Future News: Portugal’s plane leaves before Cristiano Ronaldo can board

From Yahoo! Sport - Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to spent a few extra hours in Ukraine after missing Portugal's flight home. The team's captain and leading scorer, who earlier missed the chance to take a penalty in Portugal's Euro 2012 semifinal shootout loss when Spain won before his turn in the order, was left shaking his head and pulling up the legs of his shorts as he watched the plane fly off without him.

"It was just a question of me speaking with the travel planner," said a clearly distraught Ronaldo. "She said to me, 'Do you want to sit in the fifth zone -- in the back of the plane?' and I said 'yes.' Sometimes I sit in the first, the second or the third. I agreed to take the fifth. And then I went to get a Cinnabon and the plane took off without me. It's an injustice. And that Cinnabon gave me indigestion."

Though Portugal manager Paulo Bento realized the mistake only after landing in Lisbon, the plane's captain, Ted Mendes, wasn't upset about the mix-up.

Said Mendes: "If he [Ronaldo] wanted to be sure he was on the plane, he should have boarded sooner. Maybe if he did, he would've sat next to the emergency exit and Bruno Alves wouldn't haven't knocked the door open mid-flight. But then again, maybe not. I'm not a psychic, I'm just a pilot. And a strip club DJ on the weekends."

Ronaldo did eventually catch another flight home and in the end, he said he had only one regret: "Seriously, that Cinnabon was a mistake."

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Echoes of 2006: Another Germany-Italy semifinal

KRAKOW, Poland (AP) -- It seems like 2006 all over again.

Just like in the World Cup semifinals six years ago, Germany is the favorite entering Thursday's European Championship game against a surprising Italy squad that is building momentum and maintaining focus despite a match-fixing scandal.

Both teams like to attack constantly, setting up a tantalizing matchup in Warsaw.

''At this point, the squads that win are the ones that advance their defensive lines and that have the courage to attack,'' Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said. ''Some of these guys are just starting to realize the extraordinary things they're capable of.''

Adding to the luster is that Italy-Germany matches have often produced the extraordinary - and Italy has always come out on top at major tournaments.

The 4-3 Italy win in the 1970 semifinals in Mexico City is still remembered as one of the greatest World Cup matches, and Italy's 2-0 victory in extra time six years ago in Germany is also part of Azzurri lore.

Veteran Germany forward Miroslav Klose, who just concluded his first season with the Italian club Lazio, attributed his country's troubles in the series to tenseness before big matches.

''The Italians are more easygoing about things,'' Klose said. ''It could be a small advantage for them ahead of such a match.''

In 2006, Italy was also involved in a match-fixing scandal much like the betting problems affecting the squad today. Beating host Germany in the cauldron that is the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund seemed like an impossible task.

''We've improved enormously since 2006,'' said Lukas Podolski, another veteran Germany striker. ''We have a completely different philosophy and a different team. The Italians know this, too.''

Like most modern squads, Germany now attacks in every way, either through 22-year-old winger Thomas Mueller, who led the 2010 World Cup with five goals, counterpart Podolski, playmaker Mesut Oezil or center forwards Mario Gomez and Klose.

Gomez is tied for the tournament lead with three goals.

Of the four semifinalists, Germany is the only squad with a perfect record, having cruised through a group featuring the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark, then easily pushing aside Greece 4-2 in the quarterfinals.

Germany coach Joachim Loew has used both Gomez and Klose as his lone striker, relying on Gomez in the group stage but then going with Klose against Greece. In that match, he changed his entire forward line, with Marco Reus and Andre Schuerrle playing for Mueller and Podolski on the flanks.

''Italy is a completely different caliber than Greece,'' Loew said. ''We may make one or two changes.''

The Azzurri are coming off a draining shootout victory over England and have two fewer days than Germany to prepare for the semifinal.

''We don't have many days to get our energy back,'' Prandelli said. ''It's going to take a lot to beat them, but if we prepare for the match well there are no unbeatable squads.''

Prandelli also has changed his lineup over the last couple matches, with Mario Balotelli and Antonio Di Natale alternating alongside Antonio Cassano in attack.

