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| Deserved Champions on the day |
14' David Silva
41' Jordi Alba
84' Fernando Torres
88' Juan Mata
Espana played a marvelous final and showed Europe what it means to be champions. The Champions of the World and the Defending Champions of Europe become champions of Euro 2012 in Kiev on this much awaited weekend. Apparently, there was a lot of empty seats inside the stadium. It really is a shame it is like that, because there were a lot of people out there who want to be in those seats. I watched the game in a food square in Singapore with a Spaniard. The experience was really exciting and the atmosphere tremendous.
It was only days ago before the tournament started that Spain lost their tag as favorites for the tournament. Germany were winning that battle by a margin and fairly so because of the youth, quality and exciting football they play. As the tournament wore on, there were shouts from the media that Spain were losing their creativity and there is a genuine lack of ideas in the side, but they just strolled in to the stadium today and took the match like a storm.
Italy weren't bad at all, they just were beaten fair and square by a better team on the day.
The match started with a wild effort from veteran Andrea Pirlo, after the ball broke to him in the centre of the park. Spain took over the reins after that initial start from Italy as Ramos' free kick sailed over the bar. Ramos was really in the mood for the final as he headed the ball over the crossbar, from Cheillini's clearance.
Fabregas played a beautiful one two with Xavi Hernandez whose clean strike just fizzed above the crossbar.
Things were heating up for Spain and my favorite player on the pitch Francesc Fabregas was put through the inside right channel, who showed Cheillini his burst of pace and had the vision and presence to pick out David Silva with an exquisite cross and the ball rippled the net for the first goal of the night.
Italy had a small period where they had a lot of set pieces but Casillas showed why he is the best in the world by plucking the ball from the head of De Rossi twice and punching clear. Pique picked up a deserved yellow as he jumped in to Cassano from behind. Balzaretti swung on in to the penalty area, it was served on a plate for Balotelli to head it in to the net, the first for Italy but Casillas out of nowhere plucked it away from the head of Unpredictable Mario. Cassano then worked himself in to the area and trickled the ball through the legs of a couple of the Spanish players, but Casillas was on hand to hold the ball. Casillas had a very busy period between the posts and Italy dominated the ball more and more in the centre of the park and won most of the physical battles.
Suddenly out of nowhere, Xavi rolls in a ball in to the path of Mr. Flash Jordi Alba, who raced in to the area and side footed past Buffon. Very good finish for a left back and what a show of pace! Lightning Quick! Spain went in to the break leading 2-0, with Italy not really been outplayed but clinically dismantled by the spaniards.
Second half started really where the first half ended and Di Natale who had just come on had a header from 10 yards sail above. Italy have a scare immediately as the ball struck Bonucci's hand in the area, would have been a harsh penalty. Its end to end stuff as Montolivo expertly puts Di Natale through on goal as his effort is saved by Casillas, but the ball falls at the feet of Di Natale who tries to play in Mario but Casillas catches the ball.
The Italian Manager Cesare Prandelli made his 3rd change for the night as he brought on Motta for Montolivo, which I thought was a bad choice. Motta just went in to the pitch had a run, pulled his hamstring and was stretchered off. It was painful for the manager to watch as his team were forced to play with 10 men and that too against chasing a two goal deficit against Spain.
The match went a bit flat and it was Spain just holding the ball in a relaxed manner. As the Italian team were reduced to 10 men and they had almost given up hopes of getting back in to the game, a lot of spaces started to appear for Spain to play their tiki taka in. Xavi put in Substitute Torres in to the area who expertly rolled the ball past Buffon in to the side netting. Thereby creating a record of being the only player to score in two successive Euro Finals and matching West Germany's record of the biggest ever Euro final victory. The Spanish fans were in ole mood now.
But there was more action to come, my Spanish friend was telling me that Balotelli had told the media he will be scoring 4 goals in the final, so he just wanted Spain to get an other one to match that figure. "There were 4 goals in the game but U didn't score them Mario!!!" Immediately after, Torres' movement got him through again and he poked the ball in to Mata's way and it was the easiest ever finish for the Chelsea man. Spain had broken the record of West Germany and got themselves a signature final to remember them by.
La Furia Roja were doing it in freaking amazing style and the victory just sums up that they are the best team in the world and they are here to dominate the World and Europe and for sometime. As the presentation ceremony went on, the old and wise eyes of Pirlo and Buffon were teary and sad, as they watched Casillas' and co. celebrate their cup on the stage in Kiev knowing that this is probably their last opportunity for Italy. What nice gentleman they are, I think they get younger as days go by, that's how they play! Hats off to them!
Vamos for Espana as they exploded right when it mattered the most and got a shedload of goals and that's what football is about! Italy can look back and watch their tournament and be very proud about it. There is a very good group in formation there, just who takes the midfield mantle from Pirlo is not known.
Finally, the adrenaline was too much to sleep, I had to write something and I just remembered again how good Fabregas is. Congratulations to Spain and Good luck Italy, don't be sad, you have to be proud about your tour, it just wasn't your day.
'Til next time! Cheers!
