Spain retained their European title and become the first team to win three successive major tournaments as they beat Italy 4-0 v in Euro 2012 Finals held at Kiev.
Italy tried their best, but threw in the towel after being reduced to ten men following an injury to substitute Thiago Motta, who had been on the pitch for just a couple of minutes. The Match was held at Olympic Stadium, Kiev on July 1, Sunday.
Spain, who started without a recognised striker, were all artistry and guile in midfield while Italy, whose own creator Andrea Pirlo failed to shine, were handicapped by having only 10 men from the hour mark after using up all three substitutes.
Fernando Torress struck at the 85th minute while Juan Mata hit teh final goal at teh 89th minute. Earlier, goals from David Silva and Jordi Alba gave Spain a 2-0 halftime lead.
Spain, playing positively and at pace, attacked from the outset and they were rewarded when they took the lead in the 14th minute with a goal that encapsulated their slick passing and movement.
Andres Iniesta split open the Italy defence with an incisive pass to Cesc Fabregas who outpaced Giorgio Chiellini to get to the byline where he pulled the ball back to Silva who flashed his header past the helpless Gianluigi Buffon.
Italy went close twice through second half substitute Antonio Di Natale but Mario Balotelli, the two-goal hero of their 2-1 semi-final win over Germany, rarely looked like scoring.
At 25th Minute, Pique became the first player to get a yellow card.
At Half-time: Spain leading by 2-0. SUBSTITUTION Di Natale is on. He has replaced Cassano. Two classic goals and this without a proper striker.Spain did not allowed a goal in nine straight knockout games dating back to Euro 2008.
Only 1 team has scored 3 goals in a EURO final: West Germany beat USSR 3-0 in 1972.
At 84th minute, Torres made it 3-0 for Spain. He just came on and he made it look easy, slotting it past a helpless Buffon. Good run. It was Torres’ 34th goal for Spain and he adds to his goal from the 2008 final to seal the title.
At 88th minute Spain had their 4th Goal: Torres made a superb run and then laid off the ball superbly for Mata, who merely had to slot it in.
Spain made history by winning Euro back to back 2008 and 2012 Champions! and a World Cup champ in 2010, making history as Spain won 3 consecutive major titles!
Italy and Spain faced each other for the 31st time in their history. The Italians hold the advantage with 10 wins to Spain’s Nine (including this win).
Previously, Italy was unbeaten against Spain at major tournaments (penalties shoot-outs excluded), with three wins and four draws.