Spain completed a fantastic hattrick with their EURO 2012 final win, this evening.  Italy was underdogs in this match but started out fine. However, after five minutes Spain started dominating the match. Their passing-play began to work out for the Spaniards, and after seven minutes Sergio Ramos had the first big chance after a corner. After fifteen minutes of play came the first goal. Xavi played a deep pass to Fabregas who found David Silva in front of the goal, heading Spain in front. Even though they were behind, Italy managed to put pressure on Spain, and they actually had the ball most after thirty minutes. However, at the end of the first half Jordi Alba rushed into the box and scored to 2-0 for Spain. This was also the result at the break.

Di Natale was sent on the pitch in the break, and it should turn out to be a great decision. The Udinese-striker dangerous on several occasions, but always ended up as the loser against Casillias. After an hour of play, Thiago Motta had to go out with an injury. Unfortunately, for Italy all substitutions were used.  Del Bosque decided to bring Fernando Torres into the match, and he brought Spain in front by 3-0 with five minutes left. The same player has the chance of making himself top scorer of the EURO 2012, but he decided to pass the ball to Mata who scored to 4-0. A humiliation of Italy from the EURO 2012 winners, Spain!

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!

Spain was entered the match as favorites. However, it was Portugal who was the most dominant team. Spain started best with Arbeloa shooting over the goal, from the edge of the box. Portugal was soon able to handle the pressure from Spain, and prevent the Spaniards from playing their short passes. The high pressure from Portugal gave Ronaldo some chances, but the superstar was unable to score. The score at the break was 0-0 in an even match.

The second half started as even as the first ended. Both teams had their chances, but Portugal seemed to be most interested in winning the match, while Spain looked as a team hoping for extra time. In the 90th minute, Ronaldo was close to ruin Spain’s plan when he suddenly was free in front of goal. However, the captain missed once again. This meant that the match went on to extra time.

While Portugal had been the best team in the first ninety minutes, Spain was suddenly the superior team. After 103 minutes of play, Rui Patricio saved Portugal, after a chance to Iniesta. Portugal managed to avoid the pressure from Spain, and the penalty shootout was up next.

Both Xabi Alonso and Joao Moutinho had their shots saved before Iniesta, Pepe, Pique and Nani scored. Sergio Ramos sent Spain in front before Bruno Alves hit the crossbar giving Fabregas the chance of sending his nation in the final. The midfielder did not miss, and while Ronaldo was annoyed of missing the final, Spain celebrated.

Germany was seen as one of the favorites for the EURO 2012 titel, before the competition started. Italy wanted it different. Mats Hummels was close to bring Germany in front with after a corner. Buffon did not look well in the situation, and the ball was saved on the line by Pirlo. However, after twenty minutes play it was Italy and Barlotelli that scored the first goal. Cassano left three German defenders look very poor before sending a perfect cross into the head of Mario Barlotelli. The Germans had problems after the scoring and looked much shaken. Ten minutes before the break, Barlotelli struck again. The striker was alone with Neuer and with an amazing kick he sent Italy in front by two. This was also the result at the break.

In the break, Joachim Löw substituted both Gomez and Podolski for Marco Reus and Klose. Reus was close to reduce for Germany, but his excellent performance free kick was saved by Buffon. Germany put morer and more pressure on Italy, who began to play more and more defensive. However, the Germans had problems breaking through the defends, while the Italian had one counter attack after the other. Than, two minutes into the overtime Germany were awarded a penalty which Özil scored on. However, it was not enough to bring them back in the match, and Italy will meet Spain in the EURO 2012 final!

Carlsberg Man of the Match Award: Andrea Pirlo, Italy

Top scorer list

  

Poland - Greece 1-1

The EURO 2012 opening match was more exciting than anyone would have ever guessed. Poland started the match with a high pressure and had two major chances to Robert Lewandowski and Rafal Murawski after just four minutes play. After fifteen minutes play, Robert Lewandowski brought Poland in front with a perfect header behind Greece’s goalkeeper. A few minutes before the break, Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos was shown his second yellow card and sent off.

From the start of the second half, Greece started pressuring Poland, resulting in a goal from Salpigidis, after a riposte.  With twenty minutes left Polish goalkeeper Szczesny tackled Salpigidis. Greece was given a penalty, and Szczesny a red card. This looked like the chance for Greece. However, reserve keeper Tyton wanted it different, when he saved Karagounis’ penalty kick.

No further goals were scored in hard played opening match where Poland overall was best.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Robert Lewandowski, Poland

Russia - Czech Republic 4-1

Russia showed why they are favorites in group A, in their opening match against the Czech Republic. However, from the start of the match the Czech’s were dominant and had a couple of chances to bring themselves in front.  After fifteen minutes play, the situation changed and Russia took over, bringing themselves in front by Alan Dzagoev on a contra. Ten minutes later Roman Shirikov put the ball over Petr Cech’s and in to the goal. 2-0.

Shortly into the second half, the Czech Republic answered back and reduced to 1-2 by a goal from Pilar.  This was a wake-up call for Russia, and after 78 minutes, Dzagoev became a double goal scorer. The last goal was scored by Roman Pavlyuchenko who played with the Czech defense before hammering the ball in the net.

Overall Russia controlled the match and showed off some attacking football, making them the favorites of the group. 

