Euro 2012: The Review

'Sometimes in life you need to be able to accept defeat and compliment opponents who were better...We have nothing to complain about. Spain were the better team and we congratulate them.'

Gianluigi Buffon is as classy off the field as he is in between the sticks, and his summary of last night's European Championship final is as accurate as anything I can hope to piece together in this post. There is a time in sporting history when a particular team or athlete emerge who defy description, who possess so much talent that no superlative can do them justice. The Spanish team that last night won their third consecutive tournament final are more than befitting of such status.

In the build up to last night's game, many (myself included) speculated that Cesare Prandelli's Italy team could be capable of an upset. Indeed, some had predicted that Spain would not even make the final of Euro 2012, let alone win it with such candour. Again, this is a crime that I was guilty of committing. However, if there is one certainty that I have established in the aftermath of Spain's latest triumph, it is that I will never doubt them again. They are a special side and are capable of beating any team that is put in their path.

Some of the criticism that was levelled at Vicente Del Bosque's team during the tournament now looks more ridiculous than ever. If this Spain team are boring, then I'd love to see what an exciting team constitute. Last night, they controlled a game that was actually relatively even in terms of possession and chances created. The almost telepathic understanding shared by their players when attacking the opposition gives them an edge over any team they come up against, and this advantage was put to good use against the Italians. Each of the four goals by La Roja were the result of a pass being threaded in between a defence that had conceded only three goals prior to the final, Italy's back four unable to deal with the movement of their counterparts. When discussing the 4-6-0 formation that has been the subject of recent debate, Gianluca Vialli said:

'Spain's striker is the space in front of and behind the defenders'

While it may sound a fairly basic suggestion, Vialli actually came closer than any other analyst has thus far to summarising the formation that Del Bosque pioneered several months ago. In the absence of a recognised centre forward, Spain's midfielders get ample opportunity to expose gaps left by the opposition whilst they are attempting (and often failing) to win possession back. David Silva's opening goal is a perfect example of the effectiveness of Spain's system; Xavi pirouets and finds Iniesta, who then spots Fabregas making a run in behind Chiellini, the ball is threaded in between the latter and his centre half, carried to the byline and then lifted onto the head of the incoming Manchester midfielder, who heads past a stranded Buffon. Xabi Alonso's first goal against France and Fabregas's eqauliser against Italy in the opening group stage game also act as ample proof that the absence of a traditional number ten is more than justified.

The emergence of Jordi Alba at left back has also added another dimension to a team that has at times been criticised for a perceived lack of width. Both Silva and Andres Iniesta like to tuck inside when occupying the wide areas, often meaning that Spain's opponents (Portugal, for example) will look to break in the wide areas when in possession. Alba, however, gives Spain an extra option when the ball is played out wide, with their second goal being demonstrative of the threat offered by Barcelona's latest acquisition. Xavi's ball was delightful, but the real beauty of the strike was the amount of ground covered by Alba to be able to get on the end of the pass and finish the move.

By the time that goal was scored, few were left believing that Italy could find a way back into the game. The worldwide media had been clamouring to heap praise on the majestic Andrea Pirlo in the build up to the final, and Del Bosque clearly took note of the 34 year old's influence in the Italy team. Spain's midfielders were quick to press on the Juventus midfielder whenever he was in possession, and Pirlo subsequently spent much of the first half in his own area, often being forced to play the ball backwards. Ricardo Montolivo and Claudio Marchisio often tried to press ahead of Spain's holding midfielders in the early stages, but this threat was also nullified by the deployment of two holding players to shield the back four when Spain lost the ball. With the supply from the midfield minimal, Italy's centre forward partnership of Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli were left isolated up front. Cassano, wonderfully described by Vialli as a 'reliable genius', occasionally managed to get hold of the ball but his partner Balotelli was expertly marshalled by both Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique, restricting the Milan striker's options when in possession. Put frankly, Italy were shackled.

In many respects that is the beauty of the Spanish team...for all their attacking panache, they are also incredibly disciplined, with every player doing their bit to close the opposition down when not in possession. This is another strength of the 4-6-0, with Fabregas often dropping back to support the defensive efforts of his teammates, which meant that Italy were never able to get in their stride in the opening stages of the game. By the time the third and fourth goals came, Prandelli's side had been pushed to their limit, with the withdrawal of substitute Thiago Motta due to injury not aiding their cause. Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli in particular looked exhausted, with may acount for the sloppy nature of their defending for both goals. The loss of the influential Giorgio Chiellini to injury in the early stages also hurt the Italian's chances of shackling their flamboyant opponents. Indeed, the fact that Italy were forced to finish the game with ten men was probably the only blemish on what was otherwise an exceptional end to what has been a thoroughly enjoying tournament.

