90min

Twitter reacts as Italy beat Spain on penalties to reach Euro 2020 final

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Morata missed the crucial kick for Spain
Morata missed the crucial kick for Spain / Facundo Arrizabalaga - Pool/Getty Images
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Well, after 120 minutes of scintillating action plus penalties we finally know the identity of one of the teams in the final of Euro 2020.

This one had everything, with some even tipping it as one of the best games ever played at the new Wembley.

Before the on-field action got underway we were treated to one of highlights of the tournament - the return of the little car from the opening ceremony.

If people were not hyped already, the emergence of the miniature automobile ensured they were shaking with excitement by the time things got going.

The opening 20 minutes was a stunning exhibition of technical football. Italy looked threatening at times, particularly down the left.

Spain edged things for the most part, though, thanks mainly to the incredible exploits of Pedri. The youngster was gliding in between the lines and craved out several top chances for his side. His display got social media purring.

The remainder of the second half was equally enthralling, although not everyone on social media agreed.

The only thing the game lacked was a goal to get people out of their seat.

After the break the game continued to demand attention and with 15 minutes gone we were finally treated to a goal.

Federico Chiesa was the scorer, picking up a loose ball in the box before curling a stunning effort past Unai Simon.

Literally seconds after the goal Spain squandered a golden chance to equalise when Mikel Oyarzabal somehow failed to make contact with Koke's terrific cross.

Twitter... was not kind.

Thankfully he was absolved of his sins by the introduction of Alvaro Morata from the bench. After missing a great chance himself, the Juventus striker finished off a terrific, free-flowing move to equalise.

What a moment for the much-maligned Morata.

This took the game to extra-time and after neither side could find a breakthrough we were then treated to penalties.

Although some users stayed off Twitter to maintain the suspense, others were more than happy to give a running commentary of proceedings.

The shootout got off to a terrible start with Manuel Locatelli and Olmo missing the opening spot kicks. This was followed by four flawless penalties and another fine finish from Federico Bernardeschi.

Then, up stepped Morata. God, you already know what's coming don't you. Social media certainly did...

His miss allowed Jorginho to book Italy a meeting with England (or Denmark) in the final of Euro 2020.

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