Spain: Euro 2012 Champions – A Dominant Victory
Spain cemented their place in football history by winning Euro 2012, adding to their Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup titles. Throughout the tournament, “La Roja” showcased an impenetrable defense, conceding only one goal in six matches, while their attack fired in 12 goals. The final against Italy was a masterclass, ending in a record-breaking 4-0 victory. Across the 31 matches of Euro 2012, every group stage game saw goals, with only a single quarter-final and semi-final ending goalless. The Golden Boot was awarded to Spain’s Fernando Torres, who, despite being tied on three goals with Balotelli, Ronaldo, Dzagoev, Gomez, and Mandzukic, won due to playing fewer minutes than Gomez and also providing an assist.
Group A
Czech Republic Surprise
Alt text: Euro 2012 Group A match between Czech Republic and Poland, showcasing national team kits and stadium atmosphere, highlighting the unexpected progression of the Czech team.
Group A of Euro 2012 was arguably the most unassuming on paper, lacking the star power of other groups. While perceived as balanced, the overall quality seemed less exciting compared to the rest of the tournament. Russia, with its player talent, and co-hosts Poland, with home advantage, were initially favored over the Czech Republic and Greece. However, the reality on the pitch from June 8th to 16th defied these predictions. The Czech Republic and Greece emerged as the top two, securing quarter-final spots, while Russia and Poland were eliminated in the first round. Remarkably, Russia, the only team in the group with a positive goal difference, was knocked out. The Czech Republic, with a negative goal difference, topped the group, and Poland, with the same goal difference as the Czechs, finished last. The lesson was clear: effective results in each match mattered more than simply scoring many goals and conceding few.
The tournament’s opening match on June 8th at the National Stadium in Warsaw saw co-hosts Poland face Greece. Poland took an early lead in the 17th minute through Lewandowski, fresh off a Champions League final appearance with Dortmund. Their advantage grew in the 44th minute when Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Greece received a second yellow card. However, ten-man Greece rallied in the second half, with Salpingidis, a substitute for Ninis, equalizing in the 51st minute. Salpingidis then drew a penalty in the 69th minute after being fouled by Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was also sent off, reducing Poland to ten men. Victory seemed within Greece’s grasp, but substitute Polish goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton, with his first touch of the ball, saved Karagounis’s penalty, ensuring a 1-1 draw.
In Wroclaw, Russia dominated the other Group A match. Despite the Czech Republic having 51% possession, Russia’s attacks were devastatingly effective, resulting in a 4-1 victory. Dzagoev (2), Shirokov, and Pavlyuchenko, who replaced Kerzhakov, scored for Russia. Pilar scored a consolation goal for the Czechs. After these initial matches, the expectation was for Russia to advance and the Czech Republic to be eliminated. However, the Czechs, despite conceding four goals in their opener, would top the group, while Russia would head home early. Intriguingly, Russia was the highest-scoring team in the group with 5 goals, and Dzagoev was the group’s top scorer with 3 goals, yet they did not advance.
Alt text: Euro 2012 Group A match between Russia and Greece, showcasing national team players in action, highlighting the surprising victory of Greece over Russia.
The June 12th matches marked a turnaround for the Czech Republic. Against Greece, they secured a decisive victory within six minutes with goals from Jiracek and Pilar. Gekas’s goal in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a Cech error, only provided Greece with consolation, not points. Russia, after taking the lead against Poland through Dzagoev, couldn’t hold on, as Blaszczykowski’s stunning goal resulted in a 1-1 draw. Heading into the final group matches, Russia led with 4 points, followed by the Czech Republic with 3, Poland with 2, and Greece with 1. All four teams still had a chance to qualify, but Russia was in the strongest position, needing only a draw to reach the quarter-finals. However, Greece stunned Russia with a 1-0 victory. Despite controlling 62% of possession and setting a record with 25 shots, 10 on target, Russia couldn’t find the net. Greece, against the run of play, scored in first-half stoppage time through Karagounis, redeeming himself after missing a penalty against Poland, securing a quarter-final spot on goal difference.
