Euro2012 - Final: Spain defend their title in Style!

It is the final of the 2012 European Championships with defending champions Spain taking on Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine; which was also the opening Group C match on June 10 when the match had ended in a one-all draw. Spain had overcome Portugal in a penalty shootout, while Italy had beaten Germany in the semifinals.


FINAL

Spain 4-0 (2-0) Italy
Goals: 1-0 David Silva (14'), 2-0 Jordi Alba (41'), 3-0 Fernando Torres (84'), 4-0 Juan Mata (88')

The old and new champions of Europe are Spain! Spain demolished Italy 4-0 to lift the Euro Cup for the third time. The Spaniards never ever really left a doubt in the final that they are the best side in Europe as Italy could never perform to the level as they did especially against Germany in the semifinals.

Spains combining tiki-taka football was at its best tonight as Italy were simpyl not able to stop the Spanish armada. Spain took the lead in the 14th minute through a lovely combination. Andres Iniesta found Cesc Fabregas free on the right just outside the box, he beats Giorgio Chiellini to the byeline and cuts back a perfect cross to allow David Silva to head in the lead. Italy tried to get back into the game, but Spain just didn't allow them and doubled their lead in the 41st minute when left-back Jordi Alba scored following a brilliant double pass with Xavi Hernandez.

After the break Italy came out attacking with substitute Antonio Di Natale's first touch a header just going over within the first time itself. But that was it for Italy as Spain retook the control over the match. Matters got worse for Italy when substitute Thiago Motta had to go off just four minutes after coming on for a hamstring with no substitute option left. Italy had to play for about half an hour with 10 men only and that was it for them. Spain continued their combination football and scored two late goals through substitutes Fernando Torres and his Chelsea team mate Juan Mata. First Torres scored of a Xavi pass following a Marchisio mistake through which Torres became the first player to score into Euro Cup finals. Then Busquets found Torres free to play in for Mata to finish of the 4-0 victory.


It ended 4-0 for Spain, who showed in the final what they are capable off.