Germany took on Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 on Saturday night in Bordeaux.
Both teams had half-chances in a tight first period, but the pair headed down the tunnel level at 0-0.
The world champions made the breakthrough in the 65th minute when Mesut Ozil fired home from close range.
Italy were level in the 78th minute from a Leonardo Bonucci penalty, however, and that was how normal time finished as the third quarter-final of the 2016 European Championships headed for extra-time and ultimately penalties.
Seven players missed in what was a topsy-turvy shootout, but it was Germany that came through 6-5 to book their spot in the semi-finals of the European Championships.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 coverage continues from Bordeaux and it is a cracker as world champions Germany take on Italy in the quarter-finals. It is not a surprise that the Germans have reached the last-eight stage, but not many tipped Italy to enjoy a successful tournament. The winner of this clash will join Portugal and Wales in the semi-finals, with the final last-eight clash to come tomorrow night.
Tonight will be the 34th international fixture between these two nations and Italy lead the head-to-head record 15 wins to Germany's eight. Their last match-up was a friendly in Munich on March 29 and it was Germany that recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory, but it would be fair to say that the world champions have really struggled for results against the Italians in major tournaments.
Indeed, Germany have never – that is right, never – beaten Italy in a competitive football match. Their first competitive meeting came in the 1962 World Cup, where they played out a goalless draw in the group stages. Italy then recorded a 4-3 victory in the semi-finals of the 1970 World Cup, before another goalless draw occurred in the group stages of the 1978 World Cup.
The pair then clashed in the final of the 1982 World Cup in Madrid and it was Italy that recorded a 3-1 victory to secure the crown. The two nations then played out a 1-1 draw in the group stage of Euro 1988, before the same scoreline occurred in the group stages of Euro 1996. Italy then beat Germany 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup on their way to winning the title in Berlin.
Their last competitive match was in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 and Italy recorded a 2-1 victory, before losing the final 4-0 to Spain. As a result, Italy will enter this match having never lost a competitive match to Germany, which is an incredible statistic. Germany are down as the favourites to progress to the semi-finals, but the Italians have already shown their credentials in this competition.
Just a reminder that kickoff tonight is not actually until 8pm UK time, but be sure to remain with me for the build-up and indeed team news, which is expected to land in the next 40 minutes or so. It will be interesting to see whether either manager has made any changes from their last-16 ties. Germany have had one extra day to recover and they certainly had the easier match, which might well give them an advantage tonight, especially if this quarter-final heads for extra-time and beyond.
Germany won their fourth World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and they are seeking their fourth European Championship crown this year. They won the competition in 1972 and 1980, before famously triumphing on English soil at Euro 1996. The four-time world champions went out in the group stages of both Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, but made the final of Euro 2008 and as mentioned, lost to Italy at the semi-final stage of Euro 2012. They might well feel that it is their time to triumph again.
Sports Mole has asked former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham for his prediction for tonight's match and this is what the 37-year-old is backing to occur in Bordeaux...
Germany lost two of their 10 qualification matches for this summer's tournament, but they managed to finish above Poland and Republic of Ireland to secure first position. They scored 24 times in their 10 qualifying fixtures, but also conceded nine times, which is a surprise considering their defensive strength in these championships thus far. Indeed, they are yet to ship a single goal at Euro 2016.
Germany opened their Group C campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ukraine on June 12, but were held to a goalless draw in their second match against Poland. Joachim Low's side needed to beat Northern Ireland in their final group match on June 21 to secure first position and that was indeed the case as Mario Gomez, who is back in favour, netted the only goal of the match.
As a result, the Germans breezed through the group stages on seven points after winning two of their three matches and remaining unbeaten in the process. Poland also posted the same record in Group C, but Germany scored three times to Poland's two and did not concede. As a result, the world champions were drawn against Slovakia in the first knockout round of the competition.
