Germany's Euro 2016 exit 'bitter', says goalkeeper Neuer

Marseille (AFP) – Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said the 2-0 semi-final defeat to France at Euro 2016 was a bitter pill for the world champions to swallow following a controversial penalty decision.

Man-of-the-match Antoine Griezmann scored twice on Thursday as France’s win sealed a place in the Euro 2016 final against Portugal.

“We have played well at these European Championships finals, but we’re out. That’s very bitter,” said Neuer.

“It’s a semi-final and there is not a more stupid moment (to go out) and it’s not a fair result.

“It’s very bitter when you go into the break like that, but you can still come back.” France scored a penalty in injury time of the first half to go ahead.

“We didn’t manage to get a goal and they were ice-cold,” added Neuer. “The 1-0 lead made it easier for the French.”

Having converted a controversial first-half penalty for Bastian Schweinsteiger’s handball, Griezmann put the result beyond doubt with a sweetly struck second half shot in Marseille.

Regardless of their disappointment, Germany has maintained their impressive record of reaching at least the last four of the last six tournament finals.