World Champions, Germany finally exorcised the incubus called Italy in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Bordeaux to win 7-6 and qualify for the semifinal of the European Championship. It is the first German victory over an Italian team in a major tournament.
After 120 minutes the scoreline stood at 1-1. In a match that fell below expectation,Germany broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Arsenal’s quintessential midfielder, Mehsut Ozil tapped Muller’s cross into the right corner. It was his 20th goal for Germany. Gomez could have made it worse for Italy three minutes later but was denied by Buffon.
Italy equalised in the 78th minute after Boateng handled the ball in the eighteen yard after Florenzi flanked in from the right. Bonucci coolly converted to level scores at 1-1.
Germany now meets the winner of the France/Iceland tie.
cpcnews.org 