Servet Cetin, Gungor, Tumer Metin, Emre Belozoglu, Akman, Senturk. Goals: Croatia: Klasnic 118' Turkey: Semih Semturk 120' Booked: Croatia: Turkey: Tuncay, 27?, Arda Turan 49?, Ugur Boral, 89?, Emre Asik, 106? Referee: Roberto Rosetti (ITA)

Croatia 2 - 4 Turkey Ivan Klasnic (118') - Semih Şent?rk (120'+2) Pen.: Arda Turan (120'+)-Semih Şent?rk (120'+)- Darijo Srna (120'+)-Hamit Altintop (120'+) 1 Pletikosa S. Goalkeeper - 4 Kovac R. Defender - 3 Simunic J. Defender - 22 Pranjic D. Defender - 5 Corluka V. Defender - 10 Kovac N. Midfielder - 11 Srna D. Midfielder - 19 Kranjcar N. Midfielder Out - 14 Luka Modric Midfielder - 7 Rakitic I. Midfielder - 18 Olic I. Striker Out *2 Simic D. Defender - 17 Klasnic I. Striker In - 23 Runje V. Goalkeeper - 6 Vejic H. Defender - 15 Knezevic D. Defender - 16 Leko J. Midfielder - 21 Petric M. Striker In - 20 Budan I. Striker - 12 Galinovic M. Goalkeeper - 13 Pokrivac N. Midfielder - 8 Vukojevic O. Midfielder - 9 Kalinic N. Striker *Bilic S. Manager/Coach 1 R?şt? Re?ber Goalkeeper - 3 Hakan Balta Defender - 15 Asik E. Defender Card - 4 G?khan Zan Defender - 22 Altintop H. Defender - 6 Mehmet Topal Midfielder Out - 20 Sanoglu S. Defender - 17 Tuncay Sanli Midfielder Card - 14 Arda Turan Midfielder Card - 18 Kazim Kazim Midfielder Out - 8 Nihat Striker Out *2 Servet ?etin Defender - 10 G?kdeniz Karadeniz Striker In - 11 T?mer Metin Midfielder - 5 Emre B. Midfielder - 13 Emre G?ng?r Defender - 19 Ayhan Akman Midfielder - 23 Semih Şent?rk Striker In - 16 Uğur Boral Defender In Card - 12 Tolga Zengin Goalkeeper - 21 Erding M. Striker *Terim F. Manager/Coach P. 127 Petric has to score - Rustu saves!!! It is Turkey who win 3-1. They've done it again. Sensational, unbelievable for Turkey. Shattering for Croatia. Turkey win by 3 goals to 1. Turkey are into the semi-finals - yet they have been in front for no more than two minutes of playing time throughout this tournament. Anazing stuff, but well done Turkey - you just can never write them off! P. 124 Missed Penalty Petric M. P. 123 Penalty Goal Altintop H. P. 122 Penalty Goal Srna D. P. 122 Penalty Goal Semih Şent?rk P. 122 Missed Penalty Rakitic I. P. 121 Penalty Goal Arda Turan P. 121 Missed Penalty Modric L. P. 121 It will now come down to nerve and the heroics of goalkeepers Rustu and Stipe Pletikosa. 120'+2 Goal Semih Şent?rk 120' GOAL!! Unbelievable stuff as Rustu, desperate tomake amends, hoofsa long ball upfield, and there is a knock-down for Semih who smashes the ball into the top corner from 18 yards via a deflection. Bilic, who was leaping around in celebrartion,is now going beserk at the fourth official. The Tuerks never seem toknow when they are beaten. It is penalties now. Sensational finish to a a game that didn't really ignite until extra-time! 119' GOAL!!! Klasnic heads home as Rustu comes for a right wing cross and misses it. There looked to be no real danger as hev rushed out along his by-line but was beaten to it by Modric who crosses for Klasnic to head the ball into the net as Rustu frantically back pedals 118' Goal Klasnic I. 117' Substitution Nihat G?kdeniz Karadeniz 116' Now Turkey win a free-kick in a threatening position on the right wing. Nihat takes it but wafts it hopeless high and wide - it actually goes for a throw on the far side. At bthe stoppage, Nihat limps off, giving the captain's armband to Rustu, and Gokdeniz Karadeniz. 114' Gokhan Zan is casual and Klasnic almost makes himpay as he chases down a seeming lost cause, but the ballgoes out for a goal- kick. 112' There are some very tired legs out there now. Rakitic concedes a free-kick in Turkey's half. 111' Suminic lofts the ball away under pressure in his own area. 110' Modric blocks asTurkey build a threatening attack out on the right. 108' Turkey concede another free-kick, deepin Croatia's half, as the volume of noise fromthe fans ratchets up several notches 108' Yellow Card Asik E. 107' Emre Asik hacks down Klasnic crudely and concedes a free-kick in a dangerous position. He isrightly booked and will also miss a possible semi-final. 106' The second half is off and we are 15 minutes away from a possible penalty ecider. 105' Suminic produces a strong defensive header to clear the danger from Nihat's left wing cross. The first period of extra time is over and that wasthe best Turkey have played. Croatia are looking tired, but both coaches still have one substitution to make. 103' Ugur Boral wastes another Turkish attack by needlessly fouling Corluka by the touchline. 102' Tuncay finishes Turkey's best move by firing low and hard just wide after two great through passessplit Croatia's defence to set him up. 100' Croatia look jaded in this extra period and the initiative appears to have shifted in Tiurkey's favour. 96' Arda gives away a free-kick with a foul as Turkey press. As the game stps for the kick, Klasnic comes on for an exhausted looking Olic. 96' Substitution Olic I. Klasnic I. 95' Ivan Klasnic is getting ready to come on for Croatia 94' Tuncay bursts through and gets o the by-line to cross low and hard from the left, forcing Stipe Pletikosa to save, pushing the ball away for a corner which Croatia defend successfully. 93' Hakam Balta crosses from the left asnd Niko Kovac heads clear 91' Will it be settled in 30 minutes of extra-time, or are we in for a penalty shoot-out? Turkey get the extra period under way. 90'+3 Olic lashes the ball just over as the ball comes to him while he runs back from an offside position. It is the last action of regulation time so we have extra-time for the first time at Euro 2008. Croatia have dominated an unadventurous Turkish side but they have lacked a cutting edge. The asbsence of Eduardo was glaringly obvious tonight. But they are still the better side and could/should win this. However, Turkey, who have key players out with injuries and suspensions, are playing to what strengths they have left here in Vienna. 90'+1 Croatia's defence has to head clear from Nihat as Turkey attack and cross from the right wing. 90' Three minutes of added time are signalled 89' Rustu saves well from Ivica Olic who connects with Luka Modric's cross from the right. 88' Croatia break forward at pace and Ugur Boral cynically fouls Olic as the Croats win a corner. Ugur is booked. 88' Yellow Card Uğur Boral 87' A mistake by Ugur Boral lets in Petric but Gokhan Zan stands tall and dispossesses the Croat. 85' The game enters the last five minutes - which is when Turkey have proved to be their most dangerous. Of their five goals so far at Euro 2008, three have been scored in the 87th minute or later. 82' Croatia win a free-kick 25 yards out as Petric is upended, and Srna's kick is arrowing for the top far corner until Rustu fliesacros to push it away. Good save. 80' There have not been too many duff games at Euro 2008, but this game, so far, is one of them. Who can change it? 78' Croatia have a corner nd have vfive men in the area for it. Rustu punches clear but there is a foul anyway so Turkey get a free-kick. 76' Semih Senturk comes on for Mehmet Topal. It is an adventurous gambit by Fatih Terim, taking off a defender for a striker. Both sides now have two men up front, so maybe we will now get more of a contest.. 75' Substitution Mehmet Topal Semih Şent?rk 66' In truth this game is a disappointment so far. Turkey seem happy to play for penalties, noy ventuting forward. The match is there for Croatia to win. Can they do it, or will Turkey deliver another of their late knock-out punches? 65' Luka Modric goes on a mazy dribble and plays in Petric with a deft pass. But Petric doesn't move and Turkey clear. Then Ivan Rakitic plays a neat one-two with Ivica Olic, but puts the ball way over from 12 yards. 64' The change is made: Mladen Petric replaces Niko Kranjcar. 64' Substitution Kranjcar N. Petric M. 63' Bilic isreadying Petric to come on. 62' Modric finds Olic who sweeps it into the net, but clearly from an offside position, and it remains 0-0. 61' For Turkey, Terim has made a change, Ugur Boral coming on for Kazim Kazim. 60' Substitution Kazim Kazim Uğur Boral 59' Turlkey are not building from the back. Rustu whacks it upfield and Croatia regain possession. They look like they will attempt to build a threatening attack in patient search of a goal, while Turkey look happy to let them. 58' There has been an awful lot of referee's whistle so far in the second half, and game has accordingly lost any rhythm 56' Kranjcar is played through brilliantly by Modric, but toe-pokes the ball and Rustu makes a comfortable save, diving low. 52' Rustu finds himself caught in no-man's land as a corner is headed wide. 50' A hane there for Croatia which Turkey get away with - Ivica Olic tries to reach a long pass into Turkey's area, but with Rustu hesitating, he heads the ball over the goalie towards the open net, but after some kamikaze defending the Turks eventually get it clear.. 49' Yellow Card Arda Turan 48' Arda catches Suminic with a nasty challenge and is rightly booked, which rules him out of a possible semi-final, too. 46' Croatia get the second half started. Can they turn their superiority into a goal? 45' As the half-time whistle goes, Turkey troop off having scarcely threatened to score, while the Croats have that double miss to reflect on after their most incisive attack Olic and Kranjcar the guilty (unfortunate?) parties. 