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Mutu Penalty Miss leaves Quarter Final Place in the Balance | Help spread the word: Share on Facebook 
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Italy have keeper Buffon to thank for their Euro 08 survival after he saved a Mutu penalty late in the 1 - 1 draw. The draw against Romania still provides a fighting chance of Euro 08 progress and first round survival.Italy have keeper Buffon to thank for their Euro 08 survival after he saved a penalty from Romania's Mutu 10 minutes from time. After losing their first game to the Netherlands, Italy were aware that defeat would eliminate them from the tournament after only two games. Many experts were predicting a dour encounter yet the game quickly opened up with numerous chances falling to both sides. Italy came close first through Del Piero with a header deflected for a corner at the near post. The Romanians responded with three attempts on goal; First was when Mutu found himself one-on-one with Buffon but had his angled shot saved well by the Italian keeper. A well hit long range shot by Tamas was followed by Italian defender Panucci flicking a Chivu free-kick against his own post. Just before the break the Italian's had the ball in the back of the net, Toni heading home from a Zambrotta's cross only to be ruled offside, TV replays suggesting this was a harsh decision! The match continued to thrill in the second half and 10 minutes in an explosive minute of football saw Romania take the lead, Muto taking full advantage of a Zambrotta defensive header to his keeper that fell short of Buffon and the ex Chelsea striker shooting into the roof of the net. The lead lasted just over 60 seconds as Italy responded with Panucci tapping in from close range from a Chiellini's header accross Romania's goal mouth. The Buffon penalty save provided an emotionally draining climax to a very competitive game. Italy go into their final group game against the French needing a victory, assuming Romania do not beat the Netherlands, to take them to the Quarter Finals . Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |