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Dramatic Win over Italy Thanks to Germany’s Perseverance, Joachim Low’s Changes
Published: July 3, 2016
Though technically not a win—officially, matches that go to penalties are considered draws in the record books—it was the world champions' biggest and most important success at the European Championship since winning Euro 1996 in extra time against Czech Republic.
Germany just about deserved to make it through to the semi-finals, looking a bit more decisive in regulation and far more willing to end the game after 120 minutes than Italy.
Head coach Joachim Low made a big call with his starting XI, sacrificing Julian Draxler, who was the man of the match in the round-of-16 game against Slovakia, in favour of Benedikt Howedes. The Schalke defender played at full-back in the first two games in France but took the right-centre-back spot in a three-man back line in Bordeaux.
It wasn't a huge gamble considering Germany have plenty of experience playing with three at the back from qualifiers and some friendlies—in fact, they played the same tactical setup in a win over Italy in March—but it was still a brave call from Low.
The 56-year-old made another one of those four years ago in the semi-final of Euro 2012 against Italy and got a lot of stick for it. In that game, he sacrificed Marco Reus for Toni Kroos, with the central midfielder tasked with man-marking Andrea Pirlo. The Italian genius ran the show in a surprising 2-1 win for the Azzurri, and Low's critics were out in full force.
The same won't happen after Saturday's match. In fact, he should receive praise.
"The 4-2-3-1 became a 3-5-2, and whether you believe it was to mirror Antonio Conte's setup or against two strikers and wing-backs who play way up the pitch, it was simply smart to have an extra body back there," Gabriel...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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