Euro 2012 Semi-Final: Germany 1-2 Italy

If Mario Balotelli wasn't a national hero before this game, he will definitely be now, after his two goals knocked Germany out of the Euro 2012 and saw Italy progress to a meeting against Spain in the final. Joachim Loew's Germany looked rather lackluster compared to their previous games, but Balotelli made an enormous impact in the game and his two first-half goals were enough to see his side through.

Balotelli put Italy one up in the 20th minute after Antonio Cassano crossed the ball in and the Manchester City striker knocked the ball past German keeper Manuel Neuer. Sixteen minutes later the Italian fans had reason to celebrate again when Balotelli latched onto Riccardo Montolivo's pass just inside the penalty area and rocketed the ball into the top corner of the net. The goalscorer went off to thunderous applause in the 69th minute, replaced by Di Natale after falling victim to cramp.

Italy thought they would keep a clean sheet against the Germans, but in injury time Federico Balzaretti's handled the ball and a penalty was awarded to Germany. Mesut Ozil stepped up to take the kick and put the ball past Italian keeper, Gianluigi Buffon, but it was too little too late, as the damage had been done in the first half, and the Italian fans will now see if their new hero can see them defeat Spain in the final.