Medvedev congratulated the King of Spain with the victory of the national team at the Euro-2012

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at a meeting with the King of Spain Juan Carlos I congratulated the King with the victory of the Spanish national team at the European Championships-2012. 

“I would like once again to congratulate you and all the people of Spain with a brilliant performance at the UEFA European Championships and with absolutely fantastic achievement, which never happened in history: Spain is a world champion and two-time European champion. More I will not say anything, because everything else will be very sad for our fans,” – said Medvedev.

Spain became the champion of the European Championship Under-19

Spain beat Greece in the final of the Junior National Team Championship (with players until 19 years of age), which was held in Tallinn. The Spaniards scored the only goal on 80 minutes. Top scorer of the tournament became Real Madrid's striker Jesé Rodríguez, writer on your score five goals.

Del Bosque: Spain is going through a serious crisis

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque expressed doubts that victory at the European Championship can help improve the situation within the country. 

“Spain is going through a serious crisis. The people there are significant problems with money, and do not think that the euro could somehow improve the situation. 

Our victory is a short injection, happiness for one night. Yes, there is a pride in the victory, but this does not affect real people's lives,” - said Del Bosque..

Lionel Messi: I haven't watched matches of Euro-2012

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi shared his memories of the time spent in the Club's Academy. 

“During his studies at the Academy I was very quiet and shy. Cesc Fabregas somehow told that guys from La Macia thought if I am dumb. Now I have, of course, have no such problems, I became more open. 

Some impressions from the Euro? To be honest, I haven't watched matches of this tournament, but was aware of all the results,” – said Messi.

Nani: “The penalty is a matter of luck”

Striker Nani, who plays for Manchester United and Portugal National Team, said semifinal of Euro-2012 against Spain (0: 0, penalties: 2-4) plays as a striker for Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo himself asked for the right to strike, the fifth from the penalty spot. 

“I don't think there were any differences or errors. Cristiano demanded that he gave Pierce a fifth from the penalty spot. I told the coach that will take any decision. For me this is not a problem. The penalty is a matter of luck, but we didn't deserve to lose that way,” – said Nani.

Juventus will receive compensation from UEFA for injury of Chiellini

Juventus will receive monetary compensation from the UEFA Euro-2012 Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini injury. 

UEFA would cover the salaries that will get the player from Juventus, while will be treated. Chiellini was injured in the final match of Euro-2012 with Spain, will miss three to five weeks. The amount of compensation should be 420 thousand euros.

Andres Iniesta: “Golden Ball would give Messi”

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho after the first leg of the Spanish national team at the Euro-2012 against Italy (1: 1) stated that due to the tactics of Vicente Del Bosque (playing without striker in the style of Barcelona) hurt attacking Spaniards. 

Midfielder of Spain and FC Barcelona, Andres Iniesta after victory in the final of the tournament over those same Italians (4: 0) responded to the criticism. 

“It was unprincipled for statements made in connection with a draw against Italy. Comment on such statements-spend time wasted. We won the tournament with this scheme and these players, don't forget about that”. 

28-year-old football player was named the best player of Euro-2012, but when asked about a possible nomination for the award Golden Ball, he supported partner on the FC Barcelona Lionel Messi. 

“I am very happy that I recognized as the best player of Euro. It's great because people appreciated the work done. It is even more pleasant, since we became champions. I had a very good feeling before the tournament, but I never thought of that will become a better player.” 

“The Golden Ball? It is not for me to decide his fate. The only thing that bothers me is a good game and how to make the fans happy. I don't contend with anyone. And the prize would give Messi “. – said Iniesta.

Andrea Pirlo: “I can’t become the owner of the Golden Ball”

Andrea Pirlo, who plays for Juventus and Italy National Team, shared his opinion about his chances of getting the Golden Ball. 

“I don't believe I can’t become the owner of the Golden Ball. As long as there is Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and all the rest. This is correct. The prize is to win one of them,” – said Pirlo.

Lose, But To Be The Best

Spain won the second championship in a row and GoloFootball browser brings some results of the tournament. 

The Best Player 

There is the unspoken rule that the best player of the Championship are chosen from the winning team. So come this time, awarding this prize In′este. But I beg to differ with the decision of UEFA. Spain still has strong team is doing, and therefore the wards of Vicente Del Bosque in particular no one stood out. 

At the last European Championships, as I believe, and many others, mad game Andrea Pirlo. He was the foundation of the game that demonstrated the Italian national team. 

Eventually, Pirlo recorded into your account one goal (the only euro scored a direct free-kick) and two assists. Together with Buffon and Marchisio, he played in all six matches of the Euro from the first until the last minute. 

