It is difficult to see how the semi-finals of Euro 2012 can go wrong — until you realise that the first involves Pepe.
If there is a less pleasant footballer than the plastic Portuguese who, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Coentrao, will face Real Madrid club-mates in tonight’s Iberian derby with Spain, I have yet to encounter him.
But don’t take my word for it. Ask Javier Casquero, the Getafe midfielder who, after being pushed by the central defender, was lying face down in the penalty area when Pepe kicked him first on the leg then in the back and finally stamped on him before departing with a punch in another opponent’s face.
Pepe was banned for 10 matches for that — rather light punishment in the circumstances but the white shirt does tend to influence Spanish disciplinary matters — and anyone pointing out that it happened three years ago would have to be reminded that Pepe has hardly hastened the march of civilisation in recent Clasicos, notably in treading on Lionel Messi’s hand.
Yet even Pepe has entered into the spirit of this tournament. I am emboldened to tempt fate because he has committed scarcely a foul so far — and made a thoroughly wholesome mark with the near-post header that helped to make such a spectacle of the group match against Denmark.
The 29-year-old can play, when he wants, like the Brazilian he was until 2007; expect more of the badge-kissing that followed his goal if Portugal manage to shock the holders tonight.
It should be an excellent match in Donetsk, with another to come when Italy take on the vibrant Germans tomorrow. Not since 1984 in France has there been such an enjoyable European Championship. To the eye jaundiced by habits that mar enjoyment of the club game at its highest level in England and Europe — dangerous tackles, diving, the waving of imaginary cards and harassment of referees by both players and such otherwise distinguished managers as Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho — it has been most refreshing.
For once, the game can learn from success and not failure.