Di Natale came off the bench and scored Italy's first goal of the tournament against Spain. He started the final group game against Ireland, while Balotelli played all 120 minutes against England and Di Natale never left the bench.

Whoever plays, expect the type of attacking soccer Italy displayed against England, when the Azzurri produced 35 attempts on goal to England's nine, and 20 shots on target to the Three Lions' miserable four.

However, Italy failed to score against England, with Balotelli in particular unable to take advantage of numerous chances.

''We've got to play our match and we've got to take risks, otherwise we're going to allow a goal sooner or later,'' Prandelli said. ''I would prefer allowing a goal in a counterattack than waiting and suffering for 20 minutes.''

Italy's top defender Giorgio Chiellini and key midfielder Daniele De Rossi are battling injuries. The Azzurri also have a problem at right back, with Ignazio Abate struggling with a muscle problem.

''They did not look to me like they were running out of power,'' Loew said. ''Four days should be enough rest for any professional.''

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AP Sports Writer Nesha Starcevic in Gdansk contributed to this report.

David Beckham left off Great Britain Olympic team

Yahoo Sport! David Beckham’s dream of playing in the Olympic Games has been crushed after Great Britain team manager Stuart Pearce performed a dramatic late U-turn.

Beckham was considered a certainty to play in his home city of London after being confirmed for Team GB’s 35-man preliminary squad last month but was axed from the final group of players, announced on Thursday morning.

“Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me,” Beckham said. “So I would have been honored to be part of this unique Team GB squad. Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.”

Even members of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games were stunned by Beckham’s omission and will have to drastically rethink their plans, as he was expected to have a dual role as both player and Olympic ambassador. Officials hoped David Beckham would be an ambassador and player for the London Games. (Reuters)

Yahoo! Sports revealed earlier this year that Beckham’s selection was not as automatic as many suspected, with Pearce determined to field as strong a lineup as possible in the Olympic tournament.

Beckham’s struggles early in the season with the Los Angeles Galaxy initially put his place in peril, though a recent resurgence in both his own form and that of the Major League Soccer club appeared to have made him a lock for a place.

As recently as last week Games officials were preparing for Beckham to be involved on the playing side, with Pearce having given no indication to even those in his inner circle that the 37-year-old midfielder would be excluded.

The primary reason Beckham was left out likely centered around young defender Micah Richards of Manchester City, a personal favorite of Pearce, who coached him during his own stint in charge at City.

Richards was surprisingly snubbed by Roy Hodgson, the new coach of the England senior team, when he picked his squad for the ongoing European championships. Protocol dictates that players used during Euro 2012 will not play in the Olympics, in order to give them sufficient rest before the start of the new club season.

With Richards not taking part in matches against Poland and Ukraine, his sudden availability was tantalizing for Pearce, who understands the need to bolster his defensive line if Great Britain is to stand a chance of progressing deep into the tournament.

“As soon as Micah became effectively available it was going to create a problem,” said a source close to Pearce. “But honestly, no one expected Beckham to be the one to miss out.”

The manner in which Beckham’s place was taken away is certain to draw a level of criticism that Pearce has disrespected him. And while Olympic chiefs vowed to keep the decision-making process solely in Pearce’s hands, his choice is expected to provide a significant blow to the already-slow sales of Games soccer tickets.

Beckham played a crucial role in the Olympic bidding process in 2005, when London was awarded the Games ahead of Paris on a dramatic night in Singapore. He will still be part of the Opening Ceremony at Stratford’s Olympic Stadium, but will not get the chance to lead a young GB side in what would have been one of the more emotional experiences of his career.

Olympic soccer rules allow for squads of players aged 23 or under, with three overage players permitted. Richards, 24, and Welsh pair Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy were Pearce’s special picks.

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Watch out Messi & Ronaldo: Pirlo is now a real contender for the Ballon d'Or

Stop Andrea Pirlo to stop Italy' has been the modus operandi of the Azzurri’s opponents at Euro 2012, and with good reason. But just as was the case for Juventus' Serie A rivals in 2011-12, it is proving much easier said than done. And with the four-time world champions standing just 90 minutes from a second taste of continental glory, the regista is making the greatest claim imaginable to be crowned the world’s best footballer.

