The European Championship 2012 is a tournament that is full of memories, outstanding plays and performances as well as unexpected changes. This blog on JustSports24 will break down the aspects covered above, mid-Euro 2012, and the way it changed history making us realize that everyone learned why it cannot be forgotten in the pages of football history.
A Guide to UEFA European Championship 2012
1st Qualifiers
Out of all the countries that participated, Germany proved to be a class ahead of all teams in qualifications as far as tactics and attack strategies were concerned. Spain retained their championship streak as was seen in the 2010 World Cup. The Netherlands displayed the qualities of brawn and brains. Austria and Switzerland, who were also the host national teams, added their share of thrill and excitement as they contributed to making the tournament worth watching.
Tournament Overview
Group Stage
The group stage of the final stage of the European Soccer Championship in 2012 was not devoid of excitement and top-notch soccer players. It consisted of inhabiting four groups, each with four teams, the top two in each group proceeding to the knockout stage.
Group A:Poland and Greece made it out of this group. Poland showed great punch in their attack while the defensive organization and endurance of Greece saw them through the obstacles posed by Russia and the Czech Republic.
Group B: The most feared group was this one, termed the ‘Group of Death’. Top of the pack were Germany and Portugal. With Germany’s tactical prowess coupled with Portugal’s Right-wing offense, it turned out an interesting group phase although Denmark and Netherlands were omitted from the quarter-finals.
Group C: This time around Spain and Italy made it out of group C. The highlights were Spain’s passing game and Italy’s ability to play defense. Rather both of them showed their strengths and prepared up for a breathless knockout stage of the tournament.
Group D:England and Ukraine made it out of Group D. Great performance in defending from England along with the advantage of playing at home by Ukraine were the key factors of their success while it did not work out for France and Sweden.
The Knockout Rounds, European Championship 2012
The knockout stages of Euro 2012 were undoubted stakes for the development of the tournament. The quarterfinals also contained some of the best games of the tournament:
Turkey v. Croatia: After 90 minutes of inaction, Turkey was able to achieve 0-0 and was lucky to see Croatia seemingly take the advantage before succumbing 3-1 via the penalty kicks.
Germany v. Portugal: Germany’s advantage against the boys from Portugal was a 1-0 score that showed how tactfully Germany was winning and going forward.
Spain v. France: It was another feasted battle as Spain tamed France with a 2-0 whitewash as the French saw the ugly side of Spanish possession football with the Spanish’s precise finishing.
Russia v. Netherlands:Dating back to that period, it was astonishing to learn that it was Holland who managed to beat Russia 3-1 giving a good measure of their brand of attack and technical ability.
The semi-finals provided just as thrilling plays
Germany v. Turkey: In this match, Germany scored all three goals on April 030348383 before the quarter-final and Turkey gave them two goals 3-2.
Spain v. Russia: The Spanish women’s basketball team hammered out Russia 3:0 and Bourgeoise dove.
The Final
The final of the European Championship 2012 was held on July 1, 2012, at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was a clash between two football giants Spain and Italy who have contrasting styles.
Spain led by Vicente Del Bosque were the world champions and therefore the favorites for the match. Italy managed by Cesare Prandelli had been very impressive during the whole tournament and wanted to bring the Spanish dominance to an end.
The 4-0 win of Spain over Italy was one of the greatest football performances ever. This match showcased goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, as well as Juan Mata, all of which highlighted the attacking talents of Spain and how effective they were in employing their tiki-taka-style. This victory saw Spain emerge as champions for the second consecutive major international tournament maintaining the team as arguably the best team in the history of football.
Key Moments and Highlights
The First Goal by David Silva: The first goal of the final which came from David Silva’s head in the 14th minute of the match is what allowed the Spaniards’ onslaught on the Italians. This goal also illustrated Spain’s effectiveness in the attacking third and seizing the chances presented.
A goal from Jordi Alba:A well-utilized opportunity for a cross led to the Spaniard scoring and dominion of the game was further established in the 41st minute of the match.
Fernando Torres and Their Partner Juan Mata: What is important in this game, besides Fernando Torres’ the 84th hour of the game, and Mata’s goal that came in the 88th hour, is the depth of the Spanish squad and their ability to apply pressure at all times during the match.
The Impact of European Championship 2012
As regards suitability and practicality, the European Championship 2012 radicalized European professional football practices and geographies. Spain’s triumph underscored the merits of the possession play and raised the bar for global competitions. The tournament also illustrated potential in the changes that a team could undertake, as well as in the importance of teamwork, thus affecting the game in the years to follow.
Italy exhibited grit and tactical preparedness and helped prove that it is possible to etch one’s name on the pages of a tournament even when the side has gone out in defeat.
Notable Performances
Cristiano Ronaldo: His heroics were critical for Portugal as their talismanic player made an impact in every match he played to send the Portuguese to the last four.
Andrea Pirlo:The Italian general in the midfield was instrumental in the deep play-making of the team and easily one of the best players in the competition.
Iker Casillas:The Spanish custodian played a key part in upholding the goal-keeping glory at the knock-out stages without conceding a goal in all the bouts up to the final. Spain’s success would have been impossible without such an outstanding goalkeeper who played a key role in the squad’s defense.
The Legacy of European Championship 2012
UEFA Euro 2012has still got a positive reception mainly due to the high standards of football and the thrills attached to it. The Spanish national team was able to set standards for future international tournaments due to the success of their style and approach to the game. The tournament also showcased the progress of football games over the years and international competitions and how attractive they are.
You can come back to JustSports24 for more detailed reviews of football events and analysis of news and updates. Our sports blog includes not only fresh reports on recent tournaments and matches but will also provide you with insights into the history of such a fascinating sport as football.
Conclusion
It goes beyond saying that the European Championship 2012 was a tournament to be remembered as it was full of dramatic events and top-quality football. If it was not for Spain’s triumph, the fans would always remember the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Andrea Pirlo’s magnificent performances throughout the tournament. For further football facts and developments when it comes to international football, JustSports24 is the right place to be for all your sporting needs.
