Humbled Italy praise best team in the world
Agencies Mon Jul 02 2012, 10:45 hrs
Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci react after losing their Euro 2012 final soccer match against Spain at the Olympic stadium in Kiev. (Reuters)
Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon spoke of his disappointment at having missed out on the Euro 2012 title but said he could only congratulate winners Spain.
The world champions were a cut above yesterday and romped to a 4-0 thrashing that was accentuated by Italy playing the last half hour a man down after Thiago Motta limped off once coach Cesare Prandelli had already exhausted his substitutions.
By then Italy were already two goals down and reduced to virtual spectators, according to midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
But for Buffon there was no shame in losing to the best.
"For many of our squad it was their first final so that's why it's a huge disappointment," he said.
"But it's also true that in such an important match when there's the substantial difference that you saw, all you can do is clap your hands and applaud the others."
Buffon said he could only think of one other occasion when he had played in a side so totally dominated: a 3-0 Confederations Cup group stage defeat to Brazil in 2009.
"I had a great view of the red waves from the first minute to the last," said the goalkeeper of Spain's performance.
"They played with great knowledge of being strong and of what they wanted and knowing that they had already won a lot so they knew how to achieve this type of result.
"And against a team (Italy) that physically was in the red.
"Maybe in the Confederations Cup against Brazil (it was similar), we lost 3-0 and were never in the game, but this is a little different because it was a final."
... contd.
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Schedule
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June 28, 00:15 hrs
ESP v/s 
POR -
June 29, 00:15 hrs
GER v/s 
ITA
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas lifts the trophy after the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine. (AP) 
Sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik creates a sand image to extend his wishes to Euro Cup 2012 champion Spain at Puri beach on Monday. (PTI)
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and teammates Leonardo Bonucci react after losing the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine. (AP)
Fans of Spain celebrate Spain's victory over Italy in their Euro 2012 final soccer match held in Kiev, at a fan park in Malaga, southern Spain. (Reuters)
Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas celebrates with his team mates after defeating Italy to win the Euro 2012 final soccer match at the Olympic stadium in Kiev. (Reuters)
