U.S. beat Bilodeau in the mens final, while defending World

• KIEV, Ukraine -- And so they meet again at Euro 2012. Redskins Autographed Jerseys . This time, however, Spain and Italy are playing for the European Championship and a place in the history books. The Mediterranean rivals meet on Sunday in Kyivs Olympic Stadium, three weeks after they drew 1-1 in their opening match of the tournaments group stage. As the defending champion and World Cup holder, Spain is bidding to win a third straight major title and to cement its place as one of the greatest national sides of all time. It would also match Germanys record of winning three European Championship titles. Only the unpredictable Mario Balotelli and a surprising Italy team -- orchestrated by Andrea Pirlo -- stand between Spain and what many see as its destiny. Even Italy coach Cesare Prandelli reckons that Spain is the best bet to lift the trophy. "At the moment, even if I open my eyes, I am still dreaming," Prandelli said after his sides 2-1 victory over Germany in the semifinals, where Balotelli scored both goals. However, he added that "Spain remain favourites because of the years of hard work that they have put in. They have been dominant in every game theyve played so far." Spain hasnt lost in a European Championship game in eight years and has already matched West Germany as the only defending champion to return to the final after winning the World Cup. The West Germans managed it in 1976, but subsequently lost to Czechoslovakia following Antonin Panenkas famous chip shot in a penalty shootout. This final brings together teams with players who are brazen enough to have successfully copied Panenkas audacious spot kick during their sides penalty shootouts in the knockout rounds. Spain defender Sergio Ramos used it in the semifinal win over Portugal, after Pirlo employed it against England in the quarterfinals. It also features the tournaments best defensive team against one of its most exciting attacking sides. Spain has not conceded since that opening draw with Italy and hasnt conceded a goal in nine elimination games at major tournaments. Balotelli, Antonio Cassano and Pirlo are meanwhile leading one of Italys most attack-minded teams in recent history. "We always just tried to play, I think that is our strength," said Prandelli, whose team is bidding to give Italy its second European title, the same number as Spain and France. "When we started off at this tournament, we were convinced that by working in a certain way we could become a proper team -- not just a quality team, but also a team with the right spirit." Though Balotellis selection had been in doubt due to troubles both on and off the pitch at Manchester City, the 21-year-old Italian of Ghanaian descent has now scored three times at Euro 2012. "I waited a long time for this moment, especially because my mother came all the way here and I wanted to make her happy," he said after the victory over Germany. "This is the greatest evening of my life, but I hope Sunday will be even better," said the striker, who has a chance to finish as the tournaments top scorer with one more goal. "For the final my father is coming, too," he added. "So I hope to score..." Along with their players, the Azzurri also have an encouraging statistic on their side ahead of Sundays final. Spain hasnt beaten Italy in a competitive match that didnt end in penalties since 1920. Spains attack has featured a rotating cast of forwards, with attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas usually being preferred to striker Fernando Torres. On Sunday, coach Vicente del Bosque is likely to repeat the 4-6-0 formation he first deployed against Italy on June 10. Substitutes Pedro Rodriguez and Jesus Navas have had impressive tournaments, and Del Bosque certainly values the contribution of players who dont feel slighted by being on the bench. "When you send out a substitute who is upset it always makes things more difficult. When you send out a player who is happy and ready to play one minute if thats whats needed, that is very important," said Del Bosque, who can match West Germanys Helmut Schoen as the only coaches to have won a European Championship and a World Cup. Del Bosque admitted that Portugal had not only made Spain look sloppy for over an hour, but had taken his players "to the limit." However, his teams extra day of rest compared to the Azzurri will help with preparations, while Italy is keeping an eye on any injury problems after Balotelli came off in the second half against Germany due to cramp. "Were proud of what we are doing and of course we hope to achieve what no one else has done before," Del Bosque said, before touching on what victory would mean with an economic crisis back home. "It would be good for everyone, for Spanish football and for our country." Authentic RG3 Jersey . David Booth, who has yet to take part in training camp, will be lost for a month to six weeks with a groin strain. Redskins Signed Jerseys . Corey Brown, Tyler Moore and Ryan Zimmerman each went deep for the Nationals, who have won seven of their last eight games. Zimmermann (8-6) allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out five to win his fifth straight decision. http://redskinsjerseys.ucigreeks.com/ . The short answer: He wont rush it. The 11-time All-Star walked gingerly but without a noticeable limp in his first post-op meeting with reporters Tuesday, four days after arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right knee. Alfred Morris Womens Jersey . However, re-writing the Winnipeg Goldeyes record book on your archrivals field is a satisfying alternative. Redskins Womens Jerseys . Madrid will head into next weekends "clasico" match at Camp Nou eight points behind leader Barcelona, but at least Jose Mourinhos side is showing strong signs it has recovered its dominating form from the last campaign. Deportivo opened through Ivan "Riki" Sanchez-Rico 16 minutes in, but Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the 23rd and netted again just before halftime after Angel Di Maria had extended the lead.KREISCHBERG, Austria - Considering how his day started, Canadas Alex Bilodeau was happy with a podium finish Saturday. The freestyle skier from Rosemere, Que., rebounded from a rough qualification round to win silver at the World Cup dual moguls event. Bryon Wilson of the U.S. beat Bilodeau in the mens final, while defending World Cup champion Mikael Kingsbury of Deux-Montagnes, Que., was third. Meanwhile in the womens event, Montreals Justine Dufour-Lapointe took bronze behind Americans Heather McPhie and Heidi Kloser. Robert Griffin III Womens Jersey. Bilodeau, who took last season off, said he was lucky just to make the 16-man final. "I got a pretty good gift in the morning," he said of his 13th place qualification run. "I didnt ski well in qualifiers, but I got to go to finals and I made the best out of it. ' ' '

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