Football: Revitalised Nasri relishes qualifying strike

Midfielder’s second-half goal ensures France’s entry in Euro 2012.

PARIS: Samir Nasri described his equalising goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina as “the most important of my career” after his second-half penalty sent France to Euro 2012.

The Manchester City midfielder’s 78th-minute spot-kick allowed the hosts to salvage a 1-1 draw, enabling them to qualify for next year’s tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

A jubilant Nasri admitted he had made progress since being dropped by Laurent Blanc after the 0-0 draw in Romania last month.

“I’ve come a long way,” he said. “I came back with a different state of mind. I’m on the same wavelength as the coach and you can see that on the pitch.”

Prandelli wary of euphoria

Meanwhile, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli urged caution following his side’s impressive qualification campaign after a resounding 3-0 defeat of Northern Ireland.

It has led some in Italian football to claim the country has one of the best three teams in the world, but Prandelli does not agree.

“We can say these things but we still have to be prepared and be at the top of our game when we play the big teams,” he said. “I’m calm but I know that we can improve a lot.”

The win was made possible through AC Milan star Antonio Cassano, who scored a brace and then announced that he will be retiring following the next World Cup.

“I’ve been in the national team for 10 years but I’ve only got 25 caps,” he said. “I’m always in and out, I’m stressed. I want to have a good Euro and World Cup and then I’ll retire.”

Meanwhile, Germany coach Joachim Loew said the European Championship will not be a cakewalk for holders Spain and his in-form team. Germany beat Belgium 3-1 to end their qualifying campaign on a winning note.

“It’s not certain this match (a Germany versus Spain showdown) will happen at the Euro, even if everyone’s talking about it,” he said. “The Dutch, England, Portugal, France are also among the favourites. We have to get past numerous other obstacles.”

Spain crush Scotland

Scotland’s qualification campaign ended in disappointment as a 3-1 defeat in Spain denied them a chance of a place in the play-offs. Two first-half goals from David Silva and a David Villa strike gave Spain the victory.

Meanwhile, Sweden secured automatic qualification with a nervy 3-2 win over Holland, who have already made it to the finals.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2011.