My Team of the Tournament

So here we are this is my last blog post in this guise. I would like to sign off with my team of the tournament. I went for a (4-3-2-1) formation.

Goalkeeper

Iker Casillas (Spain): At 31, there are plenty of years ahead for the Real Madrid stopper, who provided a rock-solid last line of defence if ever the Spanish backline was breached.  There's no safer pair of hands in world football than those of Casillas right now.

Defenders

Phillip Lahm (Germany): Lahm, who played a starring role in Germany's impressive march to the semi-finals and can play in both full-back berths.

Sergio Ramos (Spain):  The Seville-born 26-year-old trimmed his long locks but lost none of his footballing powers, at times looking like the more accomplished centre-back alongside Pique. Ramos was also a handful in the attacking third - and will be fondly remembered for cheekily scoring 'that' penalty in the shoot-out with Portugal.

Gerard Pique (Spain): The Barcelona star put any club rivalry with Ramos aside to form a central defensive partnership which could serve Spain for many years to come, especially as Pique is only 25. It's hard to remember him putting a foot wrong in the entire tournament.

Jordi Alba (Spain): Hats off to Barcelona for arranging the signature of Alba from Valencia for £12million before the tournament kicked off - as his market value has probably doubled following his stellar performances. The 23-year-old's pace, skill and ambition down the left flank was a joy to behold, and the way he clinically finished Spain's second goal in the final.

Midfielders

Xabi Alonso (Spain):  The 30-year-old often plays in the shadow of his more eye-catching team-mates, but he really stepped up to the plate in Poland and Ukraine, providing the midfield heartbeat of the team, spraying the ball around with consummate ease - and chipping in with two goals too.

Steven Gerrard (England): Liverpool talisman Gerrard has finally been given the freedom to rule the roost for country as well as club - and rewarded Roy Hodgson's faith in him with a true captain's innings. His ability to put the ball on a six pence set up goals for Joleon Lescott, Andy Carroll and Wayne Rooney.

Andrea Pirlo (Italy): Pundits were starting to run out of superlatives for playmaker Pirlo, so it's a good job he never got a look in against Spain in Kiev. Del Bosque got his tactics spot on, ensuring the 33-year-old never got any time or space on the ball - and was on the edge of his own penalty box whenever he did get any possession. But putting the final aside, Pirlo had a tremendous tournament, keeping the Italians on the job until he produced a midfield masterclass which bewitched and bedazzled a previously-impressive Germany outfit, who could only watch and admire his definitive display of movement and elegant passing.

Attacking midfielders

David Silva (Spain): Silva's fine form for Manchester City meant Spain's loss of star striker David Villa was softened slightly - and he revelled in being given an attacking free role, scoring twice and creating three goals. The 26-year-old was a joy to behold and a nightmare to mark as he roamed all over the attacking third creating havoc and chances aplenty. He was also in the right place at the right time when it really mattered, finishing off a flowing move involving Iniesta and Fabregas with a quite brilliant angled header to open the scoring against the Italians in the final.

Andres Iniesta (Spain): The 28-year-old may not have found the back of the net in Poland or Ukraine - but his influence on Spain's play and tempo was as great as ever.

Forward

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): It looked like the tournament might pass him by when Portugal limped to an opening group defeat by Germany. But after a thrilling 3-2 win over Denmark, Ronaldo clicked into gear, putting on his prolific goal-scoring boots to bag a deadly double against the Dutch. That display laid the foundations for his terrific display against the Czech Republic.

I would like to thank everybody who followed and commented on my posts. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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Reign of Spain in Ukraine

All-conquering Spain made it back-to-back European Championships with a commanding 4-0 win over Italy on Sunday. Vicente del Bosque's side set their attacking marker out early and were at their imperious best as they took a 2-0 first-half lead via goals from David Silva and Jordi Alba.

Substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata then added goals at the death to wrap up the victory.

