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Germany edge out Italy on penalties

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Germany edge out Italy on penalties
Germany edge out Italy on penalties
Germany edge out Italy on penalties

Sami Khedira’s Germany edged out Italy in last night’s battle for a Euro 2016 semi-final spot, with penalties required to separate the sides on a dramatic evening of football in Bordeaux.

Following an all-action first half, Germany took the lead on 65 minutes when Mesut Ozil arrived in the box to convert Jonas Hector’s cross.

Undeterred, Italy maintained their composure and levelled matters 13 minutes later when Leonardo Bonucci, one of five Bianconeri starters for the Azzurri, kept his cool to convert from the spot.

The focus again shifted towards the penalty area at the end of a goalless 30 minutes of extra-time, with penalty kicks the only way of producing an outright winner. Dealing the knockout blow was Hector, whose sudden death effort made it 6-5 in the shootout to Joachim Low’s men.

The Germans will face the winner of tonight’s clash between France and surprise package Iceland, with Bianconeri duo Paul Pogba and Patrice Evra both tipped to start for Les Bleus.

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