Showing posts with label Xavi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Xavi. Show all posts
Spain became only the second team to reach the final of three successive major tournaments when defeating Portugal 4-2 on penalties in Donetsk after their Euro 2012 semi-final ended goalless after extra-time.
Where West Germany failed in 1976, Spain now have the chance to become the first team to retain their European title, and win three international tournaments in succession, after Cesc Fabregas slotted the ball home from 12 yards to punish Portugal's Bruno Alves, whose penalty had struck the bar.
Rui Patricio and Iker Casillas had saved the two opening penalties from Xabi Alonso and Joao Moutinho before Alves, who had originally attempted to take the third spot kick before being sent back by Nani, hit the woodwork after Sergio Ramos had emulated Andrea Pirlo by executing a perfect Panenka.
Cristiano Ronaldo, held back for the fifth spot kick that never came, could only look on helplessly as Fabregas put Spain through - just as the midfielder did when winning the Euro 2008 quarter-final shoot-out against Italy that set Spain on course for a spell of international domination that may prove to be the most complete football has seen.
Now only Germany or Italy stand between Spain and footballing immortality, even if they will have to improve on a performance at Donbass Arena that was rather unconvincing for large swathes of normal time.
Having flitted between a false nine in Fabregas and a slightly less false nine in Fernando Torres throughout the tournament so far, Del Bosque’s team selection proved contentious as he gave a first start at Euro 2012 to Alvaro Negredo, the Sevilla striker who only three years ago was a target for Phil Brown at Hull City.
Portugal’s only change was an enforced one as Hugo Almeida came in for the injured Helder Postiga, with Paulo Bento going toe-to-toe with Spain in an expansive 4-3-3 formation. Having shunned the temptation to adopt a defensive strategy in the face of Spain’s daunting arsenal, as France regrettably did in the quarter-finals, Portugal were rewarded with an excellent first-half performance.
Pressing with an intensity that is usually the hallmark of their Iberian neighbours, unafraid to be ambitious when on the ball and full of dangerous intent on the break, Portugal looked keen to prove that not every game involving Spain has to follow the same narrative of suffocating possession from the team in red – a narrative that has led many to label Spain, somewhat unfairly, as boring.
Instead it was an even contest in Donetsk, even if Spain took the early initiative. The first clear chance fell to Alvaro Arbeloa after the ball rolled into the path of the defender when a pass from Andres Iniesta was not controlled by Negredo. Hitting the ball first time, his effort flew over the bar.
Iniesta then fired a shot over from range as Spain threatened to take control, but Portugal’s up-tempo approach denied them the chance to settle and Ronaldo quickly demonstrated the threat he possesses when racing clear on the left and whipping in an excellent cross that Casillas plucked out of the air before it reached Nani at the back post.
Portugal’s commendably proactive approach was personified by the figure of Moutinho in midfield, as he pressed with enthusiasm without the ball and was always positive when in possession. Moutinho found Ronaldo with one clever backheel, allowing the forward to thump a volley over the bar, and then robbed Jordi Alba before playing in Ronaldo again, Portugal’s captain hitting his low shot just wide.
Spain were possibly feeling the effects of having two days’ fewer rest than their opponents as they uncharacteristically wasted possession on a number of occasions, and the decision to start Negredo had clearly disrupted the dynamic of their attack, but they still carved out of the best chance of the first half when Iniesta’s first touch from a Xavi pass gave him space in the box and the midfielder opened up his body to curl a shot narrowly over.
The second half was only seven minutes old when Del Bosque abandoned his curious experiment with Negredo, the striker having completed only eight passes all match. Instead of calling on Torres though, he ordered Fabregas to strip off and reinstated the 4-6-0 formation that places the Barcelona midfielder at the apex of the Spain attack.
The plan was to exert more mastery on the ball and pull Portugal’s defence apart in a more subtle fashion. Meanwhile, for Portugal, Almeida opted for a rather more rudimentary approach, hammering two poor efforts off target when instead he should have looked for a team-mate in a position more conducive to testing Casillas.
Spain still lacked penetration though and David Silva was replaced on 60 minutes after an uncharacteristically quiet night, the Manchester City midfielder being replaced by Jesus Navas, more of a natural winger on the right of la Roja’s attack and the scorer of the late winner in the final group game against Croatia.
