Spain 1 - Italy 0

Spain: Aranzubia; Lacruz, Amaya, Marchena (Unai 46'), Puyol; Velamazán, Albelda, Xavi, Angulo; Tamudo (Gabri 70'), José Mari. 4-4-2.
Goals:
1-0. 85. Gabri. Took pass from Xavi inside area and beat Abbiati off post.

Spain finally beat their bête noir Italy in a close fought match in this Olympic quarter final round. The last time they beat the Azzurri was in the last but one Olympics in Barcelona, and on that occasion they went on to win the gold medal. Since then they have been knocked out of the world cup by them in 1994, and they took the recent under 21 European Championship from under Spain's noses only a few months ago. Marchena came back in to the side after his injury, with Lacruz returning after a one match suspension. Spain were hoping that keeper Aranzubia stayed fit, as their reserve Felip was given a red card at the end of the last match in an off the pitch incident and was suspended. Third choice keeper Lainez did not travel to Australia and was not in the end called up. The match was a typical duel between the two south European sides, with strong tackles and few chances at goal. The game looked as if it was heading for the golden goal decider when the Barcelona duo of Xavi and Gabri joined up for Gabri to drive a shot past Abbiati five minutes from the end. Curiously, Italy's elimination means that Barça could be worse off after the exploits of their youngsters, as four AC Milan players (including Abbiati) are in the Italy squad and they will now probably return to Europe in time to play the next Champions League game in Barcelona. Spain go on to play the semi finals against the United States next Tuesday, with a medal almost guaranteed.