Mediterranean Games

Spain are through to a semi-final tie with Libya after a scandalous quarter final against Italy, the match eventually being abandoned after three Spanish and five Italian players were sent off. Tempers were short right from the kick off, and the Portuguese referee showed the red card to Arizmendi and then to Palazzo with less than half an hour gone. Up to that point the only efforts at goal had come from the hosts, but Italy went ahead just before the break when Vantaggiato beat Cuéllar from a free kick. Two minutes after the restart the Azzurri were left with nine men when Ruffini was shown a second yellow card for protesting, and Juan Santiesteban's side took advantage turn the scoreline around, substitute Montañés equalising and Antonio Puerta giving them the lead with a shot from the edge of the area. However Cuéllar, Flaño, Belloti and Porcari were all sent off in a brawl, and as soon as the game restarted, Pulzetti also earned himself a red card. That meant that Italy were disqualified, and Spain were through to the semi-finals. (29.06.05)