Italy vs Spain: EURO 2012 Final – live scores, blog
Roar Guru By Matt Bungard, 2 Jul 2012 Matt Bungard is a Roar Guru & Live Blogger
- Tagged:
- euro 2012, football, Italy football, live blog, Spain football
After a month of competition, we’ve finally reached the final of EURO 2012 and it will be between Group C opponents Spain and Italy.
Three weeks after they contested a 1-1 draw in the group stage, the two will meet again and this time it’s for all the marbles.
Whilst the majority of people expected the Spaniards to be gracing the final with their presence again, few predicted Italy would be joining them; in fact, there was a significant portion of people that believed Croatia would advance from the group at the expense of Prandelli’s men.
That was not to be, and after a penalty shootout victory over England and a virtuoso performance against Germany, the Azzurri are just one game away from clinching another major honour, with next to nobody believing in them.
Spain too had to deal with the lottery of penalties en route to the final, seeing off Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portuguese team in the semis.
Before that, they dominated France in the quarter-finals after topping the group that their opponents in the final were the runners-up in.
Many would argue that Italy were the better team in that opening match, and with the magnificent Andrea Pirlo pulling the strings and the enigmatic Mario Balotelli (fresh off a brilliant brace against the Germans) leading the line, who wouldn’t give them a chance now?
For Spain, it’s less about individual brilliance and more about another clinical team performance if they want to claim their third tournament success in six years. They are of course the reigning World and European Champions.
Regardless, it’s been a fantastic tournament so far and let’s hope for a thrilling final.
See you all just before 4:45am for all the line-ups, team news and formations.
The Crowd Says (83) | Page 1 of Comments
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- euro 2012, football, Italy football, live blog, Spain football
12:28pm
Jason Cave said | 12:28pm | Report comment
What are the odds of Spain doing the ‘Triple Crown’ of international football-2010 World Cup Champions, 2012 European Champions, 2012 Olympic Games Gold Medallists (football)?
9:22am
Bondy said | 9:22am | Report comment
That was a hiding.
6:37am
Matt Bungard said | 6:37am | Report comment
FULL TIME
ITALY 0
SPAIN 4
6:38am
Matt Bungard said | 6:38am | Report comment
Well, that’s about as comprehensive a victory as you’ll ever see. Italy didn’t have any luck on their side at all, and against a team like Spain if you don’t at least have some fortunate bounces, you’re no chance of winning anything.
Di Natale missing a couple of decent chances, the injuries to both Chiellini and Thiago Motta (the latter after the Azzurri had used all three subs) and it was never going to end well with Spain playing as well as I’ve ever seen a team play. It was simply a joy to watch.
Xavi and Iniesta pulling the strings throughout, the other players all knowing their roles and executing perfectly today, and another goal for Fernando Torres, tying him for the Golden Boot with Mandzukic, Gomez and of course, Balotelli…who has stormed off the field with most of his team mates staying to shake hands.
It’s difficult to fault Italy…no team would have beaten Spain today, and it was great to see them get this far if you’re an Italian fan. But I guess the scoreline in the final doesn’t make for pleasant viewing!!
Thanks for following along, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed blogging a whole bunch of these games and certainly enjoyed the football. I won’t miss the 4am wake-ups, though.
Feel free to tweet us @TheRoarSports or myself @TheMattBungard – I hope you enjoyed these Euros as much as I did.
6:36am
Matt Bungard said | 6:36am | Report comment
93rd min, ESP 4-0
Ramos with a cheeky backheeled attempt that doesn’t elude Buffon. What a cherry on top that would have been.
Surely not long now…
6:32am
Matt Bungard said | 6:32am | Report comment
88th
MATAAAAA!!! HIS FIRST TOUCH OF THE TOURNAMENT!!!
6:33am
Matt Bungard said | 6:33am | Report comment
Torres through again, he could have gone himself but squared it to Mata who tapped it in and that’s a goal with his very first touch of the tournament!!
Balotelli looks dejected. Spain are jubliant. This team are very, very special.
6:33am
Stevo said | 6:33am | Report comment
Unselfish Torres bangs one in and sets one up. Incredible!
6:30am
Matt Bungard said | 6:30am | Report comment
87th min, ESP 3-0:
Mata will get his first minutes of the tournament, and the brilliant Iniesta comes off.
6:27am
Matt Bungard said | 6:27am | Report comment
84th min
TORRRRRESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! IT’S THREE!!!!!
6:28am
Stevo said | 6:28am | Report comment
I’m happy for him!!!!!! Ole ole ole
6:28am
Matt Bungard said | 6:28am | Report comment
A brilliantly timed run, a great through ball from Xavi and a calm side-footed finish from the great man who becomes the first player to score in TWO European Championship finals!!! Fantastic stuff.
It would be incredibly funny if he scored again and claimed the Golden Boot…
6:27am
Matt Bungard said | 6:27am | Report comment
83rd min, ESP 2-0
The game has slowed to an almost walking pace as the ten men of Italy can do nothing to stop Spain keeping the ball.
6:24am
Matt Bungard said | 6:24am | Report comment
81st min, ESP 2-0
Pedro with a shot from distance but that lacked power or direction.
6:24am
Matt Bungard said | 6:24am | Report comment
80th min, ESP 2-0
Bonucci just beats Torres to that one, conceding a corner in the process.
6:23am
Matt Bungard said | 6:23am | Report comment
79th min, ESP 2-0:
A breathtaking counter from Spain ends in Pedro having a shot from the edge of the six yard box…he puts it wide but luckily for him, the flag was up for offside to spare his blushes.
6:21am
Matt Bungard said | 6:21am | Report comment
77th min, ESP 2-0
Ramos goes down under the challenge of Balzaretti – nothing given.
6:20am
Matt Bungard said | 6:20am | Report comment
76th min, ESP 2-0
Great run from Iniesta and he wins a corner off Abate.
6:18am
Matt Bungard said | 6:18am | Report comment
75th min, ESP 2-0:
Torres time. He’ll get the last 15 at the expense of Fabregas.
6:17am
Matt Bungard said | 6:17am | Report comment
74th min, ESP 2-0
Pedro and Xavi play a neat one two, the cross to the back post was trying to find Iniesta but the Italians did just enough to clear.
6:14am
Matt Bungard said | 6:14am | Report comment
69th min, ESP 2-0:
Almost 3-0!
Some great short passing, they’re picking the Italians apart here. The chip across goal came from the left hand side of the penalty area but it was cleared away by some last ditch defending.
6:11am
Matt Bungard said | 6:11am | Report comment
67th min, ESP 2-0:
I’d like to know why I could see multiple Spanish fans with Uzbekistani flags in the background…odd.
6:07am
Matt Bungard said | 6:07am | Report comment
64th min, ESP 2-0
Balotelli wins a free kick. Pirlo is over it…
6:08am
Matt Bungard said | 6:08am | Report comment
it’s out of play after there was a collision at the back post that has left Bonucci down clutching his face
6:04am
Matt Bungard said | 6:04am | Report comment
61st min, ESP 2-0
Thiago Motta is down injured…I think he’s pulled a hammy.
This isn’t good, considering all their subs have been used…
6:06am
Matt Bungard said | 6:06am | Report comment
On comes the stretcher, off comes the Brazilian-Italian.
Will he return?
6:02am
Matt Bungard said | 6:02am | Report comment
59th min, ESP 2-0
Goalscorer David Silva comes off, Pedro comes on.
6:02am
Matt Bungard said | 6:02am | Report comment
58th min, ESP 2-0
A free kick for Italy is punched away by Casillas, Balotelli ends up having a shot from just outside the area but puts it over
6:00am
Matt Bungard said | 6:00am | Report comment
57th min, ESP 2-0
Final change for Italy – Montolivo off, Thiago Motta on.
6:00am
Matt Bungard said | 6:00am | Report comment
56th min, ESP 2-0
Another bulldozing run from Jordi Alba, and a backheel from Iniesta doesn’t find it’s mark. Shame really.
5:57am
Matt Bungard said | 5:57am | Report comment
54th min, ESP 2-0
Fabregas was clean through but he couldn’t get his touch right and the ball gets away from him!
That would surely have been game over.
5:56am
Alan Nicolea said | 5:56am | Report comment
there are chinks in that spain armour. italy wasteful. good save casillas
5:55am
Matt Bungard said | 5:55am | Report comment
51st min, ESP 2-0
Di Natale goes close!!!!
His shot from the left side of the area is well saved by Casillas. Again, the commentary spoiled that for everyone as Martin Tyler reacted before the Udinese striker had even got a shot away.
I’m putting my TV on mute.
5:56am
Matt Bungard said | 5:56am | Report comment
Just on the replays of that chance – he really, really should have scored there.
Big let off for Spain.
5:54am
Matt Bungard said | 5:54am | Report comment
51st min, ESP 2-0
Balotelli goes down looking for a penalty…not given!
5:54am
Matt Bungard said | 5:54am | Report comment
50th min, ESP 2-0
Silva on the end of a great long ball, finds Xavi who beats one man but his attempted pass is smothered by Barzagli.
5:52am
Matt Bungard said | 5:52am | Report comment
48th min, ESP 2-0
And that was so close to a third!!!
Fabregas got into the area down the right, beat his man and tried to shoot from a tight angle instead of going for the cutback. Buffon saves and it’s only half cleared before the Spaniards win a foul down near the corner flag.
5:51am
Matt Bungard said | 5:51am | Report comment
47th min, ESP 2-0
Cesc shoots just wide of Buffon’s goal
5:50am
Alan Nicolea said | 5:50am | Report comment
wasteful italy header should have been on target
5:50am
Matt Bungard said | 5:50am | Report comment
46th min, ESP 2-0
And the super sub almost scores with his first touch!!
The cross came in from Abate, Di Natale hit it with power but it was just over the bar.
5:49am
Matt Bungard said | 5:49am | Report comment
Second half underway – can Italy find a miracle?
5:50am
Matt Bungard said | 5:50am | Report comment
Oh, and Di Natale is on for Cassano.
5:33am
Matt Bungard said | 5:33am | Report comment
HALF TIME
ITALY 0
SPAIN 2
5:38am
Matt Bungard said | 5:38am | Report comment
Just about the perfect half from Spain.
They started well, got rewarded with a goal and when Italy responded with more impetus after going behind, they didn’t falter, didn’t lose their cool and most importantly, didn’t concede.
And with just a few minutes left in the first half, their brilliant left back had the brightest moment of his career with a brilliant run and finish to double the lead. Spain haven’t conceded in a knock-out match since they lost to France in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals, which itself is a ridiculous statistic.
OK, Les Murray just apologised for the commentary being ahead of the pictures – I knew I wasn’t insane. Hopefully they fix that for the second half…but of course it’s something off the pitch we can find to complain about because there’s not a lot to hate on it!! See you again in a few minutes.
5:33am
Matt Bungard said | 5:33am | Report comment
46th min, ESP 2-0
The free kick is partially cleared, it drops to Silva who hits it from distance but it’s straight into the arms of Buffon.
5:31am
Matt Bungard said | 5:31am | Report comment
45th min, ESP 2-0
Barzagli into the book with a smart foul on Iniesta who had gotten around him – he may have saved a goal by taking that booking.
5:31am
Matt Bungard said | 5:31am | Report comment
44th min, ESP 2-0
Montolivo’s shot is palmed away by Casillas, but again that wasn’t too far away.
5:28am
Matt Bungard said | 5:28am | Report comment
41st min
ALBA MAKES IT TWO!!!! FANTASTIC!!!!
5:30am
Stevo said | 5:30am | Report comment
Apart from a few moments so far, Spain playing like world champions-no doubt
5:30am
Matt Bungard said | 5:30am | Report comment
Fantastic.
Jordi Alba won the ball in his own half, played it to Xavi and then burst forward with a fantastic run, took one touch and beat Buffon with the finish!!!!
They said he was the most athletic member of the Spanish squad and you can see why, with an effort like that. And the pass from Xavi.
Just…brilliant. Italy up against it now.
5:28am
Alan Nicolea said | 5:28am | Report comment
too good spain. alba in superb touch. game over
5:27am
Matt Bungard said | 5:27am | Report comment
40th min, ESP 1-0:
A mexican wave. In a European final. Sigh.
5:26am
Matt Bungard said | 5:26am | Report comment
38th min, ESP 1-0:
Spain burst forward on the counter, the cross from the left is cleared away..Italy come forward on a counter of their own as a result, and Balotelli’s shot is well hit but just over the top!
5:23am
Matt Bungard said | 5:23am | Report comment
35th min, ESP 1-0:
Delightful play from Spain – they keep possession near or in the Italian penalty area for over a minute before an offside relieves the pressure on the Azzurri
5:21am
Alan Nicolea said | 5:21am | Report comment
have to say that italy are geting the better of play now. another goal for spain though and its over
5:20am
Matt Bungard said | 5:20am | Report comment
33rd min, ESP 1-0
Cassano blasts one from just beyond the area and it’s beaten away by Casillas! Good save and Italy are really starting to find their feet in this contest.
5:16am
Matt Bungard said | 5:16am | Report comment
29th min, ESP 1-0
Cassano’s shot from a tight angle somehow goes through the legs of two or three Spanish defenders before being easily saved.
5:14am
Alan Nicolea said | 5:14am | Report comment
italy are finding their rythem….
5:17am
Matt Bungard said | 5:17am | Report comment
Indeed. Perhaps conceding a goal was the best thing for them because they were completely listless in the first 15 minutes..
