Germany down Italy in penalties

After 120 minutes of hard-fought action and 18 nail-biting penalties, Germany came on top and beat Italy in the third quarter final match of the Euro 2016 at Matmut Atlantique stadium here.

Jonas Hector scored the decisive spot-kick as Joachim Low's men booked their spot in the semi-finals following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Saturday bringing an end to an entertaining and intriguing game between two very well-drilled sides.

Germany edged the Azzurri 6-5 on penalties after seven players failed to find the back of the net in the shootout.

Germany took the lead thanks to Mesut Ozil's finish after a superb move made by Mario Gomez in the 65th minute. But Italy clawed themselves level when Leonardo Bonucci scored a penalty after Jerome Boateng handled inside the box in the 78th minute.

Die Mannschaft will now play the winner of hosts France and Iceland, who lock horns on Sunday, in the last four.

--IANS

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