A dramatic ending to what has been one of the more dramatic fixtures in the latest European tournament.

Spain advances to the semi-finals of the 2008 UEFA European Football Championships after Cesc Fabregas scored the winning goal to beat defending champions Italy 4-2 on penalty shots.

The semi-final match between Spain and Italy in the Euro 2008 was scoreless after 120 minutes. Iker Casillas saved spot-kicks from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale after a goalless affair before Cesc Fabregas came up with the winning penalty shot past Gianluigi Buffon much to the dismay of the Italians watching the game.

Casillas, who had kept his side on level terms with a fine save with his feet from Mauro Camoranesi, helped Spain end a string of three straight penalty shoot-out defeats on June 22 in major tournaments. They lost a penalty shootout in the 1986 World Cup, Euro 1996 and again in the 2002 World Cup.

Finally winning one in this tournament, thanks to Cesc Fabregas, was about time.

Both Spain and Italy didn’t really got into their stride during the first half of their semi-final encounter although David Villa’s powerful free-kick towards the far post forced Italy’s Buffon into action.

Spain was on the front foot after the re-start and Giorgio Chiellini made a crucial tackle inside the area on David Silva who tried to punish the Italians for a defensive error. But the Italians STILL came up with the best chance to win the game in the 62nd minute with Camoranesi’s close-range strike forcing Casillas to make a desperate save with his feet after confusion in the box.

Gianluca Zambrotta made a vital clearance with Villa ready to hit the target from Fabregas’ brilliant cross, but there was no way of avoiding extra time.

Silva fired inches wide after Chiellini had blocked Fabregas’ powerful strike inside the area after the re-start. Casillas was forced to make an acrobatic save from Di Natale’s close-range header while Luca Toni nodded the ball over the crossbar as the Azzurri finally got into their stride.

The game, for some reason, looked like it will be decided on penalties and after Casillas had denied De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale either side of a miss from Spain’s Daniel Guiza, it was left to Fabregas to put Spain through.

Which country will win the Euro 2008 Championships? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Germany 2.62

Russia 4.50

Turkey 15.00

Spain 2.38

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more international football odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

Euro 2008 Spain