Italy defeats Germany in Euro 2012 Semis - Sets up final against Spain

Italy lived up to its tradition of winning all major events as it overpowered highly and hotly favourite Germany Thursday night at National Stadium, Warsaw.

While the Germans were determined to break the Italian mystic might, they could not fight the history, since 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 win in extra time six years ago is also part of Azzurri lore.

Although, this time, Germany was the only team which had won every match at Euro 2012. They topped the famous Group of Death after beating Portugal (1-0), the Netherlands (2-1) and Denmark (2-1). In the quarterfinals, they beat Greece 4-2, despite a formidable Greek resistance. But when it came to fighting against Italy, they were simply helpless last night.

Mario Balotelli was the man who scoring twice Thursday gave Italy a 2-1 win over Germany and though thought an unexpected spot in the European Championship final, but I would say the expected march into the final. Germany's winless streak against Italy in major tournaments to eight matches, had no answer for Balotelli nor Antonio Cassano's creativity.

The 21 years old Balotelli struck twice in the 20th and 36th minutes of the first half and washed away all critiscim for wasting numerous chances against Spain, Croatia and England.

Italy now faces defending champion Spain in Sunday's final in Kiev, Ukraine — a rematch of their 1-1 draw that opened Group C. Spain did come out lucky in its match against Portugal on penalties win, otherwise those who saw the defending champions playing aganist Portugal were largely disappointed by a rather boring Spanish play - not resembling even closely to that of a world champion's like.

Italy has won four World Cups, but has only one European Championship in its bag which was way back in 1968. So we now see in its final against Spain on Sunday at Olympic Stadium, Kiev how Italy proves that it has always come out on top at major tournaments.