J.HECTOR PUTS GERMANY THROUGH TO THE SEMI FINALS AFTER 18 PENALTIES

Italy will feel aggrieved at being knocked out after performing so well for the vast majority of the tournament, but in the end they were outdone by a Germany side that wouldn't stop fighting. They were arguably the best team for the majority of this evening's game and could have won it after 90 minutes if it wasn't for Boateng's clumsy handball, but in the end it is they who will now face either France or Iceland in what is sure to be an excellent semi-final clash.
After 120 minutes of hard-fought action and 18 penalties, the referee finally brings an end to what was an entertaining and intriguing game between two very well-drilled sides. In the end, Germany just had enough to beat Italy on penalties to finally win their first competitive game against the Azzurri, and it came thanks to a coolly taken penalty from Hector that was inches away from being saved by Buffon.