Germany had never beaten Italy in eight attempts at major tournaments, losing all four of their past meetings in the knockout stages before today. Joachim Löw’s current crop produced a performance of cool authority to edge one step closer to glory.
It was Arsenal star Mesut Özil who slotted home the first goal for the world champions latching onto Hector’s cross in the 65th minute of the quarterfinal.
The Arsenal playmaker was in fine form throughout, scoring the first goal for the Die Mannschaft and Gunners fans across the globe couldn’t help but coo over Ozil’s display in Bordeaux, which they feel could help him be crowned Player of the Tournament.
Joachim Löw’s team won 6-5 in Bordeaux against Italy in the spot-kick lottery and It was a very memorable penalty shootout, as they won after 8 unsuccessful attempts of victory against the Gli Azzuri in the knockout stages of a major tournament.
Several star names failed to convert their penalties. Zaza, Müller, Özil, Graziano Pelle, Bonucci, Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian alll failed to hit the back of the net.
Özil gambled with his run in the box for the opener and scored from a deflected cross. This shows the change in mentality of a playmaker who is now making runs to score goals for his team. This can be a huge plus point for Arsenal and the German National team.
https://twitter.com/ArsenalsVoice/status/749342370060181504
Ozil scored already. Alexis already won Copa America AND the Golden Ball. Xhaka played decently in Euro 2016. All in all, ARSENAL HERE
— trill (@houstonbred) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/shippers14/status/749339925414371328
https://twitter.com/GumzTouray/status/749339657670918144
https://twitter.com/Kieran_B91/status/749339478439915521
OZIL is playing like Messi here though!!!Wow..
— Oviedo (@uwaorobs) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/WorldOfK_/status/749341046459494404
Games like this I'm proud to sing "We've got Ozil, we've got Mesut Ozil, I just don't think you understand……." #AFC #GoonerFamily #GER
— DD (@JcwannabeGooner) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/Toby_Smillie/status/749343249391845376
The master Ozil does it in the big games #GER 1 #ITA 0 #Goonerfamily #Arsenal #EURO2016 #Afc
— The Gooner (@TheGooner1079) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/miketemp95/status/749340682247102464
Mesut Ozil is the main man for Arsenal and Germany. Haters going to hate the best when he's better than the rest.
— Met. (@AFCMet) July 2, 2016
With the likes of Ramsey and Özil at their best, it would be difficult for Wilshere and Coquelin to get in the starting eleven but it’s always good for the team to have a healthy competition for the starting spots.
Özil has been immense for Germany throughout the tournament and let’s hope he comes back with full fitness and with the same hunger as ever.
What did you think of Ozil’s performances?
