We look at five star names that could steal the show in the ultimate game of the tournament.
Andres Iniesta – Spain midfielder
The Barcelona star is Spain’s most adventurous midfielder. He was Portugal’s biggest threat in the semi-finals with his piercing runs, his through balls and his accurate passing. He nearly broke the deadlock before the game went into penalties.
Andres Iniesta has no problem soaking the pressure in big matches. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, the midfielder scored the only goal of the game against the Netherlands. Spain eventually lifted the trophy in South Africa. They are one step away from clinching their third major trophy in four years. Andres Iniesta could once again be the man to net the crucial kick.
Mario Balotelli – Italy striker
Balotelli’s familiarity with Manchester City team mates Joleon Lescott and Joe Hart greatly benefited Italy against England. In the semi-finals, Balotelli rose to the occasion to destabilize Germany. His firm header and his inch perfect volley fired the Azzurri into the final.
Mario Balotelli is tied on three goals with a few other players at UEFA Euro 2012. A single goal could put him clear in the top scorers chart. That would be quite an achievement for the man who was denied a spot in Italy’s 2010 World Cup roster.
Mario Balotelli has two sides. His ego makes him shine but this childishness sometimes punishes him. Balotelli never goes wild while celebrating because he believes “it is a striker’s job to score”.
Well, he owes at least one goal to Italian fans against Spain. The reason is simple: he missed a
huge opportunity to score against the Spaniards when both teams met in Group C. This sounds as enough motivation for Mario Balotelli to punish Spain’s defence in the Euro 2012 final on Sunday.
Andrea Pirlo – Italy midfielder
His experience scared England and Germany in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively. Andrea Pirlo is deadly when it comes to free-kicks. The midfielder is not obliged to score to prove his worth as a player but when it does, it adds icing on the cake.
His majestic performance in midfield could ruin Spain’s possessive football. A good game for Andrea Pirlo could mean a memorable night for Italy and all Azzurri supporters around the world.
Fernando Torres – Spain striker
It is said that Fernando Torres is the biggest flop in world football. Still, he is one player to fear. Torres has never lost a final match. He will be looking to maintain this remarkable record and silence his critics in the UEFA Euro 2012 final.
Fernando Torres is a European Championship immortal – his goal in the Euro 2008 final offered him this honourable status. The Chelsea striker showed flashes of greatness for the Spanish national team against South Korea in a friendly match this summer. He also took his chances against Ireland in the group phase at Euro 2012.
Spain vs Italy represents a golden opportunity for Torres to console himself from staying on the bench throughout the Portugal match in the semis.
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy goalkeeper) or Iker Casillas (Spain goalkeeper)
It is possible that Gianluigi Buffon or Iker Casillas will emerge as the hero in the UEFA Euro 2012 final. If the game goes to penalties, Buffon and Casillas will need luck and expertise one more time to save their nation.
Andres Iniesta was the hero at the 2010 FIFA world cup and Fernando Torres was the hero at Euro 2008. Mario Balotelli could steal the show and Andrea “Panenka” Pirlo could add more shine to his glittering career with one touch - a free-kick goal, maybe? Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas are in top form and will be decisive in a game gifted with dangerous forwards. Who else could decide the UEFA Euro 2012 final?
