Spain Reach the Semi-finals 西班牙进入半决赛
Italy's Buffon lost the battle of the goalkeepers
Spain booked themselves a place 为自己赢得一席in the semi-finals of the Euro 2008 tournament on Sunday, beating Italy 4-2 in a penalty shootout 罚点球which followed a goalless game.
Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas scored the winner, ending a 22-year jinx 不走运for the Spanish; Spain had lost penalty shootouts at the quarter-final stage in three major tournaments previously, with all matches taking place on June 22.
It was the first time Spain have beaten Italy in a major competition since 1920 and has helped Spainshed their image 洗刷形象as perennial underachievers 长期成绩平平的.
Fabregas was overjoyed to seal 定夺the historic win. "This is wonderful, it is impossible to find the words to express such an emotion," he said, meaning that the feeling of winning was better than words can say.
What a feeling
This is wonderful, it is impossible to find the words to express such an emotion.
Cesc Fabregas, Spain
Losing to Spain could well cost Italy’s manager Roberto Donadoni his job but he had only praise for his team.
"I think the players should leave here with their heads held high," said Donadoni, meaning his team should feel proud of themselves.
Donadoni blamed fatigue for his team’s disappointing performance, describing them as "shattered 筋疲力尽的and tired".
The result means Spain will face Russia in the semi-final on 26 June, while Germany face Turkey on 25 June.
Turkey scraped their way 奋力跻身into the semis with yet another dramaticlate comeback 后发制人/末尾反攻, beating Croatia on penalties after equalising with the last kick of the game.
Proud in defeat
I think the players should leave here with their heads held high. They gave everything they had. Tomorrow is the start of a new era
Robero Donadoni, Italy manager
The Turks have been in front 领先for a total of only nine minutes in all the games they have played in Euro 2008 but have managed to knock out 击败teams that are seen as superior.
Turkey’s manager Fatih Terim said his side’s efforts were "unique in our history".
He admitted his team always seem to do things "the hard way" but explained why his team always seem to come back at the last minute.
"I tell my players never to give up," said Terim.
编辑：李霞
