Life in Football Manager

England v Spain

So we reach the final, an unlikely pairing await us. Spain the favourite for the competition and now the favourites on the night take on England, what an alternative to Euro 2008 not only are we in the competition for us all to support but have at last got to the final of the Euro 2012. Benitez once again faces his countrymen in the final and England have another chance to upset a German.

The Line Up

England look to field a familiar side with the same formation that has got them here, the only difference is that their is no Danny Rose, instead Michael Johnson will start in the middle of the field with Steven Gerrard in front of him. Xabi Alonso returns for Spain and Iniesta returns to the right hand side as Alfaro misses out with an injury.

The game kicked off and it was England who started the brightest, Jenas hitting a long ball into the path of Wayne Rooney who used his strength and speed to get past Pablo and in on goal a brilliant chip by Rooney but Casillas done enough to put the ball behind. Again Jenas puts Rooney through with a counter attack catching Spain off guard, Rooney though probably hit the ball too early driving it and hit it over the bar. Michael Johnson then hit the ball inches wide of the net as England continue to pile on the pressure, and looking good. It was all England in the first half but they have yet to put the ball in the back of the net, Rafa will have to keep motivation up in the second half and hope they continue the same way.

The second half though was more about Spain, David Villa got the first goal of the game, but it was celebrated by the England fans when it was ruled offside and gave England another chance to get the first goal. Casillas continued his good form Gerrard this time playing Rooney in again, but he was denied once again as he put a bending effort toward the keeper. It wasn’t till the 66th minute though till the first goal hit the back of the net, but against the run of play it was Spain who hit first. Aquino came off the bench for Villa to score his first Spanish goal of his career and what a time to do so. It was scrappy as a shot came in from Reyes, Robinson couldn’t gather cleanly as Cole got in his way, Aquino gathered and put it into the back of the net. 10 minutes later Aquino became a hero and doubled Spain’s league, the young striker taking the ball from Onuoha out wide and then jinx in towards goal and hit a great shot across the goal and in the corner to end the game for England, Spain winning their third consecutive title and continue their domination of international football.

England 2-0 Spain

Awards

Golden Boot:

1st. Konstantinos Mitroglou Greece (3 goals in 2 games)
2nd. Lukas Piszczek Poland (3 goals in 4 games)
3rd. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Holland (3 goals in 4 games)

Best Players;

1st. Fernando Torres Spain (7.50 in 6 games)
2nd. Hatem Ben Arfa France (8.00 in 2 games)
3rd. Bakary Sagna France (8.33 in 3 games)

Dream Team