Spain Vs. Italy, Euro 2012: Oh The Thrills

Spain and Italy have barely taken to the field in Gdansk and already I propose to removing some words, forever, from the football lexicon: False nine. Tiki taka. Match-fixing. Give me a few more minutes and i'm sure I'll add to this list.

Of course, the entire internet was abuzz for the hour before the match, discussing the interesting tactics that Vincente del Bosque and Cesare Prandelli elected to choose for this first match in Group C. Spain has decided to field no strikers, using Cesc Fabregas as that "False 9" we've heard so much about. Italy, meanwhile, have risked a back three, a formation they've never used in a competitive match.

The goal, for both sides, is to let the ball drift through the midfield for the maximum amount of time. Thus far, the strategy seems to be working, although both have wandered slightly too close to the edge of the area.

I think you're probably safe to go grab a drink, assemble a sandwich, brush your teeth...this game'll likely run on a loop for the next 60 minutes or so.