The huge Euro quarter-final clash between Germany and Italy was settled by penalties after the score remained 1-1 after regular and extra time.
The first half was surprisingly sedate. Surprising in the sense that it was Germany v Italy and both countries have a massive amount of attacking talent on their side; perhaps unsurprisingly because a few of the Germany+ players and seven of the Italians were all on yellow cards. This meant that, like Aaron Ramsey against Belgium, if they picked up another they could potentially miss the semi-final.
As a result, both teams were tentative and the match was pretty boring for the opening 45 minutes.
In the second half, Italy came out a little feistier and Germany replied. Our very own Mesut Ozil turned out to be the difference, breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute with a neat finish.
The playmaker continued to run the midfield. Italy were unable to close him down, pick up his runs or predict his movement. He was unstoppable.
Mesut Özil: Has scored in 3 of the last 4 meetings between Germany and Italy #GERITA
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/afcstuff/status/749339196976930816
Moments later, Gianluigi Buffon pulled off possibly the save of the tournament so far. Mario Gomez tried an opportunistic back-heel from point-blank rank, which the Italian goalkeeper somehow managed to get to and tip over the bar. It’s worth pointing out that the initial ball to Gomez was from Mesut.
Photos: Mesut Özil celebrating his goal vs. #ITA. #afc pic.twitter.com/60969c7jsz
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 2, 2016
However, it was far from over. Italy got a penalty in the 78th minute thanks to a silly Boateng handball, which Bonucci slotted home.
Germany began to turn the screw again in extra time as the Italians began to grow visibly weary. However, they still appeared tentative, potentially nervous of being caught on the counter.
The end of extra time ended scrappily with Italy playing for penalties, Germany throwing everyone forward and Ozil having a shot from range.
And so it went to penalties and possibly the worst penalty shoot-out of all time. After five kicks each, both countries only had two goals each. And yes, you guessed it, Ozil missed his.
After what felt like 100 years, however, Germany won 6-5 on penalties.