Spain won the second semifinal against Italy by 7-6 in shoot-out, fixed their date with Brazil in final of the Confederation Cup.

                 

                 Jesus Navas won the match for Spain, scoring the 7^th penalty just after Leonardo Bonucci’s miss in the shoot-out following a 120 minutes goalless stalemate in the second semifinal of the Confederation Cup at Fortlaeza lastnight, fixed their date with the host nation Brazil in the final of the tournament, would be played at refurbished historical Maracana on Sunday(IST 3-30AM Monday).

                  This is a quite hard fought victory for Spain, the Azzurris went neck-to-neck with the side who humiliated them 4-0 in last European Championship final. The performance is a

cause for renewed optimism amongst Italian supporters as much as anything.

                Spain, started like their usual way, were all over Italy from the opening minutes and nearly cracked the opponent in the 2nd minute after Pedro Rodriguez got free in space in the middle of the Italy box. The Barcelona forward's shot rolled just wide of the post, barely missing giving La Roja a dream start to the match.

                      As the match went down Italy started to back on their defensive & counter attack strategy, started to create their chances, denied by Casillas in the 37^th minute while Maggio headed the ball following a center from Giaccherini, found the safe hands of Spanish custodian only.

                  It could have been anybody’s game in the second half of the schedule time, both the sides had their chances, failed to

capitalise, we have seen some poor display of doing blunders in front of opponent goal which guided the match into the extra-time.

                     During extra-time Spain were denied in the 96th minute thanks to a fantastic reaction and block by De Rossi who prevented Pique from getting onto a loose ball in the six-yard box. Sergio Ramos had a chance on the ensuing corner, but couldn't get his header anywhere near the goal.

                    Juan Mata missed the net trying himself in the 108th minute instead of passing it to Arbeloa who was lurking unmarked to his right.

                    It’s raining missiles from Spanish armada inside the Azzuri box, in the 115^th Xavi tested the Italian custodian by a strong long ranger but was parried by Gianluigi Buffon and off

the post. The ball ricocheted right to Javi Martinez but his shot rolled wide at the far post.

                    Neither side failed to utilize the extra time which guided the match into the penalty shoot-out.

                    After a sixth successive penalties, Leonardo Bonucci for Italy succumbed in the 7^th while Jesus Navas scored the same & guided his team into the final, setup a dream final with Brazil while Italy will play with Uruguay for the third place spot.

                     During penalty shoot-out Xavi, Iniesta, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jaun Mata, Busquets & Jesus Navas scored for Spain while Antonio Candreva, Alberto Aquilani, De Rossi, Giovinco, Andrea Pirlo & Montolivo scored for Italy.

                     It was also the battle between two current best goalkeepers in the World, Cassilas & Buffon both have shown some extra-ordinary display of goalkeeping show during 120 minutes, but none of them got rid of the ball during penalty shoot-out.

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