‘Special One’ makes a case for Portugal

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes his native Portugal are “one of the two or three best sides” in Euro 2012.

Mourinho, who guided Real to the league title last term ending bitter rivals Barcelona’s hold on the trophy, said yesterday: “Portugal don’t depend on other teams. They only depend on themselves.

“If they do their job against the Netherlands, they will be in the quarter-final.

“I think that Portugal are one of the two or three best sides in the competition.

“But that doesn’t mean much: everything is decided in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties,” the self-styled “Special One” said.

“If Portugal get to the quarter-finals, anything can happen.” However the former Chelsea boss admits that champions Spain are still the team to beat.

Spain came from a goal down to draw with Italy in their Group C opener but were criticised for not starting with a striker as Italy’s five-man midfield stifled their creativity.

However they ended the Republic of Ireland’s tournament with a crushing 4-0 victory last night.

“Spain is the world champion and no doubts about that,” Mourinho said ahead of the Ireland game.

Meanwhile Portugal’s press hailed the national side’s last-gasp 3-2 victory against Denmark to kick-start their Euro 2012 campaign, but reflected on star player Cristiano Ronaldo’s failure to shine.

“Portugal won ‘without’ Ronaldo, who missed two unbelievable chances,” said the sports daily A Bola, while its competitor Record headlined its front page “Thanks Varela”, referring to substitute Silvestre Varela, who scored the winner.

The Diario de Noticias added: “Portuguese character shown without Ronaldo: an 87th minute goal gave Portugal a precious victory during a match where Pepe and Nani played leading roles and made up for Ronaldo’s misses.”

The Correio da Manha also said Wednesday’s match “renewed hope” of the team making the knock-out stages.

For Publico, “Portugal stayed in the Euro” thanks to “accidental hero Varela and despite “Ronaldo’s lack of inspiration.”

“Ronaldo needs a psychologist,” columnist Bruno Par said, assessing that “someone needs to bring his anxiety under control”.

“Everything will be easier – for him and for Portugal – when he’s less obsessed by winning, goals and himself,” he added.

“To the man we demand everything from we forgive nothing. If Portugal hadn’t won, Cristiano Ronaldo would have been crucified today,” said another columnist in the pages of Record.

“It’s not right to see one of the best players in the world so uninspired,” said A Bola, asking: “What’s happening with Cristiano Ronaldo? Lacking confidence? Tired?”

Looking for something more positive, the paper said at least the victory showed that “Portugal can win ‘without’ Ronaldo and don’t completely depend on him to achieve their objectives”.