This had to be the toughest game that these German players have ever gone through. Facing a behemoth of an Italian defence who again were resolute and tough to break down. Germany eventually became the first team to succesfully penetrate the Juventus backline but it was short-lived with the Italians coming back. Which setup a memorable and unforgettable penalty shootout.
It was an epic showdown, and Germany managed to come through. A victory which should surely give them the confidence to go all the way to town and cash in their European cheque. These are the kinds of games that if you win, no challenge can be greater for you to face.
This game played like a World Cup final and was incredibly tactical. Hardly an inch was given and both teams cancelled each other out. Joachim was the first to flinch by altering his tactics beforeheand to match up with Conte, in fear of his team's progressive football getting exposed by the brilliant counter-attacking of Conte's team.
The result wasn't the most exciting game, but for the strategists out there, this was like being in the circus. Watching how both teams worked hard to close each other down, the defending, timing of the tackles and the focus is what you get at the very highest level of football. So there's beauty in the staelmate, watching how neither player was willing to make a mistake and how incredibly organised both teams were.
Things looked to be heading for penalties but it was that divisive figure who was decisive for Germany. Mario Gomez, who peeled off on the left wing, held the ball up and instead of playing the simple ball back to keep possession as he did several times in the game, this time he waited for the right moment and played a reverse through-ball.
Germany were racing down the wing, and before that staunch Italian defence could organise themselves, as the ball was fired in it was Ozil who was the quickest to react and poked in to give Germany the lead. That Juventus rearguard had finally conceded, and the game had changed.
It's what Germany wanted because Italy had to come out to play, meaning more space for the Germans to exploit. And so they ramped up the pressure looking for that second as quickly as possible, suffocating the Italians and pinning them down on the canvas, with all that was left being a second goal that would have completely ended this as a contest. And they almost got it when Mario Gomez received the ball in an awkward position, and with some improvisation managed to backheel it towards goal but the legendary Buffon was there to tip it over the bar.
Italy were not ready to give up and go home just yet and that save from Buffon was a source of renewed hope. When Florenzi crossed the ball into the box, for no real reason, Boateng wanted to spread his wings and see if he could take off and fly like a bird.
He didn't fly, and ended up giving away a penalty. Another turning point in the game and Bonnucci stepped up to put away a very fine penalty to level it up for Italy. We were back as we were, and thirty more minutes of extra time couldn't change the outcome.
Penalties.
This will go down as one of the most memorable and dramatic penalty shootouts in history. It read like a dramatic epic that swung in surprising directions, keeping us viewers always guessing and shocked, reminding me of a great episode of Jack Bauer on his 24 escapades. At one point you thought Germany would wrap it up, then Italy had the advantage then they gave it away.
Breaking News: I'm hearing that Zaza's penalty has now landed safely on Neptune, so at least we've now confirmed the locations of that ball.
The decisive moment came when Neuer psyched out Darmian, getting in his head, and making the save, and little known Jonas Hector showed he ought to be counted as part of the effort and put away his own penalty, albeit in not the most convincing manner as Buffon was inches away from stopping it.
Condolences to Italy who fought bravely and valiantly and were part of a really close game. The congratulations must go to the World Champions who showed great character and resolve by sticking it through and getting the job done on penalties, coming out as winners.
Surely, that trophy has their name on it? Or is it too early to say? HH
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