In the other match, a winner-takes-all clash unfolded. Poland couldn’t capitalize on their home advantage, while the Czech Republic, dominating possession with 58%, secured a 1-0 win with Jiracek’s 72nd-minute goal, topping the group. The Czech Republic’s journey from a 4-1 defeat to group winners, and Russia’s elimination despite a strong start, was the group’s biggest surprise. Group A witnessed 11 goals in total, with Russia being the highest-scoring team (5 goals) and Dzagoev the top scorer (3 goals), yet they were eliminated.
Group B
Germany’s Record-Breaking Run
Alt text: Euro 2012 Group B match between Germany and Denmark, focusing on team dynamics and strategic gameplay during the group stage.
Group B, featuring Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, and Denmark, was rightly labeled the “group of death.” Comprising four teams capable of reaching the quarter-finals, including a former European Champion and a finalist, it promised high drama. Germany, despite their pedigree, had never advanced past the group stage in a European Championship with a perfect record. This time, they broke that jinx, winning all three matches and topping the group with 9 points. Surprisingly, the Netherlands, the 1988 champions and future opponents of Turkey in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, lost all three matches and returned home without a single point.
The Netherlands’ downfall began in their opening match against Denmark. Despite controlling 53% possession and taking 28 shots, only 8 were on target. Denmark, in contrast, were clinical, converting all 8 of their shots on target. Kron-Dehli’s 24th-minute goal proved decisive, condemning the Dutch to a poor start. In the other match, Germany narrowly defeated Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, with a single goal from Mario Gomez, securing a 3-point start to their campaign.
The second round of matches featured an early final between Germany and the Netherlands. Germany, dominating play, won 2-1 with two goals from Mario Gomez, reaching 6 points but not yet guaranteeing quarter-final qualification. The Netherlands, despite Van Persie’s goal, lost their second match, dimming their hopes.
Alt text: Euro 2012 Group B match between Portugal and Denmark, capturing the intensity and passion of the game, emphasizing the competitive nature of the group.
Meanwhile, Portugal and Denmark engaged in a thrilling encounter. Portugal twice took the lead through Pepe and Helder Postiga, but Denmark responded with two headed goals from Bendtner. However, Portugal had the final say, with Varela scoring in the 87th minute, securing a 3-2 victory. Heading into the final matches, calculations were rife. If Germany lost to Denmark by two goals and Portugal beat the Netherlands, Germany, with 6 points, would be eliminated. The Netherlands, still pointless, could qualify if they beat Portugal by two goals and Germany won against Denmark. The unfolding scores during the final matches kept these calculations dynamic. When Podolski put Germany ahead in the 19th minute, they seemed comfortable, but Krohn-Dehli’s equalizer in the 24th minute changed the complexion. Denmark, needing a win to qualify, pushed forward, creating opportunities for Germany on the counter. Bender, the right-back, scored Germany’s second goal, securing their progression to the quarter-finals as group winners, setting up a clash with Greece.
In the other match, the Netherlands, needing a two-goal victory, took the lead through Van der Vaart in the 11th minute. However, defensive vulnerabilities proved costly. Cristiano Ronaldo, criticized in the first two matches, appeared to save his best for this game, scoring twice against the porous Dutch defense, leading Portugal to a 2-1 victory and a quarter-final berth. Portugal’s quarter-final opponent would be the Czech Republic. Group B witnessed 16 goals in total, with Germany and Portugal as the joint top-scoring teams (5 goals each), and Germany’s Mario Gomez as the top scorer with 3 goals.
Group C
Favorites Advance as Expected
Alt text: Euro 2012 Group C match featuring Italy, capturing the tactical setup and player focus, emphasizing Italy’s journey in the group stage.
Group C unfolded as predicted. Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Republic of Ireland finished in that order, surprising no one. Spain, the reigning European and World Champions, were the clear favorites, not just of the group but of Euro 2012. While their gameplay wasn’t always captivating, Spain remained unbeaten, securing two wins and a draw, topping the group with 7 points. Italy, after starting with two draws, defeated the weakest link, Republic of Ireland, in their final match to secure second place.