In an age when the bickering between Messi-ites and Ronaldo-ites can sometimes reach a level of utter tedium, Pirlo has delivered some magnificent performances in crucial fixtures to carry both his club and country to important victories. Another mesmerising display against England on Sunday and a man of the match performance in Thursday’s semi-final win over Germany have further strengthened the former AC Milan man’s position as one of the modern game’s very best players.

On the face of it, it wasn’t necessarily a vintage Pirlo effort which helped Italy through to the final as they beat Joachim Low’s side 2-1, but he played no small part in their triumph. On an uneven surface, Pirlo was able to master the conditions perfectly as he turned in another metronomic display in the centre of the park. Germany struggled to maintain position, but Pirlo didn’t.

Again, he laid the platform for the Azzurri on the ball, guiding them around the park from his position at the axis, dictating operations in the unflustered manner to which we have all become so accustomed over the years.

But there has been something more about him in the past 12 months. Back to full fitness after a long lay-off in 2010-11, the midfielder has also been able to show a burning desire, the like of which was arguably missing for a couple of years at the end of his Milan career. He has a real thirst to be the catalyst for everything that is good about Juventus and that has extended into his displays for the national team, too.

At a time when Italian football is castigated at the drop of a hat, admiration of Pirlo is only increasing, and with good reason. But perhaps last night was the greatest proof yet that he is in the running to gatecrash the duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or race. In a game where massive contributions by Daniele De Rossi, Mario Balotelli and Andrea Barzagli were arguably more worthy of the official man of the match award, it was Pirlo who was deigned the game’s stand-out by the sponsors, proving that he is a man currying favour at the right time.

While league displays are all well and good, it is common practice for the big awards to be reflective of contributions at major international tournaments. Ronaldo (of Brazil) won the Ballon d’Or a decade ago on the strength of his magnificent performances at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, while Fabio Cannavaro’s story was much the same four years later. Pirlo is now in a great position to follow them, and victory for Italy over Spain on Sunday can surely only strengthen his case.

In the Twitter age in which we now live, it is also notable, studying many a timeline, that Pirlo is receiving increasing praise from the world’s media on a daily basis, and as they hold voting rights in the awarding of the honour, that can only help the midfielder’s case.

The one drawback in his bid to win the Ballon d’Or at the moment is his lack of games at Champions League level, with Juve having missed out on any European involvement last time out. However, by the time the votes are tallied at the end of the year, the Bianconeri will have played in the 2012-13 group stages, meaning a couple more man of the match performances on the continental stage remain a possibility before the year is out.

And if, by then, he is a European champion at national level and a key man in a successful Juventus side making strides in the Champions League, few will even remember that he wasn’t involved in the competition last season. Being the best player in Serie A and the player of the tournament at the Euros in the first half of the year will surely be more than enough to satisfy the doubters as long as next season starts well.

What must also be reiterated is that his contribution for Juve could not have been more crucial. A minnow in the world game they may not be, but they were not on the firm foundations of a Barcelona or Real Madrid when their assault on the Scudetto began. Far from it. Yet Pirlo steered them towards the prize almost single-handedly at times, and with his performances in the national colours matching those at club level, hatfuls of goals against the Granadas and Zaragozas of the world just don’t compare.

So if Italy do topple Spain from their perch as Europe’s best on Sunday, expect their No.21 to follow with a huge prize of his own. In a modern game full of hyperbole, it is delivering on the big stage that really counts, and nobody has done that better than the unstoppable Pirlo so far in 2012.

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Germany could not control Italy's midfielders, says Klinsmann

The 47-year-old coach thinks that die Mannschaft were ineffective in the centre of the park, while Oliver Bierhoff stated that there is margin for improvement for the team

A late Mesut Ozil penalty was not enough for Joachim Low's side to turn the match around after Italy had taken a commanding lead lead with two goals from Mario Balotelli during the first half.

The Azzurri were in control of the match for large spells, and Klinsmann, who took charge of Germany between 2004 and 2006, thinks that the Italian midfielders simply ran riot.

"We were able to play in the first half, but then Italy played marvelously in defence in the second half," he told Der Tagesspiegel.