Slovakia entered their last-16 match off the back of a 0-0 draw with England in their final Group B match, but in truth, they were no match for the Germans last weekend. First-half goals from Jerome Boateng and Mario Gomez sent Low's side on their way to the quarter-finals, before Julian Draxler added a third just past the hour to make it a comfortable night for Die Mannschaft.
It would be fair to say that Germany struggled to produce their best form in the group stages, but they were brilliant in the 3-0 win over Slovakia, who had no answer to the pace and power on display. Germany have now scored six times in their four matches at Euro 2016 and not conceded, which demonstrates how strong they have been as a defensive unit. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels have been brilliant in central defence, while Joshua Kimmich at right-back has been sensational.
There were question marks over Germany entering this summer's tournament, especially when considering that they lost two of their three pre-tournament friendlies to England and Slovakia. They also lost 2-0 to France last November in a non-competitive match, but Germany turn up for the big tournaments and they look to be the team to beat once again here. Team news is not far away now!
The first semi-final has already been decided after Portugal and Wales came through their quarter-finals against Poland and Belgium. The second semi-final will be contested between the winner of tonight's match and the winner of France versus Iceland tomorrow. With respect to Portugal and Wales, the winner of the second semi-final will fancy their chances of lifting the crown.
The team news is not far away here and it will be interesting to see who Low has chosen to lead the German line. Mario Gotze struggled in that position in their first two matches, but Gomez has started the last two and indeed scored in both of them. Leroy Sane is also capable of playing as a centre-forward, but we have not yet seen the brilliant 20-year-old in these championships.
The top scorer in the German squad is actually Lukas Podolski on 48 goals, while Gomez now has 29 in 67 appearances. Andre Schurrle's record is also very strong with 20 goals in 55 caps and the likes of Draxler and Toni Kroos will always chip in. Thomas Muller has 32 international goals to his name, but it would be fair to say that we are yet to see the best of the Bayern Munich forward at Euro 2016.
TEAMS!
GER: Neuer; Howedes, Boateng, Hummels; Kimmich, Khedira, Kroos, Hector; Ozil, Muller; Gomez
ITA: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Sturaro, Parolo, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pelle, Eder
Interestingly, it appears that Germany will match-up to Italy's 3-5-2 formation tonight. Is it a risk? Only time will tell! Just the one change from the 3-0 win over Slovakia as Benedikt Howedes replaces Julian Draxler, which allows Howedes to start in a back three with Boateng and Hummels. Jonas Hector and Joshua Kimmich will play as the two wing-backs, while Gomez once again leads the line with support from Muller and Mesut Ozil. What a massive call from Low to change his shape!
As for Italy, Antonio Conte has made one change to the team that beat Spain in the round of 16 and it comes in central midfield as Stefano Sturaro replaces the experienced Daniele de Rossi, who misses out with a thigh strain. Eder and Graziano Pelle have formed a brilliant relationship in this summer's competition and they continue their partnership in the final third of the field.
So there we have it. The team news is in and we are now little under 50 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Bordeaux. I have spoken about Germany and their performances at this summer's championships, but what about Italy? Conte's side were pretty much written-off before the tournament even started, but they have put in some brilliant performances in France.
Italy might be four-time world champions, but they failed to make it out of the group stages of both the 2010 and 2014 World Cup and it had been claimed that they would struggle to compete this summer due to injuries and lack of star quality, especially in forward positions. They were branded a 'spent force' by sections of their own media, but they are now one step away from making the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and potentially having the chance to beat France on home soil. Or indeed Iceland!
Italy have only actually won the European Championships on one occasion and that was back in 1968 on home turf. They reached the semi-finals in 1988, however, and were runners-up at both Euro 2000 and Euro 2012, in addition to making the quarter-finals of Euro 2008. They are strong players in this competition and know what it takes to compete in the knockout rounds.
Conte's side comfortably qualified for Euro 2016 – winning seven of their 10 matches and remaining unbeaten in the process to finish top of Group H. They failed to win any of their four friendlies after qualification, however, and question marks were raised whether an aging team could compete in France.
