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Finally, we are at the business end of the competition. Only two teams remain, and they are going to battle it out on Sunday at Kyiv for the biggest prize in the European continent.
While Spain was expected to feature in this fixture, the Azzuri fans would be pleasantly surprised to see their team taking field on 1st of July, given the scandals that came to light just before the start of the Euros. One of the Pre-tournament favorites, Netherlands, crashed out early on, and they were joined by eternal under-performers England a little later. Portugal fought bravely, France failed to impress, and the Germans choked at the penultimate hurdle.
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Rightly so, the two best teams in the tournament are going to face each other for glory.
The two teams last played each other as recently as the 10th of this month in the Group stage, and it ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Antonio Di Natale opened the scoring for Italy with a brilliant finish, but La Furia Roja took less than five minutes to respond, as Cesc Fabregas took advantage of some uncertain defensive play by the Italians. Torres had a great chance to score the winner deep into the second half, but Buffon had other ideas and ensured both sides got a point each.
Flashback
Four years ago, Spain played Italy in the Quarterfinals of Euro 2008. The opening 45 minutes was a cautious affair, with chances – and quality – at a premium. It had been a frustrating evening for the much-vaunted Spanish strike force of Torres and Villa. The game remained at 0-0, despite close efforts in the extra time from Silva and Luca Toni. A Penalty shootout was needed to break the tie, and San Iker was the hero, saving from Di Natale and De Rossi. The then Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas, slid home the crucial penalty to set up a last four clash with Russia. Spain went on to win that tournament, and followed it up with the World Cup in 2010.
Iker and Cesc were the heroes last time around!
Both teams wouldn’t like a repeat of that match, and you can expect them to go for each other’s throats from the beginning.
Tactics
Spain
Form: DWWWD
Vincent Del Bosque has no injury or suspension worries, but his ‘Negredo experiment’ backfired against Portugal. Espana had many opportunities but failed to put the ball in the back of the net, particularly in extra time. They held their nerve in the shootouts against a Portuguese side that played it’s heart out.
The Spanish think-tank would do well to start either Fabregas or Torres on Sunday, the former looking the more likely option. Cesc has played well as the false striker, drawing defenders towards him, allowing space for Iniesta and Silva to exploit. He’s also scored two goals, one of which was an important equalizer against Italy, and also slotted the decisive penalty past Rui Patricio in the semifinal shootout. Torres scored the title clinching goal for Spain four years back, and has netted twice in this tournament. The defense has been solid, in fact the best in the tournament. Couple that with one Mr.Casillas, who will be guarding the posts, Italy will have to do really well to score. One can expect them to retain the same 4-3-3 shape, with Busquests shielding the back four, allowing Xavi and Alonso to play higher up the field.
Top Scorer(s): Fabregas, Alonso and Torres (2 each).
Man to Watch: Andres Iniesta
Italy
Form: WDWDD
When Super Mario is in his elements, there is nothing much the opponents can do about it. Germany and Matt Hummels were at the receiving end on Thursday, conceding two. First one was a well timed header, and the second was an absolute scorcher. Buffon made some excellent saves to deny Ozil and co., but couldn’t do much about the late penalty conceded by Balzaretti.
Abate (injury) and Maggio (suspension) couldn’t feature against Germany. Both will be back, and Maggio is expected to replace Balzaretti.
Daniele De Rossi has been Italia’s midfield enforcer, with a high work rate and accurate passes. Andrea Pirlo is on the back of a fantastic domestic season with the Old Lady, and is using his experience and precise passing to great effect. Captain Buffon has a good defensive line protecting his goal, while at the other end of the pitch; Cassano and Balotelli are in red hot form. Prandelli is likely to persist with the successful 4-1-3-2 formation.
Top Scorer: Mario Balotelli(3).
Man to Watch: Mario Balotelli
Key Battles
Andres Iniesta v Christian Maggio
The picture says it all.
Xavi v Andrea Pirlo
The veterans will be looking to dictate play from the center of the park.
Sergio Ramos v Mario Balotelli
Ramos and Pique need to be at their best to stop Mario and Cassano!
Predictions
The teams have a pretty even head-to-head record, having played each other 26 times, with Spain winning on 7 occasions and Italy winning 8. The remaining 11 games have ended in a draw.
While Spain is tipped as the favorites to win this one, Italy can be quite confident about their chances. They outplayed a decent English side in the quarters, and comprehensively beat the swashbuckling Germans in the semis. They’ve sent out a strong message to the Spanish, and it reads “Underestimate us at your own peril”.
Can the Azzuris finally bring back the glory days?
Which side of Super Mario will we see on Sunday- The Good, The Bad, or The Plain Ugly?
Will the Tiki-Taka Spanish boys cover themselves with glory by winning a hat-trick of major titles?
All these questions will be answered on Sunday.
Enjoy the spectacle!
Ganeshram Sridhar
