WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- Mario Balotelli flexed his muscles in more ways than one.

The 21-year-old striker quieted his of critics by leading Italy to an unexpected spot in the European Championship final, scoring twice in the first half in a 2-1 victory over Germany on Thursday night (Friday morning in Manila).

After his second goal, Balotelli stripped off his jersey and flexed his muscles in a defiant pose - even if that meant an automatic yellow card.

''This is the greatest night of my life, but I hope Sunday is going to be even better,'' Balotelli said, looking ahead to the final against defending champion Spain. ''In the opening matches I had a lot of chances, and I wasn't able to finish them. But In football you also need luck.''

In the 20th minute, Balotelli had no trouble getting past Holger Badstuber to head in a pinpoint cross from Antonio Cassano. Then in the 36th, Balotelli received the ball behind the defense and blasted a long shot into the top right corner.