The last Quarterfinal saw the current World Championsmiss the spot in the Semifinal, justly of course, against a perfect Spanish side that rely in their Penalty kick ability in one of the best match so far of the tournament. The match gave us a true Final environment.
The match began with a dynamic play by both sides, especially on the Midfield qith Italy turning to an "aggresive" Catenaccio. A very impressive feature was at the stands. One can ussualy watch several personalities from Rod Stewart to Liam Gallagher or to Alessandra Ambrossio, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria, Tom Cruise etc. But to watch football legends talking calmed and friendly talk is priceless. Zinedine Zidane was showing something to Arsene Wenger. I hope that he showed him to keep his players and make better bids. I also hope Zizou told Wenger if he had some space in his team. Right from the 16' The Italian defensice block settled,. performing a fierce defensive strucutre. The only way Spain could crete chances was on the sides of the talented midfield. Aquilano and Grosso performed acceptably while Silva shot went wide at 24' and 32'. The danger approached Italy when they were defending in the box with ten men. Toni headed after a Cassano cross without perocupation at 38'. Silva had a very good first half when he exchanged sided with Iniesta.
Certainly Italy missed the advices of his Skipper.
In the early 49' Silva had a chance, when the open spaces began to be created. Cesc and Güiza came of the bech to freshen the side. Casillas performed a terrific save at 60'. The Spanish side was thinking to much the movements Italy did not make (strange, I know) but the Italian team certainly playerd with experience. It began to appear the narrow game; the close range passes were not as accurate as they should be, mistakes were made etc. At 80' Senna made a shot that hit the woodwork. As the end of the regular time was approaching the Spanish side pressed against a well defended Italian side.
Silva had a shot in the 93' as well as Marchena deviated a Toni cross. Casillas saved tremedously a Di Natale header at 95'. The goal was approaching by both sides. The pull of Spain was corageous, it ended with a wide shot by Güiza at 104'.
Del Piero entrance at 107' was to late for an Italian side who fought fierce against an Spanish opposition that forced them to play the Catenaccio in the most primaeval of ways. The Spanish will to overcome at 115' was remarkable, but the Hiatory was weighing. In the final instants the Italian side was completely forwarded. the final whistle determined the Penalty shootout.
| Spain | Villa, On | Cazorla, On | Güiza, Miss | Cesc, On | |
| Italy | Grosso, On | De Rossi, Miss | Camoranesi, On | Di Natale, Miss |
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