Starting Lineups:
Spain-
GK: Casillas
Defense:Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba
Mid-field: Busquets, Xavi, Xabi Alonso
Forwards: Iniesta, Silva, Fábregas
4-4-2 (Originally scheduled as a 4-6-0)
Italy-
GK: Buffon
Defense: Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini
Mid-field: Pirlo, DeRossi, Marchesio, Montolivo
Forwards: Balotelli, Cassano
4-4-2
Quick Overview
No matter what anyone says, Spain dominated this game. The complex Tiki-Taka passing was too much for Italy to handle, and they fell victim to clever through balls and passes. Iniesta and Xavi were the main creators of the game, threading balls through near impossible angles. There was no definite forward for Spain, mainly because of their passing-based style of play. The goalscorers were determined by placement; whoever made the run became the goalscorer. Italy was almost non-existent offensively, with their main chances coming from Pirlo and DiNatale. Mario Ballotelli made no impact on the game, and was shut down every chance he got the ball. Honestly, I was surprised he stayed in until the end. Overall, Italy was overtaken by the reigning World champs. Spain becomes the first team to win three consecutive major tournaments.
Euro 2008: Spain 1, Germany 0 (Torres)
Fifa World Cup 2010: Spain 1, Netherlands 0 (Iniesta)
Euro 2012: Spain 4, Italy 0 (David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata)
Match Highlights (By minute):
9' Xavi pulls through Italian defense, shot soars over bar.
13' GOAL: David Silva scores header from Fabregas cross. Well done by David Silva, controlling his header into the top corner. It was an O.K run from Fabregas, with a sub-par cross. Spain were lucky to come away with a goal here.
28' Italy's Cassano puts shot on goal after weaving through a few Spanish players. The ball travels through two Spanish players legs, but is easily controlled by Casillas.
32' Cassano once again creates a chance by rocketing a shot at Casillas. The shot was a powerful one, and Casillas takes no chances, punching it out of the box.
40' GOAL: Surprisingly, Spain's left back Jordi Alba breaks through for a cool, collected finish. It was a daring run from the left back, and his assistor, Xavi, threads a beautiful pass to Alba. Alba calmly slides the ball into the back of the net. Being a left back, this was his first international goal. What a time to score!
43' Montolivo shoots, punched away by Casillas.
Half Time
Changes: Cassano off, DiNatale on
47' A slight mix up in the Italian defense, and it's a wonder Spain didn't score. Buffon does well to keep it out.
48' Handball in the Italian box, yet there is no call. Ramos appeals, but nothing is made of it. It was clearly a handball, and Spain should've been awarded a penalty.
David Silva is subbed out for Pedro
Italian player gets injured. Being the second injury, Italy are forced to play with 10 men. 10 vs. 11
73' Fabregas cleverly chips a ball to Iniesta, but it is intercepted by an Italian defender. The ball is headed back to Buffon.
74' Fernado Torres is set to come on, replacing Cesc Fabregas.
78' Pedro misses a nearly open goal, but is found to be offside.
80' Pedro takes a shot from way out, but scuffs it. An easy save for Buffon.
83' GOAL: Torres slots a goal in for Spain, making the score 3-0. This is Torre's second consecutive Euro final goal, and he becomes the first player to achieve this feat. Torres was set up after an easy through ball. It's obvious that the Italian defense is hurting now, for the goal was an easy accomplishment.
Juan Mata is subbed on for Andres Iniesta. This is Mata's first appearance in the tournament, more of a cameo than anything.
88' GOAL: Mata scores after only two minutes of play, his first goal of the tournament. The ball through to Torres is a lovely one, and Torres unselfishly passes the ball to Mata. The two Chelsea teammates understand each other, so the play works well. Mata can't miss from there, and he calmly finishes the ball past outstretched Buffon.
93' Full time is called, and Spain are once again crowned champions of Europe!
Fernando Torres wins the Golden Boot with the late goal and assist. Torres finished with three goals and one assist, tying Mario Gomez. However, since Torres played less minutes, he is awarded the Golden Boot. Congratulations to Torres!
Iker Casillas also became the first goalkeeper to win 100 international games. The Real Madrid goalkeeper showcased his excellence against Italy.
Overall, I thought the game was very boring. It was a one sided affair, one that saw Spain dominate the pitch. It's a shame to see Italy go out like this after such an impressive tournament. The lack of participation from Mario Balotelli was my personal reason on why Italy couldn't create anything.Italy never seemed to work as a team, constantly creating goals by personal efforts. However, Spain performed as a unit. The immense understanding and respect the Spanish have for one another is amazing. They showcased their brilliance against Italy.
Spain is the first team to win three consecutive major tournaments, leaving many claiming that they are the best team ever. I'm not sure how I feel about this claim, but they are certainly a contender. Come 2014, if Spain win the World Cup, I believe they will undoubtedly be crowned the best team ever.
Overall it was a great tournament, and congratulations to Spain, winners of the Euro 2012 tournament!
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