Spain 2-0 France
Italy 0-0 England (Italy win 4-2 on penalties)
Semi final Matches:
Spain vs. Portugal (June 27)
Germany vs. Italy (June 28)
Spain's Xabi Alonso celebrated his 100th cap for the national team with 2 goals which put them through to the semi-finals.
The first goal wa sa header which he thundered in from a Jordi Alba assist that never gave the keeper a chance. The sheer power behind the shot could have bored a hole right through the net.
Spain kept their calm and held on to the ball in their signature style but could actually have been a bit more aggressive. Sometimes all the passing just ends up in wasted opportunities when no one moves forward fast enough.
France had their fair share of opportunities but luck was not on their side and the relentless Spanish defense didn't allow them any respite.
A penalty kick taken by Alonso again late in the game sealed the deal for the defending champions to face Portugal in the semis where Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing like a man on a mission in the last two games despite a slow start of the tournament for him.
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Italy and England started a fast-paced match which looked like it will be a goal fest. However, at the end of regulation time, it was still a blank sheet for both teams.
Andrea Pirlo set the pace the entire match and controlled the game's tempo. England however, did not just stand there and watch. both sides attacked until the end but no one was able to finish and find the back of the net.
In the end, it was down to penalties.
Gianluigi Buffon did his part and denied Ashley Cole from the spot and it was Alessandro Diamanti who struck the winning goal for the Azzurri.
The Italians have a tough mountain to climb in the semis as they face the young and agressive Germans.
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