Spain’s Cesc Fabregas shoots to score during the penalty shootout against Italy at Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna, Austria, on Sunday.
| SPAIN beat Italy 4-2 on penalties after a goalless Euro 2008 quarterfinal Sunday to reach the last four of a major tournament for the first time in 24 years.
The side will now face Russia, which it thrashed 4-1 in its opening group game, thanks to substitute midfielder Cesc Fabregas who scored the decisive spot kick after Iker Casillas had saved two of Italy’s penalties. It was the first time Spain had reached the last four since the side reached the European Championship final in 1984 and came after the team had lost three previous quarterfinal shootouts in major tournaments, all on June 22. The victory was also the team’s first over Italy at a major tournament outside the Olympic Games. |