Spain and Italy is meeting up in the EURO 2012 final. Great Dane Football Blog takes a look on their way to the important match.
Italy was not seen, as a favorite to play in the final, but the team has surprised and at times played some great football. The veteran midfielder, Andrea Pirlo, has with his passings and controlling the center of the pitch been one of the best at the EURO and will be important in the final match. Another player who has been impressing for Italy is Mario Balotelli. The striker has proved that he is more than a trouble maker with his, so far, three goals.
Italy’s first match was against Spain. Both teams had their share of chances, but the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The second match in the group stages was against Croatia, where Andrea Pirlo scored his first goal in the competition. Unfortunately, for Italy they once again played a draw. Ireland was the last opponent in the last group match. Here, Ireland had nothing to play for, but they were the best team in the match even though they lost with 0-2 to Italy. However, the Italians was ready for the Quarter finals as number two in Group C.
The Quarter Final turned out to be dramatic for Italy. The match against England ended in a 0-0 draw, and so did the extra time even though Italy hit the wood work twice and had a goal cancelled for offside. This meant that the match had to be settled in a penalty shootout. Italy and Pirlo won this with the score 4-2.
Most football fans had seen Italy out of the EURO after the Semi Final against Germany. However, the Azzuri wanted it different, and was overall the best team on the day, sending Germany out with a 2-0 victory. Both goals scored by Balotelli, who is finally living up to his potential.
As one of Europe’s best football nations, Spain has been favorites for the title from the first day. The half Barcelona – half Real Madrid team has lived up to the expectations. The Spaniards has almost played every match without attackers, but the strong midfield has scored the goals needed and with players as Cesc Fabregas, and Iniesta is not a surprise.
As mentioned before, Spain and Italy met in the first match. The second match for the Spanish team was against Ireland, who was left, with no chance in the 4-0 victory. In the third match, Spain did not play their best against Croatia but still managed to pull a 1-0 victory, making them the winner of Group C.
In the Quarter final, the clash between Spain and France ended in a 2-0 win by goals from Xabi Alonso. Overall Spain was way better than France in the match and showed why they are so highly rated. The Semi Final the neighbors from Portugal waited. Portugal was best in the first 90 minutes, but did not manage to score a goal and the match went on to extra time. Here, Spain was the best, but they did not score as well and the match went on the penalty shootout. Here, Spain was best and won 4-2 sending them to the final.
The two best national teams in Europe will meet in Kiev tomorrow night, and we can expect a great match!