45' Two added minutes are signalled as Corluka takes a Croatian throw-in. 43' Tuncay is hurt and needs treatment following a follow-through by Niko Kovac that struck his knee. During the stoppage, Bilic is talking to several of his players near the touchline 40' A foul by Hamit Altintop on Ivan Rakitic sees a direct free kick taken by Danijel Pranjic but it comes to nothing. 37' Turkey have come back into the game and are exerting more pressure on the Croats as Mehmet Topal fires in a shot from 35 yards that flashes just wide of the post. Terim will be a lot happier with the last five minutes' play. 36' Tuncay goes down in the area under a challenge from Josip Simunic, but despite Turkish appeals it is not a penalty. 35' Tuekey attack threateningly but Hamit Altintop's attempted pass to Nihat is so weak that Kovac can intercept an clear comfortably. That bwas a wasted opportunity to exert pressure on Croatia's defence. 33' Nihat, the Czechs' tormentor, is ploughing a lone furrow up front forthe Turks tonight. 32' Niko Kovavc fouls Arda to concede a free-kick from which Tuncay is shrugged off the ball in the area by Niko Kovac. 29' Turkey haven't played a pass in Croatia's half for some time, as the Croats become increasingly dominant without making the breakthrough. 27' Yellow Card Tuncay Sanli 26' Middlesbrough striker Tuncay Sanli is booked for elbowing Niko Kovac, which means he will miss the semi-final should Turkey qualify. 25' Fatih Terim is trying to reorganise his right flank because Croatia are posing great threats when they attack down their left. 23' The brilliant Modric with a superb early pass to Danijel Pranjic on the left and his run to the by-line and cut-backis well and crucially cleared by the impressive Hakan Kadir Balta 18' Luka Modric does well to get free down the right and crosses teasingly into the middle where from six yards, Ivica Olic hirs the ball against the crossbar and Niko Kranjcar heads the rebound over. Fantastic chance for Croatia there, and Spurs fans will be drooling over Modric... 17' Darijo Srna looks to get in behind Hakan Kadir Balta for a diagonal ball forward, but the Tutkish defender is alert and gets there first to concede a throw. 14' This tournament has been illuminated by open, attacking football, and these two look determined tomaintain that pattern: it's been a lively and entertaining start. 12' Turkey win a free-kick just outside the area, and Hamit Altintop crashes into the wall where Croatian skipper bravely blocks it. 7' MTurkey's defending is distinctly dodgy at the moment, which is driving Fatih Terim to ddistraction. After another error by Sabri, Croatia's Darijo Srna is just about to shoot before Hakan Balta makes a crucial interception for Turkey. 6' Hamit Altintop fires in a shot from 20 yards that flies well wide. 3' Sabri gives the ball away to Luka Modric who scuffs his shot, which is deflected wide off a team-mate. 2' Turkey boss Terimbrings back veteran goalkeeper Rustu for the suspended Volkan, who misses two games after being sent off against the Czech Republic. Defender Gokhan Zan is in for Emre Gungor, who has a calf injury, and Emre Asik and Sabri Sarioglu are brought in for l Servet Cetin and Semih Senturk, respectively. As for Croatia, Bilic has gone back to the side that beat Germany to secure qualification. That means Ivica Olic plays as the lone striker with Niko Kranjcar in the hole 1' The game gets under way with another crackling atmosphere, Croatia wearing therir change stripof all blue, against Turkey in their accustomed all red. 0 Good evening and welcome to Goal.con's live coverage of the second Euro 2008 quarter-final, which sees dark horses Croatia take on the team that came back from the dead to qualify, Turkey. At the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna, the much-admired Slaven Bilic pits his wits against the redoutable Fatih Terim. Here are the two teams: Croatia team : Stipe Pletikosa, Vedran Corluka, Robert Kovac, Josip Simunic, Danijel Pranjic, Darijo Srna, Luka Modric, Nico Kovac, Ivan Rakitic, Niko Kranjcar, Ivica Olic. Turkey team : Recber Rustu, Hamit Altintop, Gokhan Zan, Emre Asik, Hakan Kadir Balta, Mehmet Topal, Sabri Sarioglu, Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan, Colin Kazim-Richards, Kahveci Nihat. Can Croatia maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition and go through to a last-four showdown with Germany? Or can Turkey spring another surprise?

MICHEL PLATINI https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Platini Nazione: Francia Luogo di nascita: Joeuf Data di nascita: 21.06.1955 Ruolo: Centrocampista Altezza 179 cm Peso 73 kg Nazionale Francese Soprannome: Le Roi Alla Juventus dal 1982 al 1987 Esordio: 18.08.1982 - Coppa Italia - Catania-Juventus 1-1 Ultima partita: 17.05.1987 - Serie A - Juventus-Brescia 3-2 224 presenze - 104 reti 2 scudetti 1 coppa Italia 1 coppa dei campioni 1 coppa delle coppe 1 supercoppa Uefa 1 coppa intercontinentale Campione d'Europa 1984 con la nazionale francese "L'abbiamo comprato per un tozzo di pane e lui ci ha messo sopra il foie gras." (Gianni Agnelli) Michel Platini Platini alla Juventus nella stagione 1984-1985 Nome Michel François Platini Nazionalità Francia Altezza 179 cm Peso 73 kg Calcio Ruolo Allenatore (ex centrocampista) Ritirato 1987 - giocatore 1992 - allenatore Carriera Giovanili 1966-1972 AS Jœuf 1972-1973 Nancy Squadre di club 1972-1979 Nancy 183 (98) 1979-1982 Saint-Étienne 96 (50) 1982-1987 Juventus 224 (104) Nazionale 1975-1976 Francia U-21 3 (0) 1975-1976 Francia Olimpica 7 (4) 1976-1987 Francia 72 (41) Carriera da allenatore 1988-1992 Francia Palmarès Mondiali di calcio Bronzo Messico 1986 Europei di calcio Oro Francia 1984 Coppa dei Campioni CONMEBOL-UEFA Oro Coppa Artemio Franchi 1985 Michel François Platini (Jœuf, 21 giugno 1955) è un dirigente sportivo, allenatore di calcio ed ex calciatore francese, di ruolo centrocampista. Considerato uno dei più forti calciatori della storia del calcio, occupa la 5ª posizione nella speciale classifica dei migliori calciatori del XX secolo pubblicata dalla rivista World Soccer e la 7ª posizione nell'omonima lista stilata dall'IFFHS. La FIFA lo ha inoltre piazzato al quinto posto nella classifica dei migliori numeri dieci della storia del calcio mentre nel marzo del 2004, Pelé lo ha inserito nella FIFA 100, la lista dei 125 migliori calciatori viventi, redatta in occasione del Centenario della FIFA. Ha vinto consecutivamente tre Palloni d'oro assegnati da France Football e viene considerato da numerosi addetti ai lavori come il più rappresentativo giocatore francese del Novecento, davanti a Zinédine Zidane e Raymond Kopa. Nel 2002 fu incluso nel FIFA World Cup Dream Team, selezione formata dai migliori undici giocatori della storia dei Mondiali, mentre nel 2011 entra nella Hall of Fame del calcio italiano tra i giocatori stranieri. Legò il suo nome a quello del Nancy e del Saint-Étienne, divenendo il giocatore-emblema per entrambi i club, nonché della Juventus e della Nazionale francese, di cui è stato tra i principali artefici dei rispettivi successi degli anni 1980. Terminò la carriera a 32 anni, dopo aver conquistato numerosi trofei tra cui un campionato francese, due campionati italiani e quasi tutte le competizioni confederali all'epoca vigenti (tranne la Coppa UEFA, competizione in cui raggiunse i quarti di finale nel 1980 e 1981), divenendo al contempo cannoniere della Serie A ininterrottamente dal 1983 al 1985. Con la Nazionale transalpina ottenne piazzamenti di rilievo nelle competizioni internazionali del decennio 1976-86, tra cui la vittoria del campionato d'Europa 1984 dove inoltre primeggò nella classifica marcatori con nove reti (che ne fanno il miglior realizzatore in una singola edizione del torneo), e il terzo posto al campionato del mondo 1986. È, assieme a Johan Cruijff e Marco van Basten, il calciatore che ha vinto più Palloni d'oro assegnati da France Football, tre, nonché l'unico a esserne insignito consecutivamente. Nella sua lunga carriera da calciatore, in cui disputò oltre 650 partite tra club e rappresentativa nazionale, spiccò la completa assenza di espulsioni: un fatto più unico che raro alla luce dell'aggressività delle marcature nei confronti dei giocatori più creativi, tra gli anni 1970 e 1980. È stato co-presidente del comitato organizzatore del campionato del mondo 1998, e presidente dell'UEFA dal 2007 al 2016, succedendo a Lennart Johansson. Biografia Platini nacque nella Rue Saint-Exupéry a Jœuf, un comune francese situato nel dipartimento della Meurthe e Mosella, nella regione della Lorena. La sua famiglia, originaria di Agrate Conturbia, in Piemonte, era molto sportiva: il nonno, Francesco Platìni, era un muratore italiano che emigrò oltralpe divenendo ristoratore, gestendo un bar battezzato proprio da lui con il nome di le Café des Sports, mentre il padre, Aldo, era un professore di matematica che nel tempo libero divenne prima capitano della squadra del Jovincenne e poi allenatore del Nancy, all'epoca in terza divisione. La madre, Anna Piccinelli, serviva liquori nel locale del suocero. Ha inoltre una sorella, Martina. Come è noto, la pronuncia del cognome italiano è usata per lui "alla francese" con accento sulla seconda I: in realtà andrebbe sulla prima I. All'età di sette anni Michel iniziò a tirar calci al pallone, allenandosi con il cane di sua cugina Stefanina. Da bambino era soprannominato il Ratz e le nain per via della sua bassa statura. Il suo idolo sportivo d'infanzia era Pelé e per