When you look through Spain's 23-man squad it is hard to find much of a weakness, so it was hardly surprising to see the pre-tournament favourites defend their European Championship title.
At times, Spain didn't hit top gear, but they still finished as group winners with a credible seven points before dispatching of France, Portugal and Italy on their way to the trophy.In fact, the only goal Spain conceded was in their 1-1 draw with Italy in the opening Group C game.
A sublime attack and midfield, and strong defence, that rarely concedes in knock out football, with a class veteran goalkeeper behind them - this Spain team really are immense! The 4-0 win over Italy in the final showed just how good they are and why they have been so successful over the last three major tournaments. They make it look so easy!
Italy were written off by many before the start of the tournament but they were always going to be in with a chance and they proved their credentials by reaching the final. The Italians' preparation was overshadowed by off the field problems, but once they were on the pitch they let the football do the talking and can be very proud for having reached the final. The final proved a step too far for Italy, but at least they proved they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Italy were too good for us in the quarter final and we hung by a thread to force penalties. Cesare Prandelli's men were probably expected to go no further after that as semi final opponents Germany had looked like the best team in the tournament up to that point. But Italy again triumphed and can hold their heads up high after reaching the final, even though the end result didn't go their way. They can go to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with renewed hope and maybe won't be written off quite so quickly by some people next time.
As for Spain, the people that seem to think they are boring need their heads testing. To win three consecutive major tournaments proves just how talented they are and that they are definitely doing something right! It is hard to find many negatives to say about the Spain squad, but the question that keeps coming to my mind is, where do they go from here? It is a magnificent achievement to win three major tournaments on the trot, but just how much better can it get? Spain will no doubt go into the next World Cup and European Championships as favourites and again have huge expectations on their shoulders. They are likely to be able to handle the expectation and deliver the goods. It is a great era for Spanish football, but it will have to come to an end at some point and it will be interesting to see who are the next nation to dominate when that eventually happens.
But for now, let's just sit back and continue to enjoy the fantastic talent of Spain over the next few years!
So what about Euro 2012 as a whole?
Co-hosts Poland and Ukraine made headlines for all the wrong reasons before the tournament even started. Some of the media coverage during the early stages of the tournament also didn't show the countries in a very good light. But were they good hosts? The football was very enjoyable and the players, on the whole, conducted themselves well. I also saw some very positive comments from fans out there at the tournament about what their experiences had been like.
Spain winning the tournament may have been predictable, but the Euros did spring some surprises. Russia thumped Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening group game, but then failed to reached the knock out stages as the Czechs went through instead. Holland, who were expected to reach the final, finished bottom of Group B with 3 defeats from 3 games. England topping Group D could also have been considered a surprise as France had been tipped by many to top the group, while England were written off as no hopers. Losing on penalties in the quarter final was the same old story for us England fans, but I think we can still be proud. There was so much negative press about England's chances and the appointment of Roy Hodgson. But in the short space of time Hodgson had with the squad, we didn't look too bad, especially after a gutsy 1-1 draw with France in the opening group game. Hodgson needs more time to mould his squad, but I think he is the right man for the job and I think we all need to get behind him. Then maybe, just maybe, we can progress further in Brazil.
There were also some great goals at Euro 2012.Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored arguably the pick of the bunch with his acrobatic effort against France. Mario Balotelli's overhead kick against Ireland, Roman Pavlyuchenko's stunner against Czech Republic...we really have been treated to some great goals this summer.
So was Euro 2012 a success?
As an Englishman it was disappointing to see us not get further than the quarter final, left wondering what could have been. But the tournament as a whole was a success for the several people watching in Poland and Ukraine and those watching on television. I just hope the next tournament provides us with more of the same from a neutral point of view...and hopefully England will perform better too!
Roll on Brazil 2014!
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