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Alan Dzagoev, Russia 

Group B

 

Holland - Denmark 0-1

Denmark delivered quite a surprise in the opening match of group B. Even though Denmark and Daniel Agger had the first real chance in the match, they were under constant pressure from Holland. The Dutch and especially Robin van Persie missed one chance after the other in the first twenty minutes. However, after a couple of chances to Denmark, Michael Krohn-Dehli received the ball in Holland’s goal area and rounded a defender before putting the ball between goalkeeper Stekelenburg’s leg and into the goal. 1-0 to Denmark. Just before, the break Holland had a shot on the post after goal keeper Stephan Andersen played the ball directly in the feet of van Persie.

From the start of the second half, Denmark was put under a massive pressure once again, but they managed to keep the Dutch from scoring. Denmark had a few chances but was not close to scoring their second goal. Instead, they delivered some stabile defensive work in a match where Holland was best.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Michael Krohn-Dehli, Denmark

Germany - Portugal 0-1

German coach Joachim Löw surprised when he decided to put Mario Gomez in the starting XI instead of Miroslav Klose. However, it should turn out to be an excellent decision.

Both teams started the match by showing respect for each other, and there were more defensive play than goal chances. Germany had a couple of chances, but the Portuguese defensive were controlling. Shortly before the break, Pepe had a header on the post, making the ball dance on the goal line before the Germans cleared.

From the start of the second half, Portugal was getting better and better. However, it was Germany who scored a goal. Sami Khedira found Mario Gomez in the box, and as always he was deadly with his head and scored to 1-0. With ten minutes left, Ronaldo was close to scoring, but Neuer saved three points to Germany.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Mesut Özil, Germany

Group C

	Played	Win	Draw	Lost	For	Against	+/-	Points
Croatia	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2	3
Spain	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
Italy	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
Ireland	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2	0

 
Spain - Italy 1-1


Both Spain and Italy created an overflow of chances in the opening match of group C. While Spain was most in possession in the first half it was Italy who had the first dangerous shot on target. Cassano had a strike just past the post followed up by a shot directly on Iker Casillas.

Spain came into the second half with a bit more heart and especially Cesc Fabregas was playing better. However after 60 minutes it was Italy who scored the first goal. Antonio di Natale was suddenly free with the goal keeper, and the striker had no problems sending his nation in front. But before the Italians had finished celebrating, Fabregas equalized just three minutes later. David Silva found Fabregas in the box, with a magnificent pass, and the midfielder only had to touch the ball. It not looked like both teams would settle with a draw, and only a few chances were created before the final whistle.

Carlsberg Man of the Match Award: Andrés Iniesta, Spain

Republic of Ireland - Croatia 1-3

Croatia started the match with lighting and thunder, bringing themselves in front after just three minutes play. Mandžukić directed the ball into the net, by a header, after he almost had sat on the grass. However, the Irish was not so easy to shock and after 15 minutes of fight they came back in the match. A free kick was sent into the box where St Ledger came first with a header and scored to 1-1. It was Croatia who, overall, was best in the match and just minutes before the break Nikica Jelavic was given a loose chance, and scored to 2-1.

Croatia would make another chock start in the second half, as they scored the third goal just three minutes after the break. Once again Mandžukić was on the spot and headed the ball on the post, hitting the Irish goalkeeper in the back of the head and into the goal. 3-1. Ireland did not seem to be able to come back from this, while Croatia on several occasions showed some beautiful passing play and was closer on another scoring, than Ireland was.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Mario Mandžukić, Croatia

Group D 

	Played	Win	Draw	Lost	For	Against	+/-	Points
Ukraine	1	1	0	0	2	1	+1	3
England	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
France	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
Sweden	1	0	0	1	1	2	-1	0

France - England 1-1

The expectations were high towards the clash between France and England. However, the match turned out to fizzle out and be boring. Both teams had their chances in the first fifteen minutes. After ten minutes, Samir Nasri, had a blow just past the post while James Milner had a huge chance, on which he should had scored. However, we had to wait thirty minutes before Gerrand send a perfect free kick into the box where Joleon Lescott headed England in front. Shortly after, France had a double chance but Joe Hart delivered an outstanding performance. Shortly before the break, Nasri sent a shot on goal from the edge of the box, sliding in to the net at the nearest post and equalized the match. 1-1 at the break.

Second half started with a pressure on England, but after a while, England managed to take over the match. At this point, both teams looked satisfied with just 1 point, and the match started to fizzle out.
 
Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Samir Nasri, France

Ukraine - Sweden 2-1

Ukraine and Sweden met in the last match of round one. The first twenty minutes were hard played and low on chances, but then things changed as veteran striker Shevchenko started moving. However, it was Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who were nearest the first goal. After a perfect cross, Zlatan headed on the post.

Sweden was better from the start of the second half and came in front after fifty-two minutes when Ibrahimovic scored the first goal. However, only two minutes later Shevchenko had equalized. The old hunter headed the ball past Isaksson on a perfect cross. This started a massive Ukrainian offensive, and while Sweden seemed shaken, Shevchenko scored again to a surprising 2-1 lead. Sweden tried to comeback in the math, but Ukraine was able to keep them away from goal and bring themselves in front of group D.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine

Top scorer list

Rank	Goals
1	2	Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine
-	2	Alan Dzagoev, Russia
-	2	Mario Mandžukić, Croatia
2	1	Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia
-	1	Antonio Di Natale, Italy
-	1	Dimitris Salpingidis, Greece
-	1	Nikica Jelavić, Croatia
-	1	Cesc Fàbregas, Spain
-	1	Mario Gomez, Germany
-	1	Zlatan Ibrahimović, Sweden