Germany v Italy player ratings: Who impressed in the Euro 2016 quarter-final?
Defensively impressive all round but Germany come out on top
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Your support makes all the difference.It took a while for this game to come to life, there’s no doubting that. The first 45 minutes was a slow affair in which caution prevailed over the sort of open, attacking football which marked Wales' clash with Belgium.
Both sides were tactically impressive and held their shape well but neither team really threatened.
A disallowed Schweingsteiger appeared to have broken the deadlock but it was disallowed. Other than a close Gomez header, it was quiet half of football to say the least.
This soon changed though as the second half got underway. The tempo of the game picked up as both sides committed their wing-backs forward and sought to break the deadlock.
After 20 minutes of fast-paced football, it was Germany who finally found the back of the net through Ozil and for a period of five minutes it looked like Joachim Low’s side had won it within
But Italy refused to roll over and earned themselves a penalty in the 78th minute which Bonucci coolly converted from the spot to make it all square again.
From here the two teams tried but failed to break one another down and after 30 minutes of extra-time, the game reached its inevitable conclusion – penalties.
What followed next no-one was expecting as both sides appeared to crumble under the pressure of the 12-yard challenge.
Penalty after penalty was either blasted wide or palmed away thanks to the heroics of the two world-class keepers in between the sticks.
It was ultimately Germany though who emerged victorious - winning 6-5 - to book their spot in the semi-finals.
After impressing for the majority of the tournament, Italy's Euro 2016 campaign ends in heartbreak.
So how did the players rate?
Germany:
Manuel Neuer: Sweeper keeper began move for Ozil opener but beaten for first time at the tournament. Almost punished for error in extra-time after strong save from Insigne. Saved from Bonucci and Darmian in the shoot-out. 7 out of 10
Benedikt Höwedes: Remains unbeaten in competitive matches for his country. Struggled with aerial challenge presented by Pelle but composed on the ground. 6
Jérôme Boateng: Mindless handball allowed Italy to level from the spot. Went close with couple of shots from outside the area. 6
Mats Hummels: Booked for bringing down Eder. Delightful pass into path of Gomez, who failed to make contact. Will miss semi-final through suspension. 7
Jonas Hector: Steady at the back and got forward well to assist Ozil opener. Kept busy by movement of Florenzi. Scored winning penalty in shoot-out. 7
Joshua Kimmich: Continued his impressive form at the tournament and betrayed his inexperience. Got forward well and calm in defence. 8
Sami Khedira: Juventus man was seen as key against Italian side but lasted less than half the first half before succumbing to injury. N/A
Toni Kroos: So calm and confident on the ball and rarely gave it away. Dictated proceedings for world champions at times. 8
Mesut Özil:Ran the game for long periods from midfield, picking out passes and surging into box to open scoring. Also set up Gomez for opportunity but missed penalty at the end. 7
Thomas Müller: Still without a Euros goal and that stat appeared to weigh heavily at times. Denied by Buffon and some inspired Italian defending and capped night with miss in the shoot-out. 6
Mario Gómez: Denied by Buffon and headed over in first half. Fine work set up move for Germany’s opening goal before being replaced by Draxler. 7
Best off the bench - Bastian Schweinsteiger: Manchester United man came on early in place of injured Khedira. Had goal quickly ruled out for pushing but used his experience to keep Italy at bay. Missed penalty but reprieved. 6
Italy:
Gianluigi Buffon: Stupendous save from Gomez close range effort and was the more impressive of the two legendary stoppers on show. Never ruffled, however tense proceedings became. Saved from Muller but let Hector’s winning spot-kick under his body.8
Andrea Barzagli: Elegant on ball and enjoyed his evening amongst Old Lady colleagues. Helped shackle threat of Muller. 7
Leonardo Bonucci: Nerveless penalty to force extra time and that came on top of his fine display in the match, but could not convert in the shoot-out. 7
Giorgio Chiellini: Committed to the cause as ever and also displayed fine passing range. Relished running battle with Muller. 8
Marco Parolo: Very strong in the tackle and helped out well with defensive effort. Found the net in the shoot-out, but was the last Italian to do so. 7
Stefano Sturaro: Passionate showing after replacing the injured Daniele De Rossi. Had shot deflected wide but stood up well to German attacks. 7
Alessandro Florenzi: Superb going forward and at the back – including one acrobatic effort to deny Muller. Unlucky to end up on losing side. 8
Mattia De Sciglio: Booked for strong challenge on Kimmich and hit side netting with shot from edge of the box. Spot-kick cannoned off the crossbar. 6
Emanuele Giaccherini: Ran and ran all night. Quick feet creating openings but sometimes allowed emotions to get better of his play. Confident with his spot-kick at the end. 8
Graziano Pellè: Struggled to get much change from the German backline and rolled miserable penalty wide of Neuer’s post. 6
Éder: The more creative of Italy’s forward players, always on the move and with an eye for an opening. Taken off in extra-time for Insigne. 7
Best of the bench - Matteo Darmian: Another Manchester United substitute, brought on at end of normal time but had his penalty saved by Neuer to give Germany match point. 6
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