Germany and Italy squared off in the semi finals of the Euro 2012 tournament. With Germany proving to be an attacking threat throughout the competition and Italy to be a defensive rock, the game was bound to be an interesting one.
The match kicked off with Germany dominating the play early on and creating the most chances. However in the 18th minute, Cassano went on to take a pop at goal and it took Neuer to make a diving save to keep the ball out.
Two minutes later, Italy had taken the lead as Balotelli scored for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926. Cassano went on to create space and cross the ball into the area, as the Manchester City got forward and thumped the ball into the back of the net.
Following the goal, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904 went on to try and create something in front of the Italian goal but failed to do so.
Just as the Germans looked to create a little space, Italy were handed a great chance to score.
In the 36th minute, the Italian midfield played a ball towards Balotelli who managed to spring the offside trap. He then darted forward as he thumped the ball past Neuer and into the back of the net.
Following the goal, neither side managed to create any real chances, as the match came to an end.
As the second half started, Germany tried to assert their dominance on the game once again. Lahm went on to combine with Kroos, before sending an effort over the bar in the 49th minute.
Italy then seemed to go three goals up, as Diamanti and Marchisio went on to play a couple of one twos. The resulting shot should have settled into the back of the net, but went flying wide of the mark.
The Italians broke free again in the 82nd minute. The Italians attacked Germany on the counter and Di Natale went on to be free with acres of space in front of him. He took a pop at goal, but could only manage to strike his effort into the side
netting.
In the last minute of stoppage time, Germany were handed a penalty as Balzaretti went on to use his hand to control the ball in the box.
Ozil stepped up to take the spot kick and slid his effort into the back of the net, beating Buffon by inches.
Despite their best efforts, the team couldn’t score another to take the game into extra time and Italy went on to secure a spot for themselves in the finals of the competition.
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