Germany 0-2 Italy

Italy beat Germany 2-0 in their World Cup semi-final match on Tuesday with two late goals from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro del Piero in extra time. It was a big disappointment for the Germans who did not deserve to lose in this manner.

In the first half, Italy were more organised and controlled the game well while Germany did not get into their stride and looked a bit lost. In the 16th minute, Simone Perrotta broke clear on the left but Lehmann comes out quickly to smother the danger at his feet after a superb through ball by Totti. Eight minutes later, Marco Materazzi failed to connect with a header after a curling free kick into the area from the right by midfielder Andrea Pirlo. In the 31st mintue, Luca Toni got a shot in the box but Metzelder makes a superb block to avert the danger. Just before half-time, Italy midfielder Mauro Camoranesi headed over the bar from Pirlo's curling free kick.

Germany had very few chances in the first half but after the break, they came storming back to wrest the midfield from the Italians and put the Italian defence under great pressure. In the 50th minute, Klose drives into the area on a determined run through the Italian defence and is only thwarted by the bravery of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. In the 63rd minute, Podolski turns Materazzi in the area and strikes a fierce left-foot shot that Buffon blocks from point-blank range and Arne Friedrich fires over the bar on the follow-up. However, nobody could break the deadlock as the match went into extra-time.

It was Italy who took control in the extra time. In the 91st minute, Gilardino hits the post after rounding Ballack in the area and firing past Lehmann with his left foot from close range. Then in the 93rd minute, Zambrotta cracks a shot against the bar with his right foot from the edge of the area after Germany fail