Spain vs. Italy Euro 2012: 5 Biggest Heroes for Spain in Well-Deserved Draw

The highlight match of the weekend, which provided action Euro 2012 fans have demanded, happened this afternoon. 

Italy are the only side Spain have played more than four times at Euros and World Cups without a win.

Five Spaniards were able to overcome their adversities and become leaders for their nation.

Iker Casillas shined as the captain and Cesc Fabregas ignited Spain’s attack, as they grabbed an important draw in Group C.   

The Euro titleholders are looking to make it out of Group C and challenge Europe’s elites for their third consecutive international title. 

A draw was well-deserved as Spain attacked, defended and kept Italy on their toes until the very last minute.

Here is a look at what made five Spanish men heroes for their nation today. 

1. Cesc Fabregas

While Vicente Del Bosque sorts out his striking issues, it seems as though his midfielders are ready to step up to score.

Cesc Fabregas played as Spain’s “false-nine” this afternoon, although he often dropped back into midfield.

Antonio Di Natale gave Italy the lead in the 60th minute after coming on just minutes before.

Just four minutes later, Fabregas scored the equalizing goal after a great build-up play from Andres Iniesta and the assist from David Silva in the penalty box. 

Since the first minute of the match, Fabregas and Silva were up in Italy’s half of the pitch looking for the ball.

Also in the opening half, Cesc continued to work his way into the penalty area and often became the victim of aggressive tackles from Daniele De Rossi.

After a heroic 74-minute run, it would have been a surprise to watch Del Bosque take Fabregas off the pitch. 

2. Iker Casillas

Spain’s superhero of the day, Iker Casillas, made multiple great saves.

In the 13th minute, Iker Casillas made a jaw-dropping save when the Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo struck a free kick from outside the penalty area.

Casillas quickly dived to his right to slap the ball away.

At the 32nd minute, when Italian striker Antonio Cassano made an unexpected tackle at him for dribbling the ball in his own penalty area, Casillas was prepared with a plan to avoid losing possession.

Another great save from the skipper came in the 45th minute, as Thiago Motta struck from a six-yard distance.

In the second half after the Italians had scored, Casillas made yet another save in the 88th minute after Claudio Marchisio shot from 15 yards away.

As he had been overworked throughout the game, any ordinary goalkeeper could not have done what Casillas had.

3. Jesus Navas

Jesus Navas made an immediate impact in the game after coming on in the 65th minute for David Silva.

His speed and accurate crosses into the middle from the right wing created numerous opportunities in the penalty area and won Spain corners. 

Navas widened the pitch for Spain and increased momentum in their game.

After Fernando Torres replaced Fabregas, Navas seemed to hold the formation together when the team struggled.

The Seville winger is a true hero for Spain, as he continued to overcome his chronic homesickness, anxiety and seizures to play for his national team.

After an important contribution for his team today, it is understandable why Jesus Navas is an important piece of the puzzle in Spain’s lineup.  

4. Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta was easily Spain’s most valuable player on the pitch today.

Throughout the 90 minutes, the playmaker continued to provide Fabregas, David Silva and, later, Fernando Torres with goal scoring opportunities.

The Barcelona midfielder not only made passes but broke through the Italian defense within the penalty box to try to zip the ball past Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

The attacking midfielder was subjected to two fouls from the Italian defense that landed Iniesta face down on the ground.

Yet the Spaniard picked himself back up and didn't let the attacks affect his play.

Iniesta is, without a doubt, the most valuable hero of this list. 

5. Gerard Pique

Throughout the match, Gerard Pique had the important role of tailing Mario Balotelli and Antonio Di Natale.

The centre-back tackled Balotelli, was fouled by Balotelli, and was almost punched by Balotelli in the first half.

However Pique didn't give up, even after Di Natale had scored for Italy.

Another achievement today was Spain’s ability to fill the gap left by Carles Puyol.

It can be accredited to Pique’s ability to run forward into attack during corner kicks and drop back into defense with Jordi Alba and Sergio Ramos during counter attacks.   

Gerard Pique has special abilities to make sliding defensive tackles look effortless and not appear exhausted throughout the game.

Today he ran up in attack, man-marked Italian strikers all over the pitch and chased any opposition with the ball inside Spain's penalty area. 

Gerard Pique's heroic slide tackle on Balotelli in the first half saved the Spanish from a sure Italian goal that could have cost them the game.