The Spain-Italy quarterfinal today was one of the most anticipated matchups of the knockout stages; unfortunately, it turned out one of the hardest to watch. I must admit that I even fell asleep not once, but several times for five to ten minute spells only to find the score still level at nil. Had I not been constantly prodded in the side to pay more attention, I would have missed the penalty shootout that decided the match. Spanish substitute Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal FC converted the winning spot-kick with confidence, taking advantage of misses from neo-fascist Daniele de Rossi and Antonio Di Natale.
Bright spots in the drab 120 minutes of open play included a classy performance from Valencia's David Silva (someone big should sign him!), who seemed the only Spaniard able to push ahead with any sort of determination and speed, though some of his throughballs flew astray at key moments in the attack. Casillas was rarely threatened but did his job, as did Gigi Buffon, save for one long rip he fumbled onto the post.
Relive the suspense here at AS:
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