Wales footballers returning home from the European Championship with their heads held high. However, basking in the brightest beams of glory after the semifinals where they slain the "dragon" of Wales, is the Portuguese team and their leader Cristiano Ronaldo, as written in the portal lrytas.lt.
"Immortal flight" - wrote the Portuguese sports newspaper "Record" on Thursday's cover, printing a photo of C.Ronaldo, standing tall among his opponents and scoring the first goal.
"Beautiful", another Portuguese sports newspaper "O Jogo" appreciated the sight. "The team clearly played better than Wales and for the second time in a dozen years reached the final of the European Championship", - no doubt about their advantage, stated "O Jogo".
"Portugal, I love you", wrote the French sports newspaper "A Bola". And added: "The heroic team will play in the final in Paris".
"Portugal in the final. The dream right here. We believe", another newspaper "Diario de Noticias" asked for another victory. "Yes, in our captain", wrote "Jornal de Noticias" next to the photo of C.Ronaldo on the front page. "Ronaldo led us to the final", thanked the team captain, "Correio da Manha".
The failure in the semi-finals did not diminish Wales's pride in their team. "Heads held high", declared the newspaper "Echo". "After Portugal defeated Wales, the dream is over. But as long as it lasted, we experienced the best moments of life. Wales, you were wonderful. Welcome back home with your heads held high. Thank you", appreciated "Echo".
"Heroes. All as one", wrote "Western Mail" on the cover. - Stronger together. Always. Thank you, Wales, for an incredible adventure from a nation bursting with pride".
"Guys, you made us proud", rejoiced "Daily Mirror" the Welsh publication.
In the sports sections of London newspapers, Cristiano Ronaldo's photos and similar headlines prevailed: "Dragon Slayer" ("Daily Mail"), "Ronaldo killed the brave dragon" ("Daily Express"), "Ronaldo broke Bale's heart" ("The Times"), "Ronaldoh. Cristiano hero defeated the heroic dragon" ("The Sun").
"Golden", about C.Ronaldo, who "led Portugal to victory with a goal and an assist", wrote the Madrid sports newspaper "Marca".
On Thursday, the hearts of French and German football fans will beat most fiercely. The teams of these countries will fight for the second ticket to the final.
The French sports newspaper "l'Equipe" called Thursday a "Day of Glory". However, it is uncertain for which team. "Marseille should be hot. The Blues hope to beat Germany and contribute to the final with Portugal", wrote "l'Equipe".
Similar were the other headlines: "Goal - final" ("La Depeche"), "The big evening" ("Le Parisien"), "Date with history" ("Courrier Picard"), "Make your mark in history" ("Sud Ouest"), "The bluest moments in life" ("La Croix").
In Germany, there was no shortage of high-spirited looks at their opponents. "Dear French, create farewell banners", proposed the tabloid newspaper "Bild". "Stay healthy, Blues", - removed from the tournament by the homeowners, prepared the newspaper "Berliner Morgenpost".
Rolandas V. Eidvilas, lrytas.lt
