Current World Champions Germany beat Italy on penalties to progress into the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on Saturday.
A tactical master piece by both the managers playing a defensive 5-3-2 formation made it difficult for both the teams to break through in the first half. But Mesut Ozil finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. But soon a Jerome Boateng error gave Italy a chance to equalise as he conceded a penalty. Leonardo Bonnuci was really cool to slot the ball into the net beating Manuel Neuer.
Germany had enjoyed majority of the possession but Italy were threatening in their own way playing the long ball game to best of their ability, putting dangerous ball into the box causing problems for Germany sometimes. Italy Captain and keeper Gigi Buffon made some crucial saves throughout the match keep Italy in the hunt.
As both sides failed to score in the extra time which led to penalties. As both teams missed three out of their initial five penalties with the likes of Thomas Muller, Bastin Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil failing to convert. On the other hand Simon Zaza, Pelle and Leonardo Bonnuci missed their chances for the Azzuri. This led to sudden death and Manchester United defender Matteo Darmain could not remain calm under pressure failing to convert his spot kick. Young German Left- Back Hector converted his spot kick and Germany were through to the semis.
But it was a tactical master piece by Loew as he matched Italy's 5-3-2 formation which was always a difficult task to break with the likes of Chellini and Bonnuci in their line-up. Manuel Neuer came out as the better among the battle of keepers and was named th Man of the Match.
Germany now face either of France or Iceland on July 7 in Marseille.
