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On Monday, two games of group C were played. Victories were achieved by and Spain and Italy national teams advanced to the quarterfinals. Ireland's hopes were dashed earlier, and Croatia failed to provide any surprises. How does the media evaluate the results of these teams?
"Iker Casillas protects from trouble," - Spanish goalkeeper is hailed as the hero of the match by "El Pais". The tactical decision of Vincente del Bosque to introduce Jesus Navas, who scored a goal, and Cesc Fabregas onto the field is praised. This helped change the course of the game and achieve a favorable result.
Captain Iker Casillas, titled as the best goalkeeper in the world, is praised: "In the heat of the celebration, we forget that our national team is in the best possible hands. There is no one like him. It's unclear where does he get those hands, but they protect us from everything."
Although Spain managed to achieve a favorable result, the press is not entirely satisfied with the team's performance. "Spain is quieter and not as expressive," - complaints are found against world and European champions in "El Pais".
Another Spanish newspaper "El Mundo" does not criticize the national team: "Spain advanced to the quarterfinals playing with heart". The publication praises the correct changes made by the coach and the well-organized match.
"Finally, Balotelli shines, and Italy advances to the quarterfinals," - Mario Balotelli is praised for scoring the second goal for the team on corriere.it. After a long wait for a proper performance from him, he is now called "a true and tested gem."
Gazetta.it admits that Italy reaching the quarterfinals means a lot: "For a team that is called playing beautifully but not bringing results, this is a lot." It happened what Italians hardly expected: "We are leaving, but not home, but to Gdansk."
Croatians, losing to Spain 1:0, also have reasons to be happy: "Croatia brave and proud: It was the right injustice!" "Slaven Bilic exhausted, angry and proud: I leave a fantastic era!" "Andres Iniesta and Jesus Navas agree: "Croatia played well".
The most real opportunity that the Croatians had was Ivan Rakitic's shot, which was saved by Iker Casillas. "Rakitic: I am guilty and dead, this failure will haunt me," - admitted the player who could have saved Croatia. However, no one blames him.
Gol.dnevnik.hr rates the team's performance as the best in its history. Playing honorably with Spain is enough for this team.
For the withdrawn Irish national team, the last game was somewhat of a consolation. "Pride restored in Poznan," - declares the "Irish Times". The Irish try to come to terms with fate: "It was a long and slow goodbye, but there's nothing you can do if the gods are not on your side."
