Friday, 28th June, 2013
Spain narrowly avoided ending their 28-game unbeaten record in competitive fixtures under coach Vicente del Bosque, by beating Italy on penalties last night, and the verdict all around was one of luck rather than skill.
The Spaniards progressed to the Confederations Cup final after scraping past Italy 7-6 in the shootout as, remarkably, neither side managed a goal in 120 minutes of normal time.
It meant Spain were left to capitalise on a missed penalty from Leonardo Bonucci, with Jesus Navas’ low strike taking the world champions through to the final against Brazil on a tense night in Fortaleza.
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas had managed to keep the scores level with some good saves in normal time – especially keeping out a point-blank range header from Italy’s Christian Maggio – even if both keepers had a watching role in the shootout.
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Bonucci blazed his penalty over the bar, and after Navas had done the honours, Casillas told Tele5: "The thing about the shootout is that it’s a lottery and we were lucky to win.
"We are lucky for having lived through another win and we’re in the final. Truth be told, it was very difficult to win as Italy made excellent attacks. We also caused [Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi] Buffon some problems but they had put us in trouble."
Del Bosque has been guiding Spain since 2008, but last night became all about attrition for the 62-year-old, who himself was left exhausted from the events.
But despite having been one of the favourites in the competition, even the veteran had to admit the game had teetered in Italy’s favour at various stages.
"We suffered a lot against a great opponent", Del Bosque said. "[My] players have to relax and be calm because they have made a tremendous effort. When I finished I was tired and I have not moved, imagine what the players are feeling.
"We were lucky. Italy showed exemplary behaviour that was dignified.
"Playing against Brazil at the Maracana is great for us. We hope to be physically calm, and will try to cause a few headaches for them."
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