5:14am
Matt Bungard said | 5:14am | Report comment
27th min, ESP 1-0
And it’s not a bad cross up the other end from the replacement left back!! In the end, Casillas can only get a hand to it but falls on the rebound before a blue shirt can react.
5:13am
Matt Bungard said | 5:13am | Report comment
26th min, ESP 1-0
Silva tries to double his account but he can’t evade the sliding tackle of Balzaretti right on the edge of the penalty area and Italy will counter
5:12am
Matt Bungard said | 5:12am | Report comment
25th min, ESP 1-0
Pique into the book after he clattered through the back of Cassano
5:11am
Matt Bungard said | 5:11am | Report comment
24th min, ESP 1-0
A nice portion of play here for Italy as they keep possession for about 90 seconds straight, before Abate’s cross can only find Arbeloa.
5:09am
Campu said | 5:09am | Report comment
Italia win 2^0. not without help of M.B.! or 1^1 then penalty
5:08am
Matt Bungard said | 5:08am | Report comment
21st min, ESP 1-0
Big blow here for Italy: Chiellini is limping off, Balzaretti on.
5:08am
Matt Bungard said | 5:08am | Report comment
20th min, ESP 1-0
Italy turn the ball over in their own final third, but Spain can’t capitalise as the ball is played out to Xabi Alonso and his cross doesn’t find a man
5:05am
Matt Bungard said | 5:05am | Report comment
18th min. ESP 1-0
Italy with another corner, it’s headed goalwards but takes a big block off the head of Ramos on the way through.
A corner from the other side is the result, and it’s emphatically punched clear by Casillas.
5:02am
Matt Bungard said | 5:02am | Report comment
15th min, ESP 1-0
Italy win a free kick right on the edge of the box. Is it Pirlo time?
5:03am
Matt Bungard said | 5:03am | Report comment
That’s just over by Pirlo, but it took a touch and we’ll have a corner..
5:04am
Matt Bungard said | 5:04am | Report comment
And it was not really dealt with by Casillas who flapped at it, but he gets a standard ‘the goalkeeper didn’t catch the ball so it must have been a foul’ free kick in his favour and the Spanish can clear
5:02am
Alan Nicolea said | 5:02am | Report comment
too good spain. not boring today are they? Italy are chasing shadows…..
5:01am
Matt Bungard said | 5:01am | Report comment
14th min
DAVID SILVA HAS SCORED!!!!!
5:02am
Stevo said | 5:02am | Report comment
Oh no but Spain have hit their stride better than Italia
5:02am
Matt Bungard said | 5:02am | Report comment
The possession and passing pay dividends: Fabregas on the end of a great slide rule pass from Iniesta, he beats Chiellini to the ball and cuts it back for the header of David Silva to fly into the top left corner!!! Spain ahead and probably deservedly so!!
4:57am
Matt Bungard said | 4:57am | Report comment
10th min, 0-0
Xavi gets a shot away from the edge of the area, but it’s blocked. Iniesta does the same seconds later.
Following this, a nice one two between Fabregas and Xavi sees the latter with the best sight of goal so far and he puts it just over. Great football from Spain.
4:54am
Matt Bungard said | 4:54am | Report comment
7th min, 0-0
Jordi Alba showing his athleticism with a great run and the end result is a corner!
4:54am
Matt Bungard said | 4:54am | Report comment
Ramos wins the header from right on the penalty spot, but it’s over the bar again.
4:53am
Matt Bungard said | 4:53am | Report comment
6th min, 0-0
Heavy challenge by De Rossi on Xavi and the first free kick in a decent area will go to Spain; about 35m out..
4:53am
Matt Bungard said | 4:53am | Report comment
Sergio Ramos hits it well over.
4:51am
Matt Bungard said | 4:51am | Report comment
4th min, 0-0
Great run from David Silva but his pass is played in towards the strikers and of course, there isn’t any.
4:49am
Matt Bungard said | 4:49am | Report comment
2nd min, 0-0
First shot of the night comes from Pirlo, he slices it well wide of goal.
4:48am
Matt Bungard said | 4:48am | Report comment
We are underway in Kiev!
4:48am
Matt Bungard said | 4:48am | Report comment
Hey everyone, we’re just about to kick-off here…
Spain (4-3-3):
Casillas
Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Jordi Alba
Xavi, Busquets, Xabi Alonso
Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta
—
Italy (4-1-3-2):
Buffon
Abate, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini
Pirlo
Marchisio, Montolivo, De Rossi
Cassano, Balotelli