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Post by dem on Jul 2, 2012 22:25:59 GMT
Yeah, it's beauty and no mistake, though as a portent of doom for the Spanish it left much to be desired. Italy 0 Spain 4If maverick Mario had been on his game then Italy could conceivably have won their earlier Group C meeting, but last night there was only one team in it. All that energy extended in returning Mesut Ozil to his cabinet finally told on the Italians, and when Thiago Motta went off injured, reducing them to ten men for half an hour, it was only ever going to be a case of keeping the score down. Spain? Alan Shearer spoke for many of us when he enthused "these guys have had an unbelievable amount of sex ... er, success." The Iberian assassins, an outrageously brilliant attacking force on the night, proved conclusively that you can win a tournament without a recognised striker, though having a £50 million goal hanger to bring on against ten men (or start against Rep. of Ireland) doesn't hurt. |
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Post by pulphack on Jul 3, 2012 7:23:22 GMT
Did it have significance that Italy's midfield genius is 34 and therefore going to suffer over so many games in such a short period compared to his younger opponents? Possibly. Spain are a superb side who have lacked a recognised striker yet proved that quality passing and patience make for a game that is potent if not exactly scintillating on every occassion (let's face it, at times this tournament Orient vs Notts County would have been more exciting, if nowhere near as technically good). Can I spell occasion? Hell no. Can Torres score goals? Remarkably yes, he seems to have remembered where the onion bag is, though he's still a stroppy girl.
Undoubtedly the best technical team in the tournament won, and they were superb on the night, but somehow I would have been happier to see the Italians come through. Like the supposedly wonderful Barcelona, Spain as a team are just a bit too... well, just a little too self-aware of how good they are. Like 11 Ronaldos...
Still, this is a nation that gave us Jess Franco and Paul Naschy, so they can't be all bad.
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Post by dem on Jul 6, 2012 15:39:45 GMT
Best things about Euro 2012The opening ceremony was utterly charming and didn't outstay its welcome. Ten minutes and straight into an unusually incident-packed tournament opener. Yes, there were exceptions, but the group games proved more open and exciting than we're used to. Cases in point: Poland's stirring second half fightback against Russia, culminating in Jakub Blaszczykowsk's screamer of an equalizer. The manic roller-coaster ride that was England 3 Sweden 2, mirrored in the "Group of Death" (there's always a "Group of death") Portugal-Denmark encounter. Big Zlat destroying the French. The Shev doing same to the Swedes. Music-loving security staff confiscating the England Supporters Band's instruments before the France game. (see also 'Guilty Disappointments) The Cheeksgate scandal! "We've learned the harsh lessons of the 2010 World cup, the dressing room is united, we're on a 23 match unbeaten run and now you're going to see the real France!" Germany 4 Greece 2. Wildly entertaining! Fabio Capello pronouncing that it didn't matter who won the England-Italy clash because Germany would breeze past either in the semis. All things Andreas Pirlo, including that outrageous penalty against England. It hurt, but you could only admire the nerve! Worst things about Euro 2012, Guilty Disappointments etc.just goes to show a month is a long time in football. By close of tournament Ray Winstone's big wobbler was my official least irritating Euro-related advert on ITV.. McDonald's "Proud providers of the official player escorts." Where do you start? No outstanding foul of the tournament, certainly nothing to rival Nigel de Jong's iconic studs-first rib-buster on Xabi Alonso in the world cup final. The Dutch divas, too busy hating each other, shirked their responsibilities. Even Mark Van Bommel's trademark off the ball niggles had a token quality about 'em. Kiev's extreme S & M community contrive to see the England Supporters Band ("sponsored by Pukka pies") were returned their instruments before the absolute belter against the Swedes. Portugal were gracious in defeat after their semi final penalty heartbreak. Mario Balotelli scores three goal-of-the-tournament contenders - including two against Germany when few gave Italy a prayer - but it's Fernando Torres gets the golden boot. Sweden, Poland and Croatia failing to qualify from their respective groups in place of (sorry!) France, the Czech's and Spain. With every final whistle we drew a step closer to 'the People's * Olympics .... ( * Conditions apply) Attachments:
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