Source: Xinhua
06-18-2008 13:15
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsZURICH, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was very proud of his side's 2-0 victory over France here on Tuesday, which sent the world champions into the quarterfinals of Euro 2008 after disappointing previous matches in Group C.
"We never gave up hope, this is our spirit, which kept us going even after we got just one point after two games," commented the former AC Milan midfielder after the crucial match, which could have see both the 2006 World Cup finalists bow out of the tournament.
"We played a great match. We started off well, ironically before the sending off we were better, after that we got a little edgy," he said.
Playmaker Andrea Pirlo's superb penalty in the 25 minute, awarded by Slovakia referee Lubos Michel after sending off French full back Eric Abidal for clattering into Italian striker Luca Toni's legs from behind in the area, gave the Azzurri a first half lead.
And Daniele De Rossi volleyed a super free-kick volley on 62 minutes to seal the desperately needed victory for Italy.
Editor:Zhang Ning
