It was, perhaps, the result many hadn’t expected after Italy swept tournament favourites Germany to one side to secure a place in the final of Euro 2012. A first half Mario Balotelli double was enough to set up a second meeting with defending champions Spain, despite a late scare from Die Mannschaft after Mesut Ozil netted from the spot in injury time.
It was a sudden end for Joachim Low’s side, who had been expected to reach the final of the European Championship. Having gone through qualifying unbeaten and won all their games at the competition up until Thursday night’s defeat to Italy, it wasn’t surprising to see them titled joint favourites with Spain.
However, after falling at the same stage as they did at the World Cup two years ago, many will have been disappointed by the earlier-than-expected exit. However, the national side have no reason to be too disheartened by it. With an average age of just 24.52-years-old, raised considerably by 34-year-old Miroslav Klose, time is very much on the side of the Germans.
Should they qualify for Brazil 2014, each will have the extra two years experience that could prove vital at the next World Cup. Low is likely to still be in charge of the national team when the tournament comes around and with the spine of the team still to be heavily involved, Germany are well equipped to really push for their first major international honour since 1996.