questo, ogni volta che gli capitava di dover firmare un pezzo di carta, si divertiva a storpiare il proprio cognome in "Peleatini". Oltre all'iniziale bassa statura cui si accennava, in giovane età a Michel vennero riscontrati in più occasioni problemi fisici, tra cui una capacità polmonare molto limitata e un'insufficienza cardiaca. Il 27 dicembre 1977 sposò una studentessa di economia, Christelle, come lui figlia di genitori italiani; dal loro matrimonio nasceranno due figli: Laurent, avvocato della Qatar Sports Investment che controlla il PSG, e Marine, attrice, entrambi scampati a un rapimento quando erano ancora bambini. Caratteristiche tecniche Platini in dribbling su Claudio Onofri in Genoa-Juventus del 13 maggio 1984. Platini era un trequartista dotato di un notevole bagaglio tecnico, un'ottima visione di gioco e un innato senso del gol: anche grazie a quest'ultima caratteristica risultò più prolifico persino di molti attaccanti della sua generazione. Negli anni alla Juventus sviluppò una buona capacità di elevazione, che lo portò a completare il suo repertorio con reti di testa; risultò inoltre un efficiente rigorista. Reputato uno dei migliori specialisti del calcio di punizione nella storia — i suoi calci piazzati, che spesso scavalcavano la barriera avversaria, furono soprannominati "alla Platini" a indicare l'unicità che gli era attribuita —, era valido nel servire i compagni da diverse posizioni e in varie modalità. La sua capacità tecnica e l'attitudine a essere un leader gli valsero il soprannome di Le Roi ("Il Re", in francese). Ha anche dimostrato di essere un giocatore molto corretto, tanto da non venire mai espulso durante tutta la sua carriera da professionista. Carriera Giocatore « [Ho giocato nel] Nancy perché era la mia città, [nel] Saint-Étienne perché era la migliore in Francia e [nella] Juventus perché è la migliore al mondo. » (Michel Platini in un'intervista alla RAI dopo la sua ultima partita in Serie A, Juventus-Brescia 3-2, 17 maggio 1987.) Club Gli esordi « A quattordici anni andai a Parigi, finale del concorso per i migliori giovani calciatori di Francia. Allo stadio di Colombes c'era un vento cane. Non riuscii a toccare e a giocare un solo pallone buono. Mi offrirono un biglietto per andare sulla Senna in battello e uno per andare a vedere la Torre Eiffel. Gli altri ragazzi rimasero allo stadio a giocare al calcio, a me consigliarono di fare il turista. » Grazie anche all'ambiente sportivo famigliare (Francesco gestisce il Caffè dello Sport, mentre Aldo allena il Jovicienne), Michel coltivò il suo amore per tutti gli sport, soprattutto quello che lo appassionava di più: il calcio. A undici anni, Platini trova un posto nelle giovanili dell'AS Jœuf, il Jovicienne, di cui il padre è allenatore. Nel giorno del debutto, 1º settembre 1966, segna due gol all'Homécourt. Su consiglio del padre, si concentrò nell'affinamento di fondamentali quali l'anticipo e le punizioni di prima. Il giocatore fallì il provino nel concorso finale dei migliori giovani del 1969, ma riuscì a farsi notare durante una partita di Coppa Gambardella dimostrando, all'età di sedici anni, di essere un giocatore brillante, tanto da attirare le lusinghe della rivale di quel match, il Metz 2. La prima volta rifiutò lo stage de présélection offerto dal club granata; partecipò al secondo provino, dove però fu scartato dopo essergli stata riscontrata una capacità polmonare molto bassa e un'insufficienza cardiaca. Platini nel 1975 Nancy Bocciato a Metz, lo richiedono il Sochaux, il Sedan e i belgi del Charleroi, ma decide di andare al Nancy e nel settembre del 1972 firma un contratto con i Les chardons (guadagnando 6.000 franchi al mese, più o meno 1,2 milioni di lire), iniziando a giocare con la squadra riserve, dove conosce Jean-Michel Moutier, giovane portiere; i due diventano rapidamente amici. Si fa notare con la seconda squadra segnando una tripletta contro l'ASCA Wittelsheim. Grazie alle sue prestazioni, presto arriva in prima squadra: il 2 maggio 1973 contro il Nîmes (vinta 3-1), all'età di diciassette anni, indossando la maglia n. 11. In questa stagione segna 2 gol in 5 partite, contro il Sedan e l'O. Lione (vinta 2-4). Nella seconda annata, 1973-74, sigla solo 2 reti in 21 presenze e il Nancy retrocede per differenza reti. L'anno seguente, sempre con la stessa squadra, vince il Groupe Sud della Division 2 e la finale di categoria contro il Valenciennes, vincitore del Groupe Nord. Sempre in quest'annata il giocatore si fa notare con i suoi 17 gol in 33 partite di campionato, portando la sua squadra ai quarti della Coupe de France, realizzando 13 marcature in 8 turni. Il mancato approdo all'Inter Sul finire degli anni 1970, Platini era già stato vicino all'approdo nel campionato italiano. Nel febbraio 1978 il giocatore arriva a Milano in compagnia del dirigente dell'Inter, Sandro Mazzola, per firmare un precontratto della durata di tre anni; tuttavia il francese non può raggiungere la Serie A nel 1979, come era previsto, per via del blocco agli ingaggi verso gli stranieri – il cui termine viene posposto all'anno successivo. Il calciatore si trasferisce pertanto al Saint-Étienne dove rimane fino al 1982 quando, in scadenza di contratto, si accorda con la Juventus; il presidente nerazzurro Ivanoe Fraizzoli, anche per via di alcune perplessità circa le condizioni fisiche del fantasista, rinunciò infatti a ulteriori tentativi per portare il francese a Milano:«avevo firmato nel '77, ma le frontiere, dopo, sono rimaste chiuse. Quando le hanno riaperte, avevo un contratto con il Saint-Étienne, ma quando ho potuto venire alla Juventus, per onestà ho chiamato l'Inter [...]: "ho dato la mia parola quattro anni fa a voi, se mi volete sono sempre disposto". Mi hanno detto che avevano già preso due giocatori e che, dunque, ero libero di fare quello che volevo». Nella stagione 1976-1977 raggiunge il quarto posto in campionato (miglior piazzamento dal passaggio al professionismo del club, avvenuto nel 1967), giocando tutte le partite di campionato (38) e mettendo a segno 25 gol, arrivando così secondo nella classifica marcatori, dietro all'argentino Delio Onnis. In questa stagione Platini subisce un infortunio nell'incontro vinto 4-1 (con una sua tripletta) contro il Laval; ritorna in campo due settimane dopo. A fine stagione firma il suo primo contratto da giocatore professionista, che lo lega al Nancy per altri due anni. Nel 1977 arriva terzo nella classifica del Pallone d'oro, dietro al danese Allan Simonsen e all'inglese Kevin Keegan. La stagione seguente alza la Coppa di Francia segnando, da capitano il gol con cui, nella finale del Parco dei Principi il Nancy batte il Nizza per 1-0. La stagione 1978-1979, l'ultima con il club della Lorena, è travagliata: ritenuto responsabile del fallimento ai Mondiali di Argentina 1978 (dove la Francia esce al primo turno, battuta dai padroni di casa e dall'Italia, rispettivamente la vincitrice e la quarta classificata), viene fischiato dal pubblico; inoltre, nella trasferta di Saint-Étienne (quarti d'andata) si procura una triplice frattura del malleolo, che lo costringe a un'assenza dai campi di sei mesi. Con 127 gol (in 215 partite, media 0,59 gol a partita), Platini è comunque il miglior cannoniere della storia del Nancy. Platini (a destra) al Saint- Étienne nel 1980, in posa con l'interista Prohaska prima di un'amichevole estiva a Cesena. Saint-Étienne Alla scadenza del contratto, si trasferisce al Saint-Étienne, la squadra più titolata in patria. L'obiettivo dell'acquisto di Michel era vincere una coppa europea ma, nonostante qualche acuto, come la vittoria per 6-0 contro gli olandesi del PSV al Geoffroy Guichard nel 1979, o quella sui tedeschi d'Occidente dell'Amburgo (5-0) al Volksparkstadion nel 1980 e, sempre nella stessa stagione, il 7-0 sia al Geoffroy Guichard che al Magnum Areena contro i finlandesi del KuPS, il Saint-Étienne non supera mai i quarti di finale. In campionato, invece, il fantasista vince il torneo del 1981. In questa stagione è dura la lotta contro il Nantes, che non molla Les Verts fino all'ultima di campionato giocata contro il Bordeaux, dove Platini si rivela fondamentale: al 25' segna con un tiro-cross rasoterra, e al 41' sigla la sua doppietta con un gol di testa; Bernard Lacombe, a 10' dal termine, accorcia le distanze, firmando il 2-1. In Coupe de France sigla 5 reti in 10 presenze, raggiungendo la finale contro il Bastia, persa per 2-1 (per i padroni di casa segnano Marcialise Milla; la rete ospite è realizzata da Santini su calcio di rigore). La stagione seguente, l'ultima con il club della Loira, arriva secondo in campionato, dopo una dura lotta contro il Bordeaux e il Monaco. Quest'ultimo club, alla 32ª giornata diventa primo in classifica, resistendo poi agli attacchi di Sainté e Girondins assicurandosi il quarto titolo all'ultima giornata, vincendo di misura in casa contro lo Strasburgo. Platini arriva terzo nella classifica dei cannonieri (22 gol), dietro all'argentino Delio Onnis (29 gol) e al polacco Andrzej Szarmach (24 gol). Nella stessa stagione il Saint-Étienne arriva in finale della Coupe de France contro il PSG, dove Platini ha un ruolo fondamentale: al 76' risponde al ciadiano Nabatingue Toko (che sigla il vantaggio parigino al 58') e al 99' porta la sua squadra in vantaggio: all'ultimo minuto del secondo tempo supplementare Dominique Rocheteau ristabilisce la parità, mettendo a segno il 2-2 e portando la sfida ai