Donetsk: Coming off the frustration of a trophyless season, Portugal star Nani will be looking to make amends at Euro 2012, where his silky skills will be sorely needed to get his compatriots over Spain in the semi-finals. Coach Paulo Bento will be hoping for the real Nani to stand up after a mixed season at Old Trafford, which started with a brace in the Community Shield at Wembley against Manchester City. Had he turned in that kind of showing in either league game against the blue half of the city to prevent either one of two painful defeats then the Premier League title may have stayed on the other side of Manchester. But having been sidelined for the last World Cup with a shoulder injury, he is looking to prove himself in Portuguese scarlet rather than Mancunian red. If he can pin down his best form, he could prove to be a key figure for Bento’s men as one of just two English-based players, the other being Chelsea’s Raul Meireles. The 25-year-old has learnt how to apply his lightning speed and clever touches effectively, swapping flanks with Ronaldo and frequently getting into central positions when his teammate is wide. Nani’s pace and awareness were exemplified by Portugal’s second goal in their 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the group game. It was a Nani pass to Joao Moutinho which set up Ronaldo’s headed winner against Czech Republic in the quarter-finals and while his famous backflip goal celebration has yet to be seen, Spain will surely have the winger in their defensive plans. — Agencies