Euro Cup 2012 Highlights

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Germany Squeezes by Denmark 2-1


Germany failed to sparkle but still advanced to a quarterfinal against Greece after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Sunday at the European Championship.

The Danes were eliminated after the two teams finished their Group B campaigns.

Lukas Podolski opened the scoring for Germany in the 19th minute and Lars Bender slotted home the winner in the 80th after Michael Krohn-Dehli had equalized for Denmark in the first half.

"It's absolutely a day of joy," Bender said. "I'll be thinking back to this day a long, long time. We have a positive spirit in the team."

Germany played without flair, but controlled possession and were never really challenged by the Danes, who go home after stunning the Netherlands in the first match but losing to Portugal in the second.

"We can be satisfied with our effort but not with the result," Denmark midfielder William Kvist said. "I think we proved that we can play against the big teams. We won (against the Netherlands) and we didn't lose big. We showed that we can play against the best."

Germany seized the initiative from the kickoff and came close twice before Podolski, playing his 100th international match, scored his first goal of the tournament.

Mario Gomez set him up with a deft backheel touch following Thomas Mueller's low cross from the right flank.

Denmark replied just five minutes later with Krohn-Dehli heading in the equalizer from a set piece that stunned the German defense. A corner found Nicklas Bendtner who headed the ball into the area where Krohn-Dehli nodded home his second goal at Euro 2012.

Jakob Poulsen missed a chance to put Denmark in the driver's seat at the start of the second half when his shot grazed the outside of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's right post.

After that scare, the Germans were firmly in charge and denied Denmark any real chance of getting back into the game.

Coach Morten Olsen's men were already looking tired when Bender, replacing suspended right back Jerome Boateng, picked up a pass from Mesut Oezil and made it 2-1.

"We should have gone ahead by two or three goals in the first half, but Denmark scored virtually out of nowhere," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

"I think we had the game well under control. You get the feeling Denmark doesn't want to score, that they don't want to go forward, but suddenly they push ahead," he said. "We had a lot of possession and I was sure that we would score and advance."

It was the first competitive match between the two countries since the 1992 European Championship final, when the Danes stunned the Germans with a 2-0 win to become champions.

Hoping for another upset, Olsen changed his lineup by moving playmaker Christian Eriksen to the right flank, replacing injured winger Dennis Rommedahl in a five-man midfield.

But the move had little effect as Philipp Lahm effectively closed down the talented 20-year-old, who leaves Euro 2012 without fulfilling expectations of an international breakthrough.

Olsen praised the Germans, saying they played "fantastic football" that confirmed they are among the favorites to win the European title.

He regretted that Denmark wasn't able to salvage a point in the previous game against Portugal. The Danes conceded in the final minutes in the 3-2 loss.

"Having said that, I think we have done a really good job in this tournament," Olsen said. "This team has a future."

Germany finished top of the group with a perfect record of three wins and now faces Euro 2004 champion Greece on Friday in Gdansk

EURO 2012: Germany vs Denmark Timeline

90+3' - The whistle has gone to end the second half. The match finishes 1-2.

90+2' - Daniel Agger of Denmark is pulled up for offside.

90+2' - Germany drive forward but Andre Schurrle is judged offside.

90+1' - Miroslav Klose of Germany is pulled up for offside.

90+1' - Important block from the Denmark defence as Bastian Schweinsteiger fires in a strike for Germany.

90' - 3 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

86' - Simon Poulsen for Denmark is whistled offside.

84' - Toni Kroos is on a sub for Thomas Muller for Germany.

84' - Daniel Agger (Denmark) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target.

84' - Carlos Velasco Carballo has awarded Denmark a corner. Lars Jacobsen takes the kick from the Right .

82' - Tobias Mikkelsen is replacing Jakob Poulsen for Denmark at Arena Lviv.

80' - Mesut Ozil with an assist there.

80' - Germany take a 1-2 lead thanks to Lars Bender.

78' - Morten Olsen (Denmark) is making a First substitution, with Christian Poulsen replacing Niki Zimling.

78' - Germany's Sami Khedira misses with an attempt on goal.

76' - Nicklas Bendtner for Denmark drives towards goal at Arena Lviv. But the finish is unsuccessful.

74' - Germany make their Second substitution with Miroslav Klose replacing Mario Gomez.

71' - At Arena Lviv Michael Krohn-Dehli (Denmark) takes a corner from the Left.

71' - Niki Zimling gets his shot on target but fails to score for Denmark.

67' - In Lviv Germany drive forward through Andre Schurrle. His shot is on target but it's saved.

64' - Joachim Low is making the team's First substitution at Arena Lviv with Andre Schurrle replacing Lukas Podolski.

64' - Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

63' - Thomas Muller (Germany) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

62' - Germany have been awarded a corner by Carlos Velasco Carballo. Mesut Ozil steps up to take it.

57' - Carlos Velasco Carballo blows against Denmark's Simon Poulsen for offside.

56' - Denmark drive forward and Lars Jacobsen gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

51' - Jakob Poulsen of Denmark gets in a strike, but is off target.

50' - In Lviv Germany attack through Mario Gomez. The finish is off target, ho

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Ronaldo Redeems As Portugal Advances


Cristiano Ronaldo created a slice of history in powering Portugal to the quarterfinals of Euro 2012 on Sunday but faces a lonely day off after his supermodel girlfriend decided to remain in New York instead of jetting to Poland.

Ronaldo scored two goals as Portugal beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the Ukranian city of Kharkiv to guarantee itself second place in Group B and a last-eight showdown with the Czech Republic.

After Portugal's impressive recovery from losing to Germany in its opening game, coach Paulo Bento decided to reward his players with a day off to spend with their wives and girlfriends when they return to their Polish training base.

However, Ronaldo will be on his own after his leading lady Irina Shayk opted to stay in the United States rather than travel to the tournament.

"We will rest and regroup and the players will have some time to enjoy themselves," Bento said. "It is important after coming through a difficult group that they can have some normal time. We want everyone to share in our success, the players, the people close to them, the whole nation."

Shayk and Ronaldo are used to spending time apart because of his commitments as one of the world's finest soccer players and her own as one of the most sought-after models on the New York fashion scene.

She was spotted by paparazzi exercising and shopping in New York just hours before Ronaldo geared up for what was one of his most important matches for his national team. "When asked last week if he expected his girlfriend to join him during the event, Ronaldo simply replied "no."

Defeat would have eliminated Portugal from the competition and led to criticism aimed at Ronaldo, whose performances at major tournaments have often been called into question.

In the side's previous match against Denmark, rival fans taunted the 27-year-old by chanting the name of Lionel Messi, the Argentina and Barcelona superstar widely regarded as the only better player in the world.

EURO 2012: Portugal vs Netherlands Timeline

90+4' - The second-half is over. The match ends 2-1.

90+2' - Portugal's Joao Pereira has been booked in Kharkiv.

90' - 4 minutes will be added to the Second half.

90' - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) fires in a shot – and hits the post!

89' - Netherlands's Robin van Persie misses with an attempt on goal.

87' - Portugal make their Third substitution with Rolando replacing Nani.

86' - Netherlands's Klaas Jan Huntelaar breaks free at Metalist Stadium. But the strike goes wide of the post.

86' - Portugal are pushing forward but Nani's finish is wide of the goal.

85' - Portugal are coming forward and Nani gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

84' - Corner awarded to Netherlands.

83' - So close for Netherlands as Rafael van der Vaart's shot comes back off the post.

80' - Portugal push upfield and Nelson Oliveira gets his head to the ball. The attempt is cleared by an alert Netherlands defence.