tiri di rigore, dove il PSG vince 6-5. In Coppa dei Campioni i Verdi si fermano al turno preliminare, a opera dei tedeschi d'Oriente della Dinamo Berlino. Totalizza 145 partite e mette a segno 82 gol con la maglia del Saint-Étienne, vincendo un titolo francese nel 1981, il decimo e, finora, ultimo del club. Juventus 1982-1983: capocannoniere della Serie A Da destra: gli juventini Brio, Platini, Cabrini e Tardelli in campo per la semifinale di andata della Coppa dei Campioni 1982-1983 contro il Widzew Łódź. Nel 1982 si trasferisce in Italia, prelevato dalla Juventus pochi giorni dopo la conclusione dell'acquisto del polacco Zbigniew Boniek; questa scelta personale dell'Avvocato Gianni Agnelli obbliga la società torinese a privarsi dell'irlandese Liam Brady, a causa della norma che all'epoca permetteva la presenza in una squadra di Serie A di massimo due stranieri. Il cartellino di Platini viene pagato 250 milioni di lire. L'esordio con i bianconeri avviene nella partita di Coppa Italia pareggiata 1-1 contro il Catania, il 18 agosto 1982. Il suo primo gol arriva contro il Cesena. Inizialmente non è in buona condizione, ma nel girone di ritorno della stagione 1982-1983 le sue prestazioni vanno in crescendo e, con 16 gol, è capocannoniere del campionato; allo stesso tempo si sviluppa l'intesa con Boniek, che il mediano francese serve con aperture, lanci (anche di quaranta metri) e passaggi filtranti. Platini contribuisce quindi alla positiva seconda parte di stagione della Juventus, vicecampione della Serie A (dietro alla Roma). Realizza due dei tre gol con cui i bianconeri s'impongono 3-0 nella finale di ritorno di Coppa Italia, dopo i tempi supplementari, al Comunale di Torino sull'emergente Verona, aggiudicandosi il trofeo (la finale di andata, al Bentegodi di Verona, si era conclusa 2-0 per i padroni di casa). In campo europeo, permette ai bianconeri la vittoria contro i danesi dell'Hvidovre e, in semifinale, contro i polacchi del Widzew Łódź, arrivando così in finale di Coppa dei Campioni (dove viene battuta dall'Amburgo). 1983-1984: vittoria della Coppa delle Coppe Platini, contrastato dall'avellinese Vullo nel campionato 1983-1984. Nell'annata successiva inizia con una doppietta nella prima di campionato contro l'Ascoli, vinta 7-0. In questo torneo segna un maggior numero di gol: 20 in 28 presenze, cifra con cui vince il duello a distanza per il titolo di capocannoniere con il brasiliano Zico (19 reti), giunto quell'anno in Italia nelle file dell'Udinese. A fine stagione, grazie anche al bottino sottoporta di Platini, la Juventus vince il campionato italiano, il primo per il francese. Invece in campo europeo, vince la prima e unica Coppa delle Coppe della sua carriera, battendo in finale 2-1 i lusitani del Porto, con 2 gol in 8 partite. In Coppa Italia termina con 3 gol in 7 partite, dove i bianconeri escono agli ottavi per mano della rivelazione Bari, formazione di Serie C1 poi sorprendente semifinalista dell'edizione. Michel conquista il suo primo Pallone d'oro nel 1983, battendo con 110 preferenze lo scozzese Kenny Dalglish, del Liverpool campione d'Europa, che raccoglie 26 preferenze. 1984-1985: Supercoppa UEFA e Coppa dei Campioni Platini scherza con Karl-Heinz Rummenigge prima del derby d'Italiadell'11 novembre 1984 Nella stagione 1984-1985, terminata dai campioni uscenti bianconeri al sesto posto, Platini con 18 gol ottiene la sua terza affermazione nella classifica dei marcatori (davanti ad Altobelli e Maradona); il 16 gennaio 1985 gioca inoltre la sua prima partita di Supercoppa UEFA, contribuendo alla vittoria bianconera 2-0 sul Liverpool. Il successivo 29 maggio, in finale di Coppa Campioni, all'Heysel di Bruxelles e ancora contro i Reds – gara disputata per delibera della confederazione europea e del Ministero dell'Interno del Belgio, nonostante gli incidenti accaduti nel prepartita provocati dagli hooligan inglesi che causano la morte di trentanove persone sulle tribune dello stadio –, il centrocampista francese segna su rigore il gol dell'1-0 finale (il penalty fu causato da un fallo su Boniek, imbeccato dallo stesso Platini con un lancio da cinquanta metri). Platini chiude anche l'edizione della Coppa dei Campioni da capocannoniere, con 7 marcature. 1985-1986: l'Intercontinentale e il terzo Pallone d'oro Platini, assieme a Gaetano Scirea, con la Coppa Intercontinentale 1985conquistata dalla Juventus a Tokyo contro l'Argentinos Jrs Nell'anno calcistico 1985-1986, a causa delle cessioni di alcuni compagni di squadra (Paolo Rossi, Boniek e Tardelli; Gentile aveva lasciato la Vecchia Signora nella stagione precedente) Michel rimane fra i giocatori più "anziani" della rosa bianconera, sempre allenata da Giovanni Trapattoni. Sigla la sua prima tripletta stagionale nella partita vinta 4-0 contro il Bari. Il francese è determinante nella finale di Coppa Intercontinentale, vinta al National Stadium di Tokyo contro i sudamericani dell'Argentinos Jrs l'8 dicembre 1985, dove nei tempi regolamentari dapprima mette a segno il rigore dell'1-1, e serve poi a Laudrup l'assist del 2-2; la gara viene vinta dalla Juventus ai tiri di rigore, ed è il fantasista bianconero a insaccare il pallone che porta la squadra torinese sul tetto del mondo. Sul finire del 1985 Platini si aggiudica il terzo Pallone d'oro della sua carriera, quarto consecutivo per un giocatore della Juventus, dopo quello di Paolo Rossi e i primi due dello stesso Platini. Inoltre vince il suo secondo campionato italiano in questa stagione, dove è uno dei tre componenti della vecchia guardia bianconera (gli altri sono Scirea e Cabrini). 1986-1987: il ritiro dal calcio giocato Rimasto tra i pochi componenti del gruppo storico juventino, causa la continuazione del processo di rinnovamento della rosa bianconera, Platini realizza due marcature in campionato, nell'annata 1986-1987 (alla seconda giornata contro l'Avellino, e alla sesta contro l'Ascoli). Platini assieme a Diego Armando Maradona nel campionato 1986-1987, che per il francese fu l'ultimo giocato da calciatore prima del ritiro A fine stagione annuncia il suo addio al calcio giocato, all'età di 32 anni, in un'intervista rilasciata allo stadio Comunale nella quale il giocatore adduce motivazioni fisiche; non riuscendo più a raggiungere la forma necessaria per esprimersi ad alti livelli, rifiuta un arretramento "tattico" e preferisce anticipare il ritiro: «Quando io ho smesso, non avevo più benzina. Era da tanti anni che giocavo a pallone ed ero veramente stanco, cotto. Ho passato tutto il 1986 infortunato e avevo dei problemi alle caviglie per cui ho deciso di smettere». Nazionale « Sono francese e mi sento tale. Stimo l'Italia, ma io non sono italiano. » (Michel Platini in un'intervista nella vigilia dell'amichevole Italia-Francia a Napoli, febbraio 1978.) 1976-1978: debutto al Mondiale Viene convocato per la prima volta in Nazionale dal neo allenatore Michel Hidalgo il 27 marzo 1976, nell'amichevole pareggiata 2-2 contro la Cecoslovacchia al Parco dei Principi, dove sigla il suo primo gol in Nazionale. Dopo tre amichevoli gioca e segna la sua prima partita di qualificazione per il campionato del mondo 1978, nel match giocato a Sofia e pareggiato 2-2 contro la Bulgaria. Segna tre gol nelle sue quattro partite giocate in queste qualificazioni, che portano i francesi alla qualificazione del Gruppo 5 composto da tre squadre: oltre ai Bleus e ai Leoni, anche l'Irlanda. Platini nel corso della sfida tra Argentina e Francia (2-1) valevole per la prima fase a gruppi del campionato del mondo 1978 Il primo mondiale di Platini finisce male: la Francia vince solo contro l'Ungheria con un 3-1 (terza gara del girone). Il giovane talento francese mette a segno la rete del momentaneo pareggio contro i padroni di casa dell'Argentina, nella seconda partita del girone eliminatorio, che poi finisce 2-1 per gli avversari, determinando l'eliminazione della nazionale transalpina (che ha perso anche la prima gara, per 1-2, contro l'Italia di Enzo Bearzot). 1979-1982: semifinale ai Mondiali Continua a segnare, anche dopo l'insuccesso nelle qualificazioni per il campionato d'Europa 1980. La Francia conclude seconda, dietro alla Cecoslovacchia, ma senza qualificarsi. Nelle due partite che giocò, mise a segno un gol, nella vittoria per 3-1 a Stoccolma contro la Svezia. Il 27 febbraio 1980 segna la sua prima doppietta, nel match vinto 5-1 contro la Grecia. Sigla un'altra doppietta anche nelle qualificazioni del campionato del mondo 1982, nella partita giocata a Limassol e vinta 7-0 contro Cipro. I suoi 5 gol in 5 partite hanno portato la Francia a qualificarsi alla fase finale della coppa. Al Mondiale di Spagna, Platini va a segno una volta contro il Kuwait (che viene battuto dalla Francia per 4-1) nella prima fase, e una volta in semifinale contro la Germania Ovest, siglando l'1-1 dal dischetto; nei supplementari la Francia si porta sul 3-1 ma la squadra tedesca, con una rimonta, giunge al pareggio per poi avere la meglio per 5-4 ai tiri di rigore (determinando quindi l'eliminazione dei Bleus dalla competizione). La squadra francese perderà anche la finale per il terzo posto contro la Polonia di Boniek, futuro compagno di squadra di Platini alla Juventus. 