Spain marched to yet another final and extended their unbeaten world record in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shoot-out over Italy in the Confederations Cup semi-final.
Italy who made all the running in the opening half, can thank Gianluigi Buffon for taking the game to a penalty shoot-out after some brilliant saves in extra-time, but even he could do little in the subsequent spot-kicks.
While the game was one of the most entertaining nil-all draws you will see, the subsequent shoot-out was of a standard we have not seen in a long time and unfortunately from an Italian perspective, their indifferent record in penalty deciders continues.
Candreva got the ball rolling with a panenka and the standard was set. From De Rossi’s belter into the top left hand corner to Pirlo’s cool rolling of the ball into the bottom corner, the first 10 kicks were taken without either goalkeeper getting anywhere close to the ball.
Bonucci blazed his shot over with the score at 6 -6 which left Jesus Navas the chance to send Spain through to the final against Brazil which he duly took. Here is another look at those spot-kicks.
España vs Italia penalties by Samu30000
Spain will feel they deserved the win with the way they grew into the game, and Andres Iniesta showed his class with the pass of the tournament in extra time.
Iniesta >>Alba by Counterpoint1
Let’s just hope Vincente Del Bosque’s men won’t be too tired ahead of a final showdown with the host country which promises to be a cracker.
