The Germany vs. Italy match takes place Thursday as the two old rivals fight it out for a place in the Euro 2012 final. Spain scrapped their way through in their semi final against Portugal on Wednesday, only finally booking their place in the final on penalties. Germany vs. Italy will kick off at 2.45 p.m. and can be watched live on ESPN, or online through live stream on ESPN3 (details below).

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Spain's 4-2 penalty shoot-out win against Portugal was a dramatic way for the game the end. After a tight match for 120 minutes, following extra time, still no one could break the deadlock. Many will feel Portugal were hard done by to be knocked out in such a fashion, but Spain have the atmosphere of champions and cannot seem to lose right now. They have still not conceded a goal in knock out soccer in major tournaments since 2006.

Germany will be favorites to join Spain in the final, having comfortably navigating their way out of the group of death, they swept Greece aside in the quarter finals, and now face a resilient Italian side in the semis.

The Italian camp has complained that their squad has had two days fewer rest than that of the Germans coming into this tie, which puts them at a disadvantage. Italy have had a tough campaign so far, and seem to lack a killer instinct in their team; they outplayed England for 90 minutes, as well as 30 further minutes in extra time, but could still not find a winning goal. Luckily for Italy they were able to come through in a penalty shoot out against England to get to the semi finals.

Although Italy are the underdogs, amazingly Germany have never beaten Italy in a major tournament.  In all seven previous encounters at major tournaments, Germany have failed to get the victory against their Italy bogey team.

The last competitive game between Germany and Italy was in the 2006 World Cup, when Italy won 2-0 in that semi final encounter.

German coach Joachim Loew, however has said, "In football there is no such thing as revenge. The past plays absolutely no role for us or for our young players who may know things only from history."

Germany vs. Italy kicks off at 2.45 p.m. EST and can be watched live on TV on ESPN, or alternatively can be watched online through live streaming on ESPN3 by clicking HERE.

Tags: euro 2012 European Championship