80' - Nicola Rizzoli has awarded Portugal a corner. Miguel Veloso takes the kick from the Left .

79' - In Kharkiv Portugal attack through Nelson Oliveira. The finish is off target, however.

76' - Netherlands's Wesley Sneijder gets in a shot on goal at Metalist Stadium. But the effort is unsuccessful.

74' - Goal! Cristiano Ronaldo gives Portugal a 2-1 lead in Kharkiv.

74' - Nani with an assist there.

73' - Corner awarded to Portugal.

72' - Nani for Portugal drives towards goal at Metalist Stadium. But the finish is unsuccessful.

72' - Paulo Bento (Portugal) is making a Second change, with Custodio replacing the possibly injured Raul Meireles.

69' - Robin van Persie (Netherlands) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

68' - Raul Meireles has recovered and rejoins the match in Kharkiv.

68' - Nicola Rizzoli has awarded Portugal a corner. Joao Moutinho takes the kick from the Left .

68' - The match at Metalist Stadium is underway again.

67' - Netherlands make their First substitution with Ibrahim Afellay replacing Jetro Willems.

67' - Attention is being given to Portugal’s Raul Meireles and play has been suspended briefly.

66' - In Kharkiv Portugal drive forward through Fabio Coentrao. His shot is on target but it's saved.

65' - Netherlands push forward at Metalist Stadium and Robin van Persie gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Portugal defence.

64' - Nelson Oliveira is on a sub for Helder Postiga for Portugal.

60' - At Metalist Stadium Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) takes a corner from the Left.

60' - Nicola Rizzoli blows against Portugal's Helder Postiga for offside.

59' - Portugal have been awarded a corner by Nicola Rizzoli. Raul Meireles steps up to take it.

55' - Joao Moutinho of Portugal gets in a strike, but is off target.

54' - Portugal's Helder Postiga is whistled for offside at Metalist Stadium.

53' - In Kharkiv, Ron Vlaar (Netherlands) misses the target with a header.

53' - In Kharkiv Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

52' - Portugal's Joao Moutinho looks ok and returns to the pitch.

52' - Play has been resumed at Metalist Stadium.

52' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Kharkiv to check on Joao Moutinho, who is grimacing with pain.

51' - Jetro Willems (Netherlands) has been given a yellow card and will be suspended from the next match.

50' - Nicola Rizzoli has awarded Netherlands a corner. Wesley Sneijder takes the kick from the Left .

49' - Joao Moutinho for Portugal gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

48' - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

46' - The second-half is underway in Kharkiv.

45' - The first-half is over at Metalist Stadium.

41' - Portugal are pushing forward but Cristiano Ronaldo's finish is wide of the goal.

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Navas Comes Up Big in Spain’s 1-0 Victory Over Croatia


Defending champions Spain will be back in it again after qualifying for the Euro 2012 quarter-finals after replacement Jesus Navas hit the late winner in their nervy 1-0 victory over Croatia, who bowed out.

Spain qualify as Group C winners and will now play their quarter-final in Donetsk, Ukraine, on Saturday against the Group D runner-up, while Italy finish second thanks to their 2-0 win over Ireland in Poznan.

Having come on for Fernando Torres in the second-half, Navas hit the 88th-minute winner after Xavi Hernandez chipped the Croatian defence and Andres Iniesta provided the final pass.

"It was a difficult game for us, we had a high percentage of ball possession and we proved we can control the game," said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque.

"We were fighting for a victory, not a draw, and we have taken a step forward here by qualifying, this is motivation for the quarter-finals.

"The team played well, even though things didn't go according to plan.

"We have no preference whether it is France, England or Ukraine, we have to be ready to take whatever comes."

The World Cup winners top the group with seven points after their opening draw with Italy and 4-0 rout of Ireland, while there was heartbreak for Slaven Bilic's Croatia.

"I want to congratulate Spain, but most of all, also my players," said the former West Ham and Everton defender.

"We had the best chances in the game and when you play against the world champions, you must take advantage of those opportunities."

Del Bosque named an unchanged team, while Bilic abandoned the 4-4-2 formation he used in the opening win over Ireland and the draw with Italy for a 4-2-3-1 formation.

As they had done in Thursday's hammering of Ireland here, Spain started with almost 80 percent ball possession, which never dropped below 60, as Croatia seemed content to hit long balls down to lone striker Mario Mandzukic.

On a rare early forage into the Spanish half, Danijel Pranjic fired a shot to the left of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who dealt with the left-footed shot comfortably on 25 minutes.

Croatia defender Vedran Corluka was booked for dissent soon after as German referee Wolfgang Stark chose not to award a penalty after Spain's Sergio Ramos sliding tackle caught Mandzukic's ankle.

It remained goalless at the break and news of Italy's lead against Ireland raised the tension inside the Gdansk stadium as the second half wore on.

Croatia's best chance came approaching the hour mark when Luka Modric's cross was met by Ivan Rakitic, but Casillas parried away his header.

After a fairly ineffective first 60 minutes, Torres made way for Navas in the three-man forward line, but both sides squandered chances.

With time almost up, the decisive blow came when Hernandez floated his pass over the defence for his Barcelona team-mate Iniesta to draw Croatia's goalkeeper Stipe Pleitkosa and then feed Navas who made no mistake.

EURO 2012: Croatia vs Spain Timeline

90+4' - The match has come to a close in Gdansk. The final score is 0-1.

90+3' - Croatia's Ivan Rakitic has been booked in Gdansk.

90+1' - Nikica Jelavic (Croatia) gets a yellow card.

90' - Mario Mandzukic (Croatia) has received a first yellow card.

90' - Wolfgang Stark will wait an extra 4 minutes before blowing the whistle to end the Second half.

89' - Spain make their Third substitution with Alvaro Negredo replacing Xavi.

88' - Goal! Jesus Navas gives Spain a 0-1 lead.

88' - Great play from Andres Iniesta to set up the goal.

86' - Vedran Corluka (Croatia) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target.

86' - In Gdansk Ivan Rakitic for Croatia takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

85' - Jesus Navas for Spain drives towards goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the finish is unsuccessful.

84' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Wolfgang Stark. Xavi steps up to take it.

84' - Spain drive forward and Andres Iniesta gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

81' - Croatia make their Third substitution with Eduardo replacing Ognjen Vukojevic.

79' - Wolfgang Stark has awarded Croatia a corner. Ivan Rakitic takes the kick from the Left .

79' - Croatia push forward through Ivan Perisic, whose finish on goal is saved.

78' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Left.

78' - Spain's Cesc Fabregas gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Croatia defender.

74' - Corner awarded to Spain.

73' - Vicente del Bosque is making the team's Second substitution at PGE Arena Gdansk with Cesc Fabregas replacing David Silva.

72' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Right.

70' - Croatia's Ivan Perisic gets his shot away but it misses the target.

69' - Spain's David Silva is whistled for offside at PGE Arena Gdansk.

68' - Wolfgang Stark has awarded Spain a corner. Xavi takes the kick from the Left .

67' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Wolfgang Stark. Xavi steps up to take it.

66' - Sergio Ramos's header is off-target for Spain.

66' - In Gdansk Xavi for Spain takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

66' - Nikica Jelavic is on a sub for Domagoj Vida for Croatia.

66' - Ivan Perisic is replacing Danijel Pranjic for Croatia at PGE Arena Gdansk.

61' - Vicente del Bosque (Spain) is making a First substitution, with Jesus Navas replacing Fernando Torres.

60' - Corner awarded to Spain.

60' - Spain push forward at PGE Arena Gdansk and David Silva gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Croatia defence.

59' - In Gdansk, Ivan Rakitic (Croatia) gets his head to the ball but the strike is cleared by an untiring defence.

53' - Ivan Strinic (Croatia) gets a yellow card.

51' - Wolfgang Stark blows against Spain's Jordi Alba for offside.

49' - In Gdansk Ivan Rakitic for Croatia takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

46'

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Italy Seals Victory Thanks To Super Mario

Italian striker duo Antonio Cassano’s first-half header and Mario Balotelli’s spectacular late volley and his morbid goal celebration gave Italy a 2-0 win vs Ireland which took them into the Euro 2012 quarter-finals as Group C runners-up behind Spain. The AC Milan striker headed home from Andrea Pirlo’s 35th-minute corner before substitute Balotelli added a second at the death to finally kill off Republic of Ireland’s brave resistance.

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli’s men were on top for the majority of the first half of the game Ireland vs Italy, and a header from Antonio Cassano minutes before half-time gave the squadro azzurra lead to hold on to. Mario Balotelli then stepped up to seal the victory moments before the final whistle with a typically dramatic finish from just outside the six-yard box. Balotelli ‘s goal celebration was as spectacular as the goal itself. He turned toward the Italian bench and began to swear and moving his hands and arms before he was stopped by a teammate and a verbal warning from Italian midfielder Tiago Motta.

Mario Balotelli was dropped from Italy’s starting XI in the Euro 2012 Group C decisive game of Italy vs Ireland after two forgettable matches. To say Balotelli looked ordinary would be giving him too much credit. It put into question his nickname 'Super Mario' with that name being transferred over to Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic, who is Euro’s co-leading scorer. But with Mario Balotelli goal vs Ireland he got his nickname back but with an additional ‘ sick ‘ between Super Mario.

Apparently upset at having lost his nickname (because nicknames are that important to Balotelli, or just to keep this nickname theme going), Balotelli decided to do the most super thing of the tournament thus far. He came in off the bench and scored a peach of a goal. A stupendous goal? A super goal. and what a goal celebration followed that strike. Actually Balotelli’s reaction to his super goal vs Ireland was out of sheer anger and frustration.

Spain’s 1-0 win over Croatia in Gdansk meant the reigning Euro champions topped Group C, but Italy managed to go through the Quarter Finals of Euro 2012 in second place.

EURO 2012: Italy vs Ireland Timeline

90+3' - That's full-time at Municipal Stadium Poznan. The final score is 2-0.

90+2' - Cuneyt Cakir has awarded Italy a corner. Andrea Pirlo takes the kick from the Right .

90+2' - Italy's Alessandro Diamanti gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Ireland defender.

90+2' - Corner awarded to Italy.

90+2' - Italy's Mario Balotelli misses with an attempt on goal.

90+1' - At Municipal Stadium Poznan the fourth official shows that 3 minutes will be added to the Second half.

90' - Cuneyt Cakir has awarded Italy a corner. Andrea Pirlo takes the kick from the Left .

90' - Italy take a comfortable 2-0 lead thanks to Mario Balotelli.

90' - Alessandro Diamanti with an assist there.

90' - At Municipal Stadium Poznan Alessandro Diamanti (Italy) takes a corner from the Right.

89' - He's off!Keith Andrews is shown a second yellow card.

88' - Mario Balotelli for Italy drives towards goal at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the finish is unsuccessful.

86' - Ireland make their Third substitution with Simon Cox replacing Robbie Keane.

85' - Leonardo Bonucci of Italy gets in a strike, but is off target.

84' - Sean St. Ledger for Ireland has been booked by Cuneyt Cakir and will miss the next match due to a suspension.

80' - Cuneyt Cakir blows against Ireland's Robbie Keane for offside.

79' - Ireland's Keith Andrews gets in a shot on goal at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the effort is unsuccessful.

76' - Jonathan Walters is replacing Kevin Doyle for Ireland at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

76' - Italy's Thiago Motta is whistled for offside at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

75' - In Poznan Damien Duff for Ireland takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

74' - Mario Balotelli is on a sub for Antonio Di Natale for Italy.

73' - Gianluigi Buffon for Italy has been booked by Cuneyt Cakir and receives a first yellow card.

71' - Daniele De Rossi (Italy) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

69' - Italy's Andrea Pirlo gets his shot away but it misses the target.

67' - Ireland's Richard Dunne is whistled for offside at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

66' - Corner awarded to Ireland.

66' - In Poznan Italy drive forward through Alessandro Diamanti. His shot is on target but it's saved.

65' - Ireland have been awarded a corner by Cuneyt Cakir. Damien Duff steps up to take it.

65' - Giovanni Trapattoni (Ireland) is making a First substitution, with Shane Long replacing Aiden McGeady.

63' - Italy's Antonio Di Natale has run offside.

63' - Italy make their Second substitution with Alessandro Diamanti replacing Antonio Cassano.

60' - Keith Andrews gets his shot on target but fails to score for Ireland.

58' - Italy's Claudio Marchisio breaks free at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the strike goes wide of the post.

57' - Cuneyt Cakir has blown to resume play in Poznan.

57' - Cesare Prandelli (Italy) has taken off Giorgio Chiellini who seemed to be grimacing with pain earlier. A possible injury. Leonardo Bonucci is the replacement.

56' - Giorgio Chiellini is writhing in pain and play has been suspended for a few moments.

55' - Italy drive forward and Antonio Di Natale gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

53' - Ireland surge into the attack at Municipal Stadium Poznan but Richard Dunne’s header is off-target.

53' - In Poznan Damien Duff for Ireland takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

51' - Italy are pushing forward but Daniele De Rossi's finish is wide of the goal.

50' - Kevin Doyle of Ireland gets in a strike, but is off target.

49' - Italy are pushing forward but Federico Balzaretti's finish is wide of the goal.

49' - Italy dri

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: England Advances 1-0 Win Over Ukraine


Striker Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the match at the 48th minute to give England a 1-0 victory over Ukraine to advance to the Euro Cup quarter finals.

England clinched Group D and will play Italy next Sunday in Kiev.

Ukraine looked like they tied the game at the 62nd minute when Marko Devic's looping shot crossed the line before it was hooked clear by John Terry. But the goal was missed by the referee and his extra assistant behind the goal.

The disputed play will likely add to the pressure on UEFA President Michel Platini to reverse his opposition to goal-line technology.

"I was sad because the ball was in the goal by one meter," Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin said.

Rooney, who sat out his team's first two matches at Euro 2012, returned from suspension Tuesday and headed in the goal in the 48th.

Steven Gerrard whipped a dangerous cross into the penalty area that went past two defenders before Pyatov let it slip through his hands as he crouched to collect the ball. Rooney was at the far post and put England ahead.

"There was a lot of pressure on Wayne," Gerrard said. "But he stood up and when we needed him he was there."

It was Rooney's first goal at a major tournament since scoring four at Euro 2004 as an 18-year-old kid. He failed to find the net at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and England failed to even qualify for Euro 2008.

With the victory, England won Group D and will next face Italy in Kiev on Sunday. France also advanced, despite losing to Sweden 2-0 in the other group match. Ukraine, however, will have to watch the rest of the tournament as spectators, just like co-host Poland.

"No one believed in us at the start but we're gaining momentum at the right time," Gerrard said. "I don't think tonight's performance was fantastic, but we stuck together, got the job done and won 1-0 against a good team.

"We've been criticized in the past maybe for not turning up, underperforming, and we can take that. We're man enough. But you saw a reaction. When you get criticized it's not nice and you have to react by playing better and I think that's what we did."

England is now unbeaten in five matches under Roy Hodgson, who took over the team last month following Fabio Capello's resignation in February.

