© EuroFootball.com
On a late Thursday evening in Brazil, the second semi-final match of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament took place.
In Fortaleza, at the "Castelao" stadium, two European giants - the national teams of Spain and Italy - battled for a spot in the tournament final. After a fierce fight, the European champions defeated Italy.
In the first half, the Italians surprisingly dominated, threatening Iker Casillas' goal several times in the first 45 minutes of the match.
Initially, the game was balanced, but soon Cesare Prandelli's team tested the opponent's goalkeeper when in the 15th minute, after an excellent pass from the sideline, Alberto Gilardino replaced the injured Mario Balotelli in a forward position.
After a few dangerous Italian attacks, the Spanish took the initiative. However, in the 35th minute, after a high pass from Emanuele Giaccherini, Cristiano Maggio attempted to send the ball into the net, but the goalkeeper from Real Madrid reacted to the shot.
One of the most dangerous chances for the Spanish team came at the end of the first half, when Fernando Torres broke through several defenders in the penalty area and took a powerful shot next to Gianluigi Buffon's goal.
In the second half, both teams played evenly, but neither was able to score a goal during regular time, so extra time was played, followed by a penalty shootout.
The Confederations Cup final will take place on July 30th (at 1 a.m.), and the match for the third place will be played between Italy and Uruguay on the same Sunday (at 7 p.m.).
Spain 0 - 0 Italy Penalty shootout 7-6
