Showdown Time!!!
La Furia Roja vs Azzurri
The general prediction of Germany and Spain reaching the Finals went for a huge toss when Italy stepped up on the big stage in the semi-finals.
Lets try to get a perspective of what the two teams have that gets them to this stage.
For Spain, supported by millions of fans across the globe, it's a rather straight forward answer - Attractive football / Attacking football.
But dig a little deeper and you'd find a completely different reason. The team have hardly played an attractive brand of football barring the exception of the group match versus Ireland. So if their trademark style did not get them here, then what did?
The answer to that has been common for most teams at Euro 2012 who have made it past the group stages. It is the team work. The combined effort of the team has seen Spain cover up its weaknesses. The most important being its defense, which definitely is not as strong as is midfield.
Another area of concern for Spain this time round has been the lack of firepower upfront. With a misfiring Torres and the absence of David Villa, Del Bosque found the right key in playing what has been termed as the "Flase 9", a tactic whereby Fabregas, an attacking midfielder, has been employed as the man upfront. Torres too made his impact when given the chance.
So all in all Spain have manged to sail through with a strong team effort and will need to do the same, if they nee to boost their chances of retaining the Trophy.
Key Players:
Captain: Iker Casillas
Defense: Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba
For Italy, the underdogs and a major surprise package, their strong teamwork and tactical approach has been the all important lesson for the teams that have not made it through.
Defeating Germany in the semi-final, touted by many to win the trophy, has been a major milestone in itself and only helped them regain their otherwise dwindling Big Boys status.
Cesare Prandelli has shown super genius by employing his resources most optimally. Pirlo and Balotelli are the two perfect examples. The former touted to be too old to help Italy and the latter too young and ill tempered. But Prandelli has unlocked probably the best out of his boys and that has been the big difference.
Italy will try to stick to their set of rules in the Final too - A strong team ethic, a disciplined defense and a tactical approach to unlock the opponents weaknesses.
A win for Italy in the Final should come as a surprise!
Key Players:
Captain: Gianluigi Buffon
Defense: Giorgio Chiellini
La Furia Roja vs Azzurri
Lets try to get a perspective of what the two teams have that gets them to this stage.
 |
| Olympic Stadium, Kyiv, Euro 2012 Poland & Ukraine - Final - Italy vs Spain |
But dig a little deeper and you'd find a completely different reason. The team have hardly played an attractive brand of football barring the exception of the group match versus Ireland. So if their trademark style did not get them here, then what did?
The answer to that has been common for most teams at Euro 2012 who have made it past the group stages. It is the team work. The combined effort of the team has seen Spain cover up its weaknesses. The most important being its defense, which definitely is not as strong as is midfield.
Another area of concern for Spain this time round has been the lack of firepower upfront. With a misfiring Torres and the absence of David Villa, Del Bosque found the right key in playing what has been termed as the "Flase 9", a tactic whereby Fabregas, an attacking midfielder, has been employed as the man upfront. Torres too made his impact when given the chance.
So all in all Spain have manged to sail through with a strong team effort and will need to do the same, if they nee to boost their chances of retaining the Trophy.
Key Players:
Captain: Iker Casillas
Defense: Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba
Midfield: Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, Xabi Alonso, David Silva
Forward: Fernando Torres
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
To watch out for:
The form of Fabregas and David Silva will be crucial for Spain to make hay. They have been outstanding in this campaign but need to contribute now when it will matter the most. They would Vicente del Bosque's biggest hope. |
| Goalkeeper Captains to face off in the Finals |
For Italy, the underdogs and a major surprise package, their strong teamwork and tactical approach has been the all important lesson for the teams that have not made it through.
Defeating Germany in the semi-final, touted by many to win the trophy, has been a major milestone in itself and only helped them regain their otherwise dwindling Big Boys status.
Cesare Prandelli has shown super genius by employing his resources most optimally. Pirlo and Balotelli are the two perfect examples. The former touted to be too old to help Italy and the latter too young and ill tempered. But Prandelli has unlocked probably the best out of his boys and that has been the big difference.
Italy will try to stick to their set of rules in the Final too - A strong team ethic, a disciplined defense and a tactical approach to unlock the opponents weaknesses.
A win for Italy in the Final should come as a surprise!
Key Players:
Captain: Gianluigi Buffon
Defense: Giorgio Chiellini
Midfield: Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo
Forward: Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano
Coach: Cesare Prandelli
To watch out for:
The form of Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli will be crucial for Italy to make hay. They have been outstanding for Italy in this campaign and have contributed when it mattered the most. They are Prandelli's biggest hope.
To Predict the outcome of the Final would be a long shot. The 1 - 1 Draw in the Group Stage should be enough reason for that.
We should take comfort in the fact - Spain's 'flair' and Italy's 'tactics' will ensure that the match will be an interesting Final!
*All Photo Courtesy: Uefa.com
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