In the aftermath of Spain's win, much discussion has turned as to whether they are the best international side of all time. Some of the more experienced consumers of the sport will argue that the 1970 Brazil side remain befitting of that title, but the records broken by Xavi, Iniesta and co suggest otherwise. Certainly, they are the best team I have ever had the pleasure of watching and it is hard to see when their dominance will come to an end. Iniesta remains only 28, and whilst Xavi's fitness has been of concern in recent seasons, Spain remain remarkably blessed in the midfield department and in Xabi Alonso possess a player capable of leading the team to further glory in 2014. With Carlos Puyol and David Villa to return from injury, as well as a host of young talent emerging in their domestic league, Spain's paws seem set to remain on football's major international trophies for some time yet.

So with the final now fully digested, it's time for me to turn my attention to Euro 2012 as a whole. Let's begin with my team of the tournament, which I should warn you is more than a little Spain eccentric...

GOALKEEPER

Iker Casillas, Spain: I originally intended to go with Buffon, but the performance of the Spain captain last evening means he just edges ahead of his Italian counterpart. Casillas dealt with a number of crosses from Italy's full backs, including one that was destined for the head of Balotelli, who would have levelled the game had he been able to get a touch. The fact that prior to last night's game Casillas had not conceded in 990 minutes of international knock-out football also ensured his place in my team. A class act.

DEFENCE

Phillip Lahm, Germany: Joachim Low's team ultimately fell short of expectations and are clearly a side that are still developing. Lahm, though, is a player at the peak of his powers and he enjoyed an assured tournament on the right hand side of Germany's defence. His goal against Greece was also befitting of a player that exudes all the true attributes of an international captain.

Gerard Pique, Spain: Considering Pique endured his most difficult season to date at Barcelona last term, his performances for his country were nothing short of revelatory. A rare blend of toughness and composure on the ball, he was particularly crucial in the semi-final tie against Portugal.

Sergio Ramos, Spain: If Pique makes the team, then his centre back partner cannot be excluded. Ramos has often been the subject of criticism from the press both at home and abroad, with many perceiving him to be a dirty player. While he is certainly no saint, the Real Madrid centre half is an exceptional athlete and was crucial in keeping Balotelli quiet in the final.

Jordi Alba, Spain: Fabio Coentrao enjoyed a fine tournament for the Portugese, but Alba's performance in the final earns him a place in the final eleven. Having only made his international debut last October, the former Valencia man has done well to make the left back spot his own and has been crucial in offering Spain another dimension when in possession. His goal against Italy was fantastic.

MIDFIELD

Daniele De Rossi, Italy: De Rossi could quite easily have been selected as a defender in this team, having started the tournamnet as part of a three man defence for the Italians. A true professional, he excelled in both roles and will have done much to revive the libero role after excelling in it himself in the opening group stage game against Spain. Was also crucial when asked to return to his more familiar midfield role later in the tournament.

Andrea Pirlo, Italy: Having been deemed past his best last summer by AC Milan, Andrea Pirlo has enjoyed an Indian summer like no other. Influential in Juventus' unbeaten Serie A season, the playmaker has also been crucial in helping his nation reach the final of Euro 2012. Whilst he was squeezed out of last night's contest, he will still be remembered as one of the truly great midfielders of the twenty first century.

Xabi Alonso, Spain: Alonso's performances for Spain at this tournament have made the decision by Liverpool to sell him in 2009 look even more baffling. With Xavi at times occupying a deeper role for Spain, Alonso has developed into a more offensive threat for the Spanish, evidenced by his brace against France in the quarter-finals. His range of passing remains unmatched by any other player and he also provides a crucial threat in the air, both defensively and when in attack.

Andres Iniesta, Spain: Iniesta is often regarded as being under-rated by some, though this is a sentiment that has always been lost on me. Celebrated for his performances at the last World Cup, which included scoring the winning goal in the final, his stock has only risen higher for his endeavours in Poland and Ukraine. Blessed with incredible vision, both when starting moves and finishing them, he is sure to join his club colleague Xavi in being remembered as one of the finest players of all time. Player of the tournament.

