Spain 4 – Italy 0
- July 2nd, 2012
- Posted by EUEditor
The 4-0 victory of Spain over Italy in the Euro 2012 Football final, at Kiev, happened without the trouble anticipated for the tournament hosted by Poland and the Ukraine.
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Problem #1 was the presence of Ukrainian skinheads, showing interest in attacking foreigners, or foreign players, especially if people of colour.
Problem #2 was also about unsociability, and bad governance; like the habit of minor officials in Ukraine to seek a bribe, before letting you depart at the airport.
Problem #3 was the potential for political trouble; with the leaders of the Orange revolution, after a brief time in office, divided and in opposition, and resentment still strongly felt.
Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko remains in gaol, convicted on corruption charges widely held to be political in inspiration.
She was said to be watching the big game on television, and has also started legal action on an appeal.
See EUAustralia Online, “Yulia Tymoshenko: seven years …”, 12.10.11.
As for the battle at the soccer stadium on Sunday, it was a clear whitewash, confirming the continuation of Spain’s dominance internationally, in the Beautiful Game.
After winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, they are now three-times holder of the Euro prize, equal first in that, with Germany. Italy enjoyed major possession of the ball during the first half, but got nowhere with it.