[img]http://blogs.independent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/euro2012.jpg[/img]
[quote]
In winning Euro 2008 and the World Cup two years later, Spain thrilled with their tiki-taka style, centred around the midfield axis of Barcelona duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
This summer though, they have gained as much criticism as plaudits.
With David Villa injured and Fernando Torres still out of form, coach Vicente del Bosque has opted at times to play with no orthodox forwards.
It has led to a growing belief that Spain's close passing game is now of more value in keeping the ball away from opponents rather than actually trying to score themselves.
Last night, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli suggested those who feel Spain are boring are frightened of them and confirmed his belief that are still the best side in the world.
If Spain beat the Azzurri in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev this evening, they may also go down as one of the best sides ever given they will become the first country to win three successive tournaments.
However, Wenger believes they will do so in a negative manner.
"These guys are more than outstanding footballers; they are really intelligent and they are winners," Wenger said. "I want to give them credit for that.
"However, they have betrayed their philosophy and turned it into something more negative.
"Originally they wanted possession in order to attack and win the game; now it seems to be first and foremost a way not to lose.
"They have become more conservative, and they don't want to give the ball up because they don't want to give you a chance to score.
"That's the impression you get from Euro 2012.
"Yes, it can be hard to break down defensive opponents, but this is a challenge that confronts every successful team.
"They are still absolutely outstanding, but they have less penetration than before."[/quote]
[url]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/9368615/Euro-2012-Spain-pass-too-much-claims-Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger-ahead-of-Italy-clash.html[/url]
Here's a live stream
[url]http://www.livetackle.com/[/url]
Go Spain!
Being an ex pat living in spain for the last 13 years......GO ITALY!!!
Who do you think is going to win
Spain-agree
Italy-disagree
Come on Italy, you got this.
[QUOTE=Sumaher4;36579471]Who do you think is going to win
Spain-agree
Italy-disagree[/QUOTE]
shouldnt it be
Spain-Dumb
Italy-Winner
I loved how everyone thought Italy was going to lose against Germany and look what happened there :v:
I was supporting Germany but since they didn't go through, I'm supporting Italy for the final. The way Spain play annoy me and they win too much.
FUCKING GOAL
I had Italy and Germany in the office sweepstake I thought I had a sure winner but it seems a bit more uncertain now.
Italy better win.
Spain had a shitload of luck in the game with Portugal, that was pure bullshit.
Any one who thinks Italy will win is delusional :v:
Spain vs. Italy?
Half of the game will be them falling over
[QUOTE=TBFundy;36579672]Spain vs. Italy?
Half of the game will be them falling over[/QUOTE]
and then crying for 2 hours because they graised there knee!
I want someone to pat the ball off the goal, keeping the game at a tie.
Whoever can keep the ball, wins.
Spain are simply too good at that.
RIP Italy
Spain won?
*sigh*...
Italy got fucking owned.
[QUOTE=dass;36581263]Spain won?
*sigh*...[/QUOTE]
You're not happy that the best team won? Spain deserved to win with their performance in the Euro Cup.
[QUOTE=bobsynergy;36579570]I loved how everyone thought Italy was going to lose against Germany and look what happened there :v:[/QUOTE]
If not for that, it'd be a more exiting match than this one.
Pirlo deserved to win.
YEAH SPAIN FUCK YEAHHHHH!!!!!
I like to think that Spain avenged Germany.
Put £100 on Italy to win, I lost of course, but I wasn't that stupid, so I also put £100 on Spain, so I got my money back and £10....
Was really hoping Italy would win, after that thrashing Balotelli gave Germany last week :v:
Balotelli was some king of fucking [B]mashine[/B] against Germany.
Spain deserves this, Italy as such cheats. Diving/simulating in every goddamn match.
[QUOTE=Sin Cara;36581346]You're not happy that the best team won? Spain deserved to win with their performance in the Euro Cup.[/QUOTE]
The best team was clearly Germany and the only reason they lost the semi-finals was because they had a bad day and Italy had a well rested Balotelli and could rely the entire game on his abilities, Spain only really played a game you would expect from a world champion at the last match but without a good team like Germany it wasn't even worth the watch.
[QUOTE=OnDemand;36588227]The best team was clearly Germany and the only reason they lost the semi-finals was because they had a bad day and Italy had a well rested Balotelli and could rely the entire game on his abilities, Spain only really played a game you would expect from a world champion at the last match but without a good team like Germany it wasn't even worth the watch.[/QUOTE]
You seem to forget Pirlo's incredible performance against Germany too
[QUOTE=BAR;36588283]You seem to forget Pirlo's incredible performance against Germany too[/QUOTE]
True, for example if it weren't for Pirlo Germany would have scored first (in the 5th min):
[IMG]http://www.welt.de/img/bildergalerien/origs107290983/516972265-w900-h600/Euro-2012-Deutschland-Italien.jpg[/IMG]
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