1984: la conquista dell'Europeo Fu l'assoluto protagonista del campionato d'Europa 1984, vinto dai transalpini padroni di casa. Andò a segno in tutte le gare del torneo, per un totale di 9 reti in 5 presenze. Nella fase a gironi risultò decisivo contro la Danimarca e segnò due triplette consecutive, contro Belgio e Jugoslavia; in semifinale segnò la rete del definitivo 3-2 sul Portogallo al 119', mentre nella finale al Parc des Princes di Parigi sbloccò il risultato trasformando un calcio di punizione contro la Spagna, complice un errore del portiere Arconada. Platini a quattrocchi con il connazionale Alain Giresse nel 1985, durante la semifinale di Coppa dei Campioni fra Juventus e Bordeaux. I due francesi furono tra i protagonisti, a Francia 1984, dei Bleus per la prima volta campioni d'Europa Vinse, contestualmente, il titolo di capocannoniere segnando superando gli allora primatisti: i tedeschi d'Occidente Gerd e Dieter Müller, i quali in due edizioni consecutive (Belgio 1972 e Jugoslavia 1976) avevano segnato quattro reti ciascuno. Nelle successive edizioni del campionato europeo, nessun capocannoniere ha segnato più di cinque volte. 1985-1988: ultimi anni in Nazionale Al campionato del mondo 1986 apre le marcature contro l'Italia detentrice della coppa (poi battuta dai Bleus per 2-0; realizza la sua rete con un inserimento centrale e pallonetto davanti al portiere in uscita) e pareggiando 1-1 nei quarti di finale contro il Brasile, poi sconfitto dai transalpini ai tiri di rigore. Di nuovo sconfitta dalla Germania Ovest alle semifinali, la Francia si aggiudica poi il terzo posto battendo il Belgio (contro cui Michel non scende in campo). In seguito disputa tre gare per le qualificazioni al campionato d'Europa 1988, prima di lasciare definitivamente la Nazionale del suo Paese. Platini è tuttora il secondo marcatore di sempre con la maglia della nazionale francese, con 41 gol in 72 presenze, alle spalle di Thierry Henry con 51 gol in 123 presenze. Dopo l'addio al calcio, su invito dell'emiro Jamir III al-Ahmad del Kuwait, nel 1988 Platini gioca per 21 minuti con la casacca della nazionale kuwaitiana, in una partita amichevole contro l'URSS. Allenatore Dopo il suo ritiro dall'agonismo ricopre il ruolo di commissario tecnico della Nazionale francese (dal 1º novembre 1988 al 17 giugno 1992), senza vincere alcuna competizione. Diviene allenatore dei Galletti dopo la mancata qualificazione all'Europeo di Germania Ovest 1988 (all'epoca si qualificavano 8 squadre, delle 33 iscritte all'UEFA), subentrando a Henri Michel, dopo un deludente pareggio a Nicosia contro Cipro. Con lui alla guida i francesi non si qualificano al campionato del mondo 1990, sopravanzati nelle eliminatorie da Scozia e Jugoslavia, in cui risultarono decisive le sconfitte esterne patite dai transalpini contro entrambe. Dal 29 aprile 1989 al 20 novembre 1991 la sua squadra ricava 19 risultati utili consecutivi, che nel 1991 gli valgono il premio di "allenatore dell'anno" da parte del mensile inglese World Soccer. Nonostante il percorso netto (8 vittorie) nelle qualificazioni, al campionato d'Europa 1992 la Francia non vince alcuna partita e viene eliminata nella fase a gruppi dalla Svezia padrona di casa e dalla ripescata Danimarca, poi a sorpresa vincitrice del torneo. In totale ha seduto sulla panchina della Nazionale transalpina per 29 partite, ottenendo 16 vittorie, 8 pareggi e 5 sconfitte. Dirigente Michel Platini nel 2010 Nonostante quanto inizialmente palesato nel corso della sua breve carriera da allenatore, circa la ritrosia a intraprendere una futura carriera dirigenziale, il 10 novembre 1992 è nominato co-presidente (insieme a Fernand Sastre) del Comité français d'organisation, il comitato organizzatore del campionato del mondo 1998. Vicepresidente della Federcalcio francese dal 2001 al 2008, dal 2002 ricopre la medesima carica nell'Esecutivo della FIFA. Il 26 gennaio 2007 vince le elezioni per la presidenza della UEFA con 27 voti favorevoli, contro i 23 di Lennart Johansson, il presidente uscente. Il 22 marzo 2011 è rieletto, per acclamazione, presidente dell'organo di governo del calcio europeo. Il 24 marzo 2015 viene rieletto per la terza volta. Riforma delle Coppe europee e dei regolamenti Platini basa buona parte della sua campagna elettorale per la presidenza UEFA sulla riforma delle Coppe europee, in particolar modo della Coppa dei Campioni; secondo lui, anche le squadre campionesse nazionali dei paesi minori devono avere il diritto di giocare, o tentare di giocare, la fase a gironi autunnale. Michel Platini nel 2009 a Breslaviacon Rafał Dutkiewicz e Grzegorz Lato, durante una verifica dello stato dei lavori agli impianti di Euro 2012 Dopo l'elezione di Michel alla suddetta presidenza, i suoi intenti sull'organizzazione delle Coppe europee si concretizzano il 30 novembre 2007, quando viene approvato il nuovo format per il triennio 2009-2012: le squadre schierate dai campionati principali, Spagna, Germania e Inghilterra saranno quattro, di cui tre ammesse direttamente al primo turno, mentre la quarta eventualmente dopo aver vinto il turno preliminare; le partecipanti di diritto alla fase a gironi passano da 16 a 22, comprendendo oltre alle terze classificate dei primi tre paesi del Ranking UEFA, le squadre campioni nazionali dei paesi dal 7º al 12º (o 13º) posto. Per i rimanenti dieci posti si qualificheranno i cinque campioni nazionali che avevano superato la fase preliminare e le cinque squadre delle federazioni forti, accontentando sia le federazioni dell'Est (come promesso in campagna elettorale) che quelle ricche (Italia, Germania, Spagna, Inghilterra e Francia). La finale, dopo 54 anni, non si disputerà più di mercoledì, bensì di sabato. Platini è impegnato in un processo di riequilibrio economico del calcio europeo, che aumenti il controllo sulla sostenibilità economica dei bilanci delle squadre impegnate nelle competizioni organizzate dalla UEFA. In una intervista del febbraio 2009, Platini si è inoltre detto contrario all'applicazione della moviola in campo, ma favorevole all'aumento del numero di arbitri schierati nel rettangolo di gioco. Il 29 luglio 2015 ha ufficializzato la sua candidatura alla presidenza della FIFA, decisione presa successivamente alla convocazione del Comitato Esecutivo FIFA del 20 luglio precedente, in cui il presidente uscente Joseph Blatter rese nota la sua volontà di non ricandidarsi. Vicende giudiziarie L'8 ottobre 2015, a seguito d'indagini della magistratura svizzera, viene sospeso per 90 giorni dal comitato etico della FIFA poiché accusato di avere illegalmente percepito, durante il 2011, due milioni di franchi svizzeri dall'allora presidente Sepp Blatter come compenso per consulenze svolte tra il 1999 e il 2002; in questo lasso di tempo cede le sue funzioni in seno all'UEFA al vicepresidente Ángel María Villar. Il successivo 21 dicembre il comitato etico della FIFA lo squalifica per otto anni (in seguito ridotti a sei) da tutte le attività calcistiche. Dopo il ricorso al Tribunale Arbitrale dello Sport di Losanna, il 9 maggio 2016 la squalifica è ulteriormente ridotta a quattro anni; ciò nonostante, non essendovi stata la cancellazione delle accuse sperata da Platini, nella stessa data annuncia l'intenzione di dimettersi da presidente della UEFA. Il 25 maggio 2018 la giustizia elvetica scagiona Platini da ogni accusa, non avendo ravvisato reati nel suo operato; nell'occasione l'entourage di Platini rimarca la tesi secondo cui le false accuse rivolte nei suoi confronti, erano in realtà mirate unicamente a delegittimarne la carriera dirigenziale. L'8 luglio 2022, ultima coda, il Tribunale penale federale di Bellinzona assolve Platini e Blatter anche dall'accusa di truffa ai danni della stessa FIFA, concedendo loro un risarcimento — a cui Platini ha rinunciato — per l'intera vicenda processuale. Il 18 giugno 2019 viene «ascoltato come testimone» dalla polizia francese, in merito a un'inchiesta inerente all'assegnazione del campionato del mondo 2022 al Qatar. Palmarès Giocatore Club Competizioni nazionali Campionato francese di seconda divisione: 1 - Nancy: 1974-1975 Coppa di Francia: 1 - Nancy: 1977-1978 Campionato francese: 1 - Saint-Étienne: 1980-1981 Coppa Italia: 1 - Juventus: 1982-1983 Campionato italiano: 2 - Juventus: 1983-1984, 1985-1986 Competizioni internazionali Coppa delle Coppe: 1 - Juventus: 1983-1984 Supercoppa UEFA: 1 - Juventus: 1984 Coppa dei Campioni: 1 - Juventus: 1984-1985 Coppa Intercontinentale: 1 - Juventus: 1985 Nazionale Campionato d'Europa: 1 - Francia 1984 Coppa dei Campioni CONMEBOL-UEFA: 1 - 1985 Individuale Platini osserva il suo secondo Pallone d'oro consecutivo vinto nel 1984 Calciatore francese dell'anno: 2 - 1976, 1977 Champion des champions, conferito dal quotidiano francese L'Équipe: 2 - 1977, 1984 All-Star Team dei Mondiali: 2 - Spagna 1982; Messico 1986 Capocannoniere della Serie A: 3 - 1982-1983 (16 gol), 1983-1984 (20 gol), 1984-1985 (18 gol) Pallone d'oro: 3 - 1983, 1984, 1985 Onze d'or: 3 - 1983, 1984, 1985 Guerin d'oro: 1 - 1983-1984 Capocannoniere dell'Europeo: 1 - Francia 1984 (9 gol) Migliore giocatore dell'Europeo: 1 - Francia 1984 Europei Top 11: 1 - Francia 1984 World Soccer's World Player of the Year: 2 - 1984, 1985 Miglior calciatore dell'anno secondo la rivista italiana Guerin Sportivo: 2 - 1984, 1985 Capocannoniere della Coppa dei Campioni: 1 - 1984-1985 (7 gol ex aequo con Torbjörn Nilsson dell'IFK Göteborg) Migliore giocatore della Coppa Intercontinentale: 1 - 1985 Nominato Migliore calciatore degli anni 1980 dall'associazione European Sports Magazines - 1989 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team Super Onze d'or: 1 - 1995 Inserito nel FIFA