"Most people didn't think we'd get out of the group," Hodgson said. "We've won it on points instead of goal difference as well. This was an away game with a capital 'A'

"There were (50,000) people in and only 4,000 brave England fans. When we needed a bit of luck, when the ball may have crossed the line, we got a bit of luck and went on to win the match."

A draw wouldn't have helped Ukraine advance, but it would have given the team hope knowing that a victory was enough to put the co-hosts through to the quarterfinals.

Ukraine had never won at the Donbass Arena on four previous occasions, and failed to seize on its advantage when it mattered most.

With their fans dominating the crowd, the Ukrainians were in control from the outset, far more confident on the ball and containing England inside its own half, even with captain Andriy Shevchenko on the bench at the start due to a left knee injury.

But early efforts were from distance, with Denys Garmash and Yaroslav Rakitskiy striking over, while England midfielder Scott Parker had to throw his body into the path of Devic's low shot.

They were getting closer, though, and looking more even menacing going forward with Oleh Gusev getting into the penalty area and sending in a shot that just creep over Joe Hart's goal.

Before Rooney scored, England came close to testing Pyatov when Ashley Young sent in a low cross that was easily dealt with in the 11th minute.

As Ukraine attacked the England goal, Rooney was quiet in the first half of his first competitive match in more than a month until he sent a free header wide in the 28th from Young's cross.

At the 2010 World Cup, England midfielder Frank Lampard was denied a goal that would have leveled the match against Germany at 2-2. England ended up losing 4-1.

"To be successful you need a bit of luck," Gerrard said. "Two years ago we were unlucky with Frank Lampard and we had to pack our bags."

EURO 2012: Ukraine vs England Timeline

90+3' - Viktor Kassai blows to end the match. The final score is 1-0.

90' - In Donetsk Ukraine attack through Andrey Yarmolenko. The finish is off target, however.

90' - 3 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

87' - Roy Hodgson (England) is making a Third substitution, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replacing Wayne Rooney.

86' - Andrej Shevchenko (Ukraine) has received a yellow card from Viktor Kassai.

85' - Viktor Kassai has awarded Ukraine a corner. Sergey Nazarenko takes the kick from the Right .

84' - Corner awarded to Ukraine.

82' - Andy Carroll is on a sub for Danny Welbeck for England.

81' - Ukraine's Sergey Nazarenko misses with an attempt on goal.

78' - Ashley Cole (England) has received a first yellow card.

78' - Ukraine make their Third substitution with Sergey Nazarenko replacing Denys Garmash.

77' - Bogdan Butko is on a sub for Artem Milevskiy for Ukraine.

77' - Yevgen Konoplyanka for Ukraine gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

75' - England push forward at Donbass Arena and Wayne Rooney gets in a great header. The attempt is cleared by the Ukraine defence.

75' - In Donetsk Steven Gerrard for England takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

74' - Ukraine's Yaroslav Rakitskiy has been booked in Donetsk.

74' - Ukraine's Yevgen Konoplyanka gets in a shot on goal at Donbass Arena. But the effort is unsuccessful.

73' - Steven Gerrard (England) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

72' - At Donbass Arena Yaroslav Rakitskiy (Ukraine) takes a corner from the Right.

70' - Oleg Blokhin is making the

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Germany Squeezes by Denmark 2-1


Germany failed to sparkle but still advanced to a quarterfinal against Greece after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Sunday at the European Championship.

The Danes were eliminated after the two teams finished their Group B campaigns.

Lukas Podolski opened the scoring for Germany in the 19th minute and Lars Bender slotted home the winner in the 80th after Michael Krohn-Dehli had equalized for Denmark in the first half.

"It's absolutely a day of joy," Bender said. "I'll be thinking back to this day a long, long time. We have a positive spirit in the team."

Germany played without flair, but controlled possession and were never really challenged by the Danes, who go home after stunning the Netherlands in the first match but losing to Portugal in the second.

"We can be satisfied with our effort but not with the result," Denmark midfielder William Kvist said. "I think we proved that we can play against the big teams. We won (against the Netherlands) and we didn't lose big. We showed that we can play against the best."

Germany seized the initiative from the kickoff and came close twice before Podolski, playing his 100th international match, scored his first goal of the tournament.

Mario Gomez set him up with a deft backheel touch following Thomas Mueller's low cross from the right flank.

Denmark replied just five minutes later with Krohn-Dehli heading in the equalizer from a set piece that stunned the German defense. A corner found Nicklas Bendtner who headed the ball into the area where Krohn-Dehli nodded home his second goal at Euro 2012.

Jakob Poulsen missed a chance to put Denmark in the driver's seat at the start of the second half when his shot grazed the outside of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's right post.

After that scare, the Germans were firmly in charge and denied Denmark any real chance of getting back into the game.

Coach Morten Olsen's men were already looking tired when Bender, replacing suspended right back Jerome Boateng, picked up a pass from Mesut Oezil and made it 2-1.

"We should have gone ahead by two or three goals in the first half, but Denmark scored virtually out of nowhere," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

"I think we had the game well under control. You get the feeling Denmark doesn't want to score, that they don't want to go forward, but suddenly they push ahead," he said. "We had a lot of possession and I was sure that we would score and advance."

It was the first competitive match between the two countries since the 1992 European Championship final, when the Danes stunned the Germans with a 2-0 win to become champions.

Hoping for another upset, Olsen changed his lineup by moving playmaker Christian Eriksen to the right flank, replacing injured winger Dennis Rommedahl in a five-man midfield.

But the move had little effect as Philipp Lahm effectively closed down the talented 20-year-old, who leaves Euro 2012 without fulfilling expectations of an international breakthrough.

Olsen praised the Germans, saying they played "fantastic football" that confirmed they are among the favorites to win the European title.

He regretted that Denmark wasn't able to salvage a point in the previous game against Portugal. The Danes conceded in the final minutes in the 3-2 loss.

"Having said that, I think we have done a really good job in this tournament," Olsen said. "This team has a future."

Germany finished top of the group with a perfect record of three wins and now faces Euro 2004 champion Greece on Friday in Gdansk

EURO 2012: Germany vs Denmark Timeline

90+3' - The whistle has gone to end the second half. The match finishes 1-2.

90+2' - Daniel Agger of Denmark is pulled up for offside.

90+2' - Germany drive forward but Andre Schurrle is judged offside.

90+1' - Miroslav Klose of Germany is pulled up for offside.

90+1' - Important block from the Denmark defence as Bastian Schweinsteiger fires in a strike for Germany.

90' - 3 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

86' - Simon Poulsen for Denmark is whistled offside.

84' - Toni Kroos is on a sub for Thomas Muller for Germany.

84' - Daniel Agger (Denmark) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target.

84' - Carlos Velasco Carballo has awarded Denmark a corner. Lars Jacobsen takes the kick from the Right .

82' - Tobias Mikkelsen is replacing Jakob Poulsen for Denmark at Arena Lviv.

80' - Mesut Ozil with an assist there.

80' - Germany take a 1-2 lead thanks to Lars Bender.

78' - Morten Olsen (Denmark) is making a First substitution, with Christian Poulsen replacing Niki Zimling.

78' - Germany's Sami Khedira misses with an attempt on goal.

76' - Nicklas Bendtner for Denmark drives towards goal at Arena Lviv. But the finish is unsuccessful.

74' - Germany make their Second substitution with Miroslav Klose replacing Mario Gomez.

71' - At Arena Lviv Michael Krohn-Dehli (Denmark) takes a corner from the Left.

71' - Niki Zimling gets his shot on target but fails to score for Denmark.

67' - In Lviv Germany drive forward through Andre Schurrle. His shot is on target but it's saved.

