On Sunday, July 1st, soccer fans around the globe will watch as Spain faces off against Italy in the 2012 European Championship finals. Spain (2-0-1 in pool play) reached the finals by defeating their neighboring country, Portugal. The game was a defensive standoff, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Spain then went on to defeat Portugal 4-2 in penalty kicks. Christiano Renaldo, Portugal’s superstar and sharpshooter, did not take a shot in the penalty kicks. He was slated to kick 5th. Italy (1-0-2 in pool play) got to the final game by beating undefeated tournament favorite Germany by a score of 2-1. Both of Italy’s young forward Mario Balotelli, the first goal a header off a cross and the second from a breakaway. Balotelli, however, got a yellow card after pulling his shirt off in celebration after the second goal. Germany’s only goal was scored in stoppage time by Mesut Özil. The goal was a penalty kick from a handball in the box from an Italian defender. Other than that small hiccup, the Italian defense, led by keeper Gianluigi Buffon, looked very solid.
Sunday’s match will take place in Kiev, Ukraine and will start at 3 P.M. eastern time. The 2 teams faced off in pool play, the final score resulting in a 1-1 tie. Italy’s goal came from Antonio De Natale and Spain’s from Cesc Fábregas. A potential problem for Italy is forward Mario Balotelli’s yellow card. Another yellow will result in the ejection of the star striker, a no doubt game loss. Italy’s biggest hurdle to overcome will be Spain’s solid defense and world class keeper Iker Casillas. The strong defensive unit has only allowed 1 goal throughout the tournament which was scored by Di Natale of Italy. Veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon will also have to be on his toes. His outstanding play kept Italy in the game against Germany. Spain’s biggest challenge will be to stop underdog Italy’s momentum gained in knockout play. The Italians have defeated 2 of the biggest soccer teams in the world to reach the finals, England and Germany. Stopping Mario Balotelli will be a big part in shutting down the Italian offense.
Spain has the better of the 2 team’s records, scored more goals, allowed less goals, and is hot off of major wins from the 2008 European Cup and the 2010 World cup. Despite these facts, the Italians will silence the favorites to will this year’s Euro. Italy has really hit their stride as of late, getting used to playing as underdog and picking off world superpowers. Expect a low scoring game and possibly another penalty kick shootout.
Final Prediction: 2-1 Italy