Merlin Röhl scored a dramatic 117th-minute winner to send Germany into the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship with a 3-2 extra-time victory over a resilient nine-man Italy on Sunday.
In a classic encounter, Italy fought back from a late deficit and defended valiantly with a two-man disadvantage for the entire extra-time period, only to be denied by Röhl’s decisive late strike from 20 yards out.
After a goalless first half, Italy took a deserved lead in the second period through Burnley winger Luca Koleosho. Germany equalised when Nick Woltemade found the net, before appearing to score the winner in the 87th minute through substitute Nelson Weiper, just minutes after Italy had been reduced to ten men.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving the pitch in tears. Shortly after Germany’s second goal, Italy were reduced to nine men when Mattia Zanotti also saw red.
However, in a stunning turn of events, substitute Giuseppe Ambrosino sent the game to extra time with a magnificent free-kick in the final moments of regulation time, levelling the score at 2-2.
Despite their numerical superiority, Germany struggled to break down the resolute Italian defence in extra time until Röhl’s vicious late strike broke Italian hearts and sent Antonio di Salvo’s side into the last four.
Three-time winners Germany will now face France in the semi-finals on Wednesday, June 25. On the same evening, defending champions England will play against the Netherlands in the other semi-final.
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