Germany break jinx to send Italy packing through thrilling penalty shootout (updated)

World champions Germany, who had never beaten Italy in their eight previous encounters in major soccer tournaments, broke the jinx at the Euro 2016 quarterfinals here on Saturday through a thrilling penalty shootout.

After 120 minutes of hard-fought action and 18 penalties, Germany nailed the win. German defender Jonas Hector ended the breathtaking duel with a low shot which was inches away from being saved by Italy veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Germany coach Joachim Low said, "It was a dramatic game. We closed the center, so the Italians had no chance."

"I did not have any influence to the selection of players for the penalties," Low added.

Both sides tied 1-1 after regular time and failed to score in the 30-minute extra time.

Italy's substitute Lorenzo Insigne stepped in first in the shootout, followed by German midfielder Toni Kroos. Both made it.

A total of nine players from each side came in the shootout. Germany finally won on 6-5.

German big names -- Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger -- failed to score, as did Italy's Simone Zara, Leonardo Bonucci, Graziano Pelle, and Matteo Darmian.

German keeper Manuel Neuer was voted as the Man of the Match. He said, "It's a drama. I had never seen such things before. Luckily we succeeded and reached the semifinals."

"Of course I was prepared basically in the penalties. The Italians didn't chose the corner they picked last time. I think they did their preparations well. And they know I did mine," he added.

Italy performed well for the vast majority of the tournament, but in the end they were outdone by Germany that wouldn't stop fighting.

Italy coach Antonio Conte said, "They need 18 penalties to beat us. I think Germany have huge respect for Italy. After the 2014 World Cup, they changed formation. It was a tough match from every perspective."

"I had made the decision to leave the team after two year spell before the tournament. My future is Chelsea. In a few days a new season begins. Not even have a single-day holiday," Conte added.

Germany could have won it after 90 minutes if it wasn't for Jerome Boateng's clumsy handball.

In the penultimate match of the quarterfinals, Germany broke the ice in the 65th minute when forward Mario Gomez charged down the left wing and did well to hold up the ball before spinning and teeing up Hector. The wing-back quickly poked a cross over to Ozil. The ball was deflected into the path of the Arsenal midfielder, who beat two defenders to the ball before slotting it past Buffon to make it 1-0.

Italy tied the score in 78th minute when Bonucci stepped up and fired a wonderful penalty shot past the outstretched limbs of Neuer and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

The penalty was awarded to Italy after German defender Boateng rose high to deal with a dangerous cross in the box but blocked the ball with a flailing arm, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

In Round of 16, Italy knocked out holders Spain in fairly convincing fashion, while Germany were simply too good for Slovakia in a 3-0 comfortable win.

Germany coach Joachim Low made just one change to his side with Benedikt Howedes coming into the starting line-up to replace Julian Draxler and to transform a back four into a three, with Joshua Kimmich and Jonas Hector operating as wing-backs.

Italy boss Antonio Conte also made one alteration to his side with Stefano Sturaro replacing the injured Daniele De Rossi.

In the Euro 2012 semifinals, Italy eliminated Germany 2-0. Tonight, Germany took the revenge.

Germany will face either host France or Iceland in the Euro 2016 semis.

Low said, "I think France will be the favorites. Iceland surprised us. It is a well organized team. It will not be a very easy game for France." Endit