Euro 2008: Spain 0-0 (4-2) Italy (Full Match Report and Video)

June 24th, 2008 at 01:59am ibrahimo

This was the final quarter final of the tournament, and Spain went in strong favorites after winning all three of their group games and playing some extremely good football. The current World Cup holders Italy went in to this game after beating France and Romania, but suffering a disappointing defeat to the Dutch, in which they lost by three goals.

In the first few minutes, Spain created some good opportunities, and this was evident in the stats, which said they had nearly three times as many shots as the Italians in the first ninety minutes. Italy’s best chance of the regular ninety minutes fell to substitute Camoranesi, who’s close range volley was dealt with excellently by Iker Casillas, but overall, in the initial ninety minutes, it was Spain who were the better side, and they really should have finished the game off quite quickly, but instead the game went to extra time for the third time in three days.

In the first period of extra time, the game was pretty up in the air, with both teams having good opportunities, but neither of the players showed the drive to score, and it looked highly probable the game was going to penalties. And it turned out this was going to be the case, after another period of extra time was played, neither team had scored.

In the penalty shoot out, Iker Casillas saved two of the Italian’s penalties, but the Spanish kept their nerve, and four out of five spot kick takers scored against Buffon, meaning they go through.

Not a very good game at all, both teams lacked desire and forward momentum. They looked tired the whole way through the game, and it came down to penalties for an outcome. Tonight’s result means that the semi finals are Germany v Turkey and Russia v Spain.

Final Score:
Spain 0 – 0 Italy
(Italy win 4-2 on penalties)

Watch the Penalties:

Entry Filed under: Euro 2008

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