Spain vs Italy Review

Well as we know. Final score 1-1.

Spain started off with, well part Barca part Madrid. Five players from Barcelona, four from Madrid, Silva from Manchester City and Alba. No clear forwards, with six midfielders, making Fabregas their sole striker. I'm not sure if Del Bosque learnt any lessons from Pep Guardiola considering how Barcelona played, especially in the Champion's League Semi-Final.

For Italy, starting off with Balotelli and Cassano. Not the best Italian strike force that anyone has seen. Buffon with experience in goal, performing extremely well for the Italians, keeping the Spaniards at bay. Another veteran, Pirlo, holding the midfield well.

Honestly, the first half was quite a bore. A lot of people were expecting a big thriller with lots of attacks, lots of shots at goal, lots of drama. Instead I felt that Spain played exactly like Barcelona. That happens when your whole midfield's from Barcelona.

In the start of the second half though, things picked up. Bringing Di Natale on for Balotelli was the best substitution I've seen so far in the tournament. He made an instant impact when he received Pirlo's through ball and placed it around Casillas beautifully, giving Italy the lead. There minutes later however, Spain hit back with Fabregas with a perfectly timed left footer in front of the box. Buffon had no chance.

Later on, Torres was eventually brought on to help push the attack for Spain. But it didn't work. He did have a few chances but Buffon as well as the sturdy Italian defense were there on every attempt to keep him at bay. Game eventually ended in a stalemate as the game slowed down again in the last few minutes.

My point of view, the big teams here are being cautious about their game, not daring to take risks to make sure they win the group stage. The big teams have been playing very safe. For example, Netherlands. They're one of the favorites in the tournament. But after last night's disastrous performance in Ukraine, they just might go out in the group stages. Maybe because the players are burnt out or maybe Robben & co. are still dwelling over their Champions League final loss. The same can be said with Spain, who played a very well controlled game I must say. But that would be of no use if you can't make the goals count. These teams need to pick themselves up for the next games, or else it's an early flight back home.

I wouldn't mind seeing a repeat of the 2004 European Championships though. Nothing like an underdog champion story.