Free and "Vier" for Germany

Mario Gomez celebrates scoring Germany's 2nd

A calm and composed German squad picked up their fourth international title against Italy on Thursday night, thanks to two second half goals from Toni Kroos and Mario Gomez.

The Germans started well, thrice testing Gianluigi Buffon early on, but failed to find a way through until the 55th minute when Toni Kroos scooped up an Italian clearance, quickly sidestepped a defender and blasted the ball into the side netting from 17 yards.

"I almost started with Sami [Khedira] over Toni [Kroos]," manager L. Prüitt said, "I thought we may need more defensive steel in midfield against them. Fortunately I opted for a bit of creative, attacking intent; hoping to pass the ball around them rather than muscle through."

It proved an inspired choice, Kroos repaying the manager's faith in him with his first goal of the tournament, the winner in the final. It would be Kroos involved again for Germany's second as well; deftly cushioning his clearance into the path of Mesut Ozil, who then picked out a streaking Mario Gomez. The tournament's top scorer managed to hold off his marker and place a shot in the top corner with the outside of his boot, capping his impressive campaign with a trademark class finish.

"Italy were tough opponents." Prüitt continued: "They were very organized, and came with plenty of attacking threat. Kudos to them for displaying some bollocks, and not coming to jam the center of the park and play on the break, like some do. 
I cannot believe it is our fourth International Cup. That gives us a bit of breathing room ahead of the pack. It's been two tournaments since we have won, so it feels even better to reclaim the top prize."

Germany  -  Italy

        2  -  0

 Kroos 55'           

Gomez 67'