Euro-2012 is the most popular tournament in Football(soccer) history, other than The Fifa World Cup. Euro Cup is normally played by European nations. And people are very curious of who will be the next Euro Champion as Football is very popular in European continent. To be frank, More than popularity, European football will grab the media attraction more than anything else.
The People all over the world really enjoyed Euro-2012. During the start of the tournament, many people guessed Netherlands is the team to win. But unfortunately, the tournament's hot favorites Netherlands knocked out in the group stage itself. It was a shocker although.
Most of the people were telling that Spain's short passing game is really boring and they are having lesser chance to win this tournament and make it hattrick by winning this Euro2012.
Germany was also one of the favorite ever team all over the world as It is youngest team in the tournament and most consistent of course. But Germany failed to win the hearts of fans by crowning as European Champions.
None of them expected Italian consistency and domination in Euro-2012. To be fair, only few might have thought that Italy can do something. But Italy's football raised many people's eyebrows that they may capture the championship as they have done in 2006's Fifa World Cup. But domination really failed in the grand finale of Euro-2012. Italy gave shocker to many teams throughout the tournament. They have beaten England in Quarter Finals, following The Germans in the Semi finals. The likes of Andrea Pirlo's passing, freekicks, & handling, Cassano's few beauty crosses, Buffon's energetic saves as Goal Keeper and The Super Mario's(Balotelli) craziness of scoring goals brought the Italian side to never expected final of the tournament. The way they played in the tournament raised the expectation of football fans that they may give shock to SPAIN in finals. But During the final, Italy played their worst ever game in the EURO-2012.
Spain were Euro Champions in 2008, And the World Champions in 2010. They were having huge pressure of performing better in Euro-2012. Most of the Pundits expected Spain's failure and their boring football. But the way they performed as the tournament progressed was Incredible. Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta were the pillars of the Spain in Euro-2012. I am not telling because they play for Barcelona FC. But If you savor the flavor of Football, Definitely you are gonna appreciate the best football that they have played. It's fantastic to watch both the players, just like Andrea Pirlo.
In Euro-2012 final, Only Pirlo was trying hard for Italy to get back in to the game. Defence was damn poor for Italians. Actually they are better known for their strong defence. But Spain scoring 4-0 in finals of Euro-2012 is really one bad sign for Italy. Even Manager risked the half recovered Chellaini in starting line up of the final game. He suffered injury before the first half. Later on he was substituted. And finally in second half, he used all 3 substitutes. After that Thiago Motta again suffered injury and Italy were down to 10 men. That was easy prey for Spain to convert 4 goals from 2.
Regarding players of Spain, Iker Casillas was superb throughout the tournament. Few saves of him in the tournament was ultimate. Especially couple of saves against Portugal in penalty shoot out during Semi Finals. And in Finals, He had two to three awesome saves from long range. he led the team well as Captain. Fabregas settled well. He played more upfront in this tournament than his usual midfield spot. Xavi and Iniesta, Do I need to tell anything about them. Their footballing sense will tell you. Xabi Alonso was fabulous with his passing in the middle of the tournament. Jordi Alba was good and new find for them as left back. Pique is now main man at the heart of defence for Spain after Puyol's saga. Sergio Ramos played Left central back for the most part of tournament. David Silva is as usual with good runs and good passing ability. More than any players, The Coach, Del Bosque is sensational. He handled the team well. He risked by not starting with Fernando Torres in many games. But he was successful in his strategy by promoting Fabregas in up front with the support of Iniesta and David Silva in the wide.
Now the wait is over for European Champion. And That is again SPAIN. Spain are the Euro Champions now. They have created history by winning 3 successive major tournaments that they have faced. -> EURO 2008, Fifa World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012. Great!!!! The only question is, Will this tic-tac play(Spanish stile of short passing) Of SPAIN is going to emerge as the Invincible team yet again for them in the coming World Cup? I hope Germans are listening and they are gonna sweat hard for the next World Cup from now itself.
Yours lovingly,
Raj
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