The Final

[sledger]

Also....I think we all knew he wouldn't be far away...

[grecian]

Originally Posted by sledger

Yeah, I agree. I thought they gave a good account of themselves and can be proud of what they accomplished, more of their performances throughout than tonight perhaps. Terrible luck with injuries tonight as well. 4-0 a bit on the harsh side perhaps, but on the other hand I wouldn't say it flattered Spain, definitely their best display of the entire tournament.

Feel like the BBC pundits attempting to discuss whether or not the current Spain side is the best team ever is a bit of a fool's errand - not a debate I'm particularly interested in having, nor do I believe there is a conclusive answer to - but winning 3 major international trophies in a row is an unrivaled level of achievement, have to hand it to them.

On a sad note, probably won't get to see Buffon or Pirlo in a major tournament again, one suspects.

Only 34 for a 'keeper, particularly an Italian one, a mere spring chicken.

[sledger]

Originally Posted by grecian

Only 34 for a 'keeper, particularly an Italian one, a mere spring chicken.

Had thought he was a year too older than that itbt, may have another tournament in him yet I suppose, but the impression I get from watching him is that his best days are now behind him. His physique is beginning to go, and he doesn't have anything like the level of agility he had a few years back. Have to wonder if he'll consider retirement from Internationals now anyway, hasn't really got a lot left to accomplish. Not seen many better keepers than him over the last 10 years or so in any case.

[roseboy64]

Originally Posted by GIMH

Looks back to his best. Be interesting to see if he stays at the Chavs mind.

Bit generous there. He's not been terrible but he's not looked back to his best. Looked good all things considered though.

[roseboy64]

Wouldn't be too surprised to see Pirlo and Buffon in 2014. Euro 2016 a bit too far I would think though.

[Pothas]

Has anyone checked if Scaly is ok? Ravi getting runs and Spain winning in the same day can't be good for him.

Anyway Spain were just superb, was really pleased to see them play their very best football in the final, second goal summed it all up, brilliant stuff.

[duffer]

Originally Posted by sledger

Not seen many better keepers than him over the last 10 years or so in any case.

He's been the most consistent. Who tops him?

[Tom Halsey]

Originally Posted by roseboy64

Wouldn't be too surprised to see Pirlo and Buffon in 2014. Euro 2016 a bit too far I would think though.

Yeah I hope we see Pirlo in 2014. Until the final he was my player of the tournament this time, and his game is not overly reliant on pace.

[Scaly piscine]

My god Italy's defending was rank. They had two guys staring at the totally unmarked short-arse getting a free header into an empty net for the first and the second goal was schoolboy stuff. For the second the keeper was also in a horrible position (didn't leave the near post open so much as half the goal) which was a little surprising. Spain were far more attacking and actually committed men into the box, Italy actually had as much as the ball but lacked the quality with Pirlo being a marked man and Balotelli having an off day.

Real shame Italy had their final against Germany. For the second time the best side got knocked out by the eventual mediocre runners-up to Spain.