This summer, they were drawn into a tough group alongside Belgium, Sweden and Republic of Ireland, but managed to win the section with six points. Indeed, they put their first three points on the board in their Group E opener – beating Belgium 2-0 to lay down a marker. That placed the Azzurri in a strong position in the section and a 1-0 victory over Sweden on June 17 took them into the next round.
As expected, Conte made plenty of changes – eight in total – for their final group match against Republic of Ireland and they were beaten 1-0 as Ireland made the round of 16 in third place. Italy had already qualified as group winners, however, and would have expected to have drawn Croatia in the next round. That was not to be though as Croatia beat Spain in their final group match to top the section and leave the Italians with a last-16 tie against the holders and much-fancied Spain.
Italy were after revenge having lost the final of Euro 2012 to Spain and a wonderful performance from the 2006 world champions saw them dump La Roja out of the tournament. It was Giorgio Chiellini that opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, before Graziano Pelle added a second in second-half stoppage time to cap what was a wonderful performance from the Italians.
Spain were off-colour on Monday in Paris, but Italy showed their strength at the back and also their ability to threaten in the final third of the field. There was nothing fortunate about Italy's victory in the round of 16 and they will enter this match full of confidence. If there is one team to stop this brilliant Germany team finding the back of the net, you sense that it would be the Italians.
Like Germany, Italy do not have a star centre-forward, but Southampton's Pelle has two goals this summer and has proved a brilliant partner for the pacey Eder in the final third. It might not be a team full of big names, but Conte has the players working for each other and with such a strong defence, they will fancy their chances of grinding out a result tonight. The atmosphere is really building now!
Sports Mole has asked former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham for his prediction for tonight's match and this is what the 37-year-old is backing to occur in Bordeaux...
Juventus have been so dominant in their domestic league in recent years and it is not much of a surprise that Gianluigi Buffon, Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leondro Bonucci have formed such a strong unit in this competition. Buffon will win his 161st cap here, Chiellini his 88th, Barzagli his 61st and Bonucci his 62nd. It is a wonderful defensive unit and it will need to be tight and compact here to stop a free-flowing German side from finding the back of the net. Just 10 minutes until kickoff now!
A reminder of the two teams for tonight's match...
GER: Neuer; Howedes, Boateng, Hummels; Kimmich, Khedira, Kroos, Hector; Ozil, Muller; Gomez
ITA: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Sturaro, Parolo, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pelle, Eder
Time for the national anthems!
As expected, both anthems are very emotional! But there is just something about the Italian anthem that is very, very special. Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged - time for the football then. Germany versus Italy for a spot in the semi-finals.
KICKOFF! Germany get the first period underway in Bordeaux...
... it must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is absolutely incredible. Let's hope that the football matches it! You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result. Both teams have been sensational defensively in this competition.
As expected, Germany have matched up to Italy's 3-5-2 formation tonight, which is a statement of respect for Conte's team. Possession football from the Germans in the early stages in Bordeaux.
Good pressure from Italy as they force two corners in quick succession, but Germany manage to clear the danger on both occasions. The second set piece actually falls to Sturaro on the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Fairly low-key start to this match.
Giaccherini does well to pull onto Boateng and spin inside the German box and the attacker's effort is deflected just wide of the post. Italy are growing after Germany looked to make a fast start.
Germany are now back in control of the possession as they force Italy to retreat into a defensive shape. It is a fascinating tactical battle at the moment as both teams size up the opposition.
Not too much to report in terms of chances or attacking football at the moment, but Germany are in control of the ball as they pass and probe in the final third. Italy will be more than happy to sit deep and absorb the pressure, before looking to release the likes of Eder on the counter-attack here.
Just a reminder that the winner of tonight's match will take on either France or Iceland in the semi-finals of the competition next Thursday. The other semi-final will be Portugal versus Wales.
Slight problem for Khedira as the midfielder takes a heavy challenge from Chiellini, but it does appear that the Juventus man will be fit to continue. He has been down for a few moments though.
