Super Mario rips apart a humbled Germany
Mario Balotelli fetched the headlines for all the 'right' reasons as his 1st half brace was enough for the Azurri to defeat a below par Germany side. Mesut Ozil how ever got a consolation for his side as he converted from the spot.
Germany brought Mario Gomez & Lukas Podolski back into the squad as the two were benched in their quarter final tie with Greece. Toni Kroos got his first start of the tournament as Thomas Muller was overlooked. Italy on the other hand made only one change, bringing in Giorgio Chiellini to replace Ignazio Abate as the former fully recovered from his injury.
Min 1-6: Both sides got of to a cautious start!
Min 6: It was Germany who began with a bright start as Mats Hummels' effort was saved on line by Italy maestro Andre Pirlo.
Min 6-20: Germany had few more good chances but could not convert any of them as the Italy defense stood firm. Italy soon found their rhythm as they calmed the pace of the game down. The Italians then came all guns blazing as a flurry of attacks followed. Balotelli, Cassano and Montolivo all tried from range only to be denied by some superb saves from Bayern & Germany stopper Manual Neuer.
Min 20: The moment of magic from the Azrurri old guard Cassano arrived when he dodged two German defenders and delivered a lovely cross to Balotelli & the Super Mario delivered! Balotelli gave justice to the cross by heading the ball past a helpless Neuer to give the lead to the Azurri.
Italy 1-0 Germany
Min 20-36: The Germans were rocked by the goal. They found it difficult to control the game hence forth. The game had started diverting on the side of Italy as Buffon's team easily dominated the proceedings.
Min 36: Super Mario again! A beautiful searching cross from Montolivo found an unmarked Balotelli whose thunderbolt effort blazed past Neuer into the top right corner of the net. It was 2-0! Such was the perfection and class in Balotelli's goal that Manual Neuer too appreciated the effort by clapping for him!
Italy 2-0 Germany
Min 36-45: Minutes past by quickly for the Germans as they continued to unsuccessfully try and control the proceedings. It was half time and against all odds, Italy lead 2-0!
Half Time
Germany substituted Mario Gomez for Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski for Marco Reus in the half time as Italy remained unchanged.
Min 45-58: Germany looked a much better side in the second half as they started creating good chances. One such good chance fell for Lahm as he blasted his shot above the bar after being released by Kroos. Reus after coming on looked very lively. He then tried his luck from 20 yards but his on target free kick effort was well saved by Buffon.
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| Where did it all went wrong? |
Min 58: Substitution, Italy - On: Alessandro Diamanti Off: Antonio Cassano
Min 58-64: As Germany looked to commit more men upfront, there was always a risk of a counter attack. Italy looked to make full use of the counters as Diamanti fed an unmarked Machisio only for the Azurri midfielder to shoot on the wrong side of the goal.
Min 64: Substitution, Italy - On: Thiago Motta Off: Ricardo Montolivo
Min 70: Substitution, Italy - On: Antonio Di Natale Off: Mario Balotelli
Min 71: Substitution, Germany - On: Thomas Muller Off: Jerome Boetang
Min 71-90+2: Italy was again in the front foot as Diamanti created some great openings only to be wasted by Machisio and Di Natale with goal at their mercy. Minutes went by for the toothless German attack which was unable to do anything.
Min 90+2: Germany were given a lifeline after Balzeratti"s handball was spotted by the referee as he immediately pointed towards the spot. Mesut Ozil converted the penalty but it was too little too late for the Germans.
Full Time: Italy held on to secure a well deserved victory.
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