Italy forward Mario Balotelli scored two superb first-half goals to steer his team to a 2-1 victory over favourites Germany on Thursday and into the Euro 2012 final where they will meet holders Spain. 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.
Image: Italy's Mario Balotelli is congratuled by Antonio Cassano after scoring his second goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship semifinal match between Germany and Italy in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, June 28, 2012.
Text: Reuters
Images: AP
