Thank You

To conclude the 'Road to Kiev', I'd just like to thank everyone for reading over the past month. It's been great writing for you. I've loved every minute of this Euro 2012 journey, and I hope you have as well.

If I could leave you with one final thought, it would be to cherish the Spanish side. I genuinely believe we're witnessing the best side to ever take to a football pitch.

Congratulations to Spain - Euro 2012 Champions.

Euro 2012 Awards

Winners

My Prediction - Germany

Winners - Spain

Who I felt deserved it - Spain

I predicted a Germany v Spain Final, with the Germans just edging out their old rivals, however I was wrong. I doubted Spain's ability to back up their previous achievements, but they've managed to do just that. They were fantastic at this competition, and thoroughly deserved to be crowned Euro 2012 Champions.

Smokey

My Prediction - Croatia

Smokey - N/A

Who I felt deserved it - Portugal

I thought Croatia might get out of a difficult Group C in expense of Italy, but again how wrong I was. Both Spain and Italy, who were both in Group C, made it out and managed to go all the way to the Final. Croatia, meanwhile, fell at the last hurdle. In the end, the Portuguese were the smokey's of the tournament. They made it out of the 'Group of Death', before going on to the Semi Final's, where they took the eventual winners Spain all the way to a penalty shootout.

Golden Boot

My Prediction - Robin Van Persie

Golden Boot - Fernando Torres

Who I felt deserved it - N/A

I couldn't have over-estimated the Dutch more. They had a shocking tournament, with their main target man Robin Van Persie only scoring once in three group games. In the end, a host of players ended up on three goals (Mario Mandzukic, Mario Balotelli, Alan Dzagoev, Fernando Torres, Mario Gomez and Cristiano Ronaldo), however a series of elimination methods left Torres as the Golden Boot winner. After the first elimination method, which was the most assists, only Torres and Gomez were left, however Torres took the award as he played less minutes than Gomez throughout Euro 2012.

Young Player of the Tournament

My Prediction - Yann M'Vila

Young Player of the Tournament - N/A

Who I felt deserved it - Mario Balotelli

Despite there being no actual award for the Young Player of the Tournament, I felt 21-year-old Mario Balotelli deserved the honours. He kept his attitude in check, and helped lead by example as his Italy made it all the way to the Final. He scored three goals in five starts, including a sensational double which defeated Germany in the Semi Final's. My pre-tournament tip of Yann M'Vila did the opposite. His France went out in humiliating fashion, and he is one of a host of French players which would be sanctioned for his poor behaviour following their exit.

Player of the Tournament

My Prediction - Bastian Schweinsteiger

Player of the Tournament - Andres Iniesta

Who I felt deserved it - Sergio Ramos

Andres Iniesta was crowned Golden Ball winner for Player of the Tournament, and you can hardly have any complaints with that. He was fantastic right throughout the tournament, and was thoroughly influential in helping Spain lift the trophy at the end. Personally, I had Iniesta in third place for the award. I had Sergio Ramos winning it. I felt he was magnificent in a Spanish defence which conceded just one goal in six games throughout Euro 2012. He was a threat cantering forward as well, and we must remember he only slotted into the centre back position just days before the competition began after Carles Puyol pulled out with injury. I then had Andrea Pirlo of Italy in second. His ability to control matches was second to none, and he was by far the most influential player at this tournament. My pre-tournament prediction of Bastian Schweinsteiger went astray, after the German midfield battled through the tournament with niggling injuries. He was hardly his usual self.

Goal of the Tournament

My Prediction - N/A

Goal of the Tournament - Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden v France)

Who I felt deserved it - Jordi Alba (Spain v Italy)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's acrobatic volley on Match Day 3 against the French has taken out the Euro 2012 Goal of the Tournament honour, yet personally I would have given it to Jordi Alba's goal in the Final. The lung-busting run from left back, past Xavi, who played an immaculately weighted through ball to find him. The exquisite first touch to take it past two Italian defenders and then the composed finish past Buffon. It was the perfect Spain goal, resembling everything their football stands for. I could watch it for hours on end.

Team of the Tournament (Squad)

Goalkeepers

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Manuel Neuer (Germany).

Defenders

Jordi Alba (Spain), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Pepe (Portugal), Gerard Pique (Spain), Sergio Ramos (Spain).

