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A combination picture shows Italy's Mario Balotelli celebrating his second goal during their Euro 2012 semi-final soccer match against Germany at the National stadium in Warsaw. PHOTO: Tony Gentile/Reuters

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The Italy forward struck twice in 16 minutes to silence critics with a glorious performance that snapped Germany's 15-match winning streak in competitive games and set up an unexpected final with the world and European champions with whom they drew 1-1 in the group stage of the tournament.

Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil converted a penalty in added time after Federico Balzaretti had handled in the area but Italy held on for the victory. The Germans are now without a win against the Italians in all eight of their tournament meetings since their first half a century ago. Germany had almost fallen behind in the opening minutes when a Sami Khedira back header found Antonio Cassano who slipped it through for Balotelli but he was caught by keeper Manuel Neuer.

Andrea Pirlo rescued the Italians in the fifth minute when Mats Hummels met a Bastian Schweinsteiger corner only to see his effort cleared by the Italy playmaker almost on the line.

The Italians did not give up their offensive game.

They forced two good saves from Neuer before Balotelli struck in the 20th minute.

Balotelli stepped up again in the 36th when the German defence was caught napping by a deep Riccardo Montolivo cross and the forward thundered in an unstoppable shot after a deft first touch.

Germany coach Joachim Loew decided to add some pace to his team with Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus coming on at the start of the second half and they quickly took control of the game. Fired on by constant chanting from the more than 15000 Germany fans in the National Stadium they poured forward and came close when Buffon, at full stretch, tipped a Reus free kick onto the bar.

With time running out Germany pushed players forward and put the Italian defence under more and more pressure with their efforts finally paying off as Balzaretti clumsily handled in the box but Ozil's goal from the spot came too late.

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Thu May 23 11:45:11 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 29, 2012

Fanle

King Balotelli !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jun 29, 2012

Mofida

Thats my favourite player,besides the fact that he is talented,he brings something extra to the game,a little bit of arrogance and conroversy to the game i love it,he reminds me of the former brittish boxer Chris Ubank,even the jamaican sprinter Husain Bolt brings the same thing to sprinting,you must look at the kind of things that he does after winning the race.I adore those kind of sportspeople because they are different.
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Jun 29, 2012

Papage

I told you so, God is not sleeping, they can say what ever about you, mock you, redicule you, but that Man above will fight for you, My God bless King Balotelli, looking forward to the finals on sunday.
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Jun 29, 2012

Afrojoy

This guy was high on something...you should have seen his second goal...a thundering shot...followed by a wild celebration...they should test him for performance drugs. But otherwise, well done Italy and Super Mario.
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Jun 29, 2012

Lepantsola

Best way to answer your critics.
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Jun 29, 2012

Decibels

Why Always Me??
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Jun 29, 2012

DJWinner

ha ha ha....I like the way this guy acts. The funniest top footballer ever. He give a new dimension to the viewers. I like his 'who gives a fcuk?' attitude....

I heard that in one game, he played with his headset on...ha ha ha...
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Jun 29, 2012

Afrojoy

@DJWinner
I heard that in one game, he played with his headset on...ha ha ha...
***************************************************************************************************
They told you lies...at any level of football, no jewelery, watches, un-approved accessories, headphones etc are allowed on the pitch.
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Jun 29, 2012

sakhomba

"SUPER MARIO"
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Jun 29, 2012

maftowncity

A great display by Italy, and a clinical finish by Balotelli, when he slotted his first goal in 20min,after Gasana architectered that goal and found Balotelli at the right space to punish the Germs.The second goal the Germs again were caught ball watching,and again Man City striker embarrassed them by beating off-side trap to book Italy in the Final.


The final between Spain & Italy will be interesting,this will be a cracker,and the battle will be in the park,Italy will pin their hopes on Pirlo,Montolivo,De Rossi and Marchissin,to give them dimension and depth,while Spain will rely on Iniesto,Xavi,Silva,Xabi and Cesc to protect their image.

I have to put my head on the block here,that Spain will lift this cup,they are consistant,they never lose ball easily in the park,and when they lose they ball,they quickly regroup, close the space,and when they win the ball,you can see how they stretch the field and attack...the best defend is to attack,and thats what Spain has, also the fact that most players in the squad play for the same team(s),and its a plus to them..
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