Spain and Italy will meet again in the final stage of Euro 2012, settling the match that ended in 1-1 draw in the group stage three weeks ago. This time, there will be no more draws. One team will rejoice in becoming Europe's best team, and the other will shed tears and wait another four years.
The match between the two countries is expected to draw a lot of soccer enthusiasts. The average viewers of the two teams in the group stage was more than any match in Euro 2008 except for the final. If the game ends in a draw again, they will go for an extra time, and possibly an penalty shootout to determine the victor.
Spain, who won Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010, is hoping to make a history this time, as no team have won two consecutive Euro titles in the past.
No doubt, Spain is one of the best teams in the world. The pass works from Barcelona midfielders Andrés Iniesta and Xavier Hernández are beautiful and precise. The Spanish team also has a superb defense, not conceding any goals after the group stage. They defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the semi-final stage. Although David Villa is out this time and Fernando Torres has not been in his best form, but the team has proven to win even without a striker.
Italy, on the other hand, is not an easy team to fight against. The 2006 World Cup champion has defeated Germany in the semi-final stage of Euro tournament to advance to the final. Mario Balotelli, a Manchester City star player, netted two goals in the game. Spain is definitely watching out for Balotelli.
"I really liked the way he played and he will be, of course, a threat as well as Cassano or any other forward who plays with Italy," said Cesc Fabregas in a media conference in Kiev.
Also, Andrea Pirlo from Italy cannot be overlooked. The 33-year-old playmaker led his club Juventus to win Serie A this year without losing a single game. Pirlo plays smart and makes passes that are dangerous to the opponent.
The final game will take place on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET in Kiev.
ESPN and ESPN2 will start 30 minutes before the kick off, and ESPN3 will live stream starting at 2:30 p.m., both in English and Spanish.
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