The knockout rounds of Euro 2012 have provided plenty of drama and even a few penalty shootouts as teams fought toward the Kyiv final.
Quarterfinals
Portugal beat Czech Republic thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s single-handed evisceration of the Czech defense. Ronaldo served as a midfield outlet, incisive winger and full-on striker all rolled into one, capping a complete performance with a late headed goal. Czech Republic exited the tournament with pride, their veteran side bridging the talent gap to push Portugal to the limit.
Germany beat Greece with the best all-around performance from any side in the tournament thus far. Germany battered Greece’s admirable resolve with wave after wave of attack, eventually wearing the Greeks down and turning on the style for four goals. Greece fought back, however, and can take solace in the fact that they brought the best out of a potentially transcendent team.
Spain beat France in a match decried by many for its lack of action. Spain showed off both the beautiful and ugly sides to their short passing game, brilliantly building their tempo to a crescendo for an opening goal before pulling back and slowing the game nearly to a standstill after taking the lead. France yet again left the tournament embarrassed, as Samir Nasri lost his temper with a reporter after the loss.
Italy beat England on penalties to cap off a see-saw night at Olympic Stadium. England came out firing but slowly ran out of steam as Italy’s class took control. Similarly, the Three Lions jumped out to a lead in the shootout before misses from their pair of Ashleys, Young and Cole, allowed the Azzurri to advance.
Semifinals
Spain beat Portugal on penalties after weathering a slow start. The Portuguese gave credence to the theory that the best way to neutralize Spain’s quick-passing game is through high pressure and relentless attacking. Portugal won the first half but failed to turn chances into goals. Spain made them pay for their inefficiency, easing into control as their passing began to click. Cesc Fabregas again showed his class off the bench, supplying a consistent threat. For Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament he had taken over ended in yet another disappointment. Ronaldo showcased his threat early but fizzled out and didn’t even get a chance in the shootout – he was slated to go fifth, but Fabregas had already slotted the winning penalty.
Italy beat Germany in the stunner of Euro 2012. The pre-tournament favorite Germans had coasted into the semi-finals with four straight wins and seemed invincible, while Italy had scraped through unnoticed. The underdog Italians absorbed 20 minutes of pressure before Mario Batotelli headed them in front completely against the run of play, and the Germans never fully recovered. Germany had yet to be fully tested and stumbled badly at their first experience with adversity. They fought back gamely at first, but when Batotelli struck again 16 minutes later, the favorites were down for the count. Italy turned every German threat into one of their own in the second half, making the 2-1 scoreline seem generous to the losers.
Spain
Key storyline: A chance at history. No national side has ever won three major tournaments in a row, and the Spanish are 90 minutes away from doing just that. Success has brought criticism, particularly for their ball control that some say makes the game boring, but the class of this side should not be overlooked. One more win will intensify the debate that this is the greatest team ever.
Achilles’ heel: A lack of an in-form striker. Head coach Vicente del Bosque seemed to realize this early, going with six midfielders in their opener against Italy, but has since been inconsistent with his lineup choices. Neither loading the side with midfielders nor going with a more orthodox formation has eased woes in the final third. Opening a semifinal with a player, Alvaro Negrado, who was making his first start of the tournament further showcased this indecision.
Player to watch: Cesc Fabregas. The attacker has had a turbulent international career in and out of a side with a historic depth of talented midfielders. When given a chance, though, Fabregas has delivered on the biggest stages. The inconsistent Spaniards have been at their best with Fabregas playing up top and will need another heroic performance from the 25-year-old in order to lift the trophey.
Tactics: Say what you want about Spain, but they never allow their opponents to dictate style of play. The short-passing game works as attack and defense all in one, creating openings for themselves while limiting them for others. This strategy worked well in containing red-hot Cristiano Ronaldo in the semi-final. It will be doubly important against Germany’s bottomless supply of talented attackers.
Italy
Key storyline: Defeating the odds. Italy came into the tournament riding the bad karma of a match-fixing scandal in their domestic league. Facing a tough group stage, many doubted that the Italians would even reach the knockout round. A hard-fought draw in their opener against Spain put the field on notice, but Italy was minutes away from elimination in until the Spaniards scored late to knock out Croatia. Now, the Italians are within touching distance of a stunning title.
Achilles’ heel: A lack of identity. Historically, the Italians used an air-tight defense to eke out results and were rewarded with plenty of silverware. This side, however, have attempted to win with an added style. As their deep run suggests, this blending of old and new has thus far paid dividends. But Italy has yet to be pushed to the brink, and their newfound ambition could turn into a negative if Spain takes the lead.
Player to watch: Mario Batotelli. The explosive and controversial
striker proved that he is worth the headaches, again coming through on
the biggest of stages, using two goals to sink tournament favorite
Germany. Batotelli had been inconsistent before the semis but provided
the boost his side needed to reach the final. Italy will need all the
help it can get to overcome the Spaniards, and that starts with the man
with the blond Mohawk.
Tactics: Expect the exact same strategy that took out Germany. Head coach Cesare Prandelli has instilled a fresh, attacking mindset into his side but wisely had his men sit back and absorb the German pressure. Italy was deadly on the counter, taking full advantage of every chance that came their way. Openings will be at a premium again against Spain and the Azzurri will need to be just as efficient in front of goal.
