Euro 2012 Review: The Final Word.

So that’s it for another four years, Spain continued their dominance on the elite level stage and did so in impressive fashion by swatting aside Italy 4-0 in the final.

A very big thank you goes to those of you who have kept up to date with Biltcliffe’s Sports Thoughts throughout the tournament to try and gain an alternate perspective of what has been a thoroughly enjoyable tournament.

The big winners were:

Italy – There was no shame attached to Cesare Prandelli’s side, who were unable to match the rampant Spaniards. Against a backdrop of irregularity in their homeland, the Azzuri displayed a defiance by showing 4-4-2 can work (to an extent) at international level. They’d already given their best in the semi final win over Germany though.

The big losers were:

Holland – The Dutch have primacy in this area. From World Cup finalists in 2010 to finishing bottom of Group B with zero points, the 1-0 defeat to Denmark set the tone for Bert Van Merwijk’s (right) campaign.

Poland and Russia – Considering their proximity to the venues, both sides should have fared better in a ‘weak’ group. The fighting between the respective sets of fans, albeit away from the stadiums, should not be forgotten either.

The heroes were:

Vicente Del Bosque (right) – As usual, the big Spain manager kept himself to himself, rather like his side but showed up when it mattered. Some questioned his lack of a centre forward, but the tactic of playing Cesc Fabregas for 60 minutes and then letting Fernando Torres loose worked a treat in the final. 

Mario Balotelli – Added another dimension to his myriad character by actually putting in hard work to being a footballer. It proved the catalyst for the Italian side as he turned negative comments and/or abuse in to a positive.

The villains were:

UEFA – Why was Nicklas Bendtner fined more for revealing sponsored boxer shorts than some football associations for the racist behaviour of their fans?
Why is there a persistence with goal line officials if they cant even get their primary job correct?
Why change the format, Mr Platini, from 16 teams to 24 when there aren’t eight sides in Europe capable of improving the standard? It would merely water the competition down.
Finally, why was it necessary Mr Platini, to announce your plans for 12 cities across Europe to host all the games just a day before the final? A poor idea coupled with poor timing.

Magic Moment: Spain’s second goal against Italy courtesy of left back Jordi Alba (right). It included four passes, four players and just 13 touches from Iker Cassillas’ boot, to the back of Buffon’s net.

 

My team of the tournament:

GK: Gianluigi Buffon (ITA)
RB: Federico Balzaretti (ITA)
CB: João Pereira (POR)
CB: Sergio Ramos (SPA)
LB: Phillip Lahm (GER)
RM: Mario Mandzukic (CRO) (above)
CM: Andrea Pirlo (ITA)
CM: Mesut Ozil (GER)
LM: Andres Iniesta (SPA)
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR)
ST: Mario Gomez (GER)