WARSAW: Germany defender Mats Hummels admitted his frustration at their 2-1 defeat by Italy in the Euro 2012 semi-final this morning.

Italy  booked their spot in Sunday's final against Spain - thanks to a double from Mario Balotelli, who benefited from poor German defending to send one of the tournament favorites home empty-handed.

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Despite picking up their performance and rallying late on through a Mesut Ozil penalty in stoppage time, Hummels believes the Germans ultimately left themselves too much to do against quality opposition.

"We screwed up in the first half,  2-0 down against a team who are so tactically good, is difficult," said Hummels.

Hummels, who enjoyed a successful domestic season as his Borussia Dortmund side secured a league and cup double, felt his personal performance was not up to par for a match of such magnitude as he took responsibility for the opening goal.

"For the cross for the first goal I didn’t do well enough," said the 23-year-old. "That the cross even went in was my fault so I played a big part in the first goal."

The Germans  boasted a 100 per cent record heading into the last four, but found themselves up against an inspired Italian side.

Germany captain Philipp Lahm also believes they have themselves to blame for the defeat after two defensive errors they made.

Lahm, who was partially responsible for the second goal when he played Balotelli onside from a long ball, paid for his error as the maverick striker hit an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to add to his earlier header.

 "This is very bitter. We made dumb errors and conceded our goals. It is bitter because our team have so much potential," he said.

-mD

 

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