Spain won't have it easy

It's surely not a surprise that Spain are in the EURO 2012 final, in fact I am actually quite surprised that the final was not repeat of the EURO 2008 final ( Spain vs Germany). But while Spain controlled the game in that final, I quite certain that it will not happen that way this time. With Italy bursting with confidence and Mario Balotelli actually hitting the headlines for onfield performances, its very likely that Italy will give Spain a run for their money.

For some reason history seems to be repeating itself. The Serie A was involved in a massive scandal in 2006 but the same year, Italy went on to beat Germany in the semifinals and finally won the World Cup. Does something seem familiar? Well of course it does; the Serie A has once again been drawn into a scandal, Italy has once again beaten Germany in the semifinals and have a good shot at the title. Pirlo seems to have rolled back the years playing in the heart of Italy's midfield and that has been very crucial for the cohesiveness of Italy's game.

Although no one can deny that Italy has a chance, the fact remains that Spain are favourites to win their third consecutive major trophy. I also feel that Spain will win it, but rather than strolling away with the trophy, they will come out weary and bloodied because I am very certain Italy will not go down without a fight. To make history, Spain will have to dig deep.

Germany can go all the way

Well I know what you all are thinking as you read the title,"Its not surprising that you think the pre-tournament favourites will win the Euros." I completely agree with this point of view but haven't Germany been pre tournament favourites before and ended up not winning the tournament. Lets go back to 2006 where every person you met would say "Isn't it obvious, how can Germany lose in Germany with a squad like that?" But it was not to be Germany's year.

Germany have gone through a footballing revolution ever since 2006. The rise of players like Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller have strengthened them immeasurably and the best part is that they are very young. They put up a fantastic show in 2010 and they have the chance to go one better in 2012. You can't help but feel that this German squad is more lethal than the one we saw in 2006. Take for example the recent game against Netherlands; the Germans were beaten by statistics in every department: shots on target, possession, etc.
But what mattered was that they took their chances as they came and won the game.

Just like in 2010 when I could never see a moment in the World Cup where Spain would bow out (even though they had some sub-standard games) this time around I find it very hard to see Germany getting eliminated. With their precision attacking and ever improving defence they could finally seal that elusive title.