Midfielders

Xabi Alonso (Spain), Sergio Busquets (Spain), Steven Gerrard (England), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Sami Khedira (Germany), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Daniele De Rossi (Italy), Xavi (Spain).

Forwards

Mario Balotelli (Italy), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), David Silva (Spain).

My Team of the Tournament

Iker Casillas (Spain) {captain}

T. Gebre Selassie (Czech R.) S. Ramos (Spain) Pepe (Portugal) J. Alba (Spain)

Xabi Alonso (Spain)     Andrea Pirlo (Italy)

Andres Iniesta (Spain)          Xavi (Spain)     Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Mario Balotelli (Italy)

Coach - Vicente del Bosque (Spain)

Substitutes:

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)

Gerard Pique (Spain)

Daniele De Rossi (Italy)

Steven Gerrard (England)

Sami Khedira (Germany)

Alan Dzagoev (Russia)

Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)

Match Day 6 Review

Spain v Italy

There's no doubting that we've witnessed greatness in watching Spain lift the Euro 2012 trophy. Looking through their squad, their depth, their talent and their achievements, it's pure perfection. In the comprehensive 4-0 win in the Final, they've managed to become the first ever side to win back-to-back European Championships; the first ever side to win three major international tournaments in a row (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012); and just the second ever side to win three European Championships.

They have an abundance of quality throughout their squad. Iker Casillas was unbeatable in goal, and his back four of Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba let no one past. As a unit, they conceded just one goal in their six matches at this tournament. Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso were fantastic in screening the midfield. They quickly shut down every opposition attack, whilst instigating moves of their own. Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Silva were simply sublime in midfield. Their ability to not only pick a pass, but then play it to perfection was a joy and an honour to watch. Meanwhile Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres may have had their fair share of criticism at this tournament, but on the biggest stage they came to the fore, with Torres even winning the Golden Boot.

I firmly believe that this Spain side could be the greatest ever, rivalling even Pele's Brazil.

On the other hand, you have to feel for Italy. They were so good at Euro 2012, and despite having an ageing, tired and slightly controversial squad, they've managed to compete so well and reach the Final. They went into this tournament under a massive cloud, with the nation involved in one of the biggest match-fixing scandals in football, however Cesare Prandelli's men have put that behind them to do amazing things in Poland and Ukraine.

Their squad seemed well balanced and hardly showed any of the fatigued effects that I thought they might at this competition. Gianluigi Buffon was his usual brilliant self in goal, and was well marshalled by a superb back line featuring Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. Their midfield was superb, and controlled games with ease. Andrea Pirlo was one of the best players in the tournament, and he received fantastic support from the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio and Riccardo Montolivo. Up front Mario Balotelli made a name for himself, finishing joint-top goal scorer, while Antonio Cassano provided a fitting strike partner.

It was their night in the Final, however they can leave with their heads held high, knowing they achieved great things at this tournament.

On just a final note, I'd like to congratulation the host nations of Poland and Ukraine on their wonderful job throughout Euro 2012. The stadiums were fantastic, the pitches were magnificent, and largely the behaviour of their home fans was superb. Poland nor Ukraine managed to get out of the group stages, yet their sides showed enormous courage throughout their three games, and deserve to be commended on their efforts.

Day 19

Spain 4-0 Italy

Spain have smashed the record books, producing a scintillating display to defeat Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 Final. Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata sealed a dominant display from the Spaniards, which saw them become the first ever side to win back-to-back European Championships, as well as the first ever side to win three major international tournaments in a row (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012).

Both managers made just one change each for their sides. Vicente del Bosque named Cesc Fabregas at centre forward ahead of Alvaro Negredo, who'd started the Semi Final, and Fernando Torres, who had played in the group fixtures. While Cesare Prandelli brought Ignazio Abate into the side at right back ahead of Federico Balzaretti.

Spain dominated straight from kick off, holding onto possession for long spells and creating dangerous openings. Warning bells were ringing for the Italians when Sergio Ramos headed over from a corner, before Xavi shot wayward from the edge of the area following a delightful passing move.

On 14 minutes, Spain took the lead. Andres Iniesta played a wonderful through ball to Fabregas, who got on the wrong side of his marker before taking a touch to the byline. He then centred the ball, with Silva's glancing header finding the top corner, leaving Gianluigi Buffon with no chance.

