Cesc Fabregas started preparing for a Euro 2008 semi-final after helping Spain defy history and send Italy out on penalties at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium. The Arsenal midfielder kept his cool to earn his country a 4-2 win on spot-kicks after the goalless draw, with Russia now standing between Luis Aragones' men and the final. It was the first time they had beaten Italy in a competitive match since the 1920 Antwerp Olympics and also ended their run of penalty defeats on June 22, at the World Cups of 1986 and 2002 as well as Euro 96. 'It could have been any other penalty I had taken,' he said. 'From my point of view we deserved our win. This is for the fans who came here in such large numbers. Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas was the other hero, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale after the stalemate in the...
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