Spain, the number one ranked football team in the world last night delivered a masterclass performance in the 2012 European Cup final to overwhelm Italy and put them to the Sword 4-0. With the victory, Spain became the first country to win the Cup back to back.

It was a performance that rubbished Italy’s famed defensive prowess and raised questions whether Spain/Germany final would have been a more balanced contest, or whether the actual final was played at the semi final between Spain and Portugal.

Indeed, Spain had been performing below their best at the championships, despite conceding only one goal and scoring nine before the final.

Contrastingly, Italy showed progressive improvement from the group stage, and their surprising comprehensive victory over one of the tournament favourites, Germany in the semi final somehow tipped the final’s scale in Italy’s favour.

But after a promising opening eight minutes performance from Italy, Spain took over the show and imposed their rhythm on the game.

With Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta pulling the strings in midfield, Cesc Fabregas was superb in his ‘false number nine’ role, as Spain once again played without a top striker.

Their passing game and domineering possession made the Azzurris lose the initiative. The Italians could not see the ball and even when they did, were closed down quickly.

Two goals in the first half from David Silva and Jordi Alba in the 14th and 41st minute, off Fabregas’ assists set Spain on the way to their third trophy in three consecutive major championships.

In the second half, despite Italy’s improved opening performance, it was yet another Spanish dominant performance.

Italy’s cause was also not helped by a couple of brilliant stops by keeper Ikar Casillas and the hamstring injury to substitute Thiago Motta after they had exhausted their substitution quota.

With Italy one man short, Spain continued their patient probing pauses, while Andreas Pirlo and Mario Balotelli, who were outstanding for Italy since the knockout stages hardly found the room to be effective.

Substitute Fernando Forres ended the match as a contest in the 84th minute when he sidefooted home to make it three for Spain. Four minutes later, another substitute, Juan Mata finished another delightful move to seal victory for the world champions and reduced the Italians, especially, veterans, Pirlo, Guanluigi Buffon and even eccentric Balotelli, to tears, afterwards.

Spain’s victory marked the first time a country would retain the title, which also made it their third European Cup success.

Tonye Orabere