Italy beats Germany 2-1 to reach Euro 2012 final
Mario Balotelli (2nd L) of Italy celebrates with team-mates Claudio Marchisio (R) and Daniele De Rossi (2nd R) after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 semi final match against Germany. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty…
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 06/28/2012
- By: Andrew Dampf
-
By: Associated Press
WARSAW, Poland - Mario Balotelli scored twice to give Italy a 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday and an unexpected spot in the European Championship final.
Extending its winless streak against Italy in major tournaments to eight matches, Germany had no answer for Balotelli nor Antonio Cassano's creativity.
In the 20th minute, Balotelli had no trouble getting past Holger Badstuber to head in a pinpoint cross from Cassano. Then in the 36th minute, the 21-year-old striker received the ball behind the defense and blasted a long shot into the top right corner.
Mesut Oezil scored from the penalty spot in injury time for Germany.
Italy will face defending champion Spain in Sunday's final.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
PRINT
Top Sports Headlines
-
Reds option LHP Cingrani
The Cincinnati Reds have optioned left-hander Tony Cingrani to Triple-A Louisville and recalled infielder Neftali Soto.
-
Changes to wrestling for Olympics bid
-
What to watch for at the Preakness
-
Orb favored to take Preakness
-
Phils snap Reds' 6-game winning streak
-
Busch snaps streak, wins Truck race
