Italy, Spain storm into quarterfinals

POZNAN, Poland (AP) ― There were no tears for Antonio Cassano this time, just joy.

Seven months after a scary episode of stroke-like symptoms, Cassano scored the decisive goal when Italy beat Ireland 2-0 Monday to reach the European Championship quarterfinals.

Cassano headed in with his back to the goal by the near post following a corner kick in the 35th minute on a warm and muggy night at the Municipal Stadium Poznan.

Substitute Mario Balotelli doubled the lead in the 90th, a minute after Ireland was reduced to 10 men when Keith Andrews got his second yellow card.

Still, Italy had to wait a few moments after the final whistle to celebrate after receiving word that Spain beat Croatia 1-0 in the other Group C match.

The victory ended a five-match winless streak for Italy, which began the tournament with 1-1 draws against Spain and Croatia following three friendly losses.

“The victory was something we struggled for but the most important thing was to get through the group,” Cassano said. “I couldn’t wait for them to blow the whistle in the other game and for it to finish.”

Italy had been worried about a 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia, which would have eliminated the Azzurri no matter if they beat Ireland. That’s exactly what happened at Euro 2004, when Italy beat Bulgaria in its final group match but was sent home when Denmark and Sweden finished 2-2.

Cassano wept on the pitch uncontrollably after that game eight years ago, despite being awarded man of the match. He received the award again after this game, this time with a smile.



Spain 1, Croatia 0



GDANSK, Poland (AP) ― Unconvincing as it was, it was still enough for Spain.

The defending champions advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship on Monday, getting an 88th-minute goal from substitute Jesus Navas in a 1-0 win over Croatia.

Spain dominated possession as expected but failed to create many clear opportunities at the Arena Gdansk. And on the other end, Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas needed to make a pair of clutch saves in the second half to bail out the world champions.

“It was a question of believing in what we are doing,” said Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta, who flicked a short pass to Navas for the deciding goal.

Spain, which is trying to win its third straight major title, will next face the second-place team in Group D on Saturday in Donetsk, Ukraine. Italy also advanced from Group C after beating Ireland 2-0.

“We made a great step forward. We qualified. That’s what motivates us for the quarterfinal. Our philosophy and style of play are good and we proved it in today’s match,” Del Bosque said. “The team played well even though the match didn’t go as we planned.”

After wasting a number of late chances, Spain finally broke open the Croatia defense when substitute Cesc Fabregas lobbed a through ball for Iniesta.