Germany players celebrate winning the penalty shootout against Italy.
Germany's players hailed their
first victory against Italy in a major tournament as an exceptional
moment in their history as they reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals by
beating their old rivals 6-5 on penalties.
But the eventful shootout, with seven players failing to convert
their kicks, left pundits dismayed with some saying it was the worst set
of penalties ever seen at a major finals.
"I can still speak," said breathless Germany keeper Manuel Neuer, who
saved two spot kicks as the world champions won 6-5 on penalties after a
dull 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
"Well we have finally succeeded against Italy and now we’ve done it
in a knockout game. It was real drama. I have never seen anything like
it before. As a goalkeeper it is something I will always remember."
Mats Hummels, who scored in the shootout, said the game had been
intense with Germany sitting too far back after they opened the scoring
through Mesut Ozil in the 65th minute.
"After 1-0 we had thought we could have won it but for a short amount
of time we lost our security," he said. "We were always afraid one
situation could change the match."
Italy players react after losing the penalty shootout. Photograph:
That was the case as Jerome Boateng handled and Italy's Leonardo Bonucci scored from the spot to level in the 78th.
Italy coach Antonio Conte said he was disappointed to go out despite
his defensively-minded team showing little adventure in the final third
of the pitch during the match.
"The lads gave everything. We had a very strong team. I can't find
the words. We were beaten by Germany on penalties and that hurts," he
said.
"I regret that we didn't make the penalties. Everyone fought hard,
everyone. I don't think we could have done any more. We gave everything
we had."
However, the game will probably be remembered for some of the poorest spot kicks ever taken in a shootout.
"Some of those penalties were the worst I've ever seen, and the run
ups, what were they about?," said former England striker Alan Shearer.
Germany's Joshua Kimmich scores during the penalty shootout.
Former France captain Thierry
Henry was particularly scathing about Italy's Graziano Pelle, who told
the keeper he was going to dink the ball and missed the target
altogether.
"Obviously I'm happy about this," said relieved Germany coach Joachim
Loew. "The tournament isn't over. It's going to continue for us now.
"We've practised penalties a lot. It's tough on the nerves to run
from midfield to take the shots. The youngsters really did a great job
for us tonight (on the penalties)," he said.
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