The opening matches of Group C were Spain vs. Italy and Republic of Ireland vs. Croatia. Italy announced their presence in the tournament in their first match at Gdansk Arena. Against a Spain side playing without a traditional striker, in a 4-6 formation, Italy took the lead through Di Natale. However, Spain responded quickly through Fabregas, ending the match in a 1-1 draw. Croatia showcased their strength against Ireland, with Mandzukic scoring twice and Jelavic once, securing a 3-1 victory. Ireland’s only goal of the tournament came in this match, a header from St Ledger.
The second round of matches saw a win and another draw. Italy, against Croatia, again took the lead, this time through veteran Pirlo. However, their defense faltered again. Croatia, pushing forward in the latter stages, equalized through Mandzukic, the group’s top scorer, keeping their hopes alive for the final matchday. Spain, fielding Fernando Torres as a striker this time, played their best football of the group stage against the Republic of Ireland. Leading 1-0 at halftime through Torres, they dominated the second half, adding goals from Torres, David Silva, and Fabregas, securing a comfortable victory. The most poignant moment of the tournament occurred in this match. Despite being 4-0 down, Republic of Ireland fans responded with incredible support, singing and cheering their team in a remarkable display of sportsmanship.
Alt text: Fernando Torres of Spain in action during a Euro 2012 Group C match, highlighting his role as a striker and Spain’s tactical flexibility.
After the second round of matches, Spain and Croatia jointly led Group C with 4 points each, while Italy, with 2 points, still had a chance. Republic of Ireland, yet to secure a point, were playing for pride. The fact that Spain and Croatia were to play each other boosted Italy’s chances. A win for Italy would mean they would need to hope for a winner in the Spain-Croatia match. A narrow victory for Italy, coupled with a goalless draw between Croatia and Spain, would see Italy progress to the quarter-finals on goal difference. However, goal difference calculations proved unnecessary. Italy, under former manager Trapattoni’s watchful eye in the Republic of Ireland dugout, defeated Ireland 2-0 with goals from Cassano and a memorable strike from substitute Balotelli, securing second place in the group with 5 points. Irish fans again bid farewell to their team with passionate support as they departed Poland.
The Croatia vs. Spain match was a virtual knockout game. A win for Croatia could eliminate the reigning European and World Champions, Spain, from the group stage. Surprisingly, Croatia stifled Spain’s usual flowing football. In fact, with the score at 0-0, Rakitic’s close-range header forced a brilliant reaction save from Casillas, which could have changed the course of the group. However, Del Bosque’s substitutions, bringing on Navas and Fabregas for Torres and David Silva, proved decisive. In the 88th minute, Iniesta’s precise pass set up Navas to tap into an empty net, ending Croatia’s resistance and securing Spain’s top spot in the group and progression to the quarter-finals. Croatia, who had eliminated Turkey in the play-offs and played well in the group, were heading home early. Group C saw 15 goals scored in total, with Spain as the highest-scoring team and Croatia’s Mandzukic as the top scorer.
Group D
Expectations Met
Alt text: Euro 2012 Group D match between England and Sweden, capturing key moments and player interactions during the game, highlighting the competitive spirit.
Similar to Group C, Group D saw the expected teams advance to the quarter-finals. England and France, ranked higher than their rivals, secured the top two spots, while co-hosts Ukraine, along with Sweden, exited early.
The opening match of the group was between favorites England and France in Donetsk. England, adopting a defensive approach for much of the game, held France to a draw. France dominated possession (60%), shots (19 to 3), shots on target (15 to 1), and corners (11 to 4). Despite these statistical advantages, France only managed a draw. England took the lead through Lescott’s header from a corner, but France responded through Premier League player Nasri, securing a 1-1 draw. In the Ukraine vs. Sweden match, Ibrahimovic put Sweden ahead, but a 35-year-old Shevchenko, a former star, responded with two headed goals for the co-hosts, securing a 2-1 victory for Ukraine.
The second round match between England and Sweden was one of the most exciting and entertaining of the group stage. Carroll put England ahead, but Sweden responded with two headed goals from Mellberg, taking a 2-1 lead. The first of Mellberg’s goals was credited as an own goal to Johnson, who inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net while attempting a clearance. Walcott, who came on as a substitute in the 61st minute, turned the game around for England, scoring one goal and assisting another. England’s 3-2 victory sealed Sweden’s fate, eliminating them from the tournament.