History lesson

Spain wrote their names into the history books with the win over Italy. Del Bosque's side became the first team in history to successfully defend their European Championship crown, while they also became the first European side to win three consecutive major tournaments, following the 2010 World Cup win sandwiched in between. The debate will continue as to whether they are the greatest team in history but statistics prove they are better than the likes of the Brazil, Holland and West Germany sides of the 1970s and the French team of 1998 and 2000.

Men on a mission

In the build-up, Spain had claimed to not have been bothered by the 'boring' tag which their critics had started to sneer following a lack of end product to their passing game. But Del Bosque's team began the final with a clear intent to make a statement. In the opening 13 minutes Spain completed 103 passes out of 116 and then opened the scoring via Silva. It was a fantastic start and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Silva lining

Silva did not earn the praise of the likes of Andrea Pirlo or team-mate Xavi at Euro 2012, but he took his excellent form, which helped Manchester City to the Premier League title, into the finals. Silva was involved in the most goals at Euro 2012. He scored two, including one in the final, and assisted three. Also, only Torres and David Villa (four) have now scored more goals than Silva for Spain at the Euros.

Importance of Headers

Silva scored the 22nd headed goal of Euro 2012, a record tally in the history of the European Championship. This could be taken as an indication of the importance of sides now playing with three-pronged attacks and more forwards in wide areas to supply crosses. The accuracy of set-plays throughout the tournament has been another factor.

No way through

With yet another clean sheet, Spain's defence extended a fine record of not having conceded a goal in almost 1000 minutes of action in major tournament knockout games, a streak which amazingly started in the quarter finals of Euro 2008. It also means they had the best defensive record at Euro 2012 with only one goal conceded - against the Italians in their first match of the group stage.

 Pirlo tamed

Pirlo had been the scourge of Germany and England in the previous two knock-out rounds but could not have the same influence on this game. Spain gave the Juventus midfielder no time on the ball, sometimes swamping him in numbers, so he was forced deep and often had to pass backwards. Tellingly, the 33-year-old's most significant contribution to this game was tackling Andres Iniesta in his own box in the first half as the Spanish midfielder looked to score.

Out of luck

Italy were always going to be up against it, but ran out of luck as the game wore on. They were already two goals down by the time Thiago Motta was carried away on a stretcher after damaging his hamstring. With three changes having already been made, they were forced to see out the final half-an-hour with 10 men. They did well to keep Spain at bay until the final six minutes, but a late flurry was always on the cards. A four-goal defeat was harsh on the Azzurri, but they can be proud of their efforts at a tournament in which few expected them to mount a challenge.

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Euro 2012 Final Preview

After 30 enthralling games which have yielded 72 goals, the winners of Euro 2012 will be crowned on Sunday night as Spain and Italy face-off.

History of Success

Spain, who lifted the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, are defending the title of European champions they claimed four years ago and can become the first nation to retain the Henri Delaunay Trophy.

Italy's last major tournament success came in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, a competition they have won four times, but they have secured European glory on just one previous occasion, back in 1968.

Sunday's showdown will be a repeat of the opening game of Group C in Gdansk on 10th June, when Antonio Di Natale stepped off the bench to give Italy the lead just after the hour mark only for Cesc Fabregas to grab a swift leveller for Vicente del Bosque's side.

The head-to-head record of the two nations makes for interesting reading, as from 30 meetings in both competitive and friendly action Italy have won 10, Spain eight, with 12 matches drawn.

But if you delve a little deeper, it emerges that Spain's last competitive victory over Italy came in their first-ever meeting in the 1920 Olympic Games, with their seven successes since that date all from friendly fixtures.

It should be noted that the Iberian outfit were victorious on penalties against Italy in Euro 2008 after their quarter-final contest ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, but the record books class this as a draw.

Favourites Tag
Having swept all before them at international level in recent times, Spain entered Euro 2012 as the favourites, a standing they have retained heading into the final despite a perception that they have not hit the heights of previous years.

The absence of star striker David Villa through injury has doubtless hampered Del Bosque's selection, with Barcelona's former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas employed as the focal point of the attack in the group clash with Italy and against France in the quarter-finals.