World Team of the 20th Century dalla Fédération Internationale de Football Association - 1998 Nominato Calciatore francese del XX secolo dalla rivista France Football - 2000 Inserito nel FIFA Dream Team dalla Fédération Internationale de Football Association - 2002 Inserito nel FIFA 100 - 2004 Inserito nelle "Leggende del calcio" del Golden Foot - 2004 All-Time Great European Footballer, conferito dal English Football Hall of Fame - 2008 Inserito nella Hall of fame del calcio italiano nella categoria Giocatore straniero (FIGC e Fondazione Museo del calcio): - 2011 Introdotto al Salón de la Fama del Fútbol - 2011 Globe Soccer Award alla carriera sportiva - 2012 Premio Nils Liedholm - 2013 Candidato al Dream Team del Pallone d'oro (2020) Allenatore World Soccer's World Manager of the Year: 1 - 1991 Riconoscimenti Nella graduatoria per il Pallone d'oro 1983 segnò il massimo distacco in percentuale dal secondo classificato nella storia del premio, totalizzando ben 4 volte (110 contro 26) il punteggio di Kenny Dalglish, centrocampista del Liverpool. Platini si piazzò al secondo posto in due occasioni (1977 e 1980) e una al terzo posto (1986), cosa che nella classifica storica del trofeo lo colloca al secondo posto dietro al tedesco Franz Beckenbauer. La Federazione Internazionale di Storia e Statistica del Calcio, organizzazione riconosciuta dalla FIFA, lo ha inserito al 7º posto nella classifica dei migliori calciatori del XX secolo (quinto fra i giocatori europei e primo fra i calciatori francesi). In una lista simile, la rivista calcistica inglese World Soccer lo ha inserito al 5º posto nella classifica dei migliori calciatori del secolo (primo calciatore francese). Ha anche raggiunto la percentuale di voto più alta nella votazione del premio "Calciatore dell'anno" assegnata dalla stessa rivista: nel 1984 ottenne il 54% delle preferenze, risultando tuttora l'unico giocatore ad aver superato la soglia del 50%. Onorificenze Cavaliere della Legion d'Onore — 29 aprile 1985 Ufficiale della Legion d'Onore — 1988 Ufficiale dell'Ordine al merito - «per i suoi 21 anni d'attività professionistiche, sportive e di servizi militari» — 3 dicembre 1994 Collare CONS - «per la propria contribuzione alla crescita e al successo del movimento sportivo sammarinese» — 2008 Medaglia Erik von Frenckell - «per il suo lavoro per il bene dello sport» — 2014

Gallant Germans Send Portugal Packing Portugal 2-3 Germany Germany booked their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after a thrilling 3-2 win over Portugal at St. Jakob Park in Basel. Group A winners Portugal reverted to their strongest team, having rested eight first-team players during the dead-rubber 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Switzerland. Ronaldo, Simao and Deco supported lone striker Nuno Gomes. Germany Coach Joachim Low, who was serving a one match touchline ban, made a few interesting changes. Torsten Frings failed to recover from injury, while Clemens Fritz and misfiring forward Mario Gomez were both dropped. Simon Rolfes took Frings? holding role, Bastian Schweinsteiger returned from suspension to play on the right, with Tomas Hitzlsperger on the left flank. Lukas Podolski was pushed up-front to partner Miroslav Klose. It was a cagey start to the game, but Hitzlsperger had two long-range attempts in the first 10 minutes, the first a free kick that crashed into the wall, and the second a shot from the right into the side-netting. Bosingwa bombed down the Portugal right and whipped in a dangerous cross, but Nuno Gomes didn?t react fast enough. On 15 minutes Deco released Simao with a delightful slide-rule pass, but Lehmann comfortably saved the winger?s near post shot. Ronaldo nearly got in on goal, but he was denied by an excellent covering tackle from Arne Friedrich. Down the other end Michael Ballack towered above Pepe following a quickly taken corner but could only direct his header over the bar. Portugal missed the first real chance of the game on 20 minutes, as Bosingwa curled in another cross, but from just six yards out Joao Moutinho kneed the ball over. Just 60 seconds later Germany were ahead following a superb team move. Podoloski and Ballack played a one-two down the left, and the former crossed for Schweinsteiger, who darted to the near post to turn the ball past Ricardo. Germany were rampant, and they doubled their lead just a few minutes later as Klose was left completely unmarked inside the box to nod home a Schweinsteiger free kick. Portugal did not know what had hit them, and they were forced into a substitution on the half-hour mark as Moutinho failed to recover from a knock to the knee, and was replaced by Raul Meireles. Portugal pushed their defensive line up looking for a goal. Nuno Gomes went down in the box looking for a penalty but the referee didn?t want to know, while Raul Meireles fired high and wide from distance. On 40 minutes Portugal got back into the game, as Deco started the move that saw Ronaldo race clear on goal. The Manchester United man was denied by Lehmann, but Nuno Gomes was on hand to turn in the rebound. Germany regrouped and Ballack forced a smart save out of Ricardo at his near post, however on the stroke of half time Ronaldo was inches away from levelling the scores as he cut in from the left and fired inches wide of Lehmann?s far post. Into the second half and Portugal picked up where they left off, with the elegant Deco teeing up Raul Meireles to shoot wide from 25 yards. Petit also fired well off-target from long range. Down the other end Podolski found space just outside the area, and hit a sweet half-volley not too far over. On 56 minutes Pepe missed a glorious chance to equalise, as Deco flicked on a Simao corner, but the Real Madrid defender somehow headed the ball over from just a couple of yards out. Just past the hour mark, and Portugal hit the self-destruct button, as Germany restored their two-goal advantage. Ricardo raced suicidally off his line on a floated Schweinsteiger left-wing free kick, and Ballack beat him to the ball to head into a gaping net. Portugal now had a mountain to climb. Nani replaced Nuno Gomes, before Ronaldo fired well over from a free kick. Germany continued to attack too and Lahm lashed wide from 25 yards. As the game moved into the final 20 minutes Luiz Felipe Scolari?s men became more and more desperate, resorting to a host of harmless long range efforts from Petit, Nani, Raul Meireles and Deco. Germany were still looking dangerous when they came forward, and Podolski unleashed a stunning, swerving effort that flashed inches wide of the post with Ricardo completely beaten. The disappointing Simao then hit a curler from 25 yards but Lehmann watched it sail over. Portugal looked like a beaten team but on 86 minutes they set-up a nervy finish as Nani crossed for another substitute Helder Postiga to head past Lehmann to make it 3-2. Scolari?s men now threw everyone forward looking for an equaliser. Bosignwa fired well over as Germany put 10 men behind the ball. Podolski shot straight at Ricardo on the counter-attack, but the Germans held out for a thrilling 3-2 win. They will meet the winners of tomorrow?s Turkey-Croatia clash in the semi final in Basel on Wednesday night. Portugal: Ricardo, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Pepe, Ferreira, Joao Moutinho (Raul Meireles 30), Petit (Postiga 73), Simao, Deco, Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes (Nani 67) Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm, Schweinsteiger (Fritz 83), Rolfes, Ballack, Hitzsperger (Borowski 73), Klose (Jansen 88), Podolski

Greece 1 - 2 Spain Angelos Charisteas (43') - De la Red (62') - G?iza (88') 1 Nikopolidis A. Goalkeeper - 11 Vyntra L. Defender - 5 Dellas T. Defender - 16 Kyrgiakos S. Defender Out - 4 Spyropoulos N. Defender - 6 Basinas A. Midfielder Card - 21 Katsouranis K. Midfielder - 20 Amanatidis Y. Striker - 10 Karagounis G. Midfielder Out Card - 9 Charisteas A. Striker - 14 Salpingidis D. Striker Out *12 Chalkias K. Goalkeeper - 13 Tzorvas A. Goalkeeper - 15 Torosidis V. Defender - 19 Antzas P. Defender In - 18 Goumas I. Defender - 2 Seitaridis G. Defender - 8 Giannakopoulos S. Midfielder In - 22 Tziolis A. Midfielder In - 3 Patsatzoglou C. Defender - 23 Liberopoulos N. Striker - 17 Gekas T. Striker - 7 Samaras G. Striker *Rehhagel O. Manager/Coach 23 Reina Paez J. Goalkeeper - 18 Arbeloa Defender Card - 20 Juanito Defender - 2 Albiol Defender - 3 Fernando Navarro Defender - 14 Xabi Alonso Midfielder - 6 Iniesta Midfielder Out - 22 De la Red Midfielder - 16 Sergio Garc?a Striker - 10 Cesc F?bregas Midfielder - 17 G?iza Striker Card *13 Palop A. Goalkeeper - 1 Casillas I. Goalkeeper - 15 Sergio Ramos Defender - 11 Capdevila Defender - 4 Marchena Defender - 5 Puyol Defender - 8 Xavi Midfielder - 12 Cazorla Midfielder In - 19 Marcos Senna Midfielder - 21 David Silva Midfielder - 9 Fernando Torres Striker - 7 David Villa Striker *Aragon?s L. Manager/Coach 90'+3 The full time whistle sounds and Spain's second string have secured victory, while the Greeks at least bowed out with a goal to their name. Now Aragon?s must focus on Sunday and the Italians, who they have not beaten for 88 years. 90'+1 Spain will go into the quarter finals with a 100 per cent record and on the balance of play they deserve to win this encounter. 