Mesut Ozil played a staring role in Germany’s penalty shootout win over Italy yesterday evening.

Joachim Low’s side booked a spot in the semi finals after a tightly contested game which ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Former Manchester United and Leeds United defender Rio Ferdinand took to Twitter to heap praise on the 27-year-old’s display.

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Ozil gave Germany the lead with a well placed shot from just outside the six yard box. Italy did manage to equalise soon after and push the game to penalties.

The Germany intentional of Turkish origin did however, miss his penalty almost blowing his sides chances of booking a place in the semi-finals.

The Arsenal playmaker was arguably Germany’s Man of the Match on the night pulling the strings in the final third, scoring the only goal in regulation time and he also worked hard defensively.

Germany will now take on the winner of the France v Iceland clash in the Euro 2016 semi-final.

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