( dpa ) - The Portuguese and the Czech media on Sunday delighted in opening wins of their Euro 2008 teams while Switzerland was crying and Turkey profoundly subdued.
Portugal had every reason to celebrate a classy 2-0 victory against the Turks in Geneva as Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and company confirmed their status as title contender.
"What a great appetizer!" delighted O jogo. "But the two goals almost taste not good enough given the amount of attacking football Portugal presented to the world."
A Bola spoke of "a convincing victory" while O jogo added that the team which hit the bar and the post three times "delivered a promise that we can expect more of this kind."
Spain's El Mundo agreed that " Portugal celebrated a convincing debut" into the tournament and Madrid sports daily AS naturally singled out defender Pepe who scored the opening goal and was man of the match.
"Pepe crowns himself at Eurocopa. Portugal have another star apart from cristiano Ronaldo. His name is Pepe and plays with Real Madrid," AS said.
British tabloid The Sun summed it all up in familiar style: "Red Hot Pepe. Sizzling Portugal roast Turkey."
The Turkish media could not dispute the grilling.
"A night like a nightmare," said Sabah, adding that the Turkish game "left no room for hope." Vatan spoke of "a football of shame" and Fanatik even stated that "last night's match reminded us of the Turkey from 20 years ago."
Mass circulation paper Hurriyet singled out long-time coach Fatih Terim: "We fell victim to not understandable mistakes of Fatih Terim."
But the situation was even worse in Switzerland as the Czech's win and captain Alexander Frei's tournament-ending knee injury comprehensively spoilt the host's Euro party just 90 minutes after it started.
"The whole of Switzerland cries with Frei," said the Sonntagszeitung paper, speaking of a "a sad start."
Le Matin spoke of "immense frustration" and insisted that " Switzerland didn't deserve this." The Sonntag publication simply citied Murphy's Law in which "everything that can go wrong does go wrong."
Spain's El Pais must have had Murphy on its mind when it noted: "When the best player gets injured, the opposing goalkeeper outdoes himself, the ball hits the bar and a referee turns a blind eye on an opponent handling ball then the home field advantage is to no avail."
El Mundo and Germany's Bild am Sonntag spoke of "a drama for the hosts," while Dutch daily De Telegraaf observed "a valley of tears in the Alps."
The Czech media was aware that the win from substitute Vaclav Sverkos was far from convincing.
"A result to celebrate but a match to think over," said Nedelni sport.
Nedelni Blesk admitted to "luck" while Sverkos was quickly made "the new national team hero" by Nedelni Aha.