Monday, July 2, 2012

Iniesta comes up with another fine performance

Goal.com takes a look at the top and flop performers from last night's final battle between La Furia Roja and Gli Azzurri.

Andrés Iniesta - Spain
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TOP OF THE DAY






Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta was clearly our top of the match. He kept the ball moving and rarely lost possession. His passes were short and neat. El Ilusionista was always likely to be on the end of a Spain chance with his runs from midfield. He dribbled past challenges and picked perfect passes. He provided an exceptional throughball to Fabregas in the build up to the first goal. He wasn't on the scoresheet but was a real threat and terrified Italy with his pace on the ball. His balance, ball control and agility linked with his skill on the ball definitely made him a greater menace than any other Spaniard on the field. He was versatile and perceptive in the match and could truly be called a midfield maestro. He was substituted by Juan Mata in the 87th minute who funnily enough, got his name on the scoresheet.

STATS CENTRE
Passes 72
Passing Accuracy 83.1%
Fouls Won 1


FLOP OF THE DAY

Andrea Barzagli


Andrea Barzagli had a forgettable game as he failed to track Spain's movement for their second, third and fourth goals. He had a great chance to score with a header in the first half. The former Palermo defender was greatly exposed by Alba for the Spanish second goal. He had little protection from the midfield in front of him and the other Italian defenders also did not do a good job, but the Juventus man did not show any goal resisting skills. He offered far too much space to the Spain attackers and continually backed off. He was guilty of tucking in far too tightly. He looked the most suspect of Italy’s defenders. He committed a foul and was booked for it.

STATS CENTRE
Blocks 0
Fouls Conceded 1(Yellow Card)
Interceptions 5



POST MATCH QUOTE OF THE DAY

When we fly over Kyiv and see the stadium lights I will have pangs of disappointment but I leave proud.

- Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach

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