Spain progressed to the semi final of Euro 2008 after a 4-2 penalty shoot out victory over reigning world champion Italy, after the 120-minute action had remained goalless. Both the sides created some good chances throughout the match but the much-awaited goal did not come in the match, until penalty shootout began. Spain played better in the first 90 minutes creating a number of chances. However, Italy got an excellent chance in the 61st minute, when Spanish goal keeper Casillas excellently blocked a close-range Camoranesi shot at goal. Just after 20 minutes, Casillas’s counterpart Gianluigi Buffon was about to concede a goal. The Italian goal keeper failed to grip a fiery shot by Senn properly and the ball hit the post before coming back to Buffon. The two halves of extra time also finished off goal less requiring the penalty shootout in the match.
Spanish goal keeper Casillas denied Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale in penalty shootout, while David Villa, Santi Cazorla, Marcos Senna and Cesc Fabregas scored for Spain to ensure the victory. The Spanish victory might come as a big relief for Dani Guiza, who missed the only shot for Spain in the penalty shootout. Spain will face Russia in the semi final match on 26 June 2008. Now, Spain is the only semi finalists who progressed to the knock out stage as the group winner. In the other semi final, Germany will face Turkey on 25 June. So, let us see who are going to meet in the final of the tournament.
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The Canadian Press
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