Fernando Torres remained on the bench throughout the tense semi-final success over Portugal on penalties, with his only goals in the tournament coming in the rout of Republic of Ireland. And Alvaro Negredo started the last-four contest before being replaced by Fabregas early in the second period.

False Nine

For all the talk of 'false nines' in the Spain camp, Italy have anything but leading their line, with Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli firing the Azzurri through to the final with a brace in their unexpected semi-final triumph over much-fancied Germany.

Maverick Mario

Balotelli now has three goals to his name for the tournament and if he finds the net in the final he is likely to claim the Golden Boot outright, with the equally combustible Antonio Cassano expected to partner him up front for Cesare Prandelli's side.

Midfield Battle

Andrea Pirlo is undoubtedly the man to watch in Italy's midfield, with his assured control and incisive passing against both England and Germany, not to mention his outrageously composed penalty in the quarter-final, a joy to behold.

But Spain are hardly short of players who cherish possession and in Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Silva they have a quartet capable of picking their way through the most tightly locked of defences.

Spanish Mean Defence

For all their much-lauded attacking talent, Del Bosque's men are also superb at the back, with a record of nine successive clean sheets in major tournament knockout games, while Iker Casillas has not conceded since being beaten by Di Natale back in early June, a run of 419 minutes.

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Schadenfreude Germany

Cesare Prandelli's Italy side will meet favourites Spain in the final at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev on Sunday. 

A 2-1 victory over mighty Germany in Warsaw on Thursday night surprised everybody thanks to a smart and confident 90 minutes of football. Italy and Mario Balotelli will meet the world and European champions in the final, and, here, we examine the issues that emerged on a triumphant night for the Azzurri. 

 

Super Mario

Italy surprised one of the red hot favourites for the competition as Antonio Cassano turned away from some slack German defending to set up Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli to head home his third goal for his country from close-range after 20 minutes. It was the first time the Germans had been behind in a competitive match since the final of Euro 2008. And the youngest player on the park soon added a second with a scorching right-foot firecracker to seal the win, despite Germany's late goal. 

Hummels humbled

Up until Thursday's encounter, Borussia Dortmund youngster Mats Hummels had been deservedly lauded as one of the players of the tournament, but the centre-back struggled going up against the attacking threat of Balotelli and Cassano. A glaring error from the 23-year-old led to the opening goal as he was turned by Cassano, allowing him to set up his strike partner with a deadly cross. 

Unbeaten in eight

Italy have never lost to Germany in eight meetings at major tournaments, with the Azzurri boasting four wins and four draws (including three games played at the Euros: a 1-1 in 1988; a 0-0 in 1996 and Thursday night's 2-1 victory). They are also unbeaten in their last five games - including friendlies - against Germany, winning three times and drawing twice. Although they have won four World Cups, their only European Championship success came in 1968, on home soil. 

Quiet night for Podolski

Any Arsenal fans watching the action unfold are likely to have been less than impressed with the contribution, or lack thereof, from new Gunners signing Lukas Podolski. The former Cologne man, stationed out on the left wing in the first half, had an ineffective first 45 minutes. Podolski struggled to find a way past make-shift right-back Federico Balzaretti, who had swapped flanks from his usual position on the left, and was substituted at the break. 

Renaissance man

The 33-year-old Italian World Cup-winner Andrea Pirlo has enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in the twilight of his footballing life. The graceful midfielder joined Juventus last summer from AC Milan and became a mainstay in the heart of their championship-winning campaign. During this European Championship, he has simply got better and better every game and after running the quarter-final against England, he put younger men, such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, to shame with another masterful display. 

Shaken up

One thing Germany had not had much experience of in the tournament before Thursday night was going behind early on. Low's men had been the ones to break the deadlock in all four of their previous encounters and appeared shaken after Balotelli bagged his first-half brace. The usually imposing attack had struggled to get a grip on proceedings from the off and Italy's lead seemed to knock their confidence, highlighting the inexperience of Low's young side.

