This confrontation had "game of the tournament" written all over it, on paper that is. However, it quickly turned out as the most boring game of football of the year.
Neither team managed to produce the level of football they were expected, with jeering fans and lacklustre opportunities for goals on both side; this game failed to live up to its expectations.
Spain had control of the game throughout, with early efforts from Ambrossini, Perotta, Villa and Silva all just adding to Buffon's workout routine. The Spanish armada's onslaught was met by a "Fort Knox" like Italian defense, solid, compact and most of all not allowing any opportunity to turn into a goal; occasionally the Italians were up front with burst of ingenuity and set play.
They had one of the most unmissable chances to seal the deal on 61st minute; when Camoranesi should have scored, yet Casillas rushing back into his goal, somehow made that most important of saves.
This kept his team and country in the competition by the skin of their teeth in one of the most agitated moments of the match.
Chances would come both ways, the clearest though must have been Senna's 25 yarder on 81st minute, Buffon tested in all measures saw the ball releasing itself from its grip finding the near post in what must have been a heart bouncing moment for the Italian keeper and captain!!!
Cometh extra time, efforts from all side in the form of shots headers and more shots from Silva, Di natale, Rossi and a late one from Cazorla all but failed to produce that one goal the crowds of fans were looking forward to. The game was further stretched on to the much dreaded penalty shoot outs session.
On paper, statistics were stacked against Spain as the date 22nd of June is synonymous with failures in all major competition, 22nd June Euro 1996 against England losing on penalties, 22nd of June world cup 2002 again on penalties losing to South Korea.
Yet today, the 22nd of June 2008 Spain turned the tables crushing "La Squadra Azzurra" with Fabregas sending his team off to the semis and the Italians back home to watch the rest of the Euro in high definition.
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Good blog. I wasn't able to watch the game, but i want to be able to catch the next Euro 2008 game.
Dyhard
Germantown, WI
Total Comments (77894)
I caught the second half, OT and shoot out. Italy should call themselves "The Kervorkians", because they did everything in their power to kill or otherwise choke the life out of this game. The Spaniards had more flair, and I was really glad to see Italy's negative tactics NOT pay off for a change. The Azzurri might has well be the team that invented the term winning ugly.(See 2006 WC final against France)
Nursedude
Minneapolis , MN
Total Comments (170)
PS- The 2002 game against South Korea was one where the Spaniards got jobbed MAJOR LEAGUE.
Nursedude
Minneapolis , MN
Total Comments (170)
Good blog, CJ. I was somewhat upset since I watch the entire match and then halfway through overtime, I have to leave for my basketball game. So disappointing.
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
Total Comments (12359)
that does suck. and yes nurse dude i couldnt agree more. Every time Spain had numbers on a fastbreak you saw an Italian at the other end refusing to get up because his leg "hurt". Those refs sucked yesterday too.
CJBOSOX
North Kingstown , RI
Total Comments (563)
great game it was
jeevs BS
Schenectady , NY
Total Comments (4139)
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