In this Championship has become absolutely indispensable figure Pirlo in the Azzurri. And if the Spaniards could find a replacement Iniesta or even Xavi, Cesare Prandelli alternatives Pirlo. 

By the way, Pirlo in May this year was 33, but this did not prevent him from a magnificent season for Juventus, and then, in a stunning form to arrive at the European Championship. I think Pirlo is the only person who can take away this year “Golden Ball” Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Discovery 

The main discovery of the last championship, no doubt, was the 23-year-old Spain international defender Jordi Alba. However, it is, of course, conditional, because someone else's penalty area, he spends less time than his. Especially impresses his endurance, and performance. I was an episode in the match against Portugal when the 120-minute Alba made the leap to the wrong target, though the game has just begun. Then I caught myself thinking that this guy didn't get tired. By the way, if anyone is not aware of the new season of Alba will play for FC Barcelona. 

Frustration 

The Donostia award, without a doubt, earned Arjen Robben, not, not only in Europe but also in the entire season. Dutch midfielder failed all three matches of his team's first Euro-2012 until the last minute. Scheme of the game every time was unchanged from his right flank withdrew to Center and struck above the gate. It became a signature style of Arjen Robben. However, for the sake of justice it is necessary to notice, that the euro failed, the entire team, not one Robben. Another thing that he, as leader, was supposed to lead the team forward, but this did not happen. 

Audience award 

I think this prize earned players Greece Dimitrios Salpingidis and Georgios Karagounis, who have shown all over Europe, what does the word “Patriot”. However, these words can be attributed to all the players of the Greek squad that heroically reached the quarterfinals, but especially remembered these two. Salpingidis their indefatigability, focus on gates, Karagounis same example has shown, what should be the captain. The Greeks left a very good impression of yourself. It seems to me that this team will now have fans in Europe.

Bombardier and Assistant 

Surprisingly, the Championship's top scorer Fernando Torres, and was even more surprising that Andrei Arshavin has become the best Assistant. Players who have, to put it mildly, not the best tournament, won in two categories. It's randomness? No. Perhaps this indicates a certain absurdity of Euro-2012. 

History 

Eleven Spanish players have made history as the only world champions and two-time European champions: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Fernando Torres.

Thiago Motta Went To Brazil

The Italian and French football club PSG midfielder Thiago Motta back surface of the thigh injury during the final of UEFA Euro-2012. 

Recall, as a substitute in 56 minutes, Motta was injured and left the field on 61 minutes. Thiago Motta got injured while trying to reach the ball. Players took the field on a stretcher. Later it turned out that the player injured his muscle back surface of the thigh. Mota will be regenerative treatment in Brazil, where did it come from, within four weeks.

Juan Carlos: “This is legendary team”

After Spain triumphantly entered the square Cibeles in Madrid, where hundreds of thousands of Spaniards celebrated the victory of the national team in the final of UEFA Euro-2012, King of Spain Juan Carlos took victory at his palace and stated that he hoped to see the World Champions Trophy two years later. 

“This legendary team which has managed to once again bring joy to all Spaniards. You know how to win games and be a team. This success is the result primarily of coach Vicente del Bosque, who managed to make a lot. Each of you is a great player. I hope that after two years on the same square, we will celebrate the Championship trophy in the world,” – said Juan Carlos.

Diego Maradona: “The Spaniards revolutionized football”

I think that Spain is the best team in football history, the legendary Argentinian Diego Maradona said, commenting on the Euro-2012 tournament. 

“Spain clearly showed that not only are they the best team in the world, but also, perhaps, the best team in football history. It could not do anything no Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal not Pirlo with Italy. 

Spain had great players who work together, like a machine. You can stop one of them, but the rest will press, attack, create and finish points. 

The Spaniards revolutionized football, playing without strikers,” – said Maradona.

Goodbye Euro-2012 (Video)

Xabi Alonso: “We played for fans”

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso after the final match of Euro-2012 team against Italy (4: 0) talked about emotions, which he was from dedicating the victory and success of Spanish fans. 

“The euphoria of victory this time, different from what it was in previous tournaments. Everything is somehow more relaxed is perceived. Here are four years ago - Yes, it was a storm of emotions. 

We played for fans who wanted to enjoy this success even more than the players themselves. The team wanted to give them this pleasure. Make it so that they can be proud of us. I hope we have been able to make people happy. This victory alone would like to dedicate the inhabitants of Valencia who suffered from forest fires. 

