Euro 2016: Germany beat Italy to mark spot in the semi-final

Germany defeated Italy 6-5 in a marathon shootout featuring 18 penalties to finally end their jinx against their old rivals in major tournaments and reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals on Saturday.

They will now face the winners of the other quarter-final between hosts France and Iceland, who play on Sunday.

After a tense, tactical battle ended 1-1 after extra time, the usually clinical Germans missed three spot kicks but still progressed courtesy of even more wayward shooting by their opponents who failed to convert four of their penalties.

Jonas Hector had the honour of sending Germany through by putting away their ninth kick but even his effort only just made it under Gianluigi Buffon’s dive.

“It’s difficult to find the words. I’m overjoyed that the ball went in,” said Hector. “I can’t describe the feeling. I took my heart in my hands and just wanted to knock it in.”

Germany coach Joachim Loew added: “I congratulated him (Hector). It was a very special situation. I had a good feeling when he was taking his (penalty) shot.”