“It’s rare for a team to miss three penalties and then that’s still not enough to win”.
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Germany has not lost a penalty shootout since 1976, and that fact still stands, as they edged Italy, with seven players failing to score.
Former Manchester United and Leeds United defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested on social networking site Twitter that he was impressed with the performance of Mesut Ozil for Germany against Italy on Saturday evening.
“I didn’t see anyone alongside me, the media, or anyone, it was always Conte against everyone”, he lamented. Italy’s unbeaten streak lasted many years winning 8 consecutive matches over the Germans.
‘The fans realised we did all we could and I am happy with the welcome we have had – I knew they would understand. “That’s history, but every game is different, every game has its own story”.
Conte says he is planning to take a week off before beginning his work at Stamford Bridge, and when asked if he might coach the Azzurri again in the future he said he considered the prospect unlikely.
Bonucci was a surprising choice as penalty-taker, considering he hadn’t previously taken one in regulation time in his career.
Germany talisman Schweinsteiger again started on the bench but was introduced after quarter of an hour to replace Sami Khedira, who came off with a groin injury. “It doesn’t matter if I score or not”. The penalty shootout went all the way to the 9th shot when the Italians shot was saved by Manuel Neuer.
“Well of course it was a dramatic game ’til the very last shot”.
Hummels, who has just moved from Borussia Dortmund to German champions Bayern Munich, added: “You won’t believe it, but yes we [practised penalties] in training a few times”.
It took 42 minutes for either side to produce a genuine chance, but Germany forward Thomas Mueller, usually deadly in front of goal, scuffed his shot and Buffon saved easily.
France completely outclassed minnows Iceland while Wales arguably put in the performance of the tournament when they beat Belgium 3-1. “I am sure all the other teams in the semi-finals would have liked that the Germans to go home, but it has not turned out like that”.
“The lads gave everything they had against a very strong side”, he said.
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“After the World Cup, I realised we had to change a little bit”.
