The Quarter Final match between Germany and Italy was always expected to be a tight, tactical match up. The start justified this since Germany opted for a 3 at the back formation with Hector and Kimmich out wide, this cancelled out Italy's similar set-up in a first half of very few chances. The game opened up later on as fatigue played it's part, a Mesut Ozil strike followed soon after by a Bonucci penalty saw honours even despite extra time, resulting in a remarkable penalty shootout. Regardless of some truly atrocious attempts Germany came out on top, (as they always do), to set up an encounter with either France or Iceland in the Semi Finals. On the other hand Italy are greeted with a depressing flight back to a proud home nation after they exceeded all expectations by going toe to toe with the World Champions.
Manuel Neuer : 8
The finest goalkeeper around, the sweeper keeper showed undoubtable confidence to stop Italy from getting in behind in addition to a fantastic shootout performance, most notably including a full stretched save to deny Bonucci. It's surprising that such an assured player did not step up to the spot himself.
Jonas Hector : 7
The 26 year old left back got forwards often and provided a couple of accurate crosses into dangerous areas as well as neat pullbacks, one in particular lead to a half chance for Muller. By netting the winning penalty Hector will be endlessly praised by his nation on the back of an accomplished display.
Matt Hummels : 8
Started incredibly well. The Bayern-bound central defender was not afraid to win possession high up the pitch and was confident enough to distribute the ball out wide to the likes of Hector and Kimmich. Dispatched his penalty too. A big miss for Germany in the semi finals after picking up a yellow.
Benedict Howedes : 7
Fairly anonymous to begin with, the Schalke captain put in a solid display on the right of the back 3.
Jerome Boateng : 7
Won several aerial duels and made a crucial block to divert a Sturaro shot wide of Neuer's right-hand post. Boateng will be the first to put his hand up and admit that he was reckless in giving away an unnecessary penalty which dented an otherwise professional display. Scored a crucial penalty to redeem his earlier mistake.
Joshua Kimmich : 6
The 21 year old provided a positive outlet for Germany on the right hand side and similarly to Hector he delivered some precise crosses. On the other hand questions were raised defensively with Giaccherini seeping in behind the Bayern man on more than one occasion. Kept his cool for the spot kick.
Sami Khedira : 5
Started well with some aggressive tackling. Perhaps too aggressive ! The experienced Juventus man tweaked his groin and was forced off after just 15 minutes.
Toni Kroos : 6
Was not able to dictate play as much as usual and lost possession on a number of occasions. However this should not dent an otherwise professional performance. He had the courage to take and score the first penalty yet unexpected German misses followed which left the World Champions far from in Kroos-control.
Mesut Ozil : 6
A typical performance from the Arsenal creative midfielder who all too often disappears on the big stage. Despite being fairly elusive in the early stages Ozil gave Germany the vital lead after a ruthless finish. This saw him spark into life, an exquisite chipped ball set Gomez through and was unfortunate not to claim an assist as a result. Ozil will hope to steer clear of penalties in the future when he missed his second of the tournament to spiral Germany into a dangerous position.
Thomas Muller : 6
A man who had previously failed to score in any of his 10 Euros appearances, an embarrassing record for such a clinical and dependable player for Bayern Munich. The 26 year slashed at a Kimmich cross in the first half and was amazed to see another chance directed wide by a fantastic goal line clearance.
Muller must be credited for his endless persistence in order to make space and win the ball back. However Mr Reliable went on to miss a penalty, Germany's first since 1982, fortunately for Muller he was not alone in that situation to Low's disgust.
Mario Gomez : 6
The striker played to his strengths intelligently, his hold up play enabled the likes of Kimmich and Hector to get forward in the attack, a factor epitomised in the build up to Ozil's goal. Gomez was not finished there after he was unfortunate to see a backheel tipped over by Buffon as Ozil attempted to repay the favour. However Gomez could only offer so much and did not challenge Barzagli anywhere near enough due to his lack of pace and inability to drive at defenders when compared to Draxler and Muller.
Substitutions :
Julian Draxler (Mario Gomez - 70 minutes) : 5
Was not heavily involved unti lthe later stages of the game where his fresh legs allowe dhim to drift round fatigued Italians with ease. The youngster lacked composure as his rushed pass proved too heavy for the hungry Muller in what looked a promising counter-attack as penalties loomed on. Draxler showed great character to smash his penalty hard and low past Buffon.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Khedira - 15 minutes) : 6
A well drilled display from Germany's second captain of the night. As one of the most experienced players on the pitch with 120 national caps Schweinsteiger controlled the tempo of the game and looked to distribute possession out wide on every occasion. The scene was set for the German veteran however his missed penalty came as a shock to Low and Conte alike, Schweinsteiger is usually the man for the big occasion, Bastian will be hoping the semi final offers the chance to prove himself.