Italy's problems were only going to get worse seven minutes later when Giorgio Chiellini was forced off the field with the same thigh strain which had troubled him throughout the tournament.

The Italians responded well to going behind, with Antonio Cassano forcing a couple of nice saves from Spanish keeper Iker Casillas, however it would be the defending champions who would double their advantage just before the break.

Jordi Alba, who was having a wonderful tournament at left back, made a lung-busting run past Xavi, who threaded a wonderful pass through to his new Barcelona teammate. Alba then took an exquisite touch past his marker before finishing calmly past Buffon's near post to make it 2-0 at half time.

It was 45 minutes of pure domination from the Spaniards. Their ability to hold the influential Andrea Pirlo quiet was achieving maximum dividends, and they'd managed two goals to take with them into the interval.

Prandelli was forced into two changes soon after half time, with Antonio Di Natale and Thiago Motta coming onto the field.

Di Natale almost made an immediate impact, heading over the bar despite being unmarked, before having a shot on the turn well closed down by Casillas.

Motta, meanwhile, lasted less than five minutes before the Italians chances thinned. He tore his hamstring setting off on a run, and was stretchered off the field without any substitution's remaining.

It meant Spain had the freedom of the midfield to work with, and del Bosque took advantage by introducing Pedro and Fernando Torres from the bench.

With just six minutes remaining, Xavi played a superbly weighted pass through to Torres, and he slotted his precise finish into the bottom corner to make it three for Spain.

Juan Mata was brought into play, and with his very first touch of the tournament, scored the fourth and final good to end the Italian rout. Sergio Busquets had played in Torres, and the striker teed up his Chelsea teammate with an unselfish cut back, leaving Mata with the simple task of touching into an empty net.

It typified the teamwork and unity of the Spanish squad. They were a team bordering on perfection in every facet of the pitch.

Italy's contribution was not to be forgotten at Euro 2012. They'd played some delightful football, and their aim of winning the Final on their terms had to be admired.

However the night belonged to Spain. This amazing group of players had written themselves into the record books yet again. Despite criticism for 'boring' football throughout the tournament, their Euro 2012 triumph has well and truly set them among the best teams to ever play this great game, if not the best team ever.

The Road to Kiev - Italy

Italy made it to the Euro 2012 finals after moving through Group C of tournament qualifying with 8 wins and 2 draws. The Italians had a mean defence throughout their group games, conceding just 2 goals in 10 games against the likes of Estonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Northern Ireland and the Faroe Islands.

Italy had a tough start to their campaign, going behind against Estonia before eventually getting the victory. They were awarded the 3 points at home to Serbia due to crowd trouble from the Serbian away fans, before struggling through both matches against Slovenia, as well as against the Faroe Islands.

Antonio Cassano was their top goal scorer throughout qualification, scoring 6 goals in 10 games, while Giampaolo Pazzini was the only other multiple goal scorer with 2.

Estonia 1-2 Italy (Cassano 60', Bonnuci 63')


Italy 5-0 Faroe Islands (Gilardino 11', De Rossi 22', Cassano 27', Quagliarella 81', Pirlo 90')


Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy


Italy 3-0 Serbia (match abandoned due to crowd trouble, Italy received points)


Slovenia 0-1 Italy (Motta 73')


Italy 3-0 Estonia (Rossi 21', Cassano 39', Pazzini 68')


Faroe Islands 0-1 Italy (Cassano 11')


Italy 1-0 Slovenia (Pazzini 85')


Serbia 1-1 Italy (Marchisio 1')


Italy 3-0 Northern Ireland (Cassano 21', 53', McAuley 74' [og])


Italy were drawn in Group C alongside reigning World and European Champions Spain. They would also have tough competition in Croatia and Ireland.

They started their journey in Poland and Ukraine with a 1-1 draw with Spain. Veteran striker Antonio Di Natale had put them ahead just after the hour mark, before Spain's Cesc Fabregas levelled the scores moments later.

Their next match against Croatia was just as difficult. An Andrea Pirlo free kick had put them ahead just before half time, however Mario Mandzukic equalised after the break to ensure a tense and tight final round of group fixtures.

