How Germany finally ended their Italy curse
Germany had to negotiate the equal-longest penalty shootout in Euros history but they finally managed to overcome Italy in a competitive game to set up a last-four clash against hosts France or Iceland.
Shootout heroes
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved two spot kicks and defender Jonas Hector struck the winning penalty to put Germany through. After the match ended 1-1 following 120 minutes of intense action in Bordeaux, Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich and Jerome Boateng also scored in the shootout, while Thomas Müller, Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger failed.
Fantastic support
The German fans did their best to give their team an extra edge, including unfurling two huge banners and waving black and white flags in an impressive display before kickoff at the Stade de Bordeaux.
Early blow for Germany
Germany were forced into making a change after only 15 minutes when Sami Khedira pulled up with what looked like a groin problem. It was more rotten luck for the midfielder, who missed the 2014 World Cup final due to injury. Khedira was replaced by captain Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Löw gets involved
The Germany coach had to take evasive action but maintained his characteristic calm on the sidelines. His choice of a three-man defense was criticized in some quarters but Italy didn't manage a goal from open play.
Deadlock broken
Mario Gomez sends Jonas Hector clear in the penalty area and Mesut Ozil fires the defender's deflected cross past Gigi Buffon to put Germany ahead in the 65th minute.
Boateng blooper
Jerome Boateng blots his copybook when he jumps into a challenge with both arms raised and concedes a penalty. With 12 minutes left in normal time, Leonardo Bonucci levels from the spot. "I didn't get my arms down quickly enough," Boateng later says.
Penalty equalizer
Italy finally get the ball in the net when Bonucci fires confidently past Neuer. Neuer dives the right way but has no chance of saving the defender's well-struck effort.
Neuer finally beaten
Germany went into the match as the only team at the tournament yet to concede a goal. At the other end, Neuer's Italian counterpart Gigi Buffon is also beaten for the first time, having not featured in the 1-0 group-stage defeat to Ireland.
Another casualty
Striker Mario Gomez is also forced off after picking up an apparent muscle strain in the second half. Julian Draxler, who many had expected to play from the start, comes on and later converts in the shootout.
Waiting for the final
Mats Hummels, making his 50th appearance for Germany, will have to wait and see if his tournament is over after collecting a yellow card that rules him out of the semifinals. "It just means my tired body will have more time to rest," the centre back said optimistically.
Conte departs, Löw marches on
Italy coach Antonio Conte has managed the national team for the last time before he takes over at Premier League club Chelsea next season. His Germany counterpart Joachim Löw, meanwhile, sets his sights on the final in Paris.