Khedira is going to be replaced here. Big blow for Germany!
SAVE! Florenzi cuts inside two defenders before drilling one towards goal, but it is a comfortable save for Neuer. Khedira is indeed going to be replaced for the Germans here.
GER SUB! Schweinsteiger replaces Khedira for Germany in the 16th minute.
We are still waiting for the first clear-cut chance, which is not too much of a surprise. It is very tight and I would be surprised if that pattern changed, especially if the score remains 0-0 for a long period.
Half-chance for Germany as Gomez makes a super run and manages to meet a sweeping pass from Kroos, but his effort loops into the arms of Buffon, who can release De Sciglio down the right.
Italy are finding it difficult to break the lines at the moment as Germany boss the midfield battle. Bonucci eventually looks to deliver towards Eder, but Boateng is on hand to deal with the situation.
Kimmich continues to make good ground for Germany down the right, but Italy are very strong with anything that comes into the air. Kimmich is clearly the out-ball, however, as Boateng and Howedes both look for the 21-year-old whenever they have time and space on the ball. Still goalless in Bordeaux.
The referee decides to have a word with Sturaro during a period of late challenges! We have not yet had a yellow card, but we must be getting close as tackles arrive from every angle imaginable!
GOAL DISALLOWED! Schweinsteiger heads a wonderful Muller cross into the back of the net, but the midfielder is adjudged to have pushed De Sciglio before heading past Buffon!
Italy are struggling to carry a threat at the moment as Germany continue to dominate possession of the ball. Eder is full of running in the final third, but has struggled to get the better of Germany's physical central defenders. Down the other end, Gomez looks to meet an excellent pass from Ozil, but Chiellini is across to make the clearance and indeed win his team a free kick following a high boot from Gomez.
Half-chance for Italy as Kimmich allows the ball to slide under his feet and it allows De Sciglio to cross from a wide position, but Boateng is across ahead of Giaccherini to make the clearance.
Just a reminder that Germany have NEVER beaten Italy in a competitive match, which is just incredible. They have been the better side tonight, but the scoreboard remains 0-0 in Bordeaux.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and as expected, it has been very tight. Italy have just started to threaten in the final third, but neither team has really had a clear-cut chance in the opening 36 minutes of this quarter-final. I still fancy this one to go to extra-time and beyond.
OOPS! Buffon makes a meal of a cross from the left and almost allows Gomez to poke home from close range. Not like the Italian goalkeeper! Not the type of game for the mistakes!
Germany continue to deliver high balls into the Italian box, but it is perfect for the team in blue as they continue to clear their own penalty area. Still waiting for the first real opportunity here.
CHANCE! Proper chance for Germany this time as Kimmich delivers a super cross onto the head of Gomez, but the striker's effort is wide of the post. Much better from the Germans there.
CHANCE! Another chance for Germany as Muller finds himself unmarked inside the Italian box following a couple of mistakes, but his effort lacks power and Buffon makes the save.
CHANCES! Two big Italian chances! First, Giaccherini breaks clear inside the German box before delivering a smart cross towards Eder - Germany half-clear to Sturaro and his effort is just deflected wide of the post. Germany did not look secure at the back there!
HALF-TIME: Germany 0-0 Italy
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0 following a very close opening 45 minutes of football. Germany have shaded the match overall, but both sides came close in the latter stages of the half. We could well be in for a long night in Bordeaux!
STATS! Germany have shaded the possession with 53%, while they have had four attempts, but just one of those was on target. Italy, meanwhile, have hit the target with one of their five attempts. No yellow cards to report, but there have been a number of tasty challenges from both sets of players.
BENCH WATCH! Germany have already been forced into one change with Schweinsteiger replacing the injured Khedira in the 16th minute. Low, however, has a whole host of attacking options on his bench in the shape of Draxler, Gotze, Podolski, Sane and Schurrle. Italy, meanwhile, have the likes of Bernardeschi, El Shaaraway, Immobile, Insigne and Zaza on what is also a very attacking bench.