ATTACK

Cesc Fabregas, Spain: There is a compelling argument for the inclusion of Mario Gomez in this attacking line up, but the magnitude of Fabregas' performances for the winners should not be lost on anybody. Asked to play as the most advanced of six midfielders, the former Arsenal captain has enjoyed his best tournament for the Spanish and has also finally managed to establish himself in the starting line up of Del Bosque's team. His movement off the ball were just as crucial as his two goals.  

Mario Balotelli, Italy: Eyebrows may furrow at the inclusion of the controversial Manchester City striker, but there can be no doubt that this was a breakthrough tournament for him. Often derided for his behaviour off the pitch (and sometimes his behaviour on it) Balotelli showed a keeness to work for his team and recovered well from a less than inspiring performance in the opening game against Spain. His goals against Germany in the semi-final also suggested that he may finally have come of age.

SUBSTITUTES

Gianluigi Buffon, Italy: Narrowly pipped by Iker Casillas to a place in the starting eleven, Buffon remains at 34 a crucial component of the Italian team. And he belts out his country's national anthem like nobody else...

Pepe, Portugal: Germany's Mats Hummels would have made the bench were it not for his horror show against Italy, providing everybody's favourite villian Pepe with a chance to make the team. Defended expertly for the Portugese and also scored a vital goal against Denmark in the group stage.

Steven Gerrard, England: Very unlucky not to make the final team, Gerrard led his country admirably and rose comfortably to the challenge of being made captain. One can only wonder why he wasn't given the armband a whole lot sooner. Our best player by some distance.

Xavi, Spain: It seems wrong to put Andres Iniesta in any team without Xavi alongside him, such is the connection between the two players. Xabi Alonso's strikes against France just edge him ahead of the Barcelona maestro for me though. That being said, he remains one of the finest players on the planet.

David Silva, Spain: I've elected for the former because of his opening strike in the final. Also, he has done well to finally establish him in the Spain starting eleven, having often been a bit-part player in recent years.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal: Came closer than ever before to inspiring his team to glory, but was bizarrely asked to take the fifth penalty in the shootout against Spain. Deserved better.

Mario Gomez, Germany: Edges ahead of Mario Mandzukic on the basis of his team's further progression. Has enjoyed a fine season for club and country, though he was poor against Italy.

MANAGER

Cesare Prandelli, Italy: Whilst Vicente Del Bosque proved on Sunday that he is still very much the master when it comes to international football, his opposing number is deserving of greater credit in the short-term context of Euro 2012. He inherited a team that was regarded by many as the worst ever seen by Italians and entered this tournament on the back of a major crisis in the country's domestic leagues. However, the Azzuri defied the odds and reached the final playing a style of football that is far removed from the Italy of old. Their defining moment was the disposing of pre-tournament favourites Germany, courtsey of a brace from Mario Balotelli, who Prandelli has placed his faith in since he took the job, despite the controversy that surrounds the young striker. With Serie A likely to be altered greatly as a result of the current scandal engulfing it, and conscious changes being made at clubs such as Inter Milan to place more emphasis on youth development, the long term future looks emminently brighter for the Italian game than the short term does.

With the more traditional reviews now being done, allow me to turn my attention to a few other 'awards', some which are admittedly more positive than others...

GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic v France...Does anybody still think this guy is overrated?!? A strike as good any seen in recent years. Shame it came too late for the Swedes, who never recovered from a stinker against Ukraine in their opening game.

2. Jakub Blaszczykowski v Russia...Poland were one of the big disappointments of the tournament, though perhaps my initial enthusiasm about their prospects was a little misguided, given they were the lowest ranked team at Euro 2012. Still, this wonderful strike from the Borussia Dortmund midfielder gave their fans something to cherish.

3. Andrea Pirlo v Croatia...The only direct free kick scored at the tournament, it provides a fitting summary of Pirlo's class.

4. Andy Carroll v Sweden...Euro 2012 saw the most headed goals scored of any European Championship, and this was without doubt the best of the lot. A fantastic cross from deep by Gerrard was met with aplomb by the Liverpool striker, who was criminally under-used after this match.

5. Mario Balotelli's 2nd v Germany...A fantastic long range pass from Montolivo was controlled expertly by Balotelli, who then finished (and celebrated) in true style.  

BEST GAME(S) OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Germany 1 Italy 2: The moment when Prandelli's Renaissance methods bore fruition, with Mad Mario repaying the faith shown in him by his manager.

2. Spain 4 Italy 0: Boring, boring Spain? Come off it.

3. England 3 Sweden 2: The archetypal 'England at an international tournament' performance. Go ahead, concede two bizarre goals, and then score two outstanding late strikes to win the match.

