when their demi-gods lost due to a penalty curse to Italy at the Kiev's Olympic Stadium in Ukraine. England were outplayed during the game and have now lost seven out of eight penalty-shoot-outs in major tournaments. And in this dream run to reach the semis after 16 years of hiatus were pushed aside by the Italy.

Since the beginning the trouble was up the sleeves of the English team and the penalty corner gave them an exit from the tournament. England’s midfield had trouble keeping possession and creating chances in the final third. As a result, Italy controlled the ball for more than 60 percent of the game, putting England on their heels for the duration. It was a small miracle that the English stuck around long enough for Penalty Corners.

England had taken a 2-1 lead in the first half, however Italy finished the half as the stronger of the two sides. Italy's dominance stretched into the second half, and England continued to live dangerously.  Italy again dominated in extra-time, The winning penalty was struck by substitute Alessandro Diamanti curling cross eluding the entire English defence and hitting the post.

Italy clinched a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win after Ashley Young sent his spot-kick against the bar and Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon saved from Ashley Cole to seal England's fate.  The Ashley lads made a brave effort but invain. The Italians will face Germany in the semi-finals in Warsaw on Thursday.

At the post match meet the English team mate Theo Walcott said “It’s a very cruel way to go out in any competition. Luck did not go our way tonight. I don’t know how to answer why we cannot win penalties shoot-outs. It can go either way. Anyone can win.”(With inputs from internet- AW AarKay)