64' - Joachim Low is making the team's First substitution at Arena Lviv with Andre Schurrle replacing Lukas Podolski.

64' - Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

63' - Thomas Muller (Germany) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

62' - Germany have been awarded a corner by Carlos Velasco Carballo. Mesut Ozil steps up to take it.

57' - Carlos Velasco Carballo blows against Denmark's Simon Poulsen for offside.

56' - Denmark drive forward and Lars Jacobsen gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

51' - Jakob Poulsen of Denmark gets in a strike, but is off target.

50' - In Lviv Germany attack through Mario Gomez. The finish is off target, ho

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Germany Squeezes by Denmark 2-1


Germany failed to sparkle but still advanced to a quarterfinal against Greece after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Sunday at the European Championship.

The Danes were eliminated after the two teams finished their Group B campaigns.

Lukas Podolski opened the scoring for Germany in the 19th minute and Lars Bender slotted home the winner in the 80th after Michael Krohn-Dehli had equalized for Denmark in the first half.

"It's absolutely a day of joy," Bender said. "I'll be thinking back to this day a long, long time. We have a positive spirit in the team."

Germany played without flair, but controlled possession and were never really challenged by the Danes, who go home after stunning the Netherlands in the first match but losing to Portugal in the second.

"We can be satisfied with our effort but not with the result," Denmark midfielder William Kvist said. "I think we proved that we can play against the big teams. We won (against the Netherlands) and we didn't lose big. We showed that we can play against the best."

Germany seized the initiative from the kickoff and came close twice before Podolski, playing his 100th international match, scored his first goal of the tournament.

Mario Gomez set him up with a deft backheel touch following Thomas Mueller's low cross from the right flank.

Denmark replied just five minutes later with Krohn-Dehli heading in the equalizer from a set piece that stunned the German defense. A corner found Nicklas Bendtner who headed the ball into the area where Krohn-Dehli nodded home his second goal at Euro 2012.

Jakob Poulsen missed a chance to put Denmark in the driver's seat at the start of the second half when his shot grazed the outside of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's right post.

After that scare, the Germans were firmly in charge and denied Denmark any real chance of getting back into the game.

Coach Morten Olsen's men were already looking tired when Bender, replacing suspended right back Jerome Boateng, picked up a pass from Mesut Oezil and made it 2-1.

"We should have gone ahead by two or three goals in the first half, but Denmark scored virtually out of nowhere," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

"I think we had the game well under control. You get the feeling Denmark doesn't want to score, that they don't want to go forward, but suddenly they push ahead," he said. "We had a lot of possession and I was sure that we would score and advance."

It was the first competitive match between the two countries since the 1992 European Championship final, when the Danes stunned the Germans with a 2-0 win to become champions.

Hoping for another upset, Olsen changed his lineup by moving playmaker Christian Eriksen to the right flank, replacing injured winger Dennis Rommedahl in a five-man midfield.

But the move had little effect as Philipp Lahm effectively closed down the talented 20-year-old, who leaves Euro 2012 without fulfilling expectations of an international breakthrough.

Olsen praised the Germans, saying they played "fantastic football" that confirmed they are among the favorites to win the European title.

He regretted that Denmark wasn't able to salvage a point in the previous game against Portugal. The Danes conceded in the final minutes in the 3-2 loss.

"Having said that, I think we have done a really good job in this tournament," Olsen said. "This team has a future."

Germany finished top of the group with a perfect record of three wins and now faces Euro 2004 champion Greece on Friday in Gdansk

EURO 2012: Germany vs Denmark Timeline

90+3' - The whistle has gone to end the second half. The match finishes 1-2.

90+2' - Daniel Agger of Denmark is pulled up for offside.

90+2' - Germany drive forward but Andre Schurrle is judged offside.

90+1' - Miroslav Klose of Germany is pulled up for offside.

90+1' - Important block from the Denmark defence as Bastian Schweinsteiger fires in a strike for Germany.

90' - 3 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

86' - Simon Poulsen for Denmark is whistled offside.

84' - Toni Kroos is on a sub for Thomas Muller for Germany.

84' - Daniel Agger (Denmark) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target.

84' - Carlos Velasco Carballo has awarded Denmark a corner. Lars Jacobsen takes the kick from the Right .

82' - Tobias Mikkelsen is replacing Jakob Poulsen for Denmark at Arena Lviv.

80' - Mesut Ozil with an assist there.

80' - Germany take a 1-2 lead thanks to Lars Bender.

78' - Morten Olsen (Denmark) is making a First substitution, with Christian Poulsen replacing Niki Zimling.

78' - Germany's Sami Khedira misses with an attempt on goal.

76' - Nicklas Bendtner for Denmark drives towards goal at Arena Lviv. But the finish is unsuccessful.

74' - Germany make their Second substitution with Miroslav Klose replacing Mario Gomez.

71' - At Arena Lviv Michael Krohn-Dehli (Denmark) takes a corner from the Left.

71' - Niki Zimling gets his shot on target but fails to score for Denmark.

67' - In Lviv Germany drive forward through Andre Schurrle. His shot is on target but it's saved.

64' - Joachim Low is making the team's First substitution at Arena Lviv with Andre Schurrle replacing Lukas Podolski.

64' - Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

63' - Thomas Muller (Germany) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

62' - Germany have been awarded a corner by Carlos Velasco Carballo. Mesut Ozil steps up to take it.

57' - Carlos Velasco Carballo blows against Denmark's Simon Poulsen for offside.

56' - Denmark drive forward and Lars Jacobsen gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

51' - Jakob Poulsen of Denmark gets in a strike, but is off target.

50' - In Lviv Germany attack through Mario Gomez. The finish is off target, ho

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Hummels Continues Making Noise As Germany Advances


The breakout star of Euro 2012 is modest to a fault, so much so that when he was told he had been tabbed as the player of the tournament so far, he thought his teammates were playing a practical joke on him.

Mats Hummels is not a name hot on the lips of many American soccer fans, much less the wider sporting public, yet he has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight at the world's second-biggest tournament as the young face of Germany's rampaging national team.

Part of the reason for Hummels' lack of widespread recognition, even among soccer supporters, is that his club side Borussia Dortmund, two-time reigning German champion, failed to make it past the group stage of this season's Champions League.

No longer. From the moment French legend Zinedine Zidane, winner of the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and three-time world player of the year, picked out Hummels as the only player who has seriously impressed at the Euros, the focus was going to intensify.

Hummels was on form again Friday as Germany cruised into the semifinal thanks to a comfortable 4-2 victory over Greece in Gdansk for a fourth straight win in the competition, to follow on from 10 in a row in qualifying.

Mats Hummels is making a name for himself in the Euro 2012 tournament. (Reuters)

Now, it seems, whatever happens in the remainder of the tournament, he will leave Poland and Ukraine with his reputation greatly enhanced.

It is rare that central defenders get the kind of plaudits like the one dished out by Zidane, and – once Hummels realized it wasn't a joke – the compliment was gratefully received. Yet neither is Hummels a typical defender, having been given the liberty to venture forward and create offense by coach Joachim Loew, an opportunity he has eagerly snapped up.

A far cry from the uber-efficient and somewhat mechanical teams of the past, the current German side is fun to watch and has attracted plenty of neutrals into their corner. Hummels' role may be the epitome of that and, now just two more wins from the title, the Germans are easing more and more comfortably into the role of favorite – despite the continued progress of reigning European and World Cup champion Spain.

"We know what is expected," said Hummels. "In Germany the publicity says nothing, but the title counts."

