Spain burst Italy’s hopes of appearing in the 2013 Confederations Cup
finals with an anticlimactic victory last June 27.
Neither team was able to score for 120 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout
which Spain won 7-6. Jesus Navas’ spot-kick, combined with Leonardo Bonucci’s
failure to score in the shoot-out, sealed the fate of Gli Azzurri.
Italy looked crippled without Mario Balotelli, with the likes of
Christian Maggio, Daniele De Rossi, and Claudio Marchisio missing several
opportunities to shoot in the first half. Fernando Torres flew past Andrea
Barzagli to try and convert a point, only to be intercepted by Gianluigi
Buffon.
At the start of the second half, La
Roja regained control of the ball, but Buffon’s excellent goalkeeping
skills ensured that the match would be at a stalemate. Also, Xavi’s goal in the
last few seconds was blocked by De Rossi before Howard Webb blew the whistle,
signaling the beginning of extra time.
Despite the increased pressure from Spain in the second half of extra
time, La Roja was still as goalless
as their opponents, necessitating the penalty shootout. Ironically, Buffon was
unable to sustain his momentum in this round, letting Spain score 7 of 13
points made there.
Spain will face Brazil on June 30.
Photo credit: Zimbio
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