The other match in the group was disrupted by torrential rain. The Ukraine vs. France match in Donetsk was suspended for 55 minutes in the 5th minute due to lightning, thunder, and heavy downpour. After the restart, France, led by Ribery, justified their dominance with two goals from Menez and Cabaye, winning 2-0.
Alt text: Euro 2012 Group D match between Ukraine and France, showing players competing under challenging weather conditions, emphasizing the impact of rain on the game.
In the final group matches, England faced Ukraine, and France played Sweden, with the top two qualification spots at stake. Sweden had no chance of progressing but could theoretically spoil France’s chances with a two-goal victory. This scenario required Ukraine to beat England by a single goal, which would have seen Ukraine and England progress to the quarter-finals. Sweden, playing for pride, surprisingly defeated France 2-0. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, criticized for being “above the team” throughout the tournament, scored a stunning goal against France, arguably the best of the group stage. Larsson added a second, converting the rebound after Holmen’s shot hit the post, sealing a 2-0 victory.
However, England’s 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the simultaneous match ensured France’s quarter-final qualification. Wayne Rooney, returning from suspension, scored in his first match, leading England to a 7-point group win, with Steven Gerrard being the standout performer. Ukraine were eliminated, rueing missed opportunities and a controversial incident where a clear goal was not awarded by the Hungarian referees when the ball crossed the line.
These results saw England top the group, avoiding Spain in the quarter-finals and instead facing Italy. France finished second, drawing Spain in the quarter-finals. Group D witnessed 15 goals in total, with Shevchenko and Ibrahimovic, both from eliminated teams, as joint top scorers with two goals each.
Quarter-Finals
Portugal Settle Scores
Alt text: Euro 2012 Quarter-final match between Portugal and Czech Republic, highlighting Cristiano Ronaldo’s decisive goal and Portugal’s quarter-final victory.
The first Euro 2012 quarter-final was between Portugal and the Czech Republic in Warsaw, with Portugal winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, becoming the first quarter-finalist. This match was also seen as a rematch of the Euro 1996 quarter-final, which the Czech Republic won with Pavel Poborsky’s memorable goal. The Czechs started brightly, seemingly poised to repeat that victory. However, this phase lasted only 10 minutes without creating any real danger. Portugal gradually gained control, and by the end of the first half, they were unlucky not to be ahead, hitting the post. Ronaldo, inside the box, controlled the ball with his chest, turned past two defenders, and shot, only to see his effort rebound off the post, beating Cech. Portugal began the second half with the same intensity. Almeida, replacing the injured Postiga in the 40th minute, headed Meireles’s cross wide from close range, much to the frustration of Portuguese fans. However, it was clear that the Czech Republic, lacking attacking impetus and focused on defending, were on the verge of collapse. Ronaldo, Nani, and Moutinho’s shots were repeatedly thwarted by the post and goalkeeper Cech. In the 79th minute, Moutinho’s cross from the right wing found Ronaldo, who leaped above his marker and headed the ball into the ground, beating Cech and securing a deserved victory for Portugal. Deserved, because a team with only 2 shots and none on target throughout the 90 minutes was outplayed by a team with 20 attempts, 5 on target, and 2 hitting the post. Ronaldo, who hit the post twice and scored the winning goal, was rightly named man of the match.
Germany Show No Mercy!
Alt text: Euro 2012 Quarter-final match featuring Germany, capturing the team’s cohesive unit and strategic gameplay, emphasizing Germany’s dominance in the quarter-finals.
