Spain’s path to the UEFA Euro 2012 Final
It’s not been a super impressive path for Spain to reach the Euro 2012 final but they are one win away from defending their title. Below is how they’ve reached the final starting with the group stage and into the knockout stage.
Group Stage
Spain 1-1 Italy
Not a great start for Spain but they did face an organized and solid Italian side. After conceding a 60th minute goal, Cesc Fabregas equalized in the 64th minute to share the points.
Spain 4-0 Ireland
A much improved match for Spain who scored early and broke open the match with three second half goals.
Croatia 0-1 Spain
A narrow win for Spain as Jesus Navas scored an 88th minute goal.
Knockout Stage
Spain 2-0 France
A Xabo Alonso brace was more than enough to put Spain into the semifinals. The match was a bit closer than the scoreline represents as France threatened to equalize during the second half.
Portugal 0-0 (2-4 on penalties) Spain
Spain struggled to find a goal against an organized Portugal side. The match could have been decided before penalties but Spain lacked sharpness in the final third. Overall, a lot of credit should be given to Portugal they forced Spain to grind it out on penalty kicks.
