Germany advanced to the semi finals of Euro 2016 defeating Italy in a penalty shootout after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Bordeaux. Mesut Ozil scored the opening goal of the match in the 65th minute with a close range finish, pouncing off a deflected ball into the box.
Italy managed to level the scoreline little over 10 minutes later with Leonardo Bonucci converting from the penalty spot after Jerome Boateng’s handball.
The game was destined for penalties with both sides unable to convert their chances, with the Germans coming out on top after a lengthy shootout thanks to Jonas Hector’s well struck penalty beating Buffon in the bottom right corner.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Germany will now face the winner of France and Iceland for a place in the final.
Here are some of the major talking points to come out of the clash:
Germany are the favourites
It was not the greatest performance on the German front as they were unable to break down the Italian defence, only able to score via a deflected ball into the box. However, the Italians were relentless and Joachim Loew can be proud that his men withstood the test and fought on to win in penalties. With this in mind, they will take a lot of heart and know that the fight doesn’t get much tougher than a stern Azzurri side. Into a semi-finals of another major tournament, their motivation should be at an optimum level and with all of their experience in the ranks they are too professional and clinical not to install as the favourites now.
Magnificent Italy
Gli Azzurri had a point to prove coming into Euro 2016, surpassing the expectation of many. Antonio Conte led his troops brilliantly throughout the tournament, thoroughly deserving each of their three wins and even matching it with the world’s best in Germany. The way they battled hard against a team clearly superior in technical ability was an example of why system, structure and discipline can outperform more fancied opponents – Wales and Iceland are testament to this also. They leave France with the renewed admiration and respect of their fans with an optimism that surrounds the camp as they look to build heading into the World Cup 2018 with new head coach, Giampiero Ventura.
End of the road for late bloomers?
Antonio Conte has made a habit getting the most out of ‘squad players’. Workhorses such as Eder, Emanuele Giaccherini, Marco Parolo, Graziano Pelle have had an absolutely outstanding tournament, displaying an almost unrivalled work ethic. Where to now for the aforementioned players now that Conte has moved on? Will Giampiero Ventura, a manager expected to utilise the influx of young talent, include the more senior heads in the squad and blend it with the new brigade of youngsters? Whatever he does wi the older, ‘late bloomers’ so to speak, their contributions will be remembered by many with these four in particular proving to the wider football community that work ethic and an extreme will to win can often defeat natural born talent.
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