MariamSPANIARDS HEAD TO SEMI FINAL
THE 90 MINUTES
Spain had the talent to take control of the ball but they just didn’t seem to know how to get around the Italians.
Spain was moving the ball creatively trying to keep the game at high tempo but the Italians insisted in slowing down the pace.
Whereas Spain was playing 1 or 1,2 touch plays Italy was going for 3 touches, which is clever tactics by Roberto Donadoni , to keep the Spanish frustrated at their feet, which is what happens when you play age against experience.
Puyol was the Gatusso for the Spanish, he didnt let anyone past him. Luckily for Spain Gatusso was not playing due to suspension.
Another main man for Italy who was missing from the team was Andrea Pirlo too in suspension.
Italy received a free kick early in the 11th minute from a Fernando Torres Foul on Cassano.
The first real chance in the game came from Villa in the 25th minute which was saved by Buffon.
Ambrosini was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Senna and gave Spain a free kick.
Luca Toni's weak header was blocked in the 36th minute. It was one of the highlights of the first half and the Perfect chance for Italy to score. This just showed how dangerous Italy can be on counterattack.
Giorgio Chiellini was stoping Torres at his every attack, the defense knew how to close down on Torres.
Where as spain was creating as many chances Italy waited in patience and acted only on what they thought were perfect chances.
Villa received a Yellow card in the 72nd minute for a dive in the Penalty area.
Finally the type of game we are so used to seeing from Spain started to build up in the 77th minute in the penalty box. But the ball was stopped at Buffon’s gloves.
Buffon made a save three minutes later from a rebound on the post, he escaped from an embaressment.
It wasn’t the most exciting matches so far in the competition but it was tense and highly technical.
EXTRA TIME
A double attack by Fabregas and Silva was saved by an out stretched Buffon.
With the action happening more on the Italian half of the field there was no questioning who were progressing towards a goal.
Both teams entered the second period of extra time with still nothing on the score sheet.
Italy made its’ final change by bringing in Del piero for Alberto Aquilani, a move by Donadoni to liven the Italian confidence.
Though many chances from both sides were made, the game still headed into penalties.
Yes! Another Euro cup match that ended in penalties. Not the most stylish way to win a football game.
PENALTIES
This is a chance to see who the better goal keeper is between Casillas and Buffon.
Villa scored for Spain and Fabio Grosso scored the first for Italy.
Cazorla scored the penalty but De Rossi didn’t follow for Italy.
Senna made it past Buffon’s goal and Mauro Camoranesi made past Casillas’s.
Guiza missed for Spain and so did Natale for Italy.
It was a decisive moment for Spain and all in the hand or rather feet of Cesc Fabregas. His talents had been doubted at International level but what a way to prove his critics wrong than by scoring the winning penalty against Italy.
Spain will now play against yesterday winners Russia in Vienna.
Spain had the talent to take control of the ball but they just didn’t seem to know how to get around the Italians.
Spain was moving the ball creatively trying to keep the game at high tempo but the Italians insisted in slowing down the pace.
Whereas Spain was playing 1 or 1,2 touch plays Italy was going for 3 touches, which is clever tactics by Roberto Donadoni , to keep the Spanish frustrated at their feet, which is what happens when you play age against experience.
Puyol was the Gatusso for the Spanish, he didnt let anyone past him. Luckily for Spain Gatusso was not playing due to suspension.
Another main man for Italy who was missing from the team was Andrea Pirlo too in suspension.
Italy received a free kick early in the 11th minute from a Fernando Torres Foul on Cassano.
The first real chance in the game came from Villa in the 25th minute which was saved by Buffon.
Ambrosini was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Senna and gave Spain a free kick.
Luca Toni's weak header was blocked in the 36th minute. It was one of the highlights of the first half and the Perfect chance for Italy to score. This just showed how dangerous Italy can be on counterattack.
Giorgio Chiellini was stoping Torres at his every attack, the defense knew how to close down on Torres.
Where as spain was creating as many chances Italy waited in patience and acted only on what they thought were perfect chances.
Villa received a Yellow card in the 72nd minute for a dive in the Penalty area.
Finally the type of game we are so used to seeing from Spain started to build up in the 77th minute in the penalty box. But the ball was stopped at Buffon’s gloves.
Buffon made a save three minutes later from a rebound on the post, he escaped from an embaressment.
It wasn’t the most exciting matches so far in the competition but it was tense and highly technical.
EXTRA TIME
A double attack by Fabregas and Silva was saved by an out stretched Buffon.
With the action happening more on the Italian half of the field there was no questioning who were progressing towards a goal.
Both teams entered the second period of extra time with still nothing on the score sheet.
Italy made its’ final change by bringing in Del piero for Alberto Aquilani, a move by Donadoni to liven the Italian confidence.
Though many chances from both sides were made, the game still headed into penalties.
Yes! Another Euro cup match that ended in penalties. Not the most stylish way to win a football game.
PENALTIES
This is a chance to see who the better goal keeper is between Casillas and Buffon.
Villa scored for Spain and Fabio Grosso scored the first for Italy.
Cazorla scored the penalty but De Rossi didn’t follow for Italy.
Senna made it past Buffon’s goal and Mauro Camoranesi made past Casillas’s.
Guiza missed for Spain and so did Natale for Italy.
It was a decisive moment for Spain and all in the hand or rather feet of Cesc Fabregas. His talents had been doubted at International level but what a way to prove his critics wrong than by scoring the winning penalty against Italy.
Spain will now play against yesterday winners Russia in Vienna.
