England
0:0 Italy
(4-2 on
penalties)
What a
disappointing end to their Euro 2012 run for the English. They were so close to
advancing to the semifinals, yet so far.
Both teams were quite evenly matched. They each had their own share of
great opportunities to score, but yet after a full 90 minutes and 30 minutes of
extra time, the score remained 0-0. The game came down to a grueling penalty
shootout, with Italy coming out on top.
The 90
minutes of normal play were actually quite exciting despite the lack of goal
scoring. Both teams went back and forth,
charging the ball up the field in attempts to score. It looked as though Italy
was going to take an early lead, as a powerful shot from DeRossi was
brilliantly saved by English keeper, Joe Hart. As each team continually “almost
scored”, the question of extra time and penalties arose, as neither team could
break the 0-0 deadlock. Both teams had instances in which one of the their players
would receive a great through ball, yet every time the defender got there at
the absolute last second to deflect the shot. The second half consisted of Italy dominating
in respects to possession. The missed
opportunities kept coming and England had a particularly close chance of
scoring in stoppage time. Rooney’s overhead kick went high and missed the net.
Boy the fans would have went wild if that one had gone in.
As the
first 15 minutes of extra time began, both teams looked a little drained of energy.
Italy had used all of their subs and England still had one left. The action was a bit subdued during the extra
time with both teams exhausted and all. Italy had a few notable attempts, but
at this point, everyone was gearing up for penalty kicks.
The
extra time ended with both teams still goalless. Italy’s Mario Ballotelli
stepped up to take the first kick and easily scored. Captain Steven Gerrard was
up next for England, and he scored as well. Italy missed the next penalty kick
and England’s Wayne Rooney scored putting England up 3-2. Italy’s Andrea Pirlo obviously wasn’t ok with
that. He stepped up to take his kick and put a sassy little chip in, right over
Hart’s head. Next up, Ashley Young hit
the crossbar for England. Italy scored another goal putting them up 3-2. Though
England was in desperate need of a goal, Ashley Cole couldn’t quite deliver as
Buffon saved his shot. The Italians
finished it off when Diamanti scored the last penalty, putting Italy at 4 and
leaving England with only 2.
It was a sad day for the English who have a
terrible track record with penalties. However, many thought they wouldn’t make
it out of the group stage, and all in all they had a good Euro 2012 run. Italy
now advances on to the semifinals. They face the mighty Germans on Thursday to
battle it out for a place in the championship game.
written by Donais Deetz
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