4. Denmark 2 Portugal 3: The game where Ronaldo hit everything but the goal...alas, his teammates spared his blushes as Paulo Bento's side triumphed in the face of Danish defiance.

5. Germany 4 Greece 2: Joachim Low's side show glimpses of what could have been whilst also stunning all by allowing Giorgos Samaras to score.

WORST GAME OF THE TOURNAMENT

England 0 Italy 0 (Italy win 4-2 on penalties): Need I say anymore?!? 

WORST PLAYER(S) OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Kostas Chalkias/Michalis Sifakis: This hapless pair of Greek goalkeepers will be remembered more for their inability to hold the ball than their ability to keep it out of the net. Useless.

2. The entire Republic of Ireland team: Escaping Group C was always going to be a tough ask for Giovanni Trapattoni's men, but to equal the record for most goals conceded in the group stage of the tournament was an unexpected outcome for a team previously regarded for their defensive strength.

3. Aleksandr Kerzhakov: The Russian striker somehow transpired to hit everything but the back of the net, failing to register a shot on target in his country's three group games. Milan Baros ought to be thankful for Kerzhakov's futility, otherwise he'd have definitely made the list.

WORST MANAGER(S) OF THE TOURNAMENT:

1. Bert van Marwijck: The Dutch qualified for the Euros with aplomb, scoring more goals than any other team. However, their manager couldn't seem to resist the allure of his son-in-law Mark van Bommell, allowing him to trudge around the midfield for their first two games whilst their more adventorous opponents duly took advantage.

2. Franciszek Smuda: The Poland manager didn't seem to grasp the concept of the advantage of being a host nation, preferring to play for the draw rather than build on the support offered by the Polish fans. His team duly crashed out at the group stage, conspiring to finish below the less than considerable might of the Czech Republic and Greece.

3. Giovanni Trapattoni: The Ireland manager has a penchant for defensive organisation, and up until now it has served him well. At the Euros, however, Ireland seemed unable to play to their strengths and the conservatism of their Italian leader meant they offered very little variation when in a losing position. The decision to ostrachise James McClean was particularly baffling. 

UNLUCKIEST PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Alan Dzagoev, Russia: At first my sympathy went to the CSKA Moscow schemer because many of our television experts didn't seem to know who he was, despite his considerable reputation throughout European football. But when his country somehow transpired to lose to Greece and subsequently get eliminated at the group stage, denying him the chance to add to the three goals he'd already scored, my sympathy got a whole lot stronger. A real talent who deserved better.

2. Steven Gerrard, England: Was more like his old self as he patrolled a midfield that spent more time chasing the ball than having it at their feet. Spoke frankly of his disappointment after the defeat to Italy, a nation breathed a collective sigh of relief when he declared his intention to play on to the next World Cup.

3. Giorgos Karagounis, Greece: One of few Greek players with any real attacking ability, the midfielder enjoyed a fine game in the decisive victory over Russia. However, a (wrongful) booking meant he missed the quarter final tie against Germany, an outcome that will likely deny him the opportunity of playing in an international knock-out tie again.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE TOURNAMENT

Considering the Irish aren't unfamiliar with failure on the international stage, this booby prize has to go to the Netherlands. Deemed by many as favourites heading into Euro 2012, Bert Van Marwijck's team looked like anything but potential winners. Their defending was atrocious and the egos of some of their more reputable players (step forward Arjen Robben) seemed to us at home to be out of control. Winless in three group games, the Dutch sulked home earlier than expected and the silver fox in the dugout duly resigned. A dishonourable mention should also go to the French, who spectacularly failed to turn up both against Sweden and (more importantly) against Spain.

And finally...

BEST TV COVERAGE

Were it not for Adrian Chiles, Clive Tyldesley and the scary wooden puppets in the opening credits, ITV would be a shoe-in for this. Yet they cannot escape an insatiable thirst for all things stupid and that's probably why a mere 2.3 million elected to watch their coverage compared to the 13.4 million who tuned into Gary Lineker and co. Big Ears for the win...but please, please get Mark Lawrenson out of the commentary booth. Depressing doesn't cover it!

So that concludes my summary of Euro 2012...it's taken me at least two hours, so I hope I haven't missed anything. Feel free, as ever, to give me some feedback either via Facebook or Twitter (@benrasmin) as it's much appreciated. Here's to the most enjoyable international tournament in at least eight years and fingers crossed for a similarly exciting Olympics. Or maybe not...