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Gianluigi Buffon : 8
Could not be faulted for Mesut Ozil's close range finish and did exceptionally well to tip a Gomez backheel deflected off Chiellini over his crossbar. Buffon will be frustrated with himself for letting Hector's decisive spot kick slip under his usual impregnable frame which ultimately doomed Italy's fate.
Alessandro Florenzi : 8
An energetic display from the Roma midfielder who showed off an excellent touch and desire in equal measure, justified by a total of 11km travelled before the 90 minute mark. Despite his endless efforts Florenzi will feel disappointed that he failed to deal with a long ball in the build up to the first goal.
Andrea Barzagli : 8
A solid display from the ever consistent Juventus centre back. The 35 year old has a wealth of experience at his disposal which helped him nullify the spearheads of German attack. The defender completed his performance with a convincing penalty.
Giorgio Chiellini : 9
A tremendous performance from one of the defenders of the tournament. At first Chiellini was guilty of giving up possession subject to early German pressing, however this did not faze him. Chiellini was comfortable against the likes of Muller and Gomez, whether it be in the air or ground.
Leonardo Bonnuci : 8
His flicked header won the penalty which kept Italy in the game, furthermore he dispatched the resulting spot kick with ease despite never taking a penalty in 90 minutes beforehand. At the other end Bonucci got vital touches on looming German crosses and was always a presence at the back, especially when dealing with Ozil and Draxler. Devastation for the centre back arose as he saw his second penalty parried clear by Neuer.
Mattia De Sciglio : 8
A phenomenal performance for a 23 year old who certainly has a bright future ahead of him. Sciglio did well to contain the adventurous Kimmich and pulled off an astonishing scorpian-esque block to keep the scores level. The Milan man showed his competence at the other end with a frightening low drive which cannoned just wide and left Neuer scrambling frantically. A dodgy penalty crashed against the bar ... and in.
Marco Parolo : 6
The Lazio man was content to sit in front of the Italian defence and prevent Muller, Draxler and Ozil from having too large an influence on the game. A respectable display but it's clear the 31 year old lacked the true quality to spin the game on its head. Held his nerve to dispatch a penalty straight down the middle.
Sefano Sturaro : 6
Sturaro put in a good shift in place of the unfit De Rossi who gained the critics' attention after a masterclass against Spain. Sturaro gave away several needless challenges in the centre of the pitch and as a result was eventually booked. Similarly to Parolo he did not possess the talent on the ball which could heavily influence the Italian attack. Could not bring himself to face the music and take a crucial penalty.
Emmanule Giaccherini : 6
Got in behind the German backline on two occasions however had no end product. The Sunderland flop faded as the game grew on and seemed worn out by his endless running. Despite his weariness Giaccherini cooly slotted home form 12 yards.
Eder : 7
A sparkling showing from a relatively unknown front man prior to the tournament. The 29 year old linked up incredibly well with Pelle however never really got in behind the German back 3 and was certainly in no position to challenge the German giants in the air at just 5ft8.
Grazaiano Pelle : 6
Some inventive flicks and determined hold up play ensured Italy did not succumb to Germany's intense pressure in the first half as the Southampton man provided an effective outlet. Unfortunately for Conte Pelle failed to keep his cool in front of goal, blazing over from 8 yards out and wasting opportunities on the counter. Pelle was in contention with Muller for the award for the worst penalty of the night after he scuffed a pathetic effort a fair distance wide.
Substitutions :
Mateo Darmian (Mattia De Sciglio - 80 minutes) : 6
Had very little to do and was comfortable both offensively and defensively. Scored when it mattered.
Lorenzo Insigne (Eder - 115 minutes) : 6
A mesmerising swivel saw Insinge in space, however to Neuer's relief the winger's shot fell perfectly into his gloves. Did his job in sweeping home the penalty which he specifically came on for.
Simon Zaza (Giorgio Chiellini - 120 minutes) : 1 (at least he got it past Neuer - all be it over the bar)
Hold your head in shame. A woeful penalty skyrocketed over the bar much like a space shuttle on take off. In hindsight it seems a Bizaza decision to have brought on the striker since he fell victim to the immense pressure.
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