Mali advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA under-20 World Cup with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over the much fancied Germans.
Germany, as expected, remained unchanged yet again. Marc Stendera was the only doubt with a sore throat, though he shrugged that off to start the game.
Mali also opted for the same starting eleven that saw them comfortably see off Ghana in the last sixteen.
Stendera off injured, tense opening
The Africans were given a huge boost straight off the bat, when Stendera had to go off injured - though not with his throat problem.
Eintracht Frankfurt's talented youngster took a clearance awkwardly to the face but, despite coming on and back off twice, he was finally replaced by Jeremy Dudziak.
Both sides were looking to play their impressive passing football and, as the half drew on, they were beginning to find their rhythm more often.
Unfortunately their slick play didn't translate into goals or chances, with the two defensive units looking extremely solid.
Hany Mukhtar and Adama Traoré had the first real shots on goal but both were from range and were reasonably comfortable for the respective goalkeeper.
Brandt opens the scoring for Germany in magnificent fashion
However, the Germans can spring into life at any time and that was the case with Julian Brandt's opener.
A set-piece was only half cleared by the Mali defence and the ball dropped kindly for the Bayer Leverkusen youngster. He volleyed his effort into the ground, which that shot past Djigui Diarra and into the bottom corner - a spectacular strike.
Mali tried to force an equaliser before the break but couldn't find a way through with a flurry of set-pieces, as Germany went into the break with a one-goal lead.
Mukhtar misses golden chance, Mali and Coulibaly make them pay
The beginning of the second half was similarly tense. Neither team wanted to show their hand too early, although Dudziak's persistence earned his side a penalty.
He was hauled to the floor, much to the disgust of Djigui Diarra, but the 'keeper came up trumps to push away Mukhtar's poor penalty.
That save proved crucial and it spurred Mali on to find an equaliser, just two minutes after they could have found themselves even further behind.
Youssouf Koné's delivery was spot on and found a totally unmarked Souleymane Coulibaly, and he glanced home a header from six yards out to level proceedings.
Germany and Mali begin to open up
The goal brought Germany back to life and Levin Öztunali was soon causing problems for Mali, though no-one could get on the end of his crosses.
Brandt then robbed the Mali midfield of the ball and drove towards goal, before picking out Mukhtar at the back post. He, once again, couldn't find the finish and volleyed just wide.
Adama Traoré sent out a warning signal of his own moments later. His drive screamed just over from 20 yards - another chance out of nowhere.
The opportunities continued to crop up but neither could take them, meaning extra-time was required.
Sides still level after extra-time, Weigl injured
Malick Touré was given the only real chance of the first-half of the additional time. However he couldn't keep his header down after Hamidou Traoré's wonderful cross.
The second 15 provided little excitement, but more cause for concern. Julian Weigl was caught in an aerial challenge and hit the turf face first. He wasn't moving but was quickly brought round again, though there was blood coming from his head. The necessary precautions were taken and Weigl was stretchered off.
Germany/Mali sneak through on penalties
Kevin Akpoguma, Hamidou Traoré, Saliou Guindo and Öztunali all sent their penalties into the same corner to start the shoot-out with perfect penalties.
Koné and Matti Steinmann swapped corners but kept scoring, though Adama Traore had his penalty saved by Marvin Schwäbe.
Brandt then skied his spot-kick before Diadie Samassékou slotted home. That left it down to Niklas Stark and he shot wide to claim a famous victory for Mali.
They will now face the winner of Serbia and the USA's quarter-final, which should prove to be an exciting encounter. As for Germany, they will be disappointed not to have taken their chances and went on to bigger and better things in the tournament.