A Lesson from their Group game - In the group 1-1 draw between these two sides it should be remembered that Spanish coach Del Bosque sprang the surprise of playing 6 MFs with Fabregas as the ‘false No 9’. However let’s remember that Torres came on after 75 mins and played well causing the Italians real problems having two good chances (both missed) to score. Torres could well be a fresh key player, probably from off the bench, in this game. 2. The principle of Mental Let Down - Italy played the best 90 mins of the tournament in deservedly beating Germany 2-1 in the SF last night. However it is always wise to be wary in Sports Betting of any individual or team which has produced one really high class performance as it is very difficult to follow one mega performance with another especially when the next match comes very soon after the initial excellent performance. So Italy, and esp Balotelli, will probably suffer from MLD in this final. 3. Freshness — Spain have had one day extra recovery time although they, unlike Italy, played extra time in their SF. IN SUM - If there is to be a winner in 90 mins Spain look the likelier as they can use Torres off the bench [pt 1 above] and I expect Italy to suffer from MLD [pt 2 above]. Views?
Italy won't bounce, imo. They have improved steadily throughout the tournament, while Spain have looked jaded and lacking in belief despite their excellent ball retention. AS for Torres, I am beginning to think Del Bosque just won't play the guy, as if he wants to prove Spain are above using such a direct no-nonsense player. you're right to observe that he changed the game when he came on against Italy. Only God and Del Bosque know why he wasn't used against Portugal. We heard a lot before the semis about how Pirlo was given too much space against England, he wouldn't get that against Germany. But he made the space he needed to again boss the game, and with montolivo and de rossi around him, he'll find space even amongst Spain's packed midfield. I'm on the Azzuri at 12/1, and I won't be laying off.
Hi Archers great bet at 12's!. I need Spain to win to take up Victors kind offer to refund all my losing bets!!!
Spain will win. They haven't looked their normal selves this tournament, but I believe they will turn it on for the final. Their defense will not make the same mistakes as Germany did, in letting Balotelli run through them whenever he fancies. Also, Pirlo will have a lot less impact as he will never get the ball, and when he does he will be closed down by three players at once.
I would have preferred Spain to have taken Germany apart in the final, but I will settle for them stifling Italy and winning 2-1.
Having defeated Germany four years ago, Spain, then overcame the Netherlands to win the World Cup in 2010. They will become the first team to retain the European Championship if they beat Italy on Sunday. Even more important, victory over the Azzurri would make them the first country to win three major international tournaments in a row - can't see them missing out. Draw ht Spain ft.
So no one predicted a mauling then did they? From what I saw there was only one team in it......what was your view.....?
Interesting that the commentators starting debating on whether they were better than the 1970 Brazil side. What are the thoughts on this of people who remember that team? Are 2008-12 Spain as good?
It was a real shame Italy went down to 10 men, which pretty much took away any chance of recovering from 2-0 down. However, Spain are in a class of their own, at present, and are brimming with confidence. In Europe, I can't see another team, other than perhaps Germany, or indeed Italy, who can get anywhere near displacing them, by managing to better them at their own game, or doing so at another form of play. It could be a very long time, so if you're one of the Spain-are-boring crowd, you better hope league managers don't decide to copy them.
Utterly brilliant, beautiful football from Spain, totally dominant throughout. Torres just increased the pain when he came on. Why Liverpool ever got rid of him and Xabi Alonso is a complete mystery to me. Personally I think Spain are definitely up there with the 1970 Brazil side in terms of being the best team ever. Their principle is, keep the ball and you can't lose. As we saw tonight, you can also destroy teams as well. By the way, if you want Southampton to score more goals like the 3rd against Middlesbrough, just hope they continue to try and emulate Barcelona and Spain.
Earlier, when I wrote about my football style preferences, I suddenly realised that my favourite Saints goal from last season was the 26 pass goal against Middlesbrough. Shock..! Horror..! And this is the very style I supposedly don't want to see catch on. But I've realised that that is for the neutral viewer. Saints have played the fast pass, retained possession style, in the past, and if they were to employ it on a continual basis, instead of the eventual long ball, and became brilliant at it, I would want them to play it practically all the time simply because, ideally I'd like Saints to overwhelm the opposition, not just beat them. In interviews last season and before, Nigel's only post match criticisms were... we didn't retain the ball and we didn't pass it quickly enough. He was talking Spanish football and I hadn't made the connection, because he would also mention crosses, which certainly isn't Spanish style. So, if Saints play the Spanish style well enough I won't complain.
