As some of you will remember, when Germany booked their place in the round of 16, we were reasonably sure it meant the end of their quest for Euro 2016 glory.
At the time, we knew their opponents would be one of Italy or Spain – the two nations responsible for all German tournament exits in the last decade.
So, given that Germany saw off the Italians on penalties on Saturday night, we’ve been left with a bit of egg on our faces.
If you have backed the Germans to add the European crown to the World title they won in Brazil a couple of years back, you might be feeling pretty good about the lie of the land at the minute. But the latest news from the German camp doesn’t make great reading for those that have money riding on Joachim Low’s men.
It’s been confirmed on Sunday that we won’t see Sami Khedria in action for the remainder of the tournament following the groin strain he picked up against Italy. According to German magazine Kicker, the Juventus midfielder suffered “at least a partial tear in the adductor of his left thigh,” meaning it’s curtains for him.
And that’s not all. Mario Gomez – the only real recognised striker in the German squad- will also be missing what’s left of Euro 2016. A hamstring injury for the former Bayern Munich forward has also brought an end to his tournament.
With Mats Hummels also suspended for the semi-final, victory over Italy has come at a great cost.
