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Spain win shootout to reach semis at last
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-23 07:55
VIENNA - Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties after a goalless Euro 2008 quarter-final on Sunday to end their shootout hoodoo and reach the last four of a major tournament for the first time in 24 years. They will now face Russia, who they thrashed 4-1 in their opening group game, thanks to substitute midfielder Cesc Fabregas who scored the decisive spot kick after Iker Casillas had saved two of Italy's penalties. It is the first time Spain have reached the last four since they got to the European Championship final in 1984 and came after they had lost three previous quarter-final shootouts in major tournaments, all on June 22. The victory was also their first over Italy at a major tournament outside the Olympic Games. "It was about time we won one, we deserve it," said Casillas, who saved from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale.
"Losing on penalties again would have been terrible. Now the fans can enjoy this because we've got to the semi-finals at last." The game ended goalless after extra time as both well-organised defences coped relatively comfortably with the too-cautious attempts to break them down. "It was a very evenly balanced game," said Spain coach Luis Aragones. "Italy are always a difficult side to break down and very dangerous on the break." Two years ago Italy won the World Cup on penalties and current coach Roberto Donadoni had no complaints on Sunday. "The players should leave here with their heads held high," he said after they took their tally of shootout defeats to five. |