"We lost most tackles in midfield. We could not control Andrea Pirlo, Riccardo Montolivo or Daniele De Rossi. The game was lost in the midfield."
Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff, who had labelled his side favourites against Italy, made no secret of his frustration with the result, but stressed that the quality of the team must not be questioned.

"After such a defeat, you have to be disappointed," the 44-year-old said. "We believed in our target and did not reach it. We were not so pressured that we had to leave as winners.

"The team has room for improvement. We believe in these players. We will learn from this experience."

Germany get back to competitive action with a home clash with the Faroe Islands on September 7.

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Euro 2012 Updates - Spain favourites, says Prandelli

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has underlined that his side are underdogs for Sunday’s Euro 2012 final against Spain.

Italy defeated Germany 2-1 in Thursday’s semi-final with Mario Balotelli scoring both goals in the first half.

A late goal from Mesut Ozil was not enough to deny Italy a place in the showpiece decider.

After the match, Prandelli hailed his team’s display, and despite watching his side eliminate one of the heavy favourites for the tournament, he has tipped Spain to retain their European crown.

“In the last 15 minutes, we wasted so many opportunities to make it 3-0, then our players had nothing left and we were forced to defend in the area,” Prandelli told Rai Sport.

“We showed on the field everything we had prepared.

“Spain? They are clearly the favourites in terms of experience and quality, but we will be there to fight.

“We showed today just how much we respect and honour this shirt.”

Sunday’s final is in Kiev where Spain and Italy drew 1-1 when they met in the opening Group C fixture.

Lahm laments back-four lapses

Skipper Philipp Lahm believes that Germany only have themselves to blame for not being in Sunday’s Euro 2012 final.

Two defensive mistakes which striker Mario Balotelli capitalised on, proved costly in their 2-1 loss to Italy in Thursday’s second semi-final.

Germany were billed as tournament favourites throughout the championship and boasted a 100 per cent record heading into the last four, but came up against a Balotelli-inspired Italian side, who will now face Spain for the right to be crowned European champions.

Lahm, who was partially responsible for the second goal when he played Balotelli onside from a long ball, paid for his error as the maverick striker hit an unstoppable shot past Manuel Neuer to add to his earlier header.

The first goal also came after poor play from defensive duo Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber and Bayern Munich full-back Lahm feels that the whole defensive unit was at fault.

“This is very bitter. We made dumb errors and conceded our goals. It is bitter because our team have so much potential,” Lahm said.

He also reflected on his early second-half miss as a turning point in the game.

With Italy 2-0 up, the 28-year-old shot over after engineering a clear-cut chance and despite Mesut Ozil’s last-minute penalty, the Germans could not complete the comeback.

“In the second half, we gave our best efforts,” Lahm said.

“But we scored too late. I also had a great chance, but it wasn’t enough. If you are behind against Italy and have no luck, it is bad.”

Young midfielder Toni Kroos also bemoaned his side’s poor defending but refuted claims that the Italians had played better.

Kroos told ARD : “Both goals were easily defendable. But at the end it was not enough. We did not play worse than Italy and we had a lot of chances, especially in the first half.”

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff, meanwhile, admitted that the contest was over for his side by half-time, but has remained optimistic for the future.

“We blew it in the first half,” he told reporters.

“We presented the Italians with the chances and did too little ourselves. Aside from the beginning of the second half we weren’t convincing enough.

“The team have a lot of potential to grow, though. We believe in the young players. They will take this as a learning experience.”

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Juventus Updates - Marotta praises priceless Pirlo

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has praised Andrea Pirlo, saying that it is impossible to put a price on the Italy regista.

The 33-year-old has played a leading role in their Euro 2012 campaign, racking up one goal and two assists so far, and was named man of the match in the team’s 2-1 victory against Germany on Thursday.

Such performances have followed up a fine domestic season, where Pirlo helped Juve to their first Scudetto since 2002-03, and Marotta hailed the impact the midfielder has made.

“Pirlo has been amazing, I think he is the best signing of my career,” he told Rai Sport.

“The circumstances were favourable for us to land him, just like when Sampdoria signed Antonio Cassano.

“An improved contract? He is a great professional, so that is just trivial. The most important thing is that he continues to make the difference.

