IFX Soccer Blog 4: Euro Cup 2012 Final Recap – Spain 4 – Italy 0

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Euro Cup 2012 Final Recap – Spain 4 – Italy 0

Spain, also known as España or La Furia Roja (The Red Fury), won its third major tournament in a row and made a case for being the best soccer team of all time.

España got out of the blocks early in Kiev, Ukraine with a header into the goal from David Silva after beautiful passes from Iniesta and Fabregas. Jordi Alba received a pass from Xavi Hernandez and made a nice run and kick past Buffon late in the first half for goal number two. Substitutes Torres and Mata capitalized with goals against the depleted Italian side late in the second half. Italy was a man down during part of the second half when a player was injured after the team used its third and last substitute.

On paper the game was fairly even as Spain outshot Italy 14(9) to 11(6) and out possessed the Italians only 52% to 48%. In reality Spain was passing and attacking beautifully from the beginning. The torrid pace opened up the game and made for exciting, end to end soccer. Italy looked frustrated after missing several attempts by Balotelli and Di Natale. The Italians had chances but they were stifled by the Spanish defense led by goalie Iker Casillas. The Real Madrid star only gave up one goal the entire tournament. Spain played excellent, swarming defense with the help of Pique, Ramos and Busquets. Coach Vicente del Bosque controversially did not start Spain’s notable striker Fernando Torres but Spain managed to score goals anyway.

Historically Spain was an underachiever having never won a Euro Cup or World Cup championship. That changed when Spain beat Germany 1-0 in the 2008 Euro Cup Final in Austria. In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain outlasted the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time. In 2012, España played conservatively through the tournament until it unleashed 4 goals in the final. What is left for this group of champions? World Cup 2014 in Brazil awaits Spain. It will be a difficult challenge to win a fourth consecutive title, this time on Brazilian soil. Spain will reinforce its case for best team of all time if it can pull off the feat!

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