Catenaccio defending

Following the two first-half goals, Cesare Prandelli did what all Italian sides are taught to do from a young age and that was to defend catenaccio style. The Italians knew the three-time European Champions had to come out and attack so Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi sat deeper in front of the backline and pushed the Germans into wide positions. 

Italian Old Lady

The Italian defence became four-fifths Juventus after the return of Giorgio Chiellini. He returned from injury at left-back and Palermo full-back Federico Balzaretti moved over to right-back in place of Ignazio Abate, who exited the quarter-final with a muscle problem in his left leg. Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Claudio Marchisio and Pirlo made up the list of players currently plying their trade for the Serie A champions in the starting XI. 

No Kroos control

After Pirlo proved the main menace against England in Italy's quarter-final, it is no big surprise Germany boss Low introduced a player to his line-up with the task of containing the midfield maestro. Unfortunately for the Germans, it was an ineffective plan. Tony Kroos struggled throughout the first half, trying to contain the experienced Italian, who still managed to orchestrate play in his usual dominating style; notably when his exquisite pass put the wheels in motion for the Azzurri's opening goal.

 

 Best Goals of Euro 2012 Part 1

 

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It will be all del Bosque on the night

Spain remain on course to defend their title after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over the Portuguese.

In a dour 90 minutes, neither side managed a meaningful effort on goal, and it took over 100 before either goalkeeper was called into serious action - Portugal's Rui Patricio twice denying Spain during extra time.

But the game seemed destined for penalties and it was to be Bruno Alves who would miss the crucial spot-kick, leaving Cesc Fabregas with the chance to clinch Spain's place in the final. Despite hitting the inside of the post, the ball nestled in the back of the net to send Vicente Del Bosque's men to Kiev for a meeting with Italy on Sunday.

 

Penalty puzzle

Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal's captain and their most naturally-gifted player. He takes responsibility for their free-kicks and had there been a penalty during normal time, surely he would have stepped up. But during the shoot-out, he was nowhere to be seen during Portugal's first four kicks. If he was being saved for the fifth, then his talents were wasted as the game was over before he had the chance to take on Iker Casillas from 12 yards. Almost as baffling were the scenes when Bruno Alves strode forward to take the third penalty, only to be sent back by Nani as he reached the edge of the box. The Manchester United man scored. Alves, predictably, did not when he returned to take the fourth penalty. 

Off-song Spain

Spain have progressed to the final of Euro 2012, arguably without hitting their best form. Winning a match without playing to your potential is often seen as a sign of greatness, but is winning a tournament without playing well more of an indictment on the opposition? Surely Vicente Del Bosque's side will have to raise their game to overcome Italy, who remain the only team to score against them during the competition. 

Hot-shot Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to have over 30 attempts on goal at a European Championship on Wednesday night. The Real Madrid man took his individual tally to 35 against Spain, which means that he alone has taken more shots than four of the teams who entered the tournament. Ireland, Denmark, Greece and Croatia all had fewer shots on goal than Ronaldo, and the entire England squad could only muster 36. But the runner-up for the Ballon D'or will probably live to regret not having one last effort on Iker Casillas' goal - from just 12 yards. 

Portuguese pressing

Portugal became the first side to shake Spain's assurance in possession. During the tournament, Spain have been allowed to dominate games, endlessly passing the ball without mounting any sort of attack. By pressing the defending champions high up the pitch, Paulo Bento's men managed to upset their neighbours' rhythm, forcing them to uncharacteristically concede possession. Tiredness prevented Portugal from continuing the tactic for 120 minutes, but it was only their decreasing fitness that allowed Spain to assert their authority

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Dead-ball drivel

Despite some of the best free-kick specialists showcasing their skills at Euro 2012, only Andrea Pirlo has managed to find the net directly from a dead ball. Vicente Del Bosque said before this match that his side would have to avoid conceding fouls around the penalty area, with Ronaldo's renowned expertise from anywhere within range posing a serious threat. But the world's second best player has not found his range at this tournament and supporters behind the goal were more at risk than Casillas in Donetsk. 