“How much he is worth? Players like him are priceless.”

MU Updates - Rooney eyeing rebound season with Manchester United

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney is hoping that the Red Devils can learn from last season’s mistakes and avoid a trophyless campaign in 2012-13.

The 26-year-old England international returned to top form last season, baggin 37 goals and six assists in 53 appearances for club and country.

His 37-goal tally was 20 more than he netted in United’s 2010-11 campaign. With that said, the Red Devils did win the English Premier League title that season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were eight points clear of noisy neighbors Manchester City with six league games remaining, but failed to hold onto their lead.

Subsequently, United finished as the runners-up, with City claiming their first league title since 1968.

“I think we all learned a lot,” Rooney told the club’s official website. “There have been a lot of games where you get a feeling afterwards that you never want to have again. Hopefully we can get hold of that feeling and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“Just look at all the young players in the squad – they’ve played a lot of games, had a lot of ups and downs, and most of them are already getting selected for their national teams.

“That’s all going to help them. The next two or three years will be a big test for them, and I’m sure we’ll all pull through it.”

The Red Devils have already agreed to sign Japan international Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund; is Kagawa the answer for Manchester United?

The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker is part of the answer, without a shadow of a doubt. However, United are still relatively weak in the heart of the midfield.

Michael Carrick is not the player he once was, 18-year-old starlet Paul Pogba has joined Serie A giants Juve and Paul Scholes is 37 years of age.

The aforementioned premises underline United’s  need for a world-class defensive midfielder. Now then, what are Sir Alex Ferguson’s options?

Roma holding midfielder Daniele De Rossi just recently revealed his love for English football, according to the Manchester Evening News, but City are fare more likely to land the Italian.

A more likely solution would be Real Madrid’s Lassana Diarra.

The Frenchman only appeared in 17 La Liga games for the champions, playing second fiddle to the likes of Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira.

The move would make a lot of sense, but no reports have suggested any move thus far.

In addition, Spurs’ midfielder Sandro seems a good fit for United.

The 23-year-old Brazilian made 30 appearances for club and country in 2011-12, netting one goal and one assist, and has been previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

FC Porto reject £30 million bid for James Rodriguez

As reported by the Daily Mail, Manchester United had a sensational £30 million bid for 20-year-old FC Porto star James Rodriguez rejected, and have subsequently increased their interest in the Colombia international.

Rodriguez enjoyed a breakout season in 2011-12, bagging 13 goals in 20 league appearances for the Dragões.

He also represented Colombia in the Under-20 World Cup, starting five games and tallying three goals and two assists.

The former Club Atlético Banfield starlet is extremely versatile, and can play on either flank, as a support-striker or as the main front-man.

Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a few pretty good players from the Primeira Liga in Portugal, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

Will Rodriguez be the next Primeira Liga star to end up in Manchester? At the moment, I would say so but a lot can change.

Blues eye Piszczek to fill right-back vacancy

Having already cut ties with Jose Bosingwa and placed Paulo Ferreira on the transfer list, Chelsea are in desperate need to fill their vacancy at right-back.

At the moment, Poland international Łukasz Piszczek appears to be on the Blues’ shortlist for the position, with the European champions willing to spend £15 million for the right man.

According to Metro, Chelsea are looking at four different options at right-back, including the likes of Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille OSC) and Rafael da Silva (Manchester United).

Jovetic nears Chelsea move

Stevan Jovetic is close to agreeing a deal for European champions Chelsea, according to the Daily Star.

The Blues reportedly had a  £20 million bid for the Montenegro international rejected earlier this summer, but La Gazetta dello Sport, an Italian publication, believes that £25 million, which is thought to be the buy-out clause in the forward’s contract, would be enough to lure Jovetic to west London.

Serie A champions Juventus are also reportedly keen on the former FK Mladost Podgorica youth star, with Napoli also thought to be interested in the Viola talisman.

Jovetic totaled 14 goals and three assists in 27 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season, his best goal-scoring campaign since the 2007-08 season with Serbian SuperLiga giants Partizan Belgrade.

In addition, the 22-year-old has netted nine times in 20 international caps for Montenegro.

