Euro 2012 Scores: What Spain Must Do to Improve Attack in Final

If Spain is planning on pulling out another victory with zero goals in the final—where they will likely meet Germany—they can forget about it.

After a 0-0 draw, the Spaniards managed to defeat Portugal on penalty kicks 4-2.

But, here's a little wake-up call for the Spanish: Germany isn't Portugal.

Yes, the Germans still need to get past Italy and, while anything can happen, I'm not betting against them at this point.

If you give them 90—or 120 for that matter—minutes to score, they will. And they will probably do it multiple times. 

While Spain is just one win away from glory in its third straight major tournament, it needs to fix its attack first. Let's take a look at how they can do that without magically healing David Villa and putting him on the roster.

Note: For a complete look at Spain-Portugal and all scores from Euro 2012,, check out ESPN.

Also note: All following stats come from whoscored.com.

More Jordi Alba

I don't think there's any question Jordi Alba was the Man of the Match against Portugal on Wednesday. 

Not only was he terrific in defense, he constantly pushed forward and made plays happen whenever Portugal invited him to. 

Alba completed three dribbles on the night, which was most of anyone for Spain. He also whipped in three crosses, completed 88 percent of his passes and drew four fouls. 

While Spain's midfield was fine with passing the ball around and playing keepaway, it was Alba, especially late in the game, who continued to attack defenders, display creativity and put dangerous balls in the box. 

His blend of pace and skill on the ball was truly magnificent. If Spain wants more scoring chances, Alba will have to continue to be a big factor adding a presence on the wing. 

No More Alvaro Negredo Experiment

After playing just one minute during Spain's first four games, Negredo was given the start by Vicente Del Bosque. 

Fifty-four minutes later, Del Bosque must have realized that wasn't the greatest plan in the world. Spain needs a striker, but Negredo wasn't all that impressive. 

The Sevilla forward got just one shot—which wasn't on target—completed just 57 percent of his passes and turned the ball over five times.

This was more than anyone not named Andres, although Iniesta played the entire game.

Spain either needs to go with Fernando Torres or no striker at all. 

Counterattack

I know, I know. Suggesting Spain counterattack is blasphemy.

It's certainly not even close to being Spain's style, but teams are starting to figure out how to slow down the Spanish. Sit back with 10 defenders and disrupt the beautiful triangle passing they are so accustomed to.

Portugal worked that strategy to a tee on Wednesday.

As good as the Spanish are, they aren't going to be able to beat the bus without a legitimate, constant goal scorer. 

I'm not saying the Spaniards should sit back for the entire game because that would absolutely kill them. But, if they are having trouble breaking through in the final third, they should pull back once or twice and try to use the counterattack to create some space. 

Again, this is more of a last-ditch effort, but it could work—especially against the aggressive Germans. 

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