To win three titles in a row is an incredible success. I don't know how long we will continue this series. But I don't want it to be the last of our success,” – said Alonso.

Vicente Del Bosque: “We have three components - the pressure”

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has shared his opinion from winning team in the final of UEFA Euro-2012 over Italy (4: 0). 

“Before we analyze our game, I would like to say a few words about the opponent. We all go through, and I must say, the Italians played the entire tournament with great dignity. For Euro-2012 has developed very successfully. 

I think the struggle in the finals ended with injury Motta. I think it was after that game could finish, the Italians could no longer resist. 4: 0 in the final match? This is sport, it happens. We also lost 0: 4 when played a friendly match with Portugal. It happens. 

In fact the difference between the two teams was not that great. Spain and Italy are excellent team, just not lucky when the Italians injured Motta, and they remained in the minority. Suddenly it happened that we got an advantage. 

And Italy was one day shorter than ours to restore TRA finale. I think it should be considered as a mitigating circumstance for them. Our team had a great game this, controlled the game from start to finish. There was a period after the score became 1:0 in our favor when Italy looked better and more dangerous to us. But still we controlled the situation. 

We have three components - the pressure, in the possession of the ball and the players well stretched defence. We are thrilled to have achieved a historic result, Spanish football has reached greater heights. But now we need to focus on the following objectives, in particular the skill-FIFA World Cup-2014,” – said Del Bosque.

Riccardo Montolivo: “After injury Motta match was actually completed”

Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, after the final match of Euro-2012 team against Spain (0: 4) stated that the whole team was disappointed a major defeat. 

“We cannot be happy after losing by a score of 4: 0. The team completed its final meeting completely frustrated. We were unable to achieve the desired result. After injury Motta match was actually completed.

Today Spain to all 100 per cent, in such cases, their opponents are very hard. Plus we were in the worst shape and these injuries ... It may take some time to forget that defeat,” – said Montolivo.

Leonardo Bonucci: “Today, we have not had any luck in everything”

Italian National Team defender Leonardo Bonucci after the final match of Euro-2012 against Spain (0: 4) admitted that the team was unable to realize his game plan. 

“Today, we have not had any luck in everything. This also applies to episodes with goals in our gates, and injuries to players. This was clearly not our evening. But still we got a good experience at this tournament, which will help us to move forward. 

We believe that we can win. And now very upset from this defeat. It is a pity that our team didn't show his usual football. Sure, if we did it, now would we talked about different result. 

However, the Spaniards deserved to win. They again showed their strength. What they are up a notch above the rest,” – said Bonucci.

Gerard Pique: “Our defensive line has played very well”

Spanish Defender Gerard Pique has summed up the results of the final match of Euro-2012 against Italy (4: 0), and the action team on the defensive line. 

“Our defensive line has played very well in the tournament. Not only lawyers, but Iker Casillas. Yes, and the entire team as a whole looked great. The most important thing for us was to not miss opportunities to score, as we always have. 

In the first half we had two goals. And later went from that. When Thiago Motta got injured, the play has become easier since they stayed ten,” – said Pique.

Fernando Torres: “The final game was exciting”

Spain striker Fernando Torres shared his impressions from the final match of Euro-2012 team against Italy (4: 0). 

“Receiving the Golden boot? Well, the more I couldn't even dream. All this is the result of team work and thanks to our team spirit. 

The final game was exciting. You always want to win more and more. Now we are enjoying their triumph. We have won a great victory over such a great team as Italy national team. 

The most rewarding thing for me today was the goal of the Mata. His smile. He deserved it,” – said Torres.

Cesare Prandelli: “Spain created the story that night”

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli announced that he would continue to direct the Azzura. 

“As for my future, my contract with the Italian team is rated up to 2014. Sometimes I have had other thoughts, but as already said, I have never had a problem with the Federation and the people who work there. 

Italy - the project that you want to continue, we have the strength and ability. We have a goal to continue the development of the team. 

I think we deserve much praise for performances on UEFA Euro-2012 - 8 out of 10. Started the tournament with some problems in our group was Spain, this is not the kind of command that you underestimate. Held a number of different matches, but as it turned out, it was very difficult to recover from matches. I put our team praised the fact that guys have shown – if they are the same, if I have an idea, you can go to your dream. 

Guys have demonstrated excellent team spirit, dedication, as well as what we can play football without unnecessary roughness. We have shown that you can lose with dignity. I am very proud of this team. 

Spain created the story that night, they deserve it. “Red Fury” over the years, played football at the highest level. And the fact that they played without formal attacker, says a lot about the depth of their composition and capabilities of the players,” – said Prandelli.