Indeed, the pressure on this young side has been nothing short of extreme. Frustrated by close shaves in recent times, like defeat to Spain in the Euro 2008 final and the 2010 World Cup semifinal, the German public believes the time is now to clinch a first major tournament trophy since 1996.

While there was hope and some degree of optimism four years ago and again two years ago, now nothing short of triumph will be considered good enough.

That, surely, is part of the reason wily coach Loew has sought to keep things so low key around his training camp. His players are free to smoke, drink, entertain their partners and do pretty much whatever they like outside training, an attitude that has not been abused but that has certainly helped lighten the mood.

Mueller was one of three first-choice players to be rested against Greece, a sign of Loew's unshakeable confidence in the strength of his squad. Leading scorer Mario Gomez also made way in favor of Miroslav Klose, while Lukas Podolski was also left in the line up. In the end it didn't matter, although there were a few nervous moments. Phil Lahm's thunderous strike 39 minutes in put the Germans in control, but an equalizer against the run of play from Giorgos Samaras gave the courageous Greeks a sniff at a shock result.

However, Germany asserted its authority once more, with three goals in 13 minutes throughout the middle of the second half, killing off the Greek challenge. Sami Khedira's blast from inside the area sapped the life out of Greece, before a Klose header and a fierce strike from Marco Reus sealed the deal. Dimitris Salpingidis scored a late penalty to make it 4-2 but it was little more than a consolation – and Germany marches onward.

"This is a young team and we believe in ourselves," said Hummels, who on this night was not called into so much action due to Greece's lack of attacking ambition. "We are having fun and we are ready to be adaptable. It is nice to go forwards and to be recognized for that, but I am prepared to be a wall if I need to be."

EURO 2012: Germany vs Greece Timeline


90+2' - The match is over. Final score 4-2.

90' - At PGE Arena Gdansk the fourth official shows that 2 minutes will be added to the Second half.

89' - Greece are back in the match in Gdansk. A Dimitris Salpingidis penalty has made the score 4-2.

88' - Greece have been awarded a penalty...

85' - In Gdansk Germany drive forward through Mesut Ozil. His shot is on target but it's saved.

83' - Giorgos Fotakis for Greece drives towards goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the finish is unsuccessful.

81' - Germany's Mario Gomez is whistled for offside at PGE Arena Gdansk.

81' - Germany push forward through Mesut Ozil, whose finish on goal is saved.

80' - Mario Gotze is on a sub for Marco Reus for Germany.

80' - Joachim Low (Germany) is making a Second substitution, with Mario Gomez replacing Miroslav Klose.

75' - Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Greece) gets a yellow card.

74' - Goal! Marco Reus extends Germany's lead to 4-1.

72' - Damir Skomina has awarded Germany a corner. Mesut Ozil takes the kick from the Right .

72' - Greece make their Third substitution with Nikos Liberopoulos replacing Grigoris Makos.

69' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Mesut Ozil (Germany) takes a corner from the Right.

69' - Germany drive forward and Miroslav Klose gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

68' - Germany move into a 3-1 lead through a Miroslav Klose header.

68' - Great play from Mesut Ozil to set up the goal.

67' - Germany make their First substit

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Alonso Shines As Spain Advances

Xabi Alonso scored two goals in his 100th international appearance Saturday, leading Spain to a 2-0 win over France and a spot in the European Championship semifinals.

Alonso first scored with a thumping downward header in the 19th minute and then converted a penalty in injury time.

"We knew this was the most important match and we played very well," Alonso said. "Scoring the early goal really made things easy, so I must say we're happy."

The win was Spain's first over France in a competitive match in seven attempts. Spain will next face Portugal on Wednesday in Donetsk in the semifinals as it bids to win a third straight major title.

"When you lose a game there's always something missing, I'm not sure if it's possession or technical ability," France coach Laurent Blanc said. "The lads gave everything and it's very hard to play against Spain. We blocked their left flank, which is their strong point."

The opening goal was the result of excellent one-touch football - the hallmark of Spain's game. Andres Iniesta prodded the ball through for Jordi Alba, who whipped a perfect cross from the left to Alonso. The Real Madrid midfielder timed his run so well that no France defender picked him up.

"He knows how to sacrifice himself, help the team and where to play," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "He is one of the attacking strengths of ours. He knows how to create and finish."

Spain wrapped things up after France right back Anthony Reveillere barged into substitute forward Pedro Rodriguez in injury time. Alonso coolly sent goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way from the spot, looking right but clipping the ball firmly to the left.

France's only shot on target came in the 32nd minute when Yohan Cabaye’s free kick was tipped over by Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

"They were there for the taking," Blanc said. "We knew we would get some chances, and the only thing I regret is that they scored off their first good chance. If we had gone in level at 0-0 at halftime, then I think we would have had more room in the second half."

The match was sometimes dull, but the Spanish did not really need to change gears after Alonso's opening goal.

Although the French made it out of the group stage for the first time since the 2006 World Cup, the manner of Saturday's loss will be disappointing for a team touted as one of the tournament's dangerous outsiders.

France formed a deep defensive line and watched awe-struck as Spain flicked the ball around as if it were a training session. The Spanish made dummy runs everywhere early on, and had a penalty claim waved away in the sixth minute when Cesc Fabregas tumbled under a challenge from left back Gael Clichy.

Spain soon pulled a compact France team out of position in the 10th minute as Iniesta curled a ball behind center half Adil Rami but it was too far for Fabregas to reach.

Karim Benzema, looking for his first goal at a major tournament, looked sharp and made some good runs, but the Real Madrid striker rarely got any service. He was fouled in the 32nd after galloping onto Florent Malouda's pass, and Cabaye's free kick was sailing into the top left corner before Casillas shuffled across quickly to save it.

While the French averted a repeat of the 2010 World Cup crisis - when the entire squad went on strike at training - the buildup to Saturday's game was marred by tensions in the camp following a heated dressing room bust-up after the 2-0 loss to Sweden.

"The big teams have all showed up at this Euro, and they will be in the semifinals," Blanc said. "Unfortunately, France won't be."

EURO 2012: Spain vs France Timeline


90+4' - It's 2-0 as the referee blows for full-time.

90+3' - At Donbass Arena Santi Cazorla (Spain) takes a corner from the Right.

90+3' - In Donetsk, Fernando Torres of Spain is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

90+2' - At Donbass Arena the fourth official shows that 4 minutes will be added to the Second half.

90' - Xabi Alonso gives Spain a 2-0 lead from the penalty spot.

90' - Spain have been given a penalty...

88' - France have been awarded a corner by Nicola Rizzoli. Samir Nasri steps up to take it.

86' - Olivier Giroud for France is whistled offside.

84' - Santi Cazorla is replacing Andres Iniesta for Spain at Donbass Arena.

80' - Spain's Fernando Torres is whistled for offside at Donbass Arena.

79' - France make their Third substitution with Olivier Giroud replacing Yann M'Vila.

77' - Corner awarded to Spain.

76' - Jeremy Menez (France) has been given a yellow card and will be suspended from the next match.

72' - Nicola Rizzoli blows against Spain's Fernando Torres for offside.

71' - Fernando Torres of Spain is pulled up for offside.

69' - Nicola Rizzoli has awarded Spain a corner. Xavi takes the kick from the Left .

69' - Important block from the France defence as Xavi fires in a strike for Spain.

67' - Fernando Torres is on a sub for Cesc Fabregas for Spain.

66' - In Donetsk Xavi for Spain takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

65' - Spain make their First substitution with Pedro replacing David Silva.

65' - Samir Nasri is on a sub for Florent Malouda for France.

64' - Laurent Blanc is making the team's First substitution at Donbass Arena with Jeremy Menez replacing Mathieu Debuchy.