Clean sheet class

Spain have now kept a clean sheet in their last nine knock-out games at major championships, with Casillas playing over 15 hours of knock-out football without picking the ball out of his net. The record stretches back to 2006 when Zinedine Zidane netted a last-minute goal for France in the last-16 match at the World Cup in Germany. 

Semi-final stalwarts

Spain maintained their 100 per cent record in semi-finals after beating Portugal on penalties in Donetsk. The Spaniards have come out on top in each of the five times they have qualified for the last four of a major championship. The run started with a win over Hungary in the European Nations Cup in 1964 and was followed 20 years later by victory over Denmark in the same competition. Their third success came against Russia in Euro 2008, before a penalty success against Denmark at the World Cup two years ago. 

Ronaldo's Spanish block

Cristiano Ronaldo's goalless record against Spain continued in Donetsk, after he failed to test Casillas. The Real Madrid forward has now faced his country of residence four times but has yet to find the net. The closest he came was in November 2010 when he embarked on a mazy run and lobbed the keeper, only for Nani to head the ball in from an offside position when the ball would have nestled in the back of the net regardless. What may resonate with the precocious CR7 is the fact that adversary Lionel Messi has netted twice in three appearances against the Spanish. 

Yellow peril

Referee Cuneyt Cakir looked to have the measure of the contest before half-time, but became very card happy after the interval, with no fewer than nine players ending up in his notebook by the time the final whistle was blown. Fortunately, UEFA's rules for international tournaments mean that all yellow cards from previous matches are wiped out after the quarter-finals, meaning only a red card leads to a suspension for the showpiece. It might be an idea to introduce a similar rule in the Champions League after a host of Chelsea and Bayern Munich players missed out this year due to semi-final bookings.

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The Italian Job

England bowed out of a major tournament on penalties once again after losing to Italy in Kiev following a 0-0 draw after extra-time. There were plenty of talking points from the quarter-final and I pick out a few.

Same again

Roy Hodgson stuck with the same XI which started the 1-0 win over Ukraine and he was rewarded with a promising opening 15 minutes. However, a lack of fresh legs became more apparent as the first half wore on as England struggled to attack with any great pace, and looked jaded chasing the Italians. The difference in fitness levels grew wider as the game wore on and England were out on their feet by the time penalties came around.

Balotelli's intelligence

The Italy striker is known for his impudent finishes, skill and speed but against England he showed he had developed some game intelligence. Balotelli realised early on in this contest that his Manchester City team-mate Joleon Lescott could match him for pace and power. So he sought to exploit John Terry's lack of pace by taking up positions between him and Glen Johnson in the old inside left position. It was a complete display of all-round centre-forward play and one that intimated Balotelli is evolving into a more complete striker.

England needed Carrick

Roy Hodgson got most things right at Euro 2012 with England this summer. He developed a sense of unity within the squad, made his substitutions seemingly at the right moments and got the required results. Yet, one thing he failed to do was find a place for Michael Carrick in his squad. He may not be a creative and dynamic midfield maestro and I’m not his biggest fan but at the moment he is England’s best passer of the ball. The inability of England to retain possession could have surely been helped by Carrick. England needed a conductor in midfield. Carrick may not have the dynamism of Gerrard, or the aggression of Parker but as a midfield pivot, he surpasses both.

Top Top Player

Pirlo demonstrated to England midfielders how to dictate a game and in the words of Johnny Giles demonstrated the moral courage to play and pass the ball. England did not get close to him which may have been as a result of fatigue.  Pirlo is not the quickest in the world but what he brings is match intelligence and an unwavering ability to find his man with a pass.

Penalty curse strikes again

Missed penalties from Ashley Young and Ashley Cole resulted in England tumbling out of the tournament. Perhaps England's players should ask Andrea Pirlo for tips after he coolly chipped his penalty over Joe Hart. Now that's how you take a penalty.

Buffon's still got it

I’m not talking about his beautiful wife Elena. (Google Her) Gianluigi Buffon is widely regarded as the finest goalkeeper of his generation and many see England counterpart Joe Hart as the Italian's heir apparent. The 34-year-old, though, will not be passing on his mantle just yet after his superb reaction stop to deny Glen Johnson after five minutes proved his reflexes are as strong as ever, and he got down well to save Ashley Cole's penalty in the shoot-out.