One of the most politically charged quarter-finals was between Germany, the economic powerhouse of Europe, and Greece, grappling with economic crisis and viewing Germany with resentment. Germany coach Joachim Löw surprisingly made radical changes to his starting eleven, retaining only Mesut Özil from his attacking quartet, replacing Müller, Klose, and Podolski with Reus, Klose, and Schürrle. However, this bold reshuffle didn’t disrupt the German machine. Led by Özil, Germany dominated Greece, breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute with captain Lahm’s long-range thunderbolt. Greece, struggling to string two passes together in the first half and largely defensive, briefly showed signs of life in the second half, equalizing through Samaras. However, Germany, despite numerous missed chances and dominating possession (66% to 34%), quickly regained control. Khedira’s powerful strike in the 61st minute restored Germany’s lead, and Klose, in the 68th minute, became the oldest German player to score in a European Championship. In the 74th minute, young Marco Reus added a fourth with a Khedira-esque unstoppable shot, sealing Germany’s comfortable victory. While the match ended 4-2 in Germany’s favor, despite 24 shots and 10 on target, and Greece barely threatening, it could be viewed as a defensive lapse. Salpingidis’s late penalty, awarded for a questionable handball by Boateng, proved to be a mere consolation. Slovenian referee Damir Skomina might ponder if he would have awarded the penalty, considering Boateng’s arm was close to his body, had the score not been 4-1 already.
Spain Just About Enough
Alt text: Euro 2012 Quarter-final match between Spain and France, highlighting tactical battle and key player moments, emphasizing Spain’s narrow victory in the quarter-finals.
While the first two quarter-finals saw comfortable wins for the favorites, the third quarter-final was a much closer affair. Reigning European and World Champions Spain faced a formidable France side. Spain led the tournament in possession, with France closely behind. Moreover, in six previous official matches between the two, Spain had never beaten France. However, France coach Laurent Blanc opted for a defensive strategy, aiming to stifle Spain rather than engage in open play. Without Nasri and Menez in the starting lineup, France spent the first half chasing shadows, unable to disrupt Spain’s mesmerizing passing game. Spain, however, lacked bite upfront, struggling to create clear-cut chances. Nevertheless, in the 19th minute, Xabi Alonso’s run into the box, starting from deep midfield, broke the deadlock. France showed a little more attacking intent in the second half, with Menez and Nasri introduced to add impetus. However, Blanc’s plan was thwarted as Spain regained control, dominating possession once more. Spain controlled 55% possession, had 9 shots with 5 on target, while limiting France to just 4 shots and 1 on target. In the first minute of added time, Spain earned a penalty, which man-of-the-match Xabi Alonso converted, securing a 2-0 victory and a semi-final clash with neighbors Portugal.
Italy Earn Right on Penalties
Alt text: Euro 2012 Quarter-final match between Italy and England, capturing the tension of penalty shootout and player emotions, emphasizing Italy’s dramatic quarter-final win.
The final quarter-final appeared to be evenly matched, but Italy, under Cesare Prandelli, dominated for large parts of the 120-minute spectacle. Moving away from their traditionally defensive image, Italy, orchestrated by Andrea Pirlo, controlled the game against England from start to finish. They dominated possession (64% to 36%) and outshot England by a staggering 35 to 9 (20 to 4 on target), highlighting Italy’s dominance. While England did miss clear chances through Johnson and Rooney, these were dwarfed by Italy’s missed opportunities, including De Rossi and Diamanti hitting the post, and further chances for Balotelli, Cassano, and De Rossi. England goalkeeper Joe Hart played a significant role in keeping the game goalless after normal and extra time. In the penalty shootout, Balotelli and Gerrard converted the opening penalties, but Montolivo’s miss and Rooney’s successful penalty gave England an advantage. Pirlo’s audacious “Panenka penalty” boosted Italian morale and seemed to unsettle England. Young hit the bar for England, and Buffon saved Cole’s penalty. Nocerino and Diamanti scored for Italy, sending “Gli Azzurri” into the semi-finals against Germany.
Semi-Finals
Spain’s Lucky Day
Alt text: Euro 2012 Semi-final match between Spain and Portugal, capturing the intensity of penalty shootout and player reactions, emphasizing Spain’s semi-final victory on penalties.
