Euro 2012: Germany 1-2 Italy – Mario Mugs Mannschaft As Azzurri Outplay Germans (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

28th, June 2012

9 Comments

By Alan Duffy

It had all been going rather swimmingly for Jogi Loew’s gifted German side, with a much predicted final clash against Spain in the offing. However, a stunning first-half display from Mario Balotelli for Italy tore Germany’s hopes of glory apart as Cesare Prandelli’s side outplayed a turgid looking German team.

The Italians were the better side from the off, with their midfield quartet totally dominant as Toni Kroos failed to nullify the magnificent Pirlo. With Balotelli and Antonio Cassano nipping at the heels of the German backline, the Azzurri started to dominate and were rewarded with a goal on 20 minutes after Cassano superbly set up Mad Mario who headed home. The Man City then doubled his side’s advantage 15 minutes later with a rocket strike after the German defence were torn apart.

Loew threw on Reus and Klose after the break but it was too late. The Germans did get something out of the game, courtesy of Mezut Ozil’s late penalty, but after looking superb in previous rounds, the Mannschaft simply failed to deliver against a superior Italian side.

Roll on Sunday’s final. Oh, and downhearted Irish fans such as myself can take a (teeny) crumb of comfort from the fact that the two finalists came from Ireland’s group!

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: PA

Posted in Euro 2012, Photos, Videos

Share this article: Email

9 Comments

  1. usrick says:

    Group of Death 0-2 Group of Debt

  2. krack says:

    germany should do a little rethink. having talent does not mean much if you cant compose it into a dymanic whole. their mid-field play was rushed and unorganized–eager for a goal than a victory.

    Italy, on the other hand, were masterful in their control of the game and efficiency in attack. they knew exactly where eachother were and passed the ball with purpose and confidence. pirlo did his usual sting theory; montolivo and marchisio did the mopping up and provided the random element in italys attack, while cassano played the supporting striking role very well and spelled doom to a very unresponsive german back line.

  3. krak says:

    germany should do a little rethink. having talent does not mean much if you cant compose it into a dymanic whole. their mid-field play was rushed and unorganized–eager for a goal than a victory.

    Italy, on the other hand, were masterful in their control of the game and efficiency in attack. they knew exactly where eachother were and passed the ball with purpose and confidence. pirlo did his usual sting theory; montolivo and marchisio did the mopping up and provided the random element in italys attack, while cassano played the supporting striking role very well and spelled doom to a very unresponsive german back line.

  4. Jarren says:

    @usrick: Haha, indeed.

    Kinda feel sad for Germany not to get to the final, they’ve had an excellent tournament.

    But would you guess it, once again it’s all about Super Mario.

    It’s shaped up to be a tantalising final, with every non-Spaniard rooting for Italy.

    Come on Balotelli, get a hat trick next game!

    From (shock) a Man Utd supporter

  5. Ihr Führer says:

    I don’t know what you consider dominating to be but Italy didnt dominate Germany. They were very clinical and had the better of the game but they never dominated them.

  6. pookie says:

    At least we kept a clean sheet against Italy – all the evidence you need to say that England are a better football team than Germany!

    I kid, I kid…

  7. anna says:

    “The Italians were the better side from the off, with their midfield quartet totally dominant ”

    I completely disagree. Pretty much until the first goal, the Germans had the edge, much better chances, too.

  8. Joe says:

    Anyone else notice that the stadium announcer credited the second goal to ‘Super Mario’ and not just Mario Balotelli

  9. Steven says:

    Germany were immensely over-hyped and over-rated.

    They beat Denmark. Congrats.
    They beat a Dutch “team” who lost to Denmark and Portugal as well.
    They beat Greece 4-2. 2 goals against.
    I am not surprised at all they lost to Italy and they are actually fortunate the game didn’t end in 3-0.
    They’re best showing was against Portugal.

Leave a Reply to Jarren