Mario Balotelli sends Italy into Euro final

Italians striker scores 2 first-half goals

Mario Balotelli takes control of Euro 2012 with the explosion of a powerful and serious flex.

 

 Italian forward Mario Balotelli celebrates his second goal against Germany by taking off his shirt during Thursday’s semifinal match of the European championship in Warsaw

 Before Euro 2012, the Italian striker Mario Balotelli warned that if racial slurs, walked off the court and go home. But after having racially charged bile thrown at him from opposing fans and even subsequent periodic artists in their country of origin, Balotelli decided that instead of leaving, he would stay and score goals and flexing his muscles. And in the semifinal of Italy against Germany the favorite, that's exactly what he did.

After squandering many chances at the start of the tournament and scored one of his best goals against Ireland, 21 years old, trust and confidence in himself has maintained its strength. He missed shot after shot in the quarterfinals of Italy against England, but still offered to take the first penalty in the shoot of Italy, went on to win to put them in the semifinal. And despite previous fireworks accidents at home and a series of strange myths around that have attracted the scrutiny overwhelming for Mario, who has been very focused on his task.

Balotelli usually does not even smile, much less celebrate when he scores because, as he says, is his job to score goals and that's all you're doing. However, when he scored with a header to give Italy a 1-0 lead on 20 minutes against Germany, he smiled and celebrated. And when they scored again 16 minutes later with a powerful explosion at the corner of the net, took off his shirt and flex - still as a statue with a fierce look that told his detractors and abusers to recede .

Although Balotelli was shown a yellow card for removing his shirt and had to be subbed on 70 minutes after cramping, his two goals were enough to make him the top scorer in the tournament together and put Italy in the final with a 2 - 1 win. Mario Balotelli is the use of their talents and take control. 

 

 

 Main argument

You never know what you will get from the Italian striker Mario Balotelli. You can display the power, speed and athleticism that has made him one of the best young players in the world, or will you let emotions affect your game to the point where it is ineffective.

Fortunately for the Italians, Balotelli was the first against Germany. The 21-year-old finished with a fantastic pair of goals in the first half, leaving the Germans with a deficit that could not overcome.

Italy continues to haunt Germany, now 0-4-4 against his rival in major international events, including the heartbreaking semifinal match in their homeland in the 2006 World Cup.

Like its World Cup title six years ago, the Italians are thriving despite a match-fixing and betting scandal at home back.

The loss was especially difficult, as it appeared Germany was the best team on paper, who was younger, faster and deeper.

But all those attributes fly out the window every time that Germany is facing the Italians - they always do.

After an initial charge of Germany, Italy surprised the enemy with the first goal on 20 minutes. Antonio Cassano was able to break free from Benedikt Howedes on the left flank, sending a perfect cross to Balotelli, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Several minutes before the finish of midfielder Andrea Pirlo Balotelli rescued Italy with a German corner blocked a shot by defender Mats Hummels' for the goal line that bounced back to the goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Balotelli struck again on 36 minutes. The enigmatic forward was alone behind German defender Philipp Lahm, took a pass long pass from Riccardo Montolivo, and shot a helpless Neuer.

With emotions by filling Balotelli, celebrated by taking off his shirt to reveal a sculpted torso. While the gesture earned him a yellow card, goal broke the German decision.

In general, the Germans had several opportunities during the game. The difference was Italy buried their opportunities.

As expected, Germany began the second half on the attack. He came at 62 minutes to reduce the deficit in half, but Buffon denied jumping save free kick from Toni Kroos.

Germany finally got a goal in overtime as the midfielder Mesut Ozil scored on a penalty kick after Italian defender Federico Balzaretti was called for a handball.

In the end, the Germans could never apply the skill that has made them so formidable during the last four years.

It always seems to be the case against Italy.
What this result means

In a rematch of the group stage, Italy went on to face the defending Spanish champion of Europe in Sunday's final. Italy is looking to win their first European title since 1968.

The winning goal

Balotelli has done a great job in getting the defense right Holger Badstuber before converting his header behind Neuer.

Man of the Match

This magic show has obviously heightened state of Balotelli on the international stage. His three goals have tied with four other players for the tournament lead. However, Balotelli is still the only player still playing in the group.