How the Italian Job was done

The day we were all building up to for the past one month signed off yesterday in style as we witnessed a Spanish night yet again. Spain, whose style has been criticized as ‘Boring Football’ by many, showed the critics why they are World and European champions with a dazzling display yesterday.

Here, I would like to elaborate the Factors that ensured a Spanish victory yesterday. A few errors by the Italians, an outstanding display by a few Spaniards and a managerial masterclass added up to help Spain lift their third major tournament in a row.

Catalan Attack Stepping Up

It was a great day at the office for the attackers with Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, new Barca signing Alba and the rest stepping up for their nation once again. Killer balls ripping the Italian defence apart were provided once in a while by both Xavi and Iniesta. The Catalan players were literally involved in all the goals with their great passing skill and the Italians failed to play them offside a single time. A good defensive display added to a fantastic night for the Catalans. The Madrid players were good too.

Defensive Collapse of Italy

I would say that it was one of the poorest performances of the Italian defence in their footballing history. They let final balls from Xavi and Iniesta cut them apart quite easily and failed to play the attackers offside, giving them easy chances to score and they will be kicking themselves for their poor show.

Goal 1: Great ball in from Iniesta to Fabregas. Chiellini failing to mark him well lets him in easily. Buffon had to tighten the angle at the near post, so he comes out. Fabregas crosses and one of the shortest players in the pitch scores a header. I don’t think Barzagli and Bonucci got good sleep the previous night. They were found napping on the pitch. Silva gets an open goal to fire Spain in front.

Goal 2: Alba passes to Xavi and runs nearly 40-50 yards, Xavi threads a perfect pass in. One player failing to play Alba offside. That was not the problem. The pass was through the Italian centre backs; why did none try to slide and block the ball?

The two goals were enough to see the plight of Italian defence yesterday. Chiellini’s injury added fuel to fire as they were ripped open atleast twice again to make the score line 4-0. An easy penalty was not given in favour of Spain.

Captain Fantastic

It was yet another great game for Casillas as he got his 100^th win for Spain. He was at his best yet again with several good saves. His interceptions and vision were fantastic as he managed to stop several great crosses which would have resulted in a goal. At least twice he denied easy headers for the Italians and showed the world why he is the best.

Misfortunes never come in singles.

This proverb suits the plight of the Italians well. They had a semi-final date with Germany, but the Spaniards had two extra days of rest. Many Italian players surrendered to fatigue as Cassano, Chiellini, Abate and many others picked up injuries. Prandelli was quoted saying that the injury concerns may have led to their downfall. But he never complained about the limited number of days the Italians got rest. Prandelli made many bold decisions which went against him. Playing Chiellini when they know that he may pick up an injury was a poor deicision and they were punished for that. Using all three substitutes within 60 minutes is the poorest of them all as Motta’s appearance lasted just 4 minutes as he was carried away with and the Italians were down to 10 men within 4 minutes of their last substitution. Yet another injury concern for Italy. However just a bad day at office is not enough to under-estimate Prandelli. He should be proud of himself and the lads for their great run till the finals.

Del Bosque Factor.

One man who should get all the credits for Spain’s success is none other than Vicente Del Bosque. He never cared about what the haters said. You say we play Boring Football? Who cares? You say we should start conventional strikers? Who cares? That’s what he did throughout the tournament. He never cared about what the world said and started with a 4-3-3 or rather a 4-6-0 formation and showed the world how it worked. The man who won two La liga and two Champions Leagues at Madrid has now made the whole country proud by winning both the World cup and Euro Cup, two of the most coveted trophies in international football. He was rewarded with the title of First Marquis of Del Bosque by HM Juan Carlos I. Yet another feather in his hat. All in all, it was a day which said how good Spain were and how bad the Italians were.