64' - France are pushing forward but Karim Benzema's finish is wide of the goal.

60' - France attack but Mathieu Debuchy's header doesn't find the target.

58' - France have been awarded a corner by Nicola Rizzoli. Franck Ribery steps up to take it.

51' - Spain's Xabi Alonso gets his shot away but it misses the target.

46' - The second half has started at Donbass Arena.

45+1' - The first-half is over at Donbass Arena.

45' - Spain's Xavi gets in a shot on goal at Donbass Arena. But the effort is

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Italy Capitalizes On Penalties Defeats England

Alessandro Diamanti scored the decisive penalty kick Sunday to send Italy through to the European Championship semifinals with a 4-2 win in the shootout following a 0-0 tie with England and a spot.

Ashley Young hit the crossbar with England's third, and Ashley Cole's attempt was saved by Gianluigi Buffon.

Italy will next play Germany in the semifinals on Thursday in Warsaw, Poland. Defending champion Spain plays Portugal on Wednesday in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Mario Balotelli, Andrea Pirlo - with an audacious slow chip-shot down the middle of the goal - and Antonio Nocerino also scored for Italy. Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney scored England's penalties.

The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play. The Italians twice hit the post, but were also let down by poor composure in front of goal. Diamanti clipped the post with a curling cross in the 101st minute, and swept a clear shot wide in the clearest chance of the second period of extra time.

Nocerino, another substitute, thought he had scored from Diamanti's cross in the 115th but was offside.

Daniele De Rossi hit the post in the third minute, and Buffon saved a shot from Glen Johnson in the fifth.

For England, it was yet another exit from a major tournament in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout. England lost to Portugal in the same manner at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.

"We have done the country proud but again we go home with heartbreak and it's difficult to take," said Gerrard, who played in both those previous shootout losses.

Italy dominated the match, which ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play. The Italians twice hit the post, but were also let down by poor composure in front of goal. Diamanti clipped the post with a curling cross in the 101st minute, and swept a clear shot wide.

The first scoreless match at Euro 2012 was neither dull nor lacking good soccer.

Italy's attacking desire and creativity under coach Cesare Prandelli had playmaker Andrea Pirlo at its heart. Italy had 35 shots, compared to only nine for England.

England had briefly led the shootout after Riccardo Montolivo missed Italy's second penalty. His shot went wide of Joe Hart's right post as the England goalkeeper guessed correctly.

Rooney then sent Buffon the wrong way, firing in his spot kick to the keeper's right to give England a 2-1 lead.

The momentum shifted after Pirlo's bold piece of skill leveled at 2-2.

It had been perhaps the toughest Euro 2012 quarterfinal match to predict, and Italy and England set the tone by both coming close within five minutes.

De Rossi hit the post with a spinning left-foot shot from 25 yards, then Johnson's scooped shot from close range was swatted away by Buffon.

An intriguing match almost demanded that Balotelli take center stage. The Italy forward ran clear in the 25th, but hesitated and allowed John Terry to block his chipped shot.

Balotelli forced Hart, his teammate at Manchester City, to save an acrobatic shot, then surged between England's central defenders before putting a half-volley over the crossbar. He kicked the goal post in frustration.

Italy continued surging in the second half and De Rossi, taking a ball over his shoulder, scuffed his shot wide. De Rossi sank to his knees in obvious exasperation, and more Italian frustration quickly followed.

Three rapid-fire chances in the 52nd saw Hart beat away De Rossi's long-range shot, block Balotelli's follow-up and watch Montolivo lash the loose ball high.

EURO 2012: England vs Italy Timeline

It's 2-4 at the end of the penalty shootout.

Alessandro Diamanti (Italy) succeeds from the penalty spot.

Ashley Cole (England) misses his penalty attempt!

Antonio Nocerino (Italy) scores!

Ashley Young (England) misses!

Andrea Pirlo (Italy) scores from the penalty spot.

Wayne Rooney (England) succeeds from the penalty spot.

A devastated Riccardo Montolivo (Italy) misses and walks back to his team mates.

Steven Gerrard (England) converts his penalty!

Mario Balotelli (Italy) scores!

The match goes to penalties!

We are now ready for the penalty shootout!

119' - Italy's Riccardo Montolivo misses with an attempt on goal.

117' - Pedro Proenca has awarded Italy a corner. Alessandro Diamanti takes the kick from the Right .

115' - Italy's Antonio Nocerino is whistled for offside at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex.

113' - Alessandro Diamanti of Italy gets in a strike, but is off target.

113' - In Kiev, Christian Maggio of Italy is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

112' - Italy's Mario Balotelli breaks free at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the strike goes wide of the post.

106' - The whistle has gone to start the second extra period.

101' - Alessandro Diamanti hits the post! Very nearly a goal there for Italy!

100' - Mario Balotelli gets his shot on target but fails to score for Italy.

99' - Mario Balotelli of Italy smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

98' - Italy's Mario Balotelli gets in a shot but it is blocked by a England defender.

95' - Pedro Proenca blows against England's Joleon Lescott for offside.

94' - England make their Third substitution with Jordan Henderson replacing Scott Parker.

94' - Christian Maggio (Italy) gets a yellow card. He will be suspended from the next match!

93' - Italy's Antonio Nocerino misses with an attempt on goal.

91' - The first extra period has started.

90+3' - The score after normal time is 0-0.

90+2' - England's Wayne Rooney gets his shot away but it misses the target.

90+1' - Italy push forward at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex and Andrea Pirlo gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined England defence.

90' - Christian Maggio is on a sub for Ignazio Abate for Italy.

90' - 3 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

89' - At Olimpiysky National Sports Complex Andrea Pirlo (Italy) takes a corner from the Right.

89' - Important block from the England defence as Antonio Nocerino fires in a strike for Italy.

87' - England drive upfield and Andy Carroll gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Italy defender.

85' - Federico Balzaretti is back on his feet again.

84' - The match at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex is underway again.

83' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Kiev to check on Federico Balzaretti, who is grimacing with pain.

83' - In Kiev, Scott Parker of England is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

82' - Andrea Barzagli (Italy) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

81' - Italy's Alessandro Diamanti gets in a shot on goal at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the effort is unsuccessful.

80' - Cesare Prandelli is making the team's Second substitution at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex with Antonio Nocerino replacing Daniele De Rossi.

79' - Federico Balzaretti (Italy) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

79' - Corner awarded to Italy.

78' - Alessandro Diamanti is on a sub for Antonio Cassano for Italy.

75' - Italy push forward at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex and Claudio Marchisio gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined England defence.

75' - Riccardo Montolivo (Italy) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

74' - Steven Gerrard for England is back on the field again.

73' - Pedro Proenca has blown to resume play in Kiev.

72' - The match at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex has been interrupted briefly for a check on Steven Gerrard, who is down injured.

67' - Italy's Daniele De Rossi gets in a shot but it is blocked by a England defender.

67' - Claudio Marchisio (Italy) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

65' - In Kiev Steven Gerrard for England takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

65' - Important block from the Italy defence as Ashley Young fires in a strike for England.

63' - Italy are coming forward and Daniele De Rossi gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

62' - In Kiev Italy's Antonio Cassano is caught offside.

60' - England make their Second substitution with Theo Walcott replacing James Milner.

60' - Andy Carroll is replacing Danny Welbeck for England at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex.

60' - Italy are pushing forward but Mario Balotelli's finish is wide of the goal.

60' - England’s Ashley Young is on his feet again at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex.

60' - Ignazio Abate returns to the field for Italy after picking up a slight injury.

59' - Play has been resumed.

