.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

What a game!!!!

4th July 2006, Dortmund, Germany Match 61 of the FIFA World Cup 2006 - Semifinals - GER 0 : 2 ITA (after 120 minutes of nerve wracking football)

The magnificient stadium at Dortmund

What a game it turned out to be. Before the WC started not many gave a chance to both these teams. Italy torn apart by the club scandal back home and Germany suffering from poor form, which almost cost Klinsmann his job. But during the course of the finals, both teams managed to stamp their class on the tournament and the Germans were considered favourites, following their mind-blowing run in this World Cup. Very little seperated the tewo teams, and it was an even contest al the way. Most of the fascinating battle took place in the midfield. But there were some great attacks by both teams, The Azzurri getting the better of the opportunities, and hitting the bar twice. It all seemed to be heading towards the penalties, and it seemed like it was going to be one of those days when Italy were not just destined to be. They were playing in front of the partisan crowd, created chances, but failed to convert them, unlucky at times and to top it all unlike the Germans, they had a terrible record in WC penalties. But Fabio Grosso had other ideas. With just 3 minutes of the final extra time left, he drilled a terrific Pirlo pass into the net from an angle. What a goal!!!! With it sank the German hopes... To dress it up, Del Piero made it 2-0 in Italy's favour in the last minute of injury time. Italy are through to the finals. Germans, coached by the energetic Klinsmann played their heart out and deserve a third place.

'To win in front of such a partisan crowd is something to tell your grandchildren about. We’ll concentrate on the Final now. We want to win it!' - Luca Toni

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That's a great story. Waiting for more. Payday loans for 30 days