RESTART! Italy resume the second period here...
... no changes in terms of personnel, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops. One goal wins it for me.
Half-chance for the Italians as De Sciglio delivers a dangerous cross from the right, but Eder cannot find Giaccherini under pressure from two defenders. Moments later, De Sciglio again delivers from the same area, but Pelle is beaten in the air. Bit of pressure on the German back four at the moment.
The tempo has definitely risen in the second period and that is great news for the neutral. I had a horrible feeling that this would drift into a 0-0 draw, but both teams are attacking at the moment.
You just get the feeling that one goal would be enough to win this match and both teams are threatening in the final third. Kimmich breaks down the right for Germany before delivering a super cross towards the near point, but Barzagli is on hand to make the clearance. Much better game.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Germany to take the lead as Gomez sets up Muller inside the Italian box and the Bayern man fires towards goal, but Florenzi makes a super block!
BOOKING! Sturaro (Italy) is booked for dissent.
BOOKING! De Sciglio (Italy) is booked for a late challenge on Kimmich.
BOOKING! Parolo (Italy) is booked for a high boot on Gomez.
Little under 30 minutes of normal time remaining and Germany are in control as they pass and probe in the final third of the field. Italy will be waiting for that one chance to launch a counter-attack.
Giaccherini cuts inside onto his stronger foot and delivers a brilliant cross towards Florenzi, but Hector is on hand to clear behind. That is the threat from Italy - the fast counter-attack.
Half-chance for the Italians, but Parolo's effort from distance was always wide of the post.
GOAL! Germany 1-0 Italy (Ozil)
Breakthrough! Germany strike first in this quarter-final as Ozil fires home from close range after Hector's low cross had been deflected into the path of the Arsenal attacker - ruthless finish!
Italy just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Germany go in search of a quick-fire second.
SAVE! Wonderful save! Gomez breaks through for Germany and looks to fire home from close range, but Buffon is on hand to tip the ball over the crossbar!
GER SUB! Gomez is replaced by Draxler in Germany's second change.
There is still time for Italy, but something has to change here as Germany continue to look the team more likely to score the game's second goal. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Italy as De Sciglio picks out Pelle with a brilliant low cross, but the striker's effort flies over the crossbar. Should have made Neuer work there!
PENALTY ITALY!
Italy have a penalty as Boateng handles inside the box! What was he thinking?!
GOAL! Germany 1-1 Italy (Bonucci, pen)
We are all square here as Bonucci fires his penalty past Neuer. What a moment!
I thought that one goal would be enough to win this match, but Italy were having none of it and we enter the final 10 minutes at 1-1. What a brilliant second half of football this has been here!
CHANCE! Brilliant break from the Italians as Florenzi drives down the right before finding Eder, who rolls the ball into Pelle and the striker's attempt is blocked wide of the post.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. No sign of either side settling for extra-time with 84 on the clock.
Italy are going to make their first change of the match in the next break.
ITA SUB! Man United's Darmian replaces Florenzi for the Italians.
Neither side is giving too much away at the moment as extra-time moves closer and closer.
CLOSE! De Sciglio hits the side-netting with a strike from distance!
BOOKING! Hummels (Germany) is booked for a late challenge on Eder.
We are into the second of three additional minutes here and it does appear that extra-time and possibly penalties will be needed to separate these two teams. What a second half of football.
Two brilliant headers from Chiellini to clear ahead of Schweinsteiger and Muller.
END OF 90 MINUTES: Germany 1-1 Italy
So there we have it. The referee brings normal time to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. It was always going to go the distance and we will now head into extra-time in the third quarter-final.
Will this be decided in the next 30 minutes, or will penalties be needed? You just sense that this one is going to go the distance. Both managers are getting their points across at the moment.
RESTART! Germany get the extra-time period underway in Bordeaux...
... BOOKING! Pelle (Italy) is booked for a late tackle on Boateng.
