Spain booked a date with Brazil in the Confederations Cup final with an 7-6 penalty shoot-out victory over Italy at the Castelao.Although the World Cup holders stormed to a 4-0 win over the Azzurri in the Euro 2012 final, this encounter proved far more evenly-contested.
Vicente del Bosque’s men monopolised possession but lacked a cutting edge in attack, while Italy missed numerous chances throughout as the match ended goalless.With nothing to separate the two nations the game went to penalties, where Jesus Navas proved to be the hero as he scored the crucial spot kick as the shoot-out finished 7-6 to Spain.Cesare Prandelli switched to a three-man defence and his side began impressively, despite letting the Spaniards control possession of the ball.
The Azzurri, though, with the Fortaleza crowd backing them, looked superb on the counter-attack. After Alberto Gilardino had failed to pick out the bottom corner from Antonio Candreva’s cross, they became increasingly confident and forged yet more chances to find the net.Christian Maggio was unable to guide a header from Andrea Pirlo’s exquisite pass past Iker Casillas in the 17th minute and Daniele De Rossi’s glancing header missed the target 60 seconds later.
In the 19th minute Claudio Marchisio missed the best of the bunch, though, as he nodded the ball well wide of the target from Candreva’s cushion despite finding plenty of space between the two centre-backs.That flurry of activity encouraged Spain to reduce the tempo and steady themselves, but the Azzurri were again next to test the opposing goalkeeper.
Jordi Alba was being nullified by the adventurous combination of Candreva and Maggio, and the latter was only denied a goal when a brilliant Casillas save kept his 36th-minute header out of the net.Spain almost immediately punished Prandelli’s side for their profligacy in front of goal one minute later, but after turning Andrea Barzagli in wonderful fashion Fernando Torres could not find a finish to match as he pulled his shot wide of the target.With La Roja failing to show an increased threat immediately after the restart Del Bosque introduced Jesus Navas in the 50th minute.
The new Manchester City signing had a positive impact, calling Gianluigi Buffon into action with a driven shot from 20 yards shortly before the hour mark.The conditions began to sap the life from the game as Italy lost the intent on the break and Spain continued to lack creativity.
Andres Iniesta attempted to take matters into his own hands, yet after a mazy run from the half-way line he sliced an attempt wide of the goal.There were chances for both sides to win the game in normal time, though neither team could break the deadlock.
Marchisio’s attempt from a Candreva cutback was blocked by Gerard Pique before Pedro and the Barcelona centre-back wasted two great opportunities to work Buffon, and extra time ensued. [Goal]
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