With Spain beating Italy in the corresponding match, it was left to Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli to see off Ireland in the final game. The 2-0 victory meant Italy qualified for the knockout phase of the tournament in second place behind Spain.

England awaited in the Quarter Final's, and despite dominating the 90 minutes, the Italians couldn't find a goal. The "0-0 slaughter" as it was dubbed continued into the extra time period, however England's stern defence resisted every Italian attack, sending the match into a penalty shootout. It started poorly for Italy, with Riccardo Montolivo missing his penalty, before Ashley Young struck against the crossbar. Gianluigi Buffon then saved Ashley Cole's tame effort, before Alessandro Diamanti slotted home to sent Italy through to the final four.

There they met a Germany side who remained the only nation to still have a 100% record at the tournament. However two sensational goals from Mario Balotelli sent the Italians through to the Final.

Spain 1-1 Italy (Di Natale 61')


Italy 1-1 Croatia (Pirlo 39')


Italy 2-0 Ireland (Cassano 35', Balotelli 90')


England 0-0 Italy {2-4 pens}


Germany 1-2 Italy (Balotelli 20', 36')


Italy now set up a meeting between the last two World Cup Champions in the Euro 2012 Final. The Andrea Pirlo-led Italians are looking at winning their first ever European Championship crown since 1968.

The Road to Kiev - Spain

Spain made it to Euro 2012 after winning all eight of their matches in Group I of tournament qualifying. Averaging just over three goals a game in their group games, the defending champions breezed through against the Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania and Liechtenstein.

Spain struggled early in the group stages, with Lithuania, Scotland and the Czech Republic all testing their measure, however they eventually broke the shackles with a 6-0 win at home to Liechtenstein which settled their nerves.

David Villa was their top goal scorer with 7 goals in 8 games, while David Silva added 4.

Liechtenstein 0-4 Spain (Torres 18', 54', Villa 26', Silva 62')

Spain 3-1 Lithuania (Llorente 47', 56', Silva 79')

Scotland 2-3 Spain (Villa 44', Iniesta 55', Llorente 79')

Spain 2-1 Czech Rep (Villa 69', 73')

Lithuania 1-3 Spain (Xavi 19', Kijanskas 70' [og], Mata 83')

Spain 6-0 Liechtenstein (Negredo 34', 37', Xavi 44', Ramos 52', Villa 60', 79')

Czech Rep 0-2 Spain (Mata 6', Alonso 23')

Spain 3-1 Scotland (Silva 6', 44', Villa 54')

They were drawn in Group C at Euro 2012, coming up against 2006 World Cup winners Italy, as well as Croatia and Ireland.

They began their tournament against the Italians, and after going behind through an Antonio Di Natale goal in the 61st minute, they pegged their opponents back 3 minutes later through Cesc Fabregas.

Their next match was much more comfortable, easily accounting for Ireland 4-0. A Fernando Torres double saw off the Irish, with David Silva and Cesc Fabregas also getting on the scoresheet in the victory.

The third and final group game was a little tougher for the Spaniard's, as they had to rely on an 88th minute goal from substitute Jesus Navas to seal all three points. The win guaranteed qualification through to the Quarter Final's, whilst also seeing them top Group C.

Two Xabi Alonso goals sent Spain through in the Quarter Final against France. Alonso headed home in the 19th minute, before scoring a stoppage time penalty to see off the French.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were the competition in the Semi Final's. The two sides couldn't be split after 90 minutes, meaning the game went to an additional 30 minutes of extra time. After no goals were scored there, the match would be decided by penalties. Xabi Alonso had his spot kick saved, however Iker Casillas came to the rescue, denying Joao Moutinho before Bruno Alves hit the crossbar with his penalty. It meant that when Cesc Fabregas slotted in off the post, Spain would be going through to the Euro 2012 Final with the opportunity of becoming the first ever nation to win back-to-back European Championships.

Spain 1-1 Italy (Fabregas 64')

Spain 4-0 Ireland (Torres 4', 70', Silva 49', Fabregas 83')

Croatia 0-1 Spain (Navas 88')

Spain 2-0 France (Alonso 19', 90+1')

Portugal 0-0 Spain {2-4 pens}

Spain will now play off in Kiev, seeking to become the first ever nation to win back-to-back Euro crowns, as well as looking at joining the illustrious group to win three major international tournaments in a row (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012).