Germany have one substitute left in this match, while Italy have two, which is a big advantage at this stage of events. It is Germany that have started extra-time in control of the possession.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football at the moment, but Germany are the team in control of the ball. Italy seem more than happy to sit deep and absorb the pressure at the moment.
Players are going down all over the place at the moment following a number of late challenges and that is slowing the tempo. Italy have a half-chance as Pelle meets a cool flick from Eder, but the striker's effort was always wide of the post. Still goalless with seven minutes of extra-time played.
You get the feeling that Italy would be happy to take their chances in the penalty shootout, while Germany seem keen to get the job done in normal time. Still no separation in Bordeaux tonight.
Muller has a strike deflected wide for a corner after finding space outside the Italian box.
Boateng tries his luck from distance, but his effort was always wide of the post.
BOOKING! Giaccherini (Italy) is booked for handball.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Germany 1-1 Italy
Still no separating these two teams and we are now 15 minutes away from penalties!
RESTART Italy get the second half of extra-time underway...
... could well be time for someone to make themselves a hero in the next 15 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Draxler as Italy fail to properly clear a cross from the right, but the attacker hooks over from close range. What a chance to surely win this game!
ITA SUB! Insigne replaces Eder for the Italians.
Almost a wonderful chance for Germany as Draxler races clear of the Italian midfield before looking to set up Muller, but the pass is too strong! Schweinsteiger then fires over the crossbar from distance.
Well, I expected this extra-time period to just fizzle out, but Germany are really going for it at the moment and Italy are starting to look tired for the first time in this match and indeed the tournament.
BOOKING! Schweinsteiger (Germany) is booked for a foul on Darmian.
Super work from Insigne inside the German box as he turns and shoots in one movement, but Neuer is on hand to make the save. This is much better than I expected the second half to be!
Germany have a free kick in a dangerous position as Muller wins a foul from Chiellini...
... the referee orders a re-take following some pushing inside the box.
Kroos again delivers into the Italian box and Parolo is on hand to make the clearance.
Germany want a penalty as Muller pokes the ball into a number of blue shirts, but the referee is not interested. Super period of passing from the Germans in the last two minutes or so here.
Ozil fires straight at Buffon as Germany continue to threaten here.
ITA SUB! Zaza replaces Chiellini for the Italians.
END OF 120 MINUTES: Germany 1-1 Italy
We head for a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw between Germany and Italy!
Germany have still never beaten Italy at a major competition - in normal time anyway! The pressure on these players is going to be incredible. There will be a hero and a villain in around 10 minutes!
Here we go then. Germany versus Italy in a penalty shootout for a spot in the semi-finals.
GOAL! Insigne scores to send the Italians ahead.
GOAL! Kroos fires past Buffon for 1-1 here.
MISS! Zaza fires straight over the crossbar! Wow!
SAVE! Muller fires straight at Buffon!
GOAL! Barzagli sends it home to send Italy 2-1 ahead!
POST! Ozil hits the post! My word!
WIDE! Pelle drags his effort wide of the post. Incredible scenes!
GOAL! Draxler scores for 2-2 in the shootout.
SAVE! Neuer keeps out Bonucci's low effort!
OVER! Schweinsteiger fires over the crossbar! We go on!
GOAL! Giaccherini sends the Italians ahead!
GOAL! Hummels just about beats Buffon, who got a hand to it.
GOAL! Parolo goes down the middle to score.
GOAL! Bottom corner from Kimmich!
GOAL! De Sciglio finds the back of the net via the woodwork.
GOAL! Boateng finds the corner to level it once again.
SAVE! Neuer keeps out Darmian's effort!
GOAL! Hector scores past Buffon and Germany have won it!
Hector blasts his effort past Buffon and Germany have made the semi-finals of the European Championships. It is heartbreak for the Italians, who have so much to this competition.
That is just about it from me tonight as I gather my thoughts, but thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and look out for our match report, which will follow in the next five or 10 minutes. Be sure to join us for more live Euro 2016 coverage tomorrow night. Until then!