Chelsea already have an embarrassment of riches in attacking options, and Jovetic would surely add to that.

If this deal goes through, expect the Blues to abandon their interest in FC Porto standout Hulk.

Gladbach sign Alvaro Dominguez

Borussia Moenchengladbach have announced on their official website that they have signed defender Alvaro Dominguez from Atletico Madrid.

The 23-year-old centre-back signed a five-year contract with die Fohlen after passing a medical earlier today.

Dominguez arrives to Moenchengladbach as a replacement for Brazilian defender Dante, who left the club to join Bayern Munich.

“Alvaro Dominguez was our preferred candidate for the position of left central defender, for which we had been looking a new man since the departure of Dante to Bayern Munich,” sporting director Max Eberl told club’s official website.

“He was a first team regular at Atletico Madrid, won the Europa League titles in 2010 and 2012 and recently managed to earn a call-up to the national team. We are proud that he opted for Borussia.”

The highly rated defender started his professional career at Atletico Madrid in 2009 and has since amassed 76 La Liga appearances for los Colchoneros.

Last season he scored 3 goals in 28 La Liga games, while adding one goal in 12 Europa League fixtures.

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Moratti claims Inter need to sell

Inter president Massimo Moratti has explained that the club first need to sell some of the fringe players before they can start bringing summer reinforcements.

The club owner earlier said that the Neroazzurri squad would be in for a major overhaul in the summer, with several high-profile players expected to leave Giuseppe Meazza.

The Italian giants were recently linked with Samir Handanovic, Mathieu Debuchy, Matias Silvestre and Mattia Destro, but Moratti is adamant there will be no new signings until the club have lost some dead weight.

“There is absolutely nothing to talk about with regards to the transfer market,” Moratti told La Repubblica last evening.

“Do we have to sell first? Certainly…”

Rodrigo Palacio has already arrived from Genoa and Philippe Coutinho returned to the club after his loan spell at Espanyol ended, but there have been no major departures yet.

Players with lucrative contracts such as Diego Forlan, Lucio and Douglas Maicon are all expected to leave this summer.

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Barca confirm Valencia talks over Alba

Barca confirm Valencia talks over Alba

Barcelona have confirmed they are in talks with Valencia to sign full-back Jordi Alba.

The Spain international has long been linked with a summer move to Camp Nou, but neither the player nor the Catalans wanted to confirm the negotiations were in progress.

However, Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has now moved to confirm that Alba is close to joining the Catalans.

“I don’t like these negotiations being made public, but they have been,” Rosell said at a press conference.

“How much we pay for Alba will depend on the negotiations. Everything is worth what you are willing to pay or how much you are willing to sell for.”

Jordi Alba is regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football and he further proved his worth with some scintillating displays for Spain at the European Championship.

The 23-year-old started all four games for La Furia Roja at the Euro 2012 and produced an assist for Xabi Alonso’s first goal against France.

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Highlight Euro 2012 semi-final: Germany 1 Italy 2

Finally the history beats Germany again. The actor of Italy was Mario Balotelli who has guided Italy into Euro 2012 final after a 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday.

Cesare Prandelli’s men will face Spain in Sunday’s decider after their surprisingly comfortable victory against one of the pre-tournament favourites in the semi-final.

Mesut Oezil pulled a goal back for Germany in second-half added time, but Italy survived the late onslaught.

Italy were inspired by Manchester City star Balotelli, who struck twice in the first half to take his tally for the tournament to three goals.

He opened the scoring in the 20th minute, escaping his marker before nodding a cross from Antonio Cassano past Manuel Neuer.

Balotelli doubled his team’s advantage in spectacular fashion nine minutes before half-time.

A long Riccardo Montolivo pass found Balotelli in acres of space, and the 21-year-old burst clear before firing a shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Germany piled on the pressure in the second half and were rewarded in the second minute of added time when they were awarded a penalty for a Federico Balzaretti handball.

Oezil stepped up to convert, but Italy held on to reach their first European Championship final since 2000.

They will be aiming for their first European title since 1968 when they face Spain in Kiev on Sunday.

Watch the Video of Highlight Euro 2012 semi-final: Germany 1 Italy 2