[Euro 2016 Live] Germany - Italy: The Italians fell on the 11m mark

(Baonghean.vn) -After being held to a 1-1 draw by Italy after 120 minutes, Germany had to enter a penalty shootout to determine the winner. In the fateful shootout, despite three players, Mueller, Oezil and Schweinsteiger, missing their shots, Germany still won the ticket to the next round with a score of 6-5.

Caution was the dominant thought in the match between two teams with a lot of ties between Germany and Italy. Coach Joachim Loew's team opened the scoring thanks to a goal from Mesut Oezil. But the tanks could not protect their advantage when Italy equalized the score 1-1 in the official match time.

The Germans' cautious mindset was evident right from the starting lineup. Coach Joachim Loew sacrificed Julian Draxler to bring in an extra central defender. The Germans abandoned the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation of previous matches and switched to a 3-5-2 formation like their Italian opponents.

Not only do they have the same formation, both Germany and Italy have the same approach to the game. They press constantly, not giving the opponent much space and time to react. Even when the opponent's goalkeeper has the ball, the players in the front line quickly move up to block the passing direction to the players nearby.

Oezil scored the opening goal.

The cautiousness of both Germany and Italy turned the first half into a game of calculated chess. Occasionally, both teams managed to get the ball close to the opponent's goal. But the few chances created were not successfully taken by Thomas Mueller or Eder.

After the break, Germany started to increase the speed. This physical torture gradually made Italy confused. The team in blue had to commit more fouls to stop coach Loew's team. The more they played, the closer Italy was to the penalty area. Finally, what the Italians did not expect happened.

Mario Gomez in a brilliant move made a through ball to Jonas Hector in an open position. Hector's subsequent cross hit the Italian player and went to Mesut Oezil. The Arsenal midfielder made no mistake, scoring the ball into the Italian net from close range.

Bonucci successfully executed the 11m kick

This goal forced Antonio Conte's team to push forward. The Italian wingers were pushed up quite high. The striker duo Pelle - Eder also pressed close to the penalty area. Italy proactively drilled into Germany's right wing, where young player Joshua Kimmich was guarding.

However, while not creating enough pressure, luck came to the blue team. Jerome Boateng, in a tackle, let the ball hit his hand. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. From a distance of 11 meters, Leonardo Bonucci made no mistake, helping Italy equalize the score 1-1.

In the remaining minutes, the match returned to a slow pace. Both teams played cautiously because a goal conceded late in the match would mean an early exit. With that cautious situation, no goals were scored in the remaining time. The 1-1 draw forced both teams into extra time.

After 30 minutes of extremely tense extra time, neither team scored another goal. On the 11m white spot, luck smiled on the German team when Hector successfully executed the 9th penalty kick, bringing a 6-5 victory for "The Tank".

Germany are through to the semi-finals and will face the winner of the quarter-final between hosts France and Iceland.

Line-up

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Hoewedes, Hummels, Boateng, Hector; Khedira (Schweinsteiger 15'), Kroos, Oezil, Mueller, Gomez (Draxler 71').
Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi (Darmian 85'), Sturaro, Parolo, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pelle, Eder (Insigne 108')

SURROUNDING INFORMATION

- Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has praised Neuer for the past 4-5 years as the best goalkeeper in the world in every aspect.

- Conte surprised many people when he banned the Italian team from using headphones on the bus while traveling to the stadium.

- Germany: Boateng recovered in time.

- Italy: Candreva (injured) and Thiago Motta (suspended) are absent. De Rossi is uncertain to recover.

- Only 1/4 of Germany's matches at EURO 2016 had more than 10 corners.

- 5/8 recent matches between the 2 teams ended with an odd total number of goals.

- 3/4 of Italy's matches at EURO 2016 had 5 or more yellow cards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD CONDUCT

Germany and Italy have met a total of 33 times, with the Blue team winning. Specifically, Italy won 15, drew 10 and “only” lost 8 matches. It is worth mentioning that in 8 matches against each other in official tournaments, Italy has never lost to Germany with a record of 4 wins and 4 draws.

SINGING

Coach Joachim Loew (Germany): “Germany will play with 3 central defenders or 4 defenders in this match. I will calculate so that Germany can play based on its strengths. I really believe in the strength of the team.”

Coach Antonio Conte (Italy): “Germany is always a big opponent for Italy. They are the strongest team at this EURO. We need a special match, really special to get a good result against Germany.”

Lam Tung - Le Hung