The Uefa Euro 2012 Final in Kyiv remains etched in football history, not just as a decider, but as a statement of dominance. In a tournament where Spain aimed for an unprecedented third consecutive major international title, they faced Italy, a team they had already encountered in a 1-1 draw in the group stages. However, this final was far from a repeat performance. Spain, at the zenith of their tiki-taka era, unleashed a masterclass, defeating Italy 4-0 in what became the most comprehensive victory ever witnessed in a Euro final.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a symphony of Spanish football, orchestrated under Vicente del Bosque. The goals, scored by David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata, each told a story of Spanish brilliance and Italian resilience ultimately overwhelmed. As we reflect on this iconic match, revisiting the perspectives of those who were there offers a deeper appreciation of its historical significance.
A Spanish Perspective: Confidence and Controlled Dominance
Graham Hunter, Spain’s reporter at both the 2012 final and subsequent tournaments, recalls the atmosphere surrounding the Spanish camp with palpable fondness. The confidence wasn’t just bravado; it was rooted in their unparalleled talent, deep know-how, and sheer energy. Hunter recounts a telling detail: the Spanish players, demonstrating their proactive mindset, convinced coach Del Bosque to alter travel plans, prioritizing freshness and readiness over logistical norms. This decision underscored their focused determination to conquer.
The match itself unfolded as a spectacle of Spanish artistry. Hunter, positioned pitch-side, witnessed the nuances firsthand. David Silva’s opening goal, a header from a player not renowned for aerial prowess, against Italy’s formidable defense, exemplified Spain’s tactical versatility. Then came Jordi Alba’s goal, a testament to Xavi Hernández’s vision and Alba’s incisive run and finish. “I saw Jordi Alba’s run about the same time as Xavi Hernández did – what a pass, what a finish!” Hunter vividly remembers, highlighting the telepathic understanding within the Spanish team.
The second half saw Spain extend their lead with goals from substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata. These weren’t mere additions to the scoreline; they were “decorative goals,” as Hunter describes, showcasing Spain’s relentless pursuit of perfection even when victory was assured. The 4-0 scoreline wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of historic proportions, marking the end of Spain’s golden era with an exclamation point, a run of trophies that felt, at the time, like it might never end.
Post-match, the Spanish dressing room was a scene of calm jubilation. Having also been present after Spain’s 2010 World Cup final win, Hunter noted a similar atmosphere of understated satisfaction. “This is what we came for, this is what we do. Job done,” was the prevailing sentiment. The true joy, however, lay in the presence of family – wives, girlfriends, parents, and children – sharing in the moment, a poignant reminder of the human element behind these footballing heroes.
An Italian Perspective: Respect in Defeat and Lingering Frustration
Paolo Menicucci, Italy’s reporter, brings a contrasting perspective, one tinged with respect for Spain but also marked by the harsh realities of defeat. His enduring memory is of Iker Casillas’s plea to the referee for “Respeto” – respect – for Italy as the game neared its conclusion. This act of sportsmanship from the Spanish captain encapsulates the gulf between the two sides on that Kyiv night, yet also acknowledges Italy’s journey to the final.
Menicucci emphasizes the physical toll on Cesare Prandelli’s Italian team. They arrived in the final “with no gas left in the tank,” having endured grueling encounters against England and Germany in the preceding knockout rounds. Facing Spain’s possession-based game, orchestrated by midfield maestros like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, demanded peak physical condition, something Italy simply lacked.
Injuries further compounded Italy’s woes. Giorgio Chiellini’s early exit, Antonio Cassano playing through pain, and Thiago Motta’s swift injury after coming on as a substitute, forcing Italy to play with ten men for a significant portion of the second half, all contributed to their downfall. As Menicucci points out, these setbacks transformed a daunting task into an almost impossible one.
Years later, interviewing Gianluigi Buffon and Chiellini, Menicucci found that the frustration of that final, the sense of not being able to challenge Spain at full strength, still lingered. This frustration fueled Italy’s 2-0 victory against Spain in the Euro 2016 round of 16, a win Chiellini described as a chance for football to offer a “second chance.”
While the UEFA Euro 2012 final remains a painful memory for Italian fans, it also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of football and the ever-present opportunity for redemption. For Spain, it stands as the crowning achievement of a golden generation, a 4-0 victory in the UEFA Euro 2012 final that solidified their place in footballing legend and remains a benchmark of dominance in international football.
