Germany have now reached at least the semi-finals in their last six major tournaments following a penalty shoot-out success against Italy after 90 minutes and extra time had ended at 1-1.

A less than inspiring first half ended scoreless with both teams cancelling each other out in a dour tactical battle. Only in the closing moments of the opening 45 minutes did a goal look likely.

Italy and Germany showed much more attacking intent in the second half and after all the chess board maneuverings the opening goal started with keeper Manuel Neuer simply launching the ball long and ending with Mesut Ozil getting on the end of a Hector cross to give Germany the lead.

Mario Gomez almost doubled their advantage but Gianluigi Buffon flicked his effort over the bar. But with Germany looking to kill the game off Italy hit back to level.

Jerome Boateng inexplicably handled the ball and Leonardo Bonucci showed great composure to beat Manuel Neur and level the scores and send the game into extra time. This goal was also the first goal conceded by the Germans at Euro 2016.

Germany had the better openings in extra time but failed to take them so the lottery of penalty kicks was needed to decide this tie. And what a dramatic spot kick competition we had, more for the misses than hits as seasoned international players blazed over, wide or just hit such poor efforts that the keepers easily saved.

But, after all these poor attempts it was left to Jonas Hector to score the decisive kick from 12 yards to take Germany into the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Euro 2016 - Quarter-Final after extra time and penalties

Germany: 1 (Ozil 65)

Italy: 1 (Bonucci Pen 78)

Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux

Germany win 6-5 on penalties