There wasn’t enough magic for Italy to sustain their Cinderella run in the Euro Tournaments as they were ousted by Germany in a nail-biting penalty shootout. The World Champion Germans failed to put the Italians away late in the game when a header hit defender Jérôme Boateng in the arm in the penalty box giving Italy the opportunity for a penalty kick. Leonardo Bonucci faked out Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and sunk the shot to the far right post in the 78′ minute. Germany threatened throughout much of the extra time but missed chances doomed the world champions late and almost cost them the match. Regulation ended at 1-1.
The penalty kicks turned in the Italians favor early as they went up 2 to 1 on pks. German Forwards Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, who scored in the 65′ minute for Germany, both missed their share of penalty kicks. Italy failed to capitalize and go up 3-1 when a kick from Bonucchi was blocked by Neuer. Germany responded to tie it at 4-4 and could have put it away, but veteran captain Bastian Schweinsteiger volleyed his shot. The confident German coach Joachim Löw appeared cool and collective when Germany tied the shootouts. After calling on 21-year-old midfielder Joshua Kimmich to shoot a pk and after converting Low gave an embracing nod to his player. Matteo Darmian was blocked by Neuer which was followed by Jonas Hector nailing the winning kick and a German celebration on the pitch.
This was the world champions’ first win over the Italians in a major tournament, following four Italy wins in knockout stages and four group-stage draws.
Germany will face the winner of the France/Iceland match who are slated to play on Sunday.
