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And… There would be no new champions of Europe! When the final whistle sounded in Kyiv which marked the end of a colorful and successful tournament at the end of 90 minutes, Spain entered the record books, history and hearts of millions of fans with their telling victory over a hapless Italy in the final game of the Euro 2012 scoring four goals against none. Spain had achieved glory and honor which is unprecedented in history, a kind of achievement that is very rarely seen. Spain literally demolished Italy with goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, while Italy weren’t even close to scoring. This is the most comprehensive victory in the Euros by any team ever, the previous one being Germany’s 3 – 0 victory over USSR in 1972. Nothing went right for Italy on the big day, even Buffon, while Spain clicked in all parts of the game. And finally, a final that was worthy of being a final!
Spain started with Cesc Fabregas, probably not daring to go in without a striker in a final game. And this showed results when in the 14th minute, his cross across the goal front found David Silva who ran in to head the ball mightily into the roof of the net. Before that, the match started off at a lightning pace, both teams doing what they do best. Spain started their “passing carousel” which was working at full steam, while the great wall of Italian defence sent the carousel packing at many occasions. However, it was Iker Casillas who was tested twice before Silva found the net. Italy seemed shaken but not stirred and did not give up on their attack. The game was showing top quality unlike usual final games which are often accused of being drab affairs since 1990. Then, everything turned on its head when Jordi Alba advanced with a pass from his keeper and handed it over to Xavi before bolting forward like a bullet past three Italian defenders. Xavi dutifully shot the ball forward at the speeding Jordi who dodged the fourth defender while receiving the pass and shot a thundering grounder past Buffon from just outside the area to shake the net. Italian hearts fell.
But still after the double-setback, Italy were not one to give up. They still attacked back with equal vigor, and that return goal or two was always forthcoming, with Pirlo still pulling of imaginative moves from the midfield. Balotelli was hard at work too, so was Cassano. Di Natale came in for Cassano after the half and he would have scored twice in ten minutes. Italy was all set to make a comeback when disaster struck. The third substitute, Thiago Motta, limped off the pitch and Italian hopes of having Green, White and Orange ribbons on the Henri Deulaney cup limped off with him down into the darkness of the tunnel. Italy were down to ten men for no fault of theirs, and the game almost instantly slipped out of their grasp. Andrea Pirlo tried hard, but he could not be everywhere. Italian morale and hope went further and further down, and Spain took over the reins of the game. Italy seemed to be unable to do anything. Then it happened when Xavi set up Fernando Torres who came in for Fabregas to shot in a ranger to make it 3 – 0 in the 84th minute. Italian misery was complete in the 88th minute when Xavi, again, paired with Torres to provide another substitute, Juan Mata to shoot in the fourth. It was a miserable sight to see the great Gianluigi Buffon sprawled on the grass, hands on his head. The final whistle sounded soon after but Italy had given up long back. Spain celebrations started, and so did Italian tears.
Italy was far, far away from the powerhouse that defeated the indomitable Germans just two days ago. But today, Balotelli, the man about whom there were sung paenes of glory two days ago, could do nothing. It could be fair to think that the hapless 21 year old just cracked under the pressure of expectations about him. But he needn’t worry, he has got a deceade and a half in front of him. But Spain remarkably recovered from their near-disastrous encounter with Portugal. They had regrouped, restarted their passing machine, piled their tactics well and that could be seen on the field. There was never a doubt. Viva La Espana!
Iker Casillas lifted the Henri Delauney UEFA European Championship trophy among music, roars, cheers and silver confetti raining down upon the Spanish team as they danced on the balcony, while Pirlo, Balotelli and others cried silent tears. Spain took with them a host of records as well, including them being the first team to win three international championships three times in a row – Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012 and the first ever team to retain the Euro Cup. The last team to bet them in an international competitve game was Switzerland in their opening group match in World Cup 2010. The last time Spain lost in an Euro cup was in Euro 2004 quarterfinals to France. Fernando Torres also became the first player in history to score in two Euro Cup finals. In all, this is Spain’s time. And it is good. All others may move aside, let the Spanish Armada roll!
The one-month footballing extravaganza just came to an end, and it was wonderful. Euro 2012 Poland – Ukraine will always be remembered for the twists and turns and wonderful football it offered. I had a great time following it, despite the loss of some teams 🙂 Thank you everyone!