89' Sergio Garc?a's cross from the right found G?iza unmarked and he headed home from close range. That is the kind of service that made him top scorer in the la Primera last term. 88' GOOOLLL!!! - After looking like he was going to end with a blank evening, G?iza breaks in his international duck with the winner! 88' Goal G?iza 87' Substitution Salpingidis D. Giannakopoulos S. 87' Greece look to create a move after being led out of their own half by Stelios Giannakopoulos, who ends up limping as the ball is cleared. 85' Huuuyyy!!! - Sergio Garc?a has a go with his right foot and shoots straight at the keeper moments before G?iza warms Nikopolidis' gloves from distance. 84' Sergio Garc?a has a shot on his left foot from the edge of the box after De la Red missed it and the Bar?a youth team product sent the ball over with a shot that went almost directly upwards. 83' Paraskevas Antzas prevents Spain scoring a second, but F?bregas should have shot from inside the area instead of looking for clipping the ball back in for G?iza again. 81' G?iza's first touch was poor after he was picked out by Xabi Alonso and it is hard to see either Fernando Torres or David Villa doing that there. 79' Huuuyyy!!! - Amanatidis controlled the ball just inside the Spain area, but his shot flashed up and over. 77' A flowing Spanish move ends with Sergio Garc?a heading down the right side of the area and he lifted the ball over the keeper but nobody was on hand to tap home from close range. 75' Huuuyyy!!!- De la Red fires well wide after stopping a pass that appeared to be bound for Sergio Garc?a on the edge of the area. 74' Substitution Karagounis G. Tziolis A. 73' Huuuyyy!!! - G?iza is set free down the right of the area and, after taking a touch, he guides the ball wide of the far post. 72' Aragon?s still has changes to make, but he will have to decide which of the first choice team he chooses or will he leave things as they are? 71' Yellow Card Basinas A. 70' Reina hoofs the ball clear as Greece come forward and, once again, Spain go on to concede a free-kick on the flank which Karagounis hits too low. 68' Spain have another corner and F?bregas lifts it in and after heading the ball out of the area, the Greeks cannot clear completely. 66' G?iza waited and waited for a team-mate to find after breaking forward and despite several joining him his cross was blocked away for a corner. 64' Huuuyyy!!! - Charisteas ran on to a through ball and was taken slightly wide by Reina before clipping the ball onto the outside of the post and wide. 64' Substitution Kyrgiakos S. Antzas P. 62' Goal De la Red 62' Nikopolidis put his arm down and the ball did hit it, but realistically he was never going to stop that incredible hit from the Real Madrid starlet. 61' GOOOLLL!!! - Spain are level! De la Red latched onto a knockdown from G?iza and absolutely hammered the ball past the keeper. 60' Huuuyyy!!! - Ioannis Amanatidis took aim from outside the area, but Reina followed his short wide of the post. 58' Iniesta is off for Cazorla who did feel strong enough to play the full match after a stomach bug laid him low for a few days. 58' Substitution Iniesta Cazorla 56' Spain are now applying some pressure, but the Greek defence is standing firm and G?iza has yet to make any movement in this half. 54' Huuuyyy!!! - Xabi Alonso has had another stupendous effort from outside the area and after his shot beat the keeper but cannoned back off the inside of the post. 52' The Spanish have won their last eight games and Aragon?s could have equalled the record as for the most wins of any Spanish national team coach and the number of consecutive wins too for la Furia Roja. 50' Spain's forward momentum is still being comfortably broken up by the Greek rearguard and they need someone to put their foot on it and open things up. 48' Yet another free-kick is given away within Karagounis' range and Spain have to defend as Greece lift the ball into their area once more. 47' Injury Kyrgiakos S. 46' Greece start the second period and there have been no changes by either side. Despite the pre-match talk, there is now plenty for Spain to play for. 45'+3 Karagounis went over after a slight trip and Xabi Alonso slammed the ball into his body and received the wrath of a few Greek players. 45'+3 The half time whistle goes and two years ago Spain had already qualified when they went into the third group at the World Cup and fielded a reserve side. They lost the momentum in Germany and lost to France in the next round. Aragon?s will have to hope history does not repeat itself at Euro 2008. 45'+1 Loukas Vyntra hit a low shot from 35 yards out after Reina's low punch out and the ball flew well wide. Spain will need to reorganise at the break. 45' Spain's reserve side have not had the same rhythm that the team that booked the squad's place in the quarter finals and now they need to raise their game in order to avoid defeat. 45' Yellow Card Arbeloa 43' Goal Charisteas A. 43' It is the Greeks' first goal of the tournament and all the players raced back to celebrate with Nikopolidis. 42' GOOOLLL!!! - Spain finally pay for conceding another free-kick as Charisteas meets Karagounis' cross and hammers a header past Reina. The striker was completely unmarked. 41' Yellow Card G?iza 40' Iniesta looks to play the exchange with Sergio Garc?a in the area and the Barcelona midfielder makes contact with Dellas and goes over. No penalty. 39' F?bregas sends a superb pass into the feet of Sergio Garc?a, but the striker's touch sees him have to stretch and fail to test the keeper. 37' Huuuyyy!!! - Xabi Alonso has another shot after he receives a short pass from a free-kick and drives the ball just wide of the post. 35' Karagounis was booked for a late foul on Iniesta and Spain had their first free-kick around the area, but the ball is headed away by Angelos Charisteas. 34' Yellow Card Karagounis G. 33' This time De la Red has a shot from distance in a bid t make up for his last effort, but the ball flies behind the goal and into the crowd. 32' Sergio Garc?a found De la Red and the playmaker could have shot rather than look for the return pass which ended up bouncing behind the goal line. 30' Huuuyyy!!! - F?bregas clipped the ball into Xabi Alonso and the Juve-bound midfielder hit it first time only to curl his effort wide of the post. 28' Katsouranis takes a wild swing at the ball from 25 yards out and sees it fly high and wide of Reina's goal, while at the other end G?iza does the same. 26' G?iza held up the ball before turning back and after a couple of passes, De la Red attempted a shot from distance that hit the first defender. 24' Huuuyyy!!! - Xabi Alonso takes an incredible punt and sends a superb shot from the halfway line that lands just wide of the goal. Nikopolidis hits the post and needs treatment. 23' Kostas Katsouranis pulls up and was in some pain before the ball was sportingly kicked out and he has now hobbled off for treatment. 22' Sergio Garc?a last two first touches have seen the ball ping up off his foot and meant that Spain's forward momentum has broken down and he will have to improve. 20' A touch forward by Sergio Garc?a sends F?bregas chasing the ball into the area, but Nikopolidis is quickly off his line to clear his lines. 18' Greee are sitting back and G?iza up front on his own in a 4-1-4-1 formation looks a bit lost until Sergio Garc?a joins him from the right flank. 16' Antonios Nikopolidis comes to claim F?bregas' corner and receives an ovation from the Greek fans in what is his last ever international. 14' Spain have now given away a free-kick on the left flank and they will to be careful because Karagounis will find his touch sooner or later. 12' Despite all their passing, the Spanish do not look quite as slick with their change of players as G?iza has yet to find his feet at this level. 11' F?bregas plays uncharacteristically poor pass off the pitch, but Spain quickly regain possession and start going forward once more. 9' The Greeks have a free-kick on the right flank and Karagounis looks to lift it once again, but the set piece is headed out by Ra?l Albiol. 7' Greece do not want to go home having been embarrasses, but they are having trouble gaining possession as Spain continue their swift passing game. 5' Giorgos Karagounis' free-kick found its way to Traianos Dellas at the far post and he was unable to connect fully leaving Pepe Reina with an easy claim. 3' The two coaches have certainly been there and done it here tonight with both Luis Aragon?s and Otto Rehhagel both set to turn 70 later this year. 2' Huuuyyy!!! - Cesc F?bregas escaped down the right and sent over a low cross that Sergio Garc?a touched on its way to Rub?n De la Red and the Madrid man's shot went wide. 1' Spain kick the game off and Dani G?iza can enhance his growing reputation while Sergio Garc?a also plays and hopes to earn himself a move away from Real Zaragoza. 0' The national anthems boom out and both sets of fans are very respectful to their opponents' tunes. It is a full house in Salzburg for this one. 0' Luis Aragon?s has, as predicted, given ten shadow players a start against the Greeks, with only Andr?s Iniesta staying in the team because Santi Cazorla is ill. The Greeks play their last game in the tournament after being eliminated at the weekend. 0' Both Spain and Greece have already resolved their next steps in Euro 2008 and Spain are already looking ahead to Italy in the quarter finals. This should still be interesting though. Follow all the action live on Goal.com...