58' - Ashley Young is writhing in pain and play has been suspended for a few moments.

58' - Attention is being given to Italy’s Ignazio Abate and play has been suspended briefly.

56' - Italy have been awarded a corner by Pedro Proenca. Andrea Pirlo steps up to take it.

53' - In Kiev England attack through James Milner. The finish is off target, however.

53' - Riccardo Montolivo for Italy gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

52' - Mario Balotelli for Italy drives towards goal at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the finish is unsuccessful.

52' - In Kiev Italy drive forward through Daniele De Rossi. His shot is on target but it's saved.

49' - In Kiev Steven Gerrard for England takes a corner from

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Fabregas Comes Up Big, Sends Spain To The Finals

Spain's 'Tiki Taka' passing was off-tempo at the Donbass Arena but the holders, unable to hurt Portugal in 120 minutes of stalemate, broke their hearts in a penalty shootout to reach the final of Euro 2012 on Wednesday.

Substitute Cesc Fabregas converted the winning spot-kick, off the inside of the post, to set off wild celebrations from the Spanish players.

"When I stepped up to take the penalty I said to the ball that we had to make history and that it shouldn't let me down," said an ecstatic Fabregas after Spain's 4-2 spot-kick victory following a 0-0 draw after extra time.

For Portugal, who had fought hard all night, questions will be asked why their top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo did not take a kick as they fell to their third semi-final defeat in four appearances at the stage.

Portugal had won their previous two penalty shootouts in major tournament matches.

But coach Paulo Bento was proud of the way his team went toe-to-toe with the world champions, even outdoing them in terms of possession.

"If I had to choose a way of losing I wouldn't choose this way... Spain is a great team but we can leave with our heads high," he said.

"We can be sure that we can compete with any team at any tournament."

Spain have now equaled West Germany's European record from the early 1970s by reaching three consecutive major tournament finals and victory in Kiev on Sunday would make them the first team to win three in a row.

But the watching Germans and Italians, who meet in Warsaw on Thursday, will have taken heart from a below-par performance from the Spaniards against a pressing Portugal team.

The aura of invincibility that once surrounded them has gradually faded in this tournament and while they still remain the team to beat, their 'Tiki Taka' passing did not hurt Portugal.

"We can argue about whether we played well or not but what we cannot dispute is that the defense was excellent," said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque.

Indeed the Spanish back-line have now kept a clean sheet in their last nine knockout stage matches in the World Cup and European Championship.

The lack of effectiveness for Spain was further down the field with surprise selection Alvaro Negredo making little impact in attack and the midfield missing their usual sharpness.

After a lively opening half hour, with both teams looking to get forward, the game gradually fizzled out and it was no surprise when the outcome had to be decided by penalties.

Xabi Alonso was first up for Spain and Portugal keeper Rui Patricio got down well to push his effort wide but then his opposite number Iker Casillas did likewise to save from Joao Moutinho.

The ball finally got in the net - after 120 minutes and two penalties - when Andres Iniesta scored with trademark composure but the contest turned when Portugal missed their fourth penalty when Bruno Alves struck the bar.

Alves had walked to take the third kick before being called away by Nani who converted his effort and that change only added to the mystery as to why Ronaldo was not used.

The Real Madrid winger was penciled in for the fifth kick but after Fabregas' fortunate conversion off the posts, there was to be no fifth penalty.

"We had this plan and if it would have been 4-4 and he would taken the last penalty we would be talking in a different way," said Bento, who conceded there had been some confusion between Nani and Alves.

While the shootout provided most of the thrills, the two teams had suggested they might produce an exciting encounter from the outset.

Spain threatened twice in the opening half hour with Alvaro Arbeloa and Iniesta going close while at the other end Ronaldo fired a shot just past the post.

Ronaldo had a rare chance in the final minute of normal time but, after being fed by Raul Meireles after a fast counter-attack, he fired high and wide.

Patricio produced an excellent save to foil a close-range effort from Iniesta late in the first period of extra-time but it was no surprise when the contest had to be determined by penalties.

Portugal have never won a semi-final in a major tournament on foreign soil - their only triumph coming in 2004 when they hosted the tournament and were beaten by Greece in the final.

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Fabregas Comes Up Big, Sends Spain To The Finals

Spain's 'Tiki Taka' passing was off-tempo at the Donbass Arena but the holders, unable to hurt Portugal in 120 minutes of stalemate, broke their hearts in a penalty shootout to reach the final of Euro 2012 on Wednesday.

Substitute Cesc Fabregas converted the winning spot-kick, off the inside of the post, to set off wild celebrations from the Spanish players.

"When I stepped up to take the penalty I said to the ball that we had to make history and that it shouldn't let me down," said an ecstatic Fabregas after Spain's 4-2 spot-kick victory following a 0-0 draw after extra time.

For Portugal, who had fought hard all night, questions will be asked why their top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo did not take a kick as they fell to their third semi-final defeat in four appearances at the stage.

Portugal had won their previous two penalty shootouts in major tournament matches.

But coach Paulo Bento was proud of the way his team went toe-to-toe with the world champions, even outdoing them in terms of possession.

"If I had to choose a way of losing I wouldn't choose this way... Spain is a great team but we can leave with our heads high," he said.

"We can be sure that we can compete with any team at any tournament."

Spain have now equaled West Germany's European record from the early 1970s by reaching three consecutive major tournament finals and victory in Kiev on Sunday would make them the first team to win three in a row.

But the watching Germans and Italians, who meet in Warsaw on Thursday, will have taken heart from a below-par performance from the Spaniards against a pressing Portugal team.

The aura of invincibility that once surrounded them has gradually faded in this tournament and while they still remain the team to beat, their 'Tiki Taka' passing did not hurt Portugal.

"We can argue about whether we played well or not but what we cannot dispute is that the defense was excellent," said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque.

Indeed the Spanish back-line have now kept a clean sheet in their last nine knockout stage matches in the World Cup and European Championship.

The lack of effectiveness for Spain was further down the field with surprise selection Alvaro Negredo making little impact in attack and the midfield missing their usual sharpness.

After a lively opening half hour, with both teams looking to get forward, the game gradually fizzled out and it was no surprise when the outcome had to be decided by penalties.

Xabi Alonso was first up for Spain and Portugal keeper Rui Patricio got down well to push his effort wide but then his opposite number Iker Casillas did likewise to save from Joao Moutinho.

The ball finally got in the net - after 120 minutes and two penalties - when Andres Iniesta scored with trademark composure but the contest turned when Portugal missed their fourth penalty when Bruno Alves struck the bar.

Alves had walked to take the third kick before being called away by Nani who converted his effort and that change only added to the mystery as to why Ronaldo was not used.

The Real Madrid winger was penciled in for the fifth kick but after Fabregas' fortunate conversion off the posts, there was to be no fifth penalty.

"We had this plan and if it would have been 4-4 and he would taken the last penalty we would be talking in a different way," said Bento, who conceded there had been some confusion between Nani and Alves.

While the shootout provided most of the thrills, the two teams had suggested they might produce an exciting encounter from the outset.

Spain threatened twice in the opening half hour with Alvaro Arbeloa and Iniesta going close while at the other end Ronaldo fired a shot just past the post.

Ronaldo had a rare chance in the final minute of normal time but, after being fed by Raul Meireles after a fast counter-attack, he fired high and wide.

Patricio produced an excellent save to foil a close-range effort from Iniesta late in the first period of extra-time but it was no surprise when the contest had to be determined by penalties.

Portugal have never won a semi-final in a major tournament on foreign soil - their only triumph coming in 2004 when they hosted the tournament and were beaten by Greece in the final.