Joachim Löw explained his tactical changes in a “dramatic game, right up until the last shot” as Germany beat Italy on penalties.

The Euro 2016 quarter-final ended 1-1 after 90 and 120 minutes, then had to be decided on a sudden death shoot-out.

“It was a dramatic game, right up until the last shot. I have experienced something similar in 2006 in the World Cup against Argentina,” said the German Coach.

Joachim Löw explained his tactical changes in a “dramatic game, right up until the last shot” as Germany beat Italy on penalties.

The Euro 2016 quarter-final ended 1-1 after 90 and 120 minutes, then had to be decided on a sudden death shoot-out.

“It was a dramatic game, right up until the last shot. I have experienced something similar in 2006 in the World Cup against Argentina,” said the German Coach.

“It was a game on a tactically very high level from both teams. But we had the upper hand. Italy are strong through their centre and we denied them. Conceding from a penalty was a bit unlucky. I can't imagine that Italy would have scored from open play.”

Löw took a huge gamble by changing Germany to a three-man defence, essentially mirroring Antonio Conte’s Italy side.

"Surely, we talked about a back three. It was really necessary to change the team a little bit. Italy is a different side than Slovakia.

“They play with two central attackers and two wingers, who are playing high up the pitch. It's too dangerous to take them on in a  four v four. They play from the wings into the middle, try to lay it off and then to run deep. It is easily predictable, but they are doing it well.

“Right after the Italy-Spain game, it was my first thought to play like this.”

Germany have not lost a penalty shoot-out since 1982, but were forced to sudden death and failed to convert three.

“I had no real influence on the penalty-takers. Every player has to make that decision for himself then. Usually, we have good penalty-takers, even though they have not scored today.

“It was great that the youngsters like Kimmich and Hector kept their nerves on such a stage.”

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