<p>just back from Italy watching Euro 2012 with the locals. People say that football (soccer) is the unifying force of the country and it seemed to be. In an open air bar, every passerby, even joggers, would stick their heads in to check out the game for a few moments. Everyone inside made room and welcomed each newcomer. The most unusual place we found was in Florence where you could order gelato (over 50 flavors) to go with your game.
We have become new Italia fans!</p>
<p>So far, so good! Eating paella and Spanish omelet that H slaved over this morning.</p>
<p>Done and dusted!!!</p>
<p>Totally deserved. Could barely hear S on Skype for all the fireworks going off.</p>
<p>La Furia Roja</p>
<p>Very strong game. We saw today what happens when teams actually try to play Spain heads up instead of playing behind the ball.</p>
<p>Spain’s final was very strong. But I thought Italy had a wrong game plan. They should have started the game with solid defense + counter attack as they did and succeeded vs. Germany.</p>
<p>That was more or less what they tried. Don’t forget, in the first two Spanish goals, the Italians weren’t caught up the field. Their back line just got carved up. It was only after Motta went out and they were down 0-2 with 10 men that they started losing the ball in very poor positions.</p>
<p>UEFA named the player of the tournament:Iniesta.
Ten Spanish player were named to the Tournament team. The only regular player not to make it was Arbeloa.
The “party” in Madrid was carried live on TVE. We get it on satellite. Enjoyed it very much.</p>
<p>I am looking forward to the new season next month.</p>