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Jose Mourinho: 'Spain are favourites'

Mourinho: 'Spain are favourites'
© PA Photos
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes that Spain are the favourites to win Euro 2012.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that Spain are the favourites to win Euro 2012.

The defending champions have moved closer to the quarter-finals of the tournament after they brushed aside the Republic of Ireland 4-0 in Gdansk on Thursday night.

Mourinho now believes that Vicente del Bosque's side will progress through to the last eight.

"Spain are the world champions and there is no doubt that they are favourites," he said. "They are one of the best teams at the Euros.

"If things go in the right direction, they will reach the quarter-finals. They will have to compete with Germany, and some other teams, to win the tournament."

However, the former Chelsea boss was less complimentary towards his native Portugal, whose future is still in the balance after a loss and a win in their opening two matches.

"I do not think that Portugal are one of the top two or three teams in the competition, but these are small tournaments and we will soon enter the knockout stages," he added.

"In 90 minutes - sometimes there is extra time or penalty shootout - everything is settled. As such, if Portugal reach the quarter-finals, anything can happen."

Portugal face the Netherlands on Sunday, while Spain meet Croatia on Monday.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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