by NANNY RED » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:41 am
Emilio: I'm backing Fernando
Spanish legend Emilio Butragueno is backing Fernando Torres to guide Spain to Euro 2008 glory tonight - if he plays in the style of Rafael Nadal!
Nadal is revered in Spain for his never-say-die attitude and his willingness to fight for every single point on the tennis court.
Now Butragueno, one of Spain's greatest ever strikers, says his nation's footballers - including Torres - can learn from the Wimbledon star as they face Germany.
Butragueno, speaking in his role as ambassador for Euro 2008 sponsors Castrol, said: "Rafael Nadal is a big hero in Spain. The people love the way he never, ever gives up. If the football team can play the same way I think they can win.
"And as for Torres, I think he is on the verge of something special here. He has been substituted in recent games but he is due a big performance.
"There is a lot of excitement in Spain at the moment about Euro 2008 because it is a long time since we were in a final and we haven't won anything since 1964. The fans are very excited about this team.
"Beating Italy on penalties in the quarter-finals was a big thing for us because of losing so many times before that way. Now it is like a weight has gone from our shoulders.
"But it will be very tough because Germany are a great team. We have to believe in ourselves."
HE WHO BETRAYS WILL ALWAYS WALK ALONE