How to solve a problem like Wayne

No-one would argue that Wayne Rooney has talent and has demonstrated it on a consistent basis for Man Utd over the years. But he has failed to deliver once again in a major tournament for England. He looked sluggish, over-weight and a missing persons report could have been filed as no one saw him for 120 minutes. He created very little in the final third of the pitch. He was supposed to be England’s main attacking threat but he failed miserably.

Set-piece threat

Aside from Johnson's early shot, England struggled to create chances from open play, with the crossing from wide by James Milner and Young poor. Set-pieces had proven profitable in the group phase for England and they again represented the likeliest source of a goal, with Gerrard's delicious delivery on 77 minutes deserving better from Rooney.

Fifth officials

The worth of having officials stationed near each goal was again brought into question when John Terry clearly had his shirt held twice in the second half. The second incident must have been right in the eye line of the fifth official, so once again begging the question - what are they there for?

Who is the best team left in Euro 2012?

Portugal    Germany    Spain    Italy   View Results StatPac online survey

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Viva Espana

Spain cruised into the last four of Euro 2012 with a 2-0 win over France after a dominant display of football. Portugal are next up for Del Bosque's team in the semi-final next, and, here, I look at some of the points Paulo Bento may want to keep in mind.

No strikers for Spain - again!

Just as they did in their opening group game against Italy, Spain opted to play without a recognised striker. Although their 4-3-3 formation showed Cesc Fabregas as the most forward player, the Spanish decided to play with a midfield six consisting of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso; David Silva, Fabregas and Andres Iniesta with Fernando Torres coming into the game late-on.

100 not out for Alonso

Xabi Alonso was making his 100th appearance for Spain and the No.14 opened the scoring with his 14th international goal before putting the game to bed with a stoppage-time penalty. Alonso, who normally stations himself in front of the back four, distributing the ball, scored with a well-controlled header from Jordi Alba's inviting cross from the left, but where was the marking? He then calmly slotted home from the spot after Anthony Reveillere sent Pedro crashing.

Passing game

Spain looked like reigning world and European champions, prodding and probing, looking for an opportunity in between the lines and as soon as France lost their concentration, bang! They hit them where it hurts most. The movement and rotation was a joy to watch at times and they all took it in turns to play the front man, proving that this unique system can work. According to Gary Neville on Twitter Spain remind him of a woodpecker pecking at a tree until its fall. I believe Gary you are getting your woodpeckers and beavers mixed up which I hope doesn't happen in the bedroom. 

One for the record books

Spain had never beaten France in six competitive matches, until now! They were always confident of victory and it was never in doubt as they coasted into the last four with a dominant display, playing the game at a testimonial-type pace at times.

French frustration

Laurent Blanc's side were sloppy at times and were left frustrated by the sheer lack of possession for most of the game, which was something they were simply not used to. Players were losing the ball easily and whether it was a lack of concentration or loss of confidence, this was not the same side which had gone 23 games undefeated before losing to Sweden.

What Spanish Inquisition?

France made it too easy for Spain as soon as they conceded the first goal. Their high line was working well from the start of the game, but their midfielders failed to show a lack of desire and fight as soon as they went behind. Les Bleus looked intimidated and fearful to go out and play against the best passing team in the world. Surely Portugal won't do the same, will they?

Spanish Criticism

Many commentators have been critical of Spain’s playing style and I feel this is unwarranted. They toyed with France as a little boy would with an insect. It may seem boring at times but you have to be appreciative of the technical skill to play this game and squeeze opposition teams to death with their passing. Each player is comfortable with the ball and the wait for the exact moment to hurt you. France were chasing shadows for nearly all of the game. This Spanish team may be viewed boring due to their superior technical ability much like Pete Sampras was hated for his six in a row winning streak at Wimbledon. Basically the opposition is not good enough. Personally I enjoy watching Spain and I’m waiting for them to explode at this tournament.

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