Euro2008: Spain - Italy

Spain v Italy

22/06/2008

Spain went in to this game favourites against an Italy side who won the World Cup in 2006. The Spaniards went in to the last quarter final after impressive wins over all of their Group D colleagues, Italy, however, struggled a bit more after a disappointing draw to Romania, and an extremely disappointing loss to the Netherlands.

The first ninety minutes contained next to no action, with the defences playing very well, stopping the attackers from getting within twenty yards of the goal usually. In regular time, the closest the ball was to going in was when Italian keeper Buffon fumbled a long shot and it hit the post, and Italy's best chance fell to Camoranesi, who's close range volley was saved by the out stretched leg of Iker Casillas. The goal less result meant only one thing: extra time for the third time in three days.

Extra time was much the same as normal time, very boring, with neither team posing any real attacking threat, with Spain using the width well but not delivering crosses, and the Italians just lumping it up field for the Spanish defenders to head back. It was no real surprise that it went to penalties.

Spain were dreading penalties, as they have lost three other penalty shoot outs on the 22nd of June, but they held their nerve better than the Italians and beat them by two goals.

Overall a poor game, with little action, and even the penalties weren't that exciting! Although Spain will be happy they got through, and they will face Russia in the semi final, with the other semi being Germany v Turkey.

Final Score:

Spain 0 – 0 Italy

(Italy win 4-2 on penalties)