Spot on Spain reach Euro 2008 semi finals

Jun 23 2008

CESC FABREGAS started preparing for a Euro 2008 semi-final after helping Spain defy history and send Italy out on penalties at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium.

The Arsenal midfielder kept his cool to earn his country a 4-2 win on spot-kicks after the goalless draw, with Russia now standing between Luis Aragones’ men and the final.

It was the first time they had beaten Italy in a competitive match since the 1920 Antwerp Olympics and also ended their run of penalty defeats on June 22, at the World Cups of 1986 and 2002 as well as Euro 96.

"It could have been any other penalty I had taken," he said. "From my point of view we deserved our win. This is for the fans who came here in such large numbers."

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas was the other hero, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale after the stalemate in the Austrian capital.

"I think we deserved it," said the Real Madrid stopper.

"It was a very difficult game. It took a lot out us because it was so hot.

"To go out would have been harsh."

Aragones felt his side were stifled by the world champions.

"We didn’t play great football, nor did Italy," said the Spain coach.

"We should have had more pace and didn’t impose that but Italy could only beat us on high balls and we had a couple of chances that were quite clear."

Aragones was confident in the shoot-out after Casillas had studied DVDs of Italy’s penalty takers, and he now feels Spain have the momentum to go all the way.

"We want to go and win it," he said. "The group is convinced they will get to the final, then anything can happen.

"They came to win it if that was possible."

Roberto Donadoni will discuss his future with Italian Football Federation officials in the next few days.

Donadoni insists he was happy with his players’ efforts during the tournament but as coach he is expected to be criticised in Italy for a defensive approach that saw them knocked out at the quarter- final stage.

"In the next few days we will discuss what will happen," said Giancarlo Abete, president of the Italian Football Federation.

"In the next few days we’ll retrace our steps."

"I can say that they have given everything and in these terms I’m proud," said Donadoni.

"I’m proud of the football they’ve been able to produce.

"There was no more energy left, from the ones that played and the ones that didn’t.

"I am very sad for them because they have been really good and have had a very strong bond. It doesn’t matter what result they achieved."

TORRES CLOCKWATCH

11 minutes: Loses ball to Antonio Cassano and chases back to foul the Italy forward.

16: Cuts in from the right but is tackled by Massimo Ambrosini as he tried to get a shot away.

18: Cuts in from the left but his effort is neither a cross or a shot, and loops away.

21: Caught offside chasing a ball over the top of Italy’s defence.

22: Commits foul on Giorgio Chiellini.

23: Receives strong challenge from Fabio Grosso.

38: Chases Xavi’s header through, cuts in from the left and gets his drive blocked.

46: Claims Ambrosini catches him in the face.

48: Pokes ball out to the left, David Villa dummies but Andres Iniesta fails to take advantage.

49: Crosses from the right, leading to David Silva getting a glimpse of goal.

55: Outmuscles Christian Panucci but the cross is woeful when team-mates are waiting.

71: Flicks ball onto Villa.

72: Squares up to Grosso and taps him on the face.

75: Threads ball out to the right but nothing comes of the cross from a dangerous position.

78: Wins a corner with trickery on the left.

79: Fouled by Chiellini, leading to a chance for Spain.

85: Substituted for Daniel Guiza.