Sports
Euro 2012: Spain Happy To Tread Tough Path To Glory
Midfielder Xabi Alonso was simply happy that Spain won their group after they came through a nervy match against Croatia to reach the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-finals.
Group C was in the balance until the final few minutes on Monday, with the reigning champions qualifying for the last eight thanks to a 1-0 win and Italy joining them after beating the Republic of Ireland.
Both teams could have been eliminated had they conceded a late goal, but instead Jesus Navas scored Spain’s winner before Mario Balotelli wrapped up a 2-0 win for the Azzurri.
Their respective opponents were discovered last night, when France, England and co-hosts Ukraine battled for the two qualifying places in Group D, and Alonso said: “Clearly, the important thing was to advance as group winners.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy because Croatia is a good team and had chances to go through, too. We managed to keep a clean sheet despite their efforts, and at the end of the day, the goal calmed our nerves.”
Spain are bidding to become the first team ever to win three successive major international tournaments, having also lifted the FIFA World Cup in South Africa two years ago. Alonso continued: “We have achieved great things in the not-so-distant past, but we also struggled a lot, you cannot forget that. If we want to repeat that (success), it’ll definitely be another hard task.”
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who made a crucial second-half save from Ivan Rakitic’s header, said: “They made it very difficult for us to create chances, they defended very well. In the end we were lucky, scoring late on. It felt like a weight off our shoulders.
“I was lucky in one situation that could have put us in trouble, but I am happy the team managed to qualify for the next round.”
Sevilla midfielder Rakitic was distraught afterwards, and said: “I did not manage to take the chance that came my way. I think I will probably have sleepless nights thinking about that. It was obvious that we gave everything on the pitch, we gave it our best shot. I can honestly say that my soul was left on that pitch, and I think I need a few people to carry me off the pitch because I am literally dead.”
Team-mate Ognjen Vukojevic added: “We will regret missing Rakitic’s chance – if we had scored that I think it would have changed the course of the game.”
But he added: “I think we competed against the mighty Spain. Unfortunately we are not going through to the next round, but I think that Croatia have big prospects for the future. We are going back home with our heads held high.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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