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24
Jun 2012
01:29 Comments (45)
Spain break the spell, by Rafa Benitez

Euro 2012

Rafa Benítez

Two goals scored by Xabi Alonso on his 100th appearance for his country, one thanks to a great measured pass from Jordi Alba and the other from a penalty for a foul on Pedro, were enough to take the Spanish national team through to the semi-finals of Euro 2012 and at the same time break, once and for all, the spell that France usually put on them. And so they overcame the French side in an scrappier game you would expect from two world champions.

The truth is that Spain were always the better team in a game without much tempo. But they imposed their quality and touch, just doing enough, against a rather ‘grey’ French team. There was a lot of speculation about the team selection of both squads right up to kick off. In Spain they were wondering whether Vicente Del Bosque would opt for Fernando Torres or Fabregas, whilst inFrance the subject was tactical. Would they just defend or would they spring a surprise and attack? The questions were answered when Cesc was named in the starting eleven and Blanc set out his stall in the first few minutes when his team played very, very defensive. The selection of Reveillere at full back and Debuchy, also a defender, on the right of midfield in a 1-4-1-4-1 was all that was needed to show their intentions along with a player like Malouda in place of Nasri in midfield.

Spain, with their classic 1-4-3-3, and Fabregas as a ‘false’ striker with a lot of interchange of positions between Alonso, Busquets and Xavi Hernandez and doing what everyone was expecting: keeping possession and having the ball for long periods. With possession figures of 62% to 38%, the Spanish dominated the game, although without much tempo, or much pace in ball circulation, but, as usual, without losing it and without having any trouble defensively. As for the French, they tried to prevent Jordi Alba getting forward on the wing with Debuchy making a fifth defender and, on occasions, even Ribery doing a similar job on the other side against Alvaro Arbeloa.

Imagen

Reveillere left his position to close Iniesta between lines when he could as the game developed and France were intento n stopping Spain but this left them without teeth in attack. With this shape of both teams it was matter of time until Del Bosque’s men had a chance to score. And we didn’t have to wait long, when in the 19th minute a great piece of play by Jordi Alba, who got to the goal line, crossed for Xabi Alonso to put a good header in the net to open the scoring.

The pace of the game was slow from both teams and Spain couldn’t create chances so there was little of note. And half time came with a close scoreline but with nearly double the passes from Spain (324) to France (165) which only confirrned what we had seen on the pitch.

More of the same

As there were no changes by either side, and the shapes were similar to the first half, we were sentenced to a similar pattern to what had gone before. It was down to France to do something and they did in the 53rd minute when they regained the ball and made a quick counter attack. The same thing happened a minute later and in the 59th minute, Debuchy had a headed chance but it caused no problem.

Blanc’s team began to get more men forward and the bench brought on Menez and Nasri to help matters. Del Bosque responded by bringing on Pedro for Silva and just a few minutes later Torres for Cesc, trying to exploit the spaces that would be surely left behind the ‘blue’ defence.

The French changed to a 1-4-2-3-1 and in the 70th minute they regained again and counter attacked dangerously through Ribery. Torres and Pedro were looking to get behind the defence but without much effect and the French coach played his last card bringing on Giroud for M’Vila and played with two clear strikers.

Santi Cazorla came on for Andres Iniesta and the game went in to its final throes. Because the Malaga player found Pedro in the box and he got away from Rami cleverly but was brought down by Reveillere for a clear penalty. It was up to Xabi Alonso to put it away, giving him a second goal on his 100th cap and Spain went through to a semi-final against Portugal and France go home. The spell had been broken and the French were beaten at last in serious competition.

45 Comments Send us your opinions
24/06/12 at 11:47:52 #11
gian
Hi rafa come to Sampdoria ti aspettiamo
24/06/12 at 11:51:40 #12
Antonio Briozzo
Olà mister, me llamo Antonio e soy un fan de Sampdoria.
Yo soy mucho gasado pensando a Rafa en la Samp, porchè nosotros estamos al top del calor esportivo y tambien tenemos desiderio de ganar.
Lo che permite el suegno de victoria se llama Rafa.
Esto es lo che tenemos en el corazon:
"Quando uscirete dal tunnel, volgete lo sguardo a sinistra. Vedrete battere il cuore della Sud e allora sarete imbattibili"
24/06/12 at 12:25:39 #13
marco
Rafa tutta Genova ti aspetta! Non si può resistere ai colori più belli del mondo. Sono sicuro che entrando al Ferraris colorato a festa proverai un emozione più forte di quando entravi ad Anfield Road.
Rafa a Genova sarai Re, non esitare!
24/06/12 at 12:29:37 #14
FH
While France was doing ok in defense, their counter didn't create any threat to Spain. Not enough of support to Benzema. As Benzema loves to drop back to get the ball, France in yesterday didn't have enough midfielders to run into the box. So quite a lot of time no any proper shots were created.

Although it may not be the most attractive football, counter and long ball may seem to be a more efficient way when you play against Barca or Spain, provided that you have a target man to hold up ball and quality pacey wingers. Guess Stevie G's England may stand a chance if they qualify??

All the best Rafa. YNWA!
24/06/12 at 12:39:06 #15
Anax
Hi Rafa, congrats for this analysis. I totally agree with you. I'm a supporter of Sampdoria and i really hope you can join us soon. I think (and like me a lot of people) that with you we can be again one of the most important clubs in Italy and Europe. I am quite optimist to see you in Genova to train the team with the most beautiful colors in the world. Bye :)
24/06/12 at 12:41:40 #16
nico.ranise@alice.it
Vedere il suo nome accostato alla Sampdoria mi riempie di orgoglio e spero proprio non si tratti di un sogno. Mister ho visto giocare tante volte la grande Samp di Mister Boskov, l'ho vista a Wembley. Lei ha le capacità di riportarla grande, la presidenza le possibilità economiche,quindi perchè non provarci.
Un saluto cordiale e spero di vederla presto allenare i colori più belli del mondo.
24/06/12 at 13:36:45 #17
Andrea
Dear Rafa, come and see our beautiful Ligurian Riviera! I'm sure, you'll never want to leave it...
We're all looking forward to seeing you!
So long...

Andrea
24/06/12 at 13:41:40 #18
Genovese
Hi Rafa,
please consider to come in Italy with Sampdoria.
We are a serious team that remains in coaches' and players' hearts forever. This means that Sampdoria could be your new Liverpool. (with a better weather..)

best regards
24/06/12 at 13:59:14 #19
Shadab
Hi great analysis, firstly I have the most upmost respect for Mr Blanc as a coach however we are allowed to have views and this is mine: I think France could have played higher up the pitch and been compact between the units. Pressing high especially when Arbeloa got the ball. France pushing high would have made Spain play quicker and maybe longer to no big target. The no Nasri situation was interesting, personally I think Nasri and Ben Arfa a more direct threat and pressing higher up the pitch and winning the ball in a good area having the likes of Nasri, Ben Arfa in control would have been a threat to the Spanish defence. Just my opinion what you think Rafa, the way to beat Spain play higher, commit numbers. With this no doubt you leave space in behind, but Real Madrid press high and with great intensity against Barcelona and do well. Is that how you beat Spain?
24/06/12 at 14:44:21 #20
Daniele
Rafa ti aspettiamo a Genova per farti sentire la nostra passione ogni domenica, non te ne pentirai! Dai rafaaaaaaaa!!!!!