Germany are on to the Euro semifinals, after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Italy.
After a scoreless first half, both teams broke through in the later stages. Germany scored first, after a Gomez cross found Ozil for the first goal of the match. Italy needed just 12 minutes to respond, when Boateng was called for a handball and Bonucci scored a low penalty past Neuer. It was the first goal Germany have conceded in the tournament.
Italy had previously won four straight meetings over the Germans at major international tournaments, but Germany looked very much like the defending World Cup champions. Even with the penalty, they still have not allowed a standard goal at Euro 2016.
Simone Zaza missed Italy’s second attempt, and it looked like it would swing the momentum. But Neuer saved Muller’s attempt to tie the score. Things continued to get dramatic for both teams, as Ozil’s attempt hit the post and Graziano Pelle’s shot was off target. Bonucci, who buried the tying goal for Italy, had his shot saved by Neuer to even the shootout at two goals apiece.
After Darmian’s shot was saved by Neuer, Jonas Hector netted the winner to send Germany through.
Germany are now on to face either France or Iceland in the semifinals.
0 Comments