KIEV: Andres Iniesta’s uncanny ability to unsettle defenses was perfectly captured by a photograph taken during Spain’s opening match at Euro 2012, a closely-fought Group C draw with their opponents in Sunday’s final Italy.
The shot shows Iniesta, in full flow and dressed in the red of the world and European champions, closely encircled by five blue-clad Italians and is an eloquent reminder of what it can sometimes require to thwart the fleet-footed playmaker.
Iniesta will always be a hero to Spanish fans for scoring the extra-time winner that secured the nation’s first World Cup in 2010 and his silky skills and sharp thinking have helped put Spain within touching distance of becoming the first side to retain their European Championship crown.
Pale and unassuming, he has made a habit of thrusting himself into the limelight with some dramatic goals on big occasions and his ability to glide effortlessly past his marker or find a killer pass is perhaps matched only by his Barcelona team mate Lionel Messi.
As well as his 116th-minute strike against the Netherlands in the World Cup final two years ago, Iniesta struck a wonderful 94th-minute equalizer away to Chelsea that put Barcelona into the 2009 Champions League final on away goals. (Reuters)