Remembering EURO 2012

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German's Celebrate a goal

 The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2012, was the 14th European Championship for national football teams organized by UEFA. The final tournament was hosted for the first time by Poland and Ukraine, between 8 June and 1 July 2012. The final tournament featured 16 nations, the last championship to do so as from Euro 2016 onward, there will be 24 finalists. Defending champions Spain were marked as heavy favorites to create history by winning three consecutive major tournaments. The opening match featured Poland draw 1-1 with Euro 2004 champions Greece, with this match being the only highlight for the host, failing to qualify for the knock out stages.  Czech Republic and Greece go through. Group B featured the ‘group of death’, consisting of Germany, Portugal, Netherlands and Denmark. Germany got a maximum 9 points, 100% record topping the group with Portugal in second, the Dutch finishing off an awful campaign falling bottom of the group with no wins. A team many expecting to challenge for the championship.

Mario Balotelli of Italy

Spain and Italy topped Group C, playing out an exciting 1-1 draw in their first opening game. Croatia and Republic of Ireland gave some resistance but couldn’t keep up with the European powerhouse’s. Group D showcased the nations of England, France, Ukraine and Sweden, with the first two names qualifying to the quarterfinals. England showed some signs of a team that could potentially be under the radar. The quarterfinals came rolling around, with four mouth-watering games. Portugal downed Czech Republic 1-0, could this finally be the Portuguese’s time? France played well in patches and at times looked to gain some advantage, but the Spanish in the end were too strong coming away with a 2-0 win. Germany demolished Greece 4-2, while Italy and England played out a 0-0 draw. Once again the England curse of penalty kicks came back to haunt them, losing 4-2 sending the Azzuri to the semi finals and England on the next flight. Portugal and Spain faced off in the first semi final, once again falling to penalties. 

EURO 2012 Champions

Spain won 4-2 keeping their history in the making record still alive. Italy had welcomed Germany, a rivalry going back many years, with the Germans history showing they struggle against the Italians. Mario Balotelli bagged two superb goals, giving Italy a 2-0 win, sending them to the final to face Spain. Spain 4 Italy 0. The scoreline that took place in the Euro 2012 final. The Spanish have created football history to win three major consecutive tournaments, something to many which seems impossible to replicate. Italy looked tired and fatigued, but in no way does the scoreline reflect on Italy’s tournament. Cesare Prandelli has given new life to Italian football and told the world they are a force to be dealt with in future tournaments. Andres Iniesta walked away with the ‘best player’ of the tournament award. Spain are now dominating the world, with their golden era currently taking place. We all ask how long will it continue to last, with the champions showing no signs of slowing down.