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ARSENAL: Euro 2008: Fabregas fires Spain into semis

/noticias.info/ Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 pens)
Sunday, June 22
Vienna

Cesc Fabregas scored the decisive spot-kick as Spain beat Italy on penalties to reach the last four of Euro 2008.

The Arsenal midfielder had never taken a penalty in his professional career but kept his nerve to slot the ball past Gianluigi Buffon and set up a Semi-Final clash with Russia on Thursday.

That capped an impressive performance from Fabregas, who replaced Xavi after 59 minutes and gave Spain plenty of impetus. The 20-year-old set up half-chances for Marcos Senna and David Villa before having a shot of his own blocked in extra time.

The deadlock remained unbroken after two hours of tension but Spain, who had been the most adventurous side throughout the game, got their noses in front in the shoot-out when Iker Casillas saved from Daniele de Rossi.

Daniel Guiza saw his spot-kick saved by Buffon but Casillas made another fine stop from Antonio di Natale, leaving Fabregas to fire low to Buffon's left and seal victory. notas_de_prensa_archivo