spain 2012 is not the same with 2008 & 2010
this is definitely not the same side that i love few years back

Definitely not the same, but not in a negative way for me. Ramos is now on the central defensive role and Arbeloa on the right instead, and David Villa is a big miss. Still glad that the team made it through the final though.

I hope in final VDB will make pedro as starting 11,he's too damn good.

Erm. I haven't seen anyone having a barca vs. madrid discussion.
Some trolls accused me of being an anti-madrid when I numerously praised Ramos and selected Iker & Ramos as key players.


Pretty useless you say?Please clarify.
He was pickpocketing here and there, calm under pressure even with his back to his marker.
Hardly conceded possession.

I've never found him playing consistently on his Barca level when playing in a double-pivot with Spain (Euro 2008 anyone?.

One of the reasons is him having Xabi constantly getting in the way or trying to do what he does.
Last night again a number of times Xabi got in the way.
Or when Xavi has the ball and try to spread the play to the flanks, Xabi will stand and ask for the ball.

Although this problem occurs less compared to 2010 WC but it's still pretty obvious.

Xavi needs an Iniesta in front of him much like Alonso needs a Mascherano/Busquets behind him.

Also, you have to understand why he isn't so noticeable, without runners running behind the defense, you won't see him threading through balls. His job will then only be to keep the tempo and spread the play.
He can direct the tempo but yet play a fast direct game. You just need to watch more Barca matches to know that

He shines for Spain when they use to play 1 DM (Senna & Barca).

Spain played Italy already in the group stages no?
One goal allowed.

I agree with you on the Germans though.
They are efficient machines (Gomez not so) just like everything the Germans do.

Erm. Messi doesn't play on Arbeloa's wing.

And he didn't keep Ronaldo out of the game.
Recall the flank in which the danger from Portugal came during the game and the countless times he lost possession.

How many needless free kicks has he given away this tournament?

Yeah taking Xavi out for an attacker as a mean to win the match in normal circumstances (90mins matches) is fine.
But not taking him out when there is less than 5mins to go in normal time and when there is most likely still 30mins to play for in extra-time.

Notice how they lost control of the midfield once Xavi came off.

I would applaud VdB's move if he took Xavi/Xabi off with at least 20mins to go for Pedro to find a goal.

Negredo's inclusion in spite of Soldado is already a shock and him in the starting X1 in a semi-final is even more shocking considering how well Pedro has played in the last match.

Ramos had balls!
And notice how he again in this match tried to play RB at times.
I wish VdB would experiment him at RB and Martinez at CB in the group stages.

You're spot on!
I thought Pedro did enough to justify a starting place in the team but instead VdB went with Negredo.
Pedro wasn't even a first sub.

Llorente is twice the player Negredo is who barely made the cut.
I guess Llorente and Mata have to start making noise like Silva in order to be selected.

This is what I mentioned previously too.
VdB seems to select players based on reputation instead of form or functionality.

England is having the same problem as well for the past decade.

They just need to go back to 4-3-3.

^^ diamlah barcafag

motm coz the chip penalty?

i thought jordi alba was motm

Sorry, not a Barca fan nor fan of their gameplay. Manchester United fan through and through. I do however, support Valencia CF as my favourite Spanish side. And supporting the La Furia Roja since 2007

This post has been edited by andrewtho: Jun 28 2012, 10:30 PM

Alba's goal was awesome!

3 consecutive titles. Simply amazing.

Weeee areee theee championnnnnn euro 2012............viva espanaaaaaaaa..

Torres golden boot winner

For real? I just asked this....hmm..

Champions Champions! History makersssss!

Brilliant brilliant!

This post has been edited by andrewtho: Jul 2 2012, 04:44 AM

Since 2008. Well.... OK.

Balotelli scored 3 goals in 6 games

Torres, Gomez, C.Ronaldo scored 3 goals in 5 games

But Torres and Gomez have an assist to their names

Mandzukic and Dzagoev both scored 3 in 3 games

Dzagoev played less minutes than Mandzukic

Torres is the cup winner

So...who wins?

Torres played less minutes. Torres get the golden boot

---

Added on July 2, 2012, 5:03 amYes, he won

This post has been edited by solstice818: Jul 2 2012, 05:03 AM

Mmmm the Torres I love is back!

not because of that.

because he had an assist to his name.

all the goals for Spain tonight came via a through ball, if everyone noticed. not high balls. that destroyed the whole Italian defence altogether.

Gomez also had an assist but due to the fact that Torres played less minute, he won.

ooh. that wasn't stated in the commentary. thanks for the heads up.