Euro 2008 Preview: Russia - Sweden What: Euro 2008 Group D, Matchday 3 Who: Russia (3rd, 3/6pts) vs Sweden (2nd, 3/6pts) When: Wednesday 18 June 2008, 20:45 CET Where: Tivoli-Neu Stadion, Innsbruck, Austria Referee: Frank de Bleeckere (BEL) Russia face Sweden in a clash of near-neighbours both in terms of geography and qualification prospects in Innsbruck... In The Balance The Swedes haven't failed to qualify from a tournament's opening stage in the last three attempts, their previous first round exit coming at Euro 2000 in Belgium and the Netherlands. For Lars Lagerb?ck, keeping this record going is priority number one. His mixture of youth and experience is so far on track, though, having picked up one win against Greece while suffering only the narrowest of defeats to Spain. Just a draw will see them past Russia, whose goal difference is inferior. Still, knocks have taken their toll, with the talismanic Zlatan Ibrahimović unlikely to complete the full fixture. But while the boys in yellow have injury worries, so too do the team in white. Andrei Arshavin, star forward, might be back from suspension, but he remains a doubt, and the midfield has been decimated by injury both before the tournament and during. This has shown in the performances so far, but boss Guus Hiddink has been around the block long enough to know that this campaign is far from over. After all, his side managed qualification against all the odds when they eliminated England last year, and it would be fitting if they were to pull off the same here. Head-to-Head Over the course of history the Swedes have won five games against either Russia or the USSR, while there have been four draws and three wins for the other side. Since the dissolution of the USSR the two sides have met on three occasions. The sole competitive contest - a 1994 World Cup finals match in Detroit - saw Sweden run out 3-1 winners. A friendly four years later ended in a 1-0 home win in ?rebro, and a further four years elapsed before the most recent encounter, a 1-1 draw in Moscow. FORM GUIDE Russia 21/11/'07 (EC) - Andorra - 1-0 (A) 26/3/'08 (Fr.) - Romania - 0-3 (A) 23/5/'08 (Fr.) - Kazakhstan - 6-0 ( H) 28/5/'08 (Fr.) - Serbia - 2-1 (N) 4/6/'08 (Fr.) - Lithuania - 4-1 (N) 10/6/'08 (EC) - Spain - 1-4 (N) 14/6/'08 (EC) - Greece - 1-0 (N) Sweden 13/1/'08 (Fr.) - Costa Rica - 1-0 (A) 19/1/'08 (Fr.) - USA - 0-2 (A) 6/2/'08 (Fr.) - Turkey - 0-0 (A) 26/3/'08 (Fr.) - Brazil - 0-1 (N) 26/5/'08 (Fr.) - Slovenia - 1-0 ( H) 1/6/'08 (Fr.) - Ukraine - 0-1 ( H) 10/6/'08 (EC) - Greece - 2-0 (N) 14/6/'08 (EC) - Spain - 1-2 (N) TEAM NEWS Russia Andrei Arshavin returns from suspension, although coach Guus Hiddink is still mulling over whether or not to include him in the lineup. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is doubtful, although Yuri Zhirkov and Sergei Semak should shake off their respective knocks in time to make the match. Probable Line-up: Akinfeev; Anyukov, Kolodin, Ignashevich, Zhirkov; Torbinsky, Semak, Zyrianov, Saenko; Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko. Sweden Coach Lars Lagerb?ck has pledged to put out his strongest possible side, but Zlatan Ibrahimović is exceedingly unlikely to last the full 90 minutes due to his knee injury. He may be used only as a substitute. Christian Wilhelmsson is out. Probable Starting XI: Isaksson; Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson; Elmander, Svensson, Andersson, Ljungberg; Larsson, Rosenberg. PLAYERS TO WATCH Russia - Andrei Arshavin: Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the long-serving Zenit St. Petersburg talent will surely be one of Russia's main hopes to get the goal they so sorely need to move through to the next round. He's netted three times during qualifying and will now hope for his first strike in a major finals. Sweden - Henrik Larsson: If Sweden lose here, it's almost certainly 'Henke's' final game in the yellow shirt. As such the 36-year-old forward will need to use every ounce of his experience to, at the very least, prevent his team from losing. PREDICTION Sweden look to have done enough already, and an equalising goal will see them through against a Russian side whose injuries and fitness concerns will ultimately prove to be too much. Russia 1-1 Sweden

Euro 2008 Preview: Czech Rep. - Turkey What: Euro 2008 Group A Matchday 3 Who: Czech Republic (=2nd, 3/6pts) vs. Turkey (=2nd, 3/6pts) When: Sunday 15 June 2008, 20:45 CET Where: Stade de Gen?ve, Geneva, Switzerland Referee: Peter Fr?jdfeldt (SWE) If ever there was a winner-takes-all contest in a group stage, this is it. Things are balanced so finely between the Czechs and the Turks that this match could very well go to a penalty shoot-out to establish who joins Portugal in the next round. On The Margins The Czechs are a side of relative pedigree on the European stage, but not since the glory days of the mid 90s have they truly been labled as title contenders. Still, the last tournament in Portugal saw them reach the semi-finals - an eventuality that, while inferior to their 1996 final appearance, certainly beat their ignominious first round exit at the turn of the century. Now, though, the Czechs have already made life difficult for themselves by suffering a merited defeat at the hands of Portugal. If they go through at all, it will be in second place, where they will meet a Croatian outfit gunning for success. Coach Karel Br?ckner, then, has plenty to think about as he prepared for this game, knowing that the next round could be his side's last (and, based on form, perhaps should be.) But before that they must overcome Turkey, and that simply cannot be taken for granted. On The Margins Turkey, of course, have only twice before taken part in a European Championship, and only on one of those occasions did they manage to make it through the group stages. That was in 2000, when they fell at the quarter-final stage to none other than Portugal, one of their tormentors in this current group. As such, the Crescent-Stars definitely have something to prove in this contest, yet if they are to do so it must be immediate. The boys from the East have left it late to get started, though, slumping to a fully deserved 2-0 loss to Portugal on the first matchday before only just scraping past the Swiss after fighting back from 1-0 down on Wednesday. That they were able to win right at the death - and eliminate the Swiss into the bargain - was no mean feat, especially considering that it was a rather unorthodox XI that was sent forth by coach Fatih Terim. As well as compensating for injuries he also made several tactical changes, and these were to bear fruit right at the end. Given that Turkey also left it late to even qualify for Euro 2008, though, there seems to be little reason to panic heading into what is admittedly a crunch game. Swiss Near-Miss With both sides having a win and a loss so far, Geneva, in fact, holds bitter memories for each. On the first matchday the Turks lost out 2-0 to Portugal in the lakeside city; four days later it was the turn of the Czechs to fall at the hands of the Selec??o das Quinas. As for the history between the two sides, there is relatively little for the Turks to crow about. The sides first met in the Olympics of 1924, during which Czechoslovakia (as the team was then) won 5-2. Since then there have been a further 13 meetings, comprising one Turkish win, two draws, and fully ten losses. The Crescent-Stars' record against the independent Czechs is arguably even worse, with just one draw and three defeats to show for their efforts since the initial meeting in a 1994 friendly. FORM GUIDE Czech Republic 11/06/08 Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal (European Championship) 07/06/08 Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic (European Championship) 30/05/08 Czech Republic 3-1 Scotland (Friendly) 27/05/08 Czech Republic 2-1 Lithuania (Friendly) 26/03/08 Denmark 1-1 Czech Republic (Friendly) 06/02/08 Poland 2-0 Czech Republic (Friendly) 21/11/07 Cyprus 0-2 Czech Republic (European Championship qualifier) Turkey 11/06/08 Switzerland 1-2 Turkey (European Championship) 07/06/08 Turkey 0-2 Portugal (European Championship) 29/05/08 Turkey 2-0 Finland (Friendly) 25/05/08 Uruguay 3-2 Turkey (Friendly) 20/05/08 Slovakia 0-1 Turkey (Friendly) 26/03/08 Belarus 2-2 Turkey (Friendly) 06/02/08 Turkey 0-0 Sweden (Friendly) TEAM NEWS Czech Republic With victory on the agenda, Milan Baros and Jan Koller could link up in the forward line, meaning that a midfielder would have to be sacrificed. Ther are no new injury concerns. Turkey Emre is out, while Gokhan Zan and Servet Cetin remain likely to miss the encounter, meaning that coach Fatih Terim could name an unchanged eleven. PLAYERS TO WATCH Czech Republic - Libor Sionko: Sionko of FC Copenhagen appears to have hit form at exactly the right time. As well as striking twice against Scotland in a pre-tournament friendly, he also managed the goal that saw his side equalise against Portugal. Admittedly that goal proved fruitless, but nonetheless it will have raised his confidence ahead of a vital encounter. Turkey - Arda Turan: The 21-year-old winger sealed Turkey's win over Switzerland in the very last minute, but that wasn't all. He also provided a great deal of energy and commitment to the side and has surely won his place yet again against the Czechs. The Galatasaray man won't exactly be odds-on to score another goal, but watch out for his providing ability. PREDICTION The Czechs will perhaps deem themselves favourites for this one, but the match is notable due to the fact that neither side has exactly been keeping it sharp at the back of late: both have scored twice and conceded three times already. It could be a nervy occasion and one that goes right down to the wire, and I fancy Turkey to just about nick it after extra time. Czech Republic 2-2 Turkey (Turkey win on penalties)