adminOne week later, they beat Germany to claim their first major honour in 44 years and in just over two years, they were world champions.
“I think we changed our mentality with that game,” said Gerard Pique earlier this month.
“Before then, when Spain got to the quarter-finals, we played not to lose. Since then, we play to win.”
On Wednesday night, in Donetsk, it fell to Fabregas once again to apply the coup de grace in a penalty shoot-out, although this time it was Portugal, in the semi-finals.
The Barcelona midfielder’s unerring spot-kick, which hit the base of the left-hand post before cannoning into the net, gave Spain another 4-2 shoot-out success, but the context was very different this time.
Where Spain were an emerging force at Euro 2008, they now appear slightly jaded.
They have gone nine knockout matches at major tournaments without conceding a goal, but their performances have become even more laboured than the string of four 1-0 wins that took them to glory at the last World Cup.
As against France in the quarter-finals, and Croatia in the group phase, Spain largely controlled the match against Portugal but were unable to procure genuine sights of goal until extra time.
Apart from a pair of stops to thwart Andres Iniesta and Jesus Navas either side of half-time in the extra period, Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio did not have a save of note to make.
“It was tough and it wasn’t our best match, because they made it difficult for us,” admitted centre-back Sergio Ramos.
“They like to move the ball around and counter-attack, and it was hard going for us.”
Coach Vicente del Bosque’s latest attempt to give Spain more cutting edge saw Alvaro Negredo handed a surprise start, but the Sevilla man was replaced by Fabregas early in the second half without having had a shot in anger.
Fabregas and Fernando Torres have also been tried at the tip of the Spanish attack, but although the former scored in the 1-1 draw with Italy and the latter netted twice against Ireland, neither has convinced Del Bosque they must start.
Fernando Llorente, meanwhile, has yet to play a single minute at the tournament despite having enjoyed his most prolific season to date with Athletic Bilbao.
Although still to secure a starting berth, Fabregas remains an excellent impact substitute, and Del Bosque can also call upon Navas and Pedro Rodriguez, who both injected pace and penetration when they came on against Portugal.
Del Bosque said Spain caused “more problems” with Fabegas, Navas and Pedro on the pitch, but although Fabregas could start in Sunday’s final in Kiev, the other
two are likely to resume their watching brief on the bench.
Loath to change his starting line-up unduly, Del Bosque appears set to proceed with the formula that brought success in South Africa — pass, pass, pass, and if that
does not work, turn to the bench.
After the match, Spain captain Iker Casillas acknowledged the “criticism” his side have received, and it is true that La Roja are beginning to lose the popular acclaim that accompanied their previous triumphs.
Indeed, the successes at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup risk being tarnished by association with Spain’s rather turgid football at Euro 2012, but with a third consecutive trophy in sight, they may not care.
Meanwhile, Spain coach del Bosque hailed the impact of his three substitutes after seeing his side edge Portugal 4-2 on penalties to reach the Euro 2012 final.
The defending champions had laboured to break down the Portuguese defence but the second-half introductions of Fabregas, Jesus Navas and Pedro Rodriguez gave Spain extra vim and they finished extra-time on top.
There were no goals in the 120 minutes at Donbass Arena on Wednesday, but Spain held their nerve in the ensuing shoot-out, with Fabregas netting the decisive penalty to send La Roja into Sunday’s final in Kiev.
Del Bosque’s substitutions were a key feature of Spain’s World Cup success in South Africa two years ago, with Fabregas and Navas both coming on to good effect in the 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final.
Against Portugal, the three replacements gave Spain greater dynamism in the final third and Del Bosque drew attention to their contribution.
“Neither team had many chances to score. We had to improve this and I think that after Fabregas, Navas and Pedro went onto the pitch, we caused them more problems,” he said.
“It was vital. The players are getting more mature with each match. Extra time showed that the players have gained experience of how to manage matches.
“(Portugal) were superior in defence. We didn’t have that many opportunities so it was very balanced. I think in extra time it was a bit different. And then we had lots of luck in the penalties.
“I want to congratulate Portugal, because they played a great tournament but we were luckier this time.”
Cristiano Ronaldo had been identified as Portugal’s dangerman before the match and despite a few scares, most notably when he sent a shot over the bar in the last minute of normal time, Spain managed to keep him at arm’s length. The Portugal captain was kept in check by his Real Madrid colleague Alvaro Arbeloa in the Spanish right-back position, but Del Bosque said the entire defence deserved praise for their efforts.
“We don’t just want to defend,” said the Spain coach.
“We want to attack, too. But of course we are improving our defence and that’s thanks to the qualities of our players. — AFP.
Online Reporter