UEFA Euro 2016, quarter-finals: Germany defeats Italy 6-5 on penalties

July 4, 2016

On Saturday, in the quarter-final of UEFA Euro 2016, Germany defeated Italy 6–5 in a penalty shootout decider as the score was 1–1 at the end of additional time. Germany missed three penalties in the shootout, but Manuel Neuer stopped two penalties by the Italians. Early in the first half, Bastian Schweinsteiger was substituted for German midfielder following a muscle injury. The Germans had greater ball possession and also led in passing accuracy. But they had to wait till the 65th minute when Mesut Özil scored a goal. Thirteen minutes later, the lead was nullified as the Italians were awarded a penalty kick as defender committed a handball foul in the penalty area. Stepping up for the penalty, scored the equaliser. This was the first goal Neuer conceded in his last 557 minutes of major tournament play. The previous record was set by at 481 minutes.

The match proceeded to additional time as the score was 1–1. None of the sides could find the net in the additional time and the referee signalled a penalty shootout. and Toni Kroos scored their respective kicks. In the next round, missed while Thomas Müller's spot kick was saved by Gianluigi Buffon. When scored his penalty kick and Özil missed by hitting the woodwork, Italy were 2–1 up.

missed his penalty and the Germans levelled as scored. 's attempt to score was saved by Neuer, but Schweinsteiger wasted his chance to lead the shootout. and scored their spot kicks, as did Mats Hummels and. 's goal was followed by Boateng's equalising penalty. Neuer saved 's kick and scored the winning penalty.

Neuer was awarded the Man of the Match award. Eighteen players stepped up for the penalty shootout equalling the record of the UEFA Euro 1980 third-place encounter. Except for these two fixtures, never has a Euro match witnessed eighteen men taking the spot kick.

Germany is to play winner of France and Iceland in the semi-final. Mats Hummels is to miss the semi-final serving a one-match ban. Striker is to miss the semi-final with torn muscle fibres. Schweinsteiger pulled his knee ligaments.

Manager Joachim Löw responded to these injuries saying, "It is very bitter to lose important players in the decisive stage of the tournament. I am especially sorry for Mario. [...] For us this means accepting the new situation and having to find solutions. We will do so. The quality in the squad is high and I have full confidence in all players."