In a game that resolutely refused to catch fire, Xavi tested Patricio with a firm drive from 25 yards while Ronaldo – a much more peripheral figure than in his previous matches against Netherlands and Czech Republic, and failing to score in three consecutive games again for his country – saw a trademark free-kick fly just over the bar. Another missed the target with five minutes remaining.
As the seconds ticked by, Portugal suddenly had a fantastic opportunity to win the game when hitting Spain on the break following a free-kick in the final third for their opponents. Raul Meireles took the ball through the centre and only had to slip in Ronaldo. However, he weighted the pass poorly and the captain shot wide, ensuring a poor match that had featured just two shots on target would be extended by 30 minutes.
Portugal retreated into their shell in the extra period as they began to suffer from fatigue, allowing Spain to gain control of the match. Indeed, they should have won the game in extra-time and only a tremendous save from Patricio prevented them from taking the lead after 104 minutes. Alba did superbly well to wriggle his way into space in the box and pulled the ball back for Iniesta, whose first-time effort was palmed clear by the Portugal keeper.
In what had become a rather cynical contest – with all of the Portugal back four on a booking – Pepe began to lose his head and committed a couple of dirty fouls as well as slyly kicking out at Pedro. One foul conceded by the Real Madrid defender allowed Ramos to hammer a wonderful free-kick just past the woodwork.
Patricio was alert again in the second period of extra-time when he flung himself low to his right to repel a low shot from Navas, but was somewhat fortunate not to concede an indirect free-kick after Pepe touched the loose ball back into his gloves.
Spain looked keen to avoid penalties and spurned a wonderful opportunity to win the game with just five minutes remaining. Fabregas touched the ball round the corner to Pedro but the Barcelona forward got the ball stuck under his feet as he threatened to burst clear on goal and had to check right, allowing Coentrao to come across and make a crucial interception.
But though Portugal held out for 120 minutes, they could not depose Spain on penalties with Del Bosque’s side now just one match away from becoming the greatest international team in the history of the game.
Xabi Alonso scored twice on his 100th appearance for Spain as they progressed to a Euro 2012 semi-final against Portugal with a 2-0 win over France in Donetsk.
Spain had never beaten France in a major tournament yet Alonso's thumping header after 19 minutes and a penalty in second-half injury time were enough to end that run and eliminate a France side who were punished for adopting a lamentably negative approach at the Donbass Arena.
The reigning champions were hardly impressive either, creating few real chances having set up in a 4-6-0 formation, yet their suffocating passing game delivered a 2-0 victory, with France's abject performance raising real questions for coach Laurent Blanc, who had surrendered the initiative from the very first minute.
By contrast, Vicente del Bosque was left to contemplate a semi-final meeting with Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo as Spain's attempt to surpass the achievements of France and West Germany before them and win three major tournaments in succession continues.
Spain's reputation preceded them prior to kick-off as fearful France coach Blanc deployed his side in an overtly defensive formation, Anthony Reveillere coming into defence as Mathieu Debuchy was pushed forward in order to try and suppress Andres Iniesta. Surprisingly, Samir Nasri was also dropped, the usual Blanc favourite being replaced by Florent Malouda who dropped deeper in midfield in an understandable attempt to deny the reigning champions space in front of goal.
Del Bosque, meanwhile, opted to revert to the striker-less formation that brought Spain a 1-1 draw against Italy in their opening game as Cesc Fabregas replaced Fernando Torres and adopted the false nine position, meaning at kick-off there was only one striker on the pitch: Karim Benzema, who had the unwanted record of having 17 shots without success at the finals.
France's conservatism contributed to a rather sterile first half in Donetsk that was only briefly punctuated by genuine goalmouth action.
The Spanish were quickly into their passing rhythm, France's deep deployment allowing them to dictate the flow of the game and spread the ball across the width of the pitch. Meanwhile, Blanc's side merely sat back and invited pressure in an inhibited performance.
That allowed Spain to play the game their way, an opportunity Alonso grasped with both hands as he tried to score a trademark long-range effort after only eight minutes, only to see Hugo Lloris catch his shot as it threatened to float over his head from all of 45 yards.
Just 11 minutes later Alonso did mark his 100th cap with a goal - and it came via rather more unconventional means for the midfielder. France's strategy to field two right-backs unravelled as Iniesta slipped a neat pass into the left channel for Jordi Alba, who exploited a slip from Debuchy to pick out Alonso with a cross to the back post. Completely unmarked, the Real Madrid star powered a header back across goal and past Lloris.
