Spain had never won an international soccer competition on any June 22 according to the graphic on ESPN.

They were matched in the Euro 2008 quarterfinal against defending World Cup Champions Italy.  Italy was favored but you can never count the Spanairds out with players like Fabregas, Casillas, and others.

I was hoping to watch the game with JH and Aussie Rod but my meeting with the Professor took longer than expected after Church.  The Professor was a right half in his younger days and told many stories.  I asked him who was the best player ever.  He replied Diego Maradona because of his speed and you could never take the ball off his foot.  The Professor gave the edge to Diego Maradona over Pele and former Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend George Best.  Pele was blessed with teammates who made perfect passes with the right spin to him.  George Best was great (R.I.P.) but not Maradona.  BTW, if you are ever in Argentina, you should check out the "Church of Diego Maradona".
 
Back to the match at hand.  Spain controlled play most of the first half, about 65 to 35 percent according to another ESPN graphic.  But, the match was scoreless at halftime and the end of regulation.  You know what that means, penalty kicks.

Penalty kicks sends a surge of adrenaline through this goalie's body and soul.  I knew two next to last penalty kicks would be blocked.  Call it goalie intuition.  Spain won 4-2 on penalty kicks.  They are going to the Euro semifinals against Russia on Thursday.

Congratulations to Spain! 

Posted by an exhilirated Tank in NY.