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Italy's Mario Balotelli dedicated his match-winning performance in Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany to his adoptive mother.
At the final whistle, the Italy striker embraced Silvia Balotelli, who brought him up from the age of two after he was born in Italy to Ghanaian immigrants.
"After the game, when I went to my mum I said 'these goals are for you'," he said. "I waited for this moment for so long and I wanted to make my mum happy.Tonight was the most beautiful of my life – but I hope that this Sunday is even better."
Balotelli's double was enough to send Italy to the finals and clash with the holders Spain in Kiev.
"With Spain we are the two best teams in the tournament," said Balotelli. "Can we win? I'll tell you on Sunday."
Balotelli struck three goals during the tournament and he is now favourite to win the coveted Golden Boot prize.
Millions of people have been partying all night long in Spain after their national football team defeated Italy at the Euro 2012 final.
Spain have crushed Italy 4:0 in the final match of Euro 2012, and have become the new-old European football champion.
UEFA president Michel Platini has made the innovative proposal that Euro 2020 be hosted in about a dozen cities across the European continent.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has stood up in defence of his team in the wake of its crucial defeat by Italy on Thursday evening, but admitted fatal carelessness.
Italy have kicked Germany out of Euro 2012, winning 1:2 the second semi-final, which took place in Warsaw Thursday night.
Spain have beaten Portugal in the first semi-final of Euro 2012 after penalty kicks.
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