Germany vs. Italy: Injury to Bastian Schweinsteiger Will Be the Difference

Germany has been dominant in Euro 2012, but an injury to midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger could cost the team a championship.

An ankle injury might force the veteran to miss the semifinal match against Italy, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN). Schweinsteiger tore a ligament in his right ankle in February, and it apparently has not healed properly since then.

Although he is not a goal scorer, the midfielder is a vital part of the team on both offense and defense. He is a great facilitator and often the catalyst for big plays. In the group stage against the Netherlands, he assisted both of the goals scored by Mario Gomez, and the team won 2-1.

Germany is a deep team, but without Schweinsteiger, they could struggle. He played injured against Greece, and the squad allowed two goals in the second half. The offense did score four, but it will be much tougher to do the same against Italy.

The Italians have a very aggressive line of forwards that includes talented scorers Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano. Behind them is veteran Andrea Pirlo, who still has the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

If the Germans are not at full strength, it will be difficult to contain the opposing offense.

Scoring could also become a problem against one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Buffon. Between Gomez, Lukas Podolski and a bunch of others, Germany has guys who can get the ball in the back of the net when given the opportunity. However, they will lose some opportunities.

Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil are capable of picking up the slack in the midfield, but an injured Schweinsteiger might be the break that Italy needs to keep this game close.

Germany has one of the deepest teams in the world, but losing a player of this magnitude could be the thing that costs the country another major championship.