Monday, July 2, 2012

Spain Win Euro 2012!

After three weeks of arguably the best Euro Cup in history, Spain have won and have shown why they were among the favorites to win the cup for a second time in a row.

Having a quick look back at their journey, they really didn't have an easy way out. Being in Group C, alongside Italy, Ireland and Croatia, they had to prove that they still had the winning mentality in them and are able to compete against some of the best European teams around.

In their opening game against Italy, it ended in a 1-1 draw with Cesc Fabregas scoring for Spain and Antonio Di Natale scoring for Italy. Their second match proved many of their doubters wrong as they faced Ireland and beat them with a comfortable 4-0 win. Goals came from Fernando Torres (2), David Silva and Cesc Fabregas. In their last match of the group, they played against Croatia, who gave them many problems and, if it were any other day, they could have gotten the three points. Instead, Spain were able to win with a late goal from Jesus Navas.

After qualifying with 7 points and top of Group C, they prepared to play France in the Quarter Finals. Yet again, they were able to prove many people wrong as they beat France 2-0 (which could have easily been more) with two goals from Xabi Alonso.

In the Semi-Finals, they were put up against Portugal. Both teams kept trying and fighting as hard as they could but, after no one was able to score in 120 minutes, Spain got the better of Portugal in penalties to book their place in the Final.

Even the most optimistic of people would have doubts that Spain will beat Italy, especially after seeing how Italy knocked Germany out in the Semi Finals. And certainly no one expected a game like this...

Italy looked lost, unable to keep the ball, pressured whenever they came close to Spain's goal. And, any chances they got, was blocked by a confident Iker Casillas in goal. The game ended 4-0 with goals coming from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata.

Spain have won the Euro Cup for a second time in succession and have proven each and every one of their doubters wrong. They have deserved it and have shown that against some of the biggest names in European Football.


My Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament:


Although many would probably end up disagreeing with my ideal team of the Euro 2012, here's what I think in a 4-3-2-1 formation:


Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Defense: Alvaro Arbeloa; Pepe; Sergio Ramos; Jordi Alba

Midfield: Sami Khedira; Andrea Pirlo; Daniele De Rossi
Andres Iniesta; Mesut Ozil

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo

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