Spain were simply unstoppable in the final of the Euro 2012 as they thrashed Italy 4-0 in what seemed like a completely one-sided game. Italy's defense was claimed to have had improved tremendously after the game against Germany where they contained a spotential German attack from scoring. But tonight we saw Spain tear their way through the Italian defense on no more than four occasions. Spain have prolonged their glory days as they've successfully defended their title of European champions by winning both the Euro 2008 and now Euro 2012.
The Spaniards were on a roll as David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata all scored a piece. Clever passing and splendid assists from the midfield is Spain's trademark game, but to see it work so well and accurately was simply mind-blowing to witness. David Silva started the massacre as hit a flashing header from a desperate cross from Cesc Fabregas in the 14th minute. Italy were on the back coot from the beginning and were desperate for an equalizer. The chances they successfully created were meager and no match for the likes of skipper and goal keeper Iker Casillas.
Just before the end of the first half, Jordi Alba scored Spain's second off a brilliant assist by Xavi Hernandez in the 41st minute. As the first half finished one could easily tell that the trophy was Spain's unless the Italians came up with a brilliant response. But Spain had done their homework brilliantly, marking Mario Ballotelli from the start and containing Italy to provide any assist to him. Fernando Torres was substituted in the mid of second half and he gave his coach the response by scoring the third Spanish goal again off a clever through ball from Xavi Hernandez in the 84th minute. During the flurry of Spanish attacks, Antonio Cassano came up with the only aggressive shot from Italy making Iker Casillas stretch out for a desperate save. The last nail in the coffin for Italy was Juan Mata's goal who was on the field for no more than a minute but scored off a selfless assist from Toress just a couple of minutes later. 4-0 on the board and it looked like the Italians' dream journey was going to end in tears. The final whistle blew and the Spanish squad invaded the pitch filled with smiles and joy. Spain were the European champions yet again.
Captain Iker Casillas lifted the Euro 2012 trophy and the whole Spanish squad started celebrating while the Italians were teary eyed. Mario Balotelli in his frustration immediately left the ground and went to the dressing room. Players; both young and old from the Italian side couldn't just believe that they lost it in the end and lost so badly. Spain's tactics are predictable yet unpredictable as well. A team that had been struggling on the offense came up with a performance like one last night is simply marvelous. Therefore, the better team eventually won in the end.
GeoSuper