The first semi-final was between Portugal who had beaten Czech Republic in the quarter-finals against neighbours Spain who had beaten France to make it into the semi-finals. It was a very close match in which Spain were playing their worst football of the tournament and were quite wasteful by their high standards. Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo had most of the chances, mainly from free-kicks but most of them sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. However no goal scorer could be found in normal time and then in extra time either which meant the game went to penalties. The first two penalties were saved and then the centre backs on either side stepped up to take penalties and succesfully scored. However it was a Portuguese centre back who missed a crucial penalty which left Cesc Fabregas to find the net, via the post with the deciding penalty to send Spain into the final. The final score in the shootout finished Portugal 2-4 Spain.
The second semi-final was between Germany who had beaten Greece emphatically in the quarters against Italy who had knocked England out. Germany were favourites to make it through and maybe go on to win the tournament. However it was not to be as Italy sprung a suprise victory to make it through to the final. A brilliant header and a fine striker from outside the area from Mario Balotelli ensured Italy were ahead at the break. Germany fought back but wasted chances through Lahm and Reus. Germany did eventually get their goal in injury time as Mesut Ozil fired home from the penalty spot but it wasn't enough as the final score finished Germany 1-2 Italy.
So the final of Euro 2012 will be between the last two World Champions in Spain and Italy on Sunday night in the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
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| Mario Balotelli scored twice to send Italy into the final |
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