Wednesday June 27th

Semi final Donetsk

Spain give neighbours penalty pain

Portugal failed to reach the final of the Euros after going out to Spain on penalties. The Portuguese had the better of an eventless 90 minutes, but Spain were livelier in extra time forcing Patricio into saves from Iniesta a minutes before half time and from Navas in the 111th minute of the night. In the shootout Patricio saved superbly from Alonso and Casillas kept Spain level with a great save from Moutinho while Iniesta sent Patricio the wrong way to break the deadlock and Pepe stroked the ball past Casilas for Portugal. Pique slammed the ball into the corner of the net and Nani dispatched the ball high into the goal, and with Ramos dinking the keeper and Alves hitting the Spanish bar, Fabregas scored off the base of the post to send Spain to the final.
Spain 0 Portugal 0 (Spain win on penalties)

Thursday June 28th

Semi final Warsaw

Super Mario ends German hope

Mario Balotelli struck twice against Germany to sent Italy to the final of Euro 2012. Balotelli headed in the first from a Cassano cross in the 20th minute and in the 36th minute Montolivo found Balotelli with a long pass from inside his own half and the controversial Italian smashed the ball past Neuer from outside the box. In the 2nd half Italy had several chances to increase their lead on the counter-attack but in stoppage time Germany were awarded a penalty for handball which Özil coolly converted to give the Italians a few nervous moments before their celebrations.
(Italy 2 Germany 1)