The first Euro 2012 semi-final was between reigning champions Spain and neighbors Portugal, with Spain prevailing in a penalty shootout. Portugal started with their familiar lineup, while Spain made one change, opting for a traditional striker in Negredo. Portugal’s high press, starting from their front three of Nani, Almeida, and Ronaldo, disrupted Spain’s usual passing rhythm from the outset. Spain, unable to impose their usual pressing game, struggled to create meaningful attacks, resulting in a midfield battle with little end product. Despite Spain’s 57% possession, Portugal were only slightly behind in shots on target. In a dull 90 minutes, Spain introduced Fabregas for Negredo, injecting some dynamism. The real shift occurred in extra time. As Portugal’s pressing intensity waned due to fatigue, Spain began to assert their passing game. However, they couldn’t convert their chances, and Euro 2012 witnessed its second goalless match in Donetsk. The penalty shootout began with Xabi Alonso missing for Spain, but Portugal’s Moutinho also failed to convert. Iniesta and Pique scored for Spain, while Pepe and Nani responded for Portugal. Ramos’s Panenka penalty seemed to unnerve Bruno Alves, who hit the bar for Portugal. Fabregas’s penalty, hitting the post and going in, sent Spain to the final before Ronaldo could even take his kick.
Italy’s ‘Balo’ Gift
Alt text: Euro 2012 Semi-final match between Italy and Germany, capturing Mario Balotelli’s celebration and team dynamics, emphasizing Italy’s surprising semi-final victory.
The second semi-final was much more exciting than the first. Germany were pre-match and tournament favorites, but Italy, who had never lost to Germany in major tournaments, emerged victorious. Germany entered the semi-final unbeaten in the tournament and had won all 10 of their qualifying matches. They had also won their last 15 matches and scored in their last 20. However, Italy, under Prandelli, were also unbeaten in competitive matches. Germany started strongly, creating early chances, but Pirlo’s goal-line clearance and two Buffon saves maintained Italy’s resistance. Then, Balotelli scored two stunning goals for Italy, the first a header, the second a powerful strike, dramatically shifting the game’s momentum. Germany, seemingly invincible, were on the verge of losing their unbeaten run and their final hopes. Germany started the second half with Klose and Müller replacing Gomes and Podolski, taking control of possession and pushing forward. However, they struggled to break down Italy’s defense. Italy, meanwhile, wasted several counter-attacking opportunities. Mesut Özil’s penalty in the first minute of stoppage time reduced the deficit to 2-1, but Italy, masterfully led by Pirlo, held on to reach the final.
Final: Bull Era – Spain 4-0 Italy
The Euro 2012 final in Kiev arrived on July 1st. Intriguingly, both finalists came from the same group and were Mediterranean nations. However, their performances justified their places in the final. On one side, Spain, with two European Championships and a World Cup in their trophy cabinet. On the other, Italy, with one European Championship and four World Cups. Italy aimed to win their first European Championship since 1968, a 44-year gap. Spain sought to complete an unprecedented treble, adding Euro 2012 to their Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup triumphs. In major tournament matches, Spain had never dominated Italy. In their group stage encounter, Italy had taken the lead, with Spain narrowly equalizing. Italy’s performances en route to the final arguably made them slight favorites.
Alt text: Euro 2012 Final match between Spain and Italy, capturing the moment of celebration and team victory, emphasizing Spain as the Euro 2012 Champions.
However, the final on the pitch defied predictions. Spain effectively neutralized Italy’s playmaker Pirlo from the outset, stifling their opponent’s creativity. Italy, unlike Croatia and Portugal who had disrupted Spain with a high press, couldn’t implement the same strategy. Despite a front two of Balotelli and Cassano and a four-man midfield block, they failed to disrupt Spain’s rhythm. Spain, playing without a traditional striker and showcasing unprecedented passing accuracy in the tournament, took the lead in the 14th minute. A move initiated by Iniesta and continued by Fabregas culminated in David Silva’s header. Xavi, the architect of Spain’s passing dominance, then provided a killer pass towards the end of the first half, which Jordi Alba converted, effectively ending the game within the first 45 minutes. Italy, forced into a first-half substitution due to injury and starting the second half with Di Natale, missed two clear chances through the substitute, failing to capitalize on brief openings. Spain, in that period, also squandered chances to extend their lead to four or five. The turning point came in the 57th minute when Motta, who had just come on as a substitute, was injured a minute later, reducing Italy to ten men. With Italy’s resistance broken, Spain comfortably imposed their game plan and added two further goals through Fernando Torres and Mata, securing the most emphatic victory in a European Championship final. Will we witness the same dominance at the World Cup in Brazil two years later, or will someone finally emerge to challenge Spain’s reign?