Euro 2008: Quarterfinals - (22/06/2008)Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 on penalties)

Francesc “Fabre”cates Spanish win

This match was the last of the Euro quarter finals, the clash of two of the biggest football giants, the clash of two destinies. Till this moment, in all the quarters, the underdogs had been winning (Germany 3-2 Portugal, Turkey 4-1 Croatia (penalties), and Holland 1-3 Russia). But Italy and Spain were evenly matched opponents.

Italian veterans Andrea Pirlo and Gattuso were siiting this match out as they had received yellows in their last two games. Materazzi too wasn’t playing. Donadoni instead brought in Ambrosini, Aquilani and Chellini. Luis Aragones brought in Senna.

At the start of the match, we could see respective colours were equal. The notable names attending this crucial match were Spanish royalty, but also Arsene Wenger sitting alongside French legend Zinedine Zidane.

The Stadium had not seen many goals and the anticipation was to see a change in that. The evening was really very hot and the first twenty minutes was not very interesting as the Spanish pinged 140 passes within such a short while. Italy was really too defensive for anyone‘s liking, since only Luca Toni was forward and 10 players were in their own half. The Spanish were patient and contended by passing the ball around the stadium, looking for chances. The referee was Fandel, a respected and experienced person.

The Spanish were notably very short and all the Italians were above the 6 foot mark. People called this match a David versus Goliath match. And it was so. The Spaniards could just not bridge their physical height gap as the Italians headed the ball away again and again.

In the 36’ , Cassano crossed beautifully to an open Luca Toni who thought he got some space to head the ball to goal but instead found the back of Marchena’s head. Minutes later, Silva was sprinting near the right side of the penalty box and was fouled clearly by Aquilani but the penalty was not given.

Spain had a few proper chances, and one of theirs was not properly exploited by Torres, who had a clear chance to pass to Villa, but was blocked by Chellini. But the best chance of the game went the Italians way, as De Rossi chipped the ball over Puyol and Marchena to Camoranesi, who head passed to Toni, but the kick was blocked by Casillas, and the ball went upwards and headed behind by Puyol, but Camoranesi, ran backwards and tried to replay the Nuno Gomes goal, only to find Casillas’ feet.

Fabregas was then brought in with Carzola in place of Xavi. Cesc Fabregas played beautifully, chipping, passing and kicking to his element. He created a lot of chances, especially a chance which was spurned when Guiza handled the ball.
The match moved into extra time, when Di Natale was brought in after which Del Piero was brought in. A Di Natale header shaved the top of the post, and a Carzola pass could not find Villa, but nothing else happened in extra time.

Both teams prepared for penalties. Italy fancied their chances as they had won the World Cup through penalties. They had confidence in Buffon’s abilities. But the Spaniards had not had a penalty shootout in a long time and the people were sure that they would see an Italian victory. How very wrong they were.

David Villa clinically finished his chance to give Spain the lead.
Grosso too put the ball past Casillas to equalise.
Carzola tricked Buffon to give a Spanish lead again.
De Rossi kicked to his left but the ball was stopped by a diving Casillas.
Senna kicked the ball above Buffon towards the left to give a 3-1 lead.
Camoranesi took a cool penalty and put the ball into the net to make it 3-2.
Guiza flicked it towards his right but the ball was not put past Buffon.
Di Natale kicked the same way as Giuza and with the same result. Spain again in the lead with 3-2.
Arsenal inspiration Cesc Fabregas sent Buffon the wrong way and touched the ball towards the right side of the right post to register a Spanish victory.

The Italians played too defensively but marked Torres and Villa well. But one commentator said that he was happy the “embarrassing and negative “Italians were kicked out. He felt that they did not justify their position as world champions.

Anyways Spain next play Russia in the semis.

Next fixture: Germany versus Turkey ( 25/6/08)

Good Luck Spain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Highlights!! Compiled by blizzard!!

Penalty shootout + Match Highlights