Spain lining up to face Brazil in Confederations Cup

SPAIN are looking to make it a triple whammy after beating Italy on penalties in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. They have a date with Brazil in the final on Sunday after beating Italy 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw. If they win they will be triple title holders, being current European and World champions.

But the Italians can consider themselves unlucky to be knocked out at the semi-final stage after an impressive performance. It was a big turn-round for the Azzuri after they were humbled 4-0 less than a year ago in Kiev.

They were after revenge, and an excellent display nearly got its reward. But in the end Spanish resilience was enough to send them through. The Italians had dominated the 90 minutes, but in extra time Spain started to take control.

But despite some excellent chances for both sides no goal was scored, so the game went to a penalty shoot out.

In an impressive display of penalty taking both teams held their nerve with 12 perfectly taken spot kicks leaving neither keeper a chance.  But it was unlucky 13 for Leonardo Bonucci as he blazed his penalty over the bar, leaving Jesus Navas to score the decider.