Conceding early posed a problem for France, whose whole approach was based around containment. Their response was so remain cautious though and they threatened only intermittently, Benzema thumping one free-kick high into the stands before Yohan Cabaye went much closer with a set-piece of his own that forced Iker Casillas into a smart save.
Spain had all the initiative, and predictably dominated possession, yet they found good chances to be elusive. Fabregas was combining well with the midfielders behind him - one clever one-two with Iniesta resulting in the latter having a shot deflected wide - yet a lack of a presence in the centre of the box meant Del Bosque's side were not as penetrative as perhaps they should have been and Spain had to make do with a one-goal advantage at half-time.
France initially improved in the second half, showing more intent and bringing more energy to their performance, but still Casillas was untested as Debuchy headed over from 10 yards out when getting on the end of a cross from Ribery.
After Lloris had made a fine save when racing off his line and preventing Fabregas from getting on the end of a lovely Xavi through-ball and dancing round him, Blanc took action when bringing on Nasri and Menez for Debuchy and Malouda.
Menez soon made himself busy and on 72 minutes almost had a sniff at goal. Yann M'Vila released Ribery with a beautiful pass and after the midfielder pulled the ball back from the byline, only the extended arm of Casillas prevented Menez from connecting. However, the PSG star then let himself down when being booked for dissent and incurring a one-match suspension in the process.
The ball remained Spain's possession for large swathes of the second half but they did precious little with it. Indeed, as France began to probe with more intent - throwing on striker Olivier Giroud for M'Vila with 10 minutes remaining - suddenly Spain looked potentially vulnerable.
However, the threat from France never materialised. Instead it was Spain who pushed for a second goal and their chance arrived in injury time. Substitute Santi Cazorla played in Pedro in the box and the Barcelona forward drew a clumsy challenge from Reveillere with a clever stepover and change of direction.
Alonso sent Lloris the wrong way from 12 yards to take Spain forward to the final four, with France meekly taking their leave of a tournament they never really threatened to leave their mark on.
Fernando Torres helped bury the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 campaign with two delicious goals as world champions Spain coasted to a 4-0 win in Gdansk.
Spain recorded their biggest win at the European Championship finals with some ease as Ireland followed up their 3-1 loss to Croatia in Group C on Sunday by shipping four more goals against the world and European champions, who were hardly made to work for their haul at the Polish city's PGE Arena.
The defensive success that had helped Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland reach their first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea collapsed all around them amid a series of wretched mistakes on a saturated night that was damp for the Irish players, supporters and coaching team in more ways than one.
Spain were their usual menacing self, but there is little doubt that Ireland contributed to their own downfall with a lack of organisation all too obvious at key moments.
Torres (4,70), David Silva (49) and Torres's late replacement Cesc Fabregas (82) consigned Ireland to their heaviest defeat at a major tournament. In truth, it could have been much, much worse for an Irish side who will probably reflect on their efforts at this tournament with a real sense of regret. They lost seven goals in 10 matches in qualifying before losing seven in two outings at the finals. It is hardly heroic stuff.
Spain are not yet through to the last eight despite drubbing the Irish. Vicente del Bosque's team will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat Group C rivals Croatia on Monday with Ireland concluding their campaign against Italy on the same night before they fly home.
Chelsea forward Torres looked a different figure from the hesitant striker who missed a couple of chances as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Italy on Sunday as he careered into the box before thumping an effort through Irish goalkeeper Shay Given, who should perhaps have the made the stop despite the energy of the strike.
With Richard Dunne kicking fresh air while Torres applied the finish for his first competitive goal since September 2010, it left Ireland firmly on the back foot only days after they haemorrhaged an early goal in falling behind to Croatia on only three minutes.
Ireland were almost like football's equivalent of a punching-bag as Given made saves from Silva, Andres Iniesta and the energetic Alvaro Arbeloa with Torres knocking an effort wide.
To illustrate the gulf in class, Xavi and Xabi Alonso had completed more passes by half-time than the Irish team, who staggered to the sanctuary of the dressing room having put together only 104 in the first half.
Spain simply had to find a second goal given their ball retention and it arrived moments after half-time when Given could only palm an Iniesta effort straight to Silva, who slipped the shot through three Irish players and Given to hand Spain a 2-0 lead.
It was horrid defending at any level, but Ireland's night got worse when Aiden McGeady lost possession to Silva who sent Torres bounding clear. He waited for Given to make his move before planting the ball into the net for a 3-0 lead.
Torres has now scored 30 goals for Spain. Only Raul (44) and David Villa (51) have scored more goals for their country.
While the Irish fans continued to sing, Spain continued to pass. Ireland were a bedraggled-looking lot when they seemed to fall asleep for the fourth goal from a short corner.
Fabregas was unforgivably left unmarked in the Irish area moments after replacing Torres and he walloped a fierce shot between Keith Andrews and Given to finish off the Irish in every sense.
Ireland managed to exercise Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas a couple of times. Simon Cox saw a shot saved in the opening minutes while Keane forced Casillas to halt an effort in the second period, but Ireland rarely tested an opposing side who basked in over 70 per cent of possession.
Indeed, the imperious Xavi set a European Championship passing record by putting together 136 on the night. The previous best recorded at the European Championships was 117 by Ronald Koeman against Denmark in 1992.
The travelling band of Irish followers deserve great credit for their fanatical support in the Polish drizzle. It is just a pity their players could not match such levels on the park. Conceding seven goals in two games means they are the first team to be ousted from these finals.
Fernando Torres was guilty of spurning two golden chances as Italy unearthed a performance of real character to hold Spain to a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2012 opener at the PGE Arena in Gdansk.
World and European champions Spain went into the Group C opener as warm favourites, but were met by an Italian side who were every bit as dangerous going forward as their feted opponents in front of 43,615 good-natured fans in the Polish city.
Italy went ahead on 60 minutes after a tight first period, Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale bounding on to an exquisite pass from Andrea Pirlo to lift the ball over goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Italy fans were still celebrating when Spain equalised courtesy of Cesc Fabregas four minutes later.
The Barcelona midfielder evaded the attentions of Emanuele Giaccherini to slip the ball beyond Gianluigi Buffon in levelling at 1-1 from David Silva's pass, but there remained plenty of time for Chelsea forward Torres to win it for Spain.
In keeping with the way it has been for him since he left Liverpool for Chelsea 18 months ago, Torres failed miserably.
The £50 million striker did little to suggest he is back to anything close to the form that saw him rise to prominence during his days at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool after replacing Fabregas, as he failed to take the ball beyond Buffon on 74 minutes with the Italian keeper racing from his line to make the sort of tackle a central defender would have been proud of.
Torres scored the winning goal from a similar situation when Spain beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final, but this is a figure clearly short of confidence four years on as hesitancy and lack of purpose infiltrates his movements.
He hoisted the ball over the bar with only Buffon to beat on 85 minutes when he could have played in fellow substitute Jesus Navas, opting to go for goal only to knock his effort well off target.
To encapsulate a fairly miserable 19-minute cameo, Torres was also lucky to only be booked for elbowing Daniele De Rossi in the throat as he jumped for a high ball. Another referee may well have sent off Torres.
It justified Spain manager Vicente del Bosque's decision to start the match without any recognised forwards as Torres, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente were all left on the bench.
The latter two forwards may expect to see some action against Republic of Ireland in Gdansk on Thursday, when Spain continue their quest to defend the title they won four years ago in Austria and Switzerland.
Spain's best chance in the first period saw Andres Iniesta lift a shot over the bar from Xavi's pass while Casillas was forced to repel Thiago Motta's header second before half-time.
Torres was not the only Premier League forward found wanting in the moment as Manchester City's Mario Balotelli squandered an opportunity to give Italy the lead early in the second period when he robbed Sergio Ramos of the ball out wide.
He seemed to dither for an eternity with only Casillas to overcome, but his hesitancy enabled Ramos to make a fabulous recovery tackle.
Having been booked in the first half for a late tackle on Jordi Alba - one of seven men booked in a fiercely contested match - he was replaced by Di Natale, who had scored within four minutes of his introduction.
Spain are the European ChampionsWhat a fitting finish to Euro 2008!!!!!!!!!
Actually my favourite teams were France & Spain. So I am very happy of the fact that Spain won it in style even though France made a "great" first round exit.
Netherlands actually took me by surprise and may be at the next international tournament I will route for them instead of French. I liked to watch them counterattack with van Nistelrooy,van Persie and Robben. Kuyt wasn't bad too. van der sar also played exceptionally well.
I am always a big fan of Argentina. So like to see Argentina vs Spain for the next WC final.
Spain can actually win any cup now with their bench strength being that skillful. I actually hated Aragones when he left Fabregas on the bench for the first match but as I expected when came the big moment , THE FINAL, he started the match. I actually think if Villa was not injured Xavi would have lost his starting position and may be he would have been the substitute for Fabregas if needed.
When it comes to the French, I really think they should have started the campaign with Evra as Left Back. This stupid mistake in the first two matches cost them EURO 2008. Coupet has to be sacked for his performance. He was too bad to replace Barthez. Actually most of the goals he conceeded could have been stopped if his positioning was good. For France to come out from this situation, they should find younger fitter CB, Evra as LB, Govou as RM and they should start with both Henry and Anelka. I forgot ....... get Gomis out of the side till he performs something big.
Coming to the finals, I always knew Lehmann will concede. I am a big follower of Arsenal and I think the decision to play him against Chelsea actually cost them the title. He is a sort of big match flops every single time. Get him replaced with a good goalkeeper and Germany is one of the best in the business. Spain had their lovely way of passing the ball in the midfield and when it comes to finishing who is better than the wonder boy, Fernando Torres. David Villa was on fire during the start of the tournament but somehow couldn't carry the form forward. Next season he may be well on his way to Liverpool for Torres and I think if it happens, Liverpool would finish in top three.
Torres makes the run and catches defender with him while Villa runs into the space provided by Torres, a cutting through pass and GOAL!!!!!!!!! I actually like it very much u know . I think they play the best football (also Argentina) and they are young. So age are on their side.
Actually my favourite teams were France & Spain. So I am very happy of the fact that Spain won it in style even though France made a "great" first round exit.
Netherlands actually took me by surprise and may be at the next international tournament I will route for them instead of French. I liked to watch them counterattack with van Nistelrooy,van Persie and Robben. Kuyt wasn't bad too. van der sar also played exceptionally well.
I am always a big fan of Argentina. So like to see Argentina vs Spain for the next WC final.
Spain can actually win any cup now with their bench strength being that skillful. I actually hated Aragones when he left Fabregas on the bench for the first match but as I expected when came the big moment , THE FINAL, he started the match. I actually think if Villa was not injured Xavi would have lost his starting position and may be he would have been the substitute for Fabregas if needed.
When it comes to the French, I really think they should have started the campaign with Evra as Left Back. This stupid mistake in the first two matches cost them EURO 2008. Coupet has to be sacked for his performance. He was too bad to replace Barthez. Actually most of the goals he conceeded could have been stopped if his positioning was good. For France to come out from this situation, they should find younger fitter CB, Evra as LB, Govou as RM and they should start with both Henry and Anelka. I forgot ....... get Gomis out of the side till he performs something big.
Coming to the finals, I always knew Lehmann will concede. I am a big follower of Arsenal and I think the decision to play him against Chelsea actually cost them the title. He is a sort of big match flops every single time. Get him replaced with a good goalkeeper and Germany is one of the best in the business. Spain had their lovely way of passing the ball in the midfield and when it comes to finishing who is better than the wonder boy, Fernando Torres. David Villa was on fire during the start of the tournament but somehow couldn't carry the form forward. Next season he may be well on his way to Liverpool for Torres and I think if it happens, Liverpool would finish in top three.
Torres makes the run and catches defender with him while Villa runs into the space provided by Torres, a cutting through pass and GOAL!!!!!!!!! I actually like it very much u know . I think they play the best football (also Argentina) and they are young. So age are on their side.
VIVA ESPANIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coach
* Vicente del Bosque
Goalkeepers
* Iker Casillas
* José Manuel Reina
* Víctor Valdés
Defenders
* Álvaro Arbeloa
* Joan Capdevila
* Carlos Marchena
* Gerard Piqué
* Carlos Puyol
* Sergio Ramos
Midfielders
* Raúl Albiol
* Xabi Alonso
* Sergio Busquets
* Cesc Fábregas
* Andrés Iniesta
* Javi Martínez
* Juan Mata
* David Silva
* Xavi
Strikers
* Fernando Llorente
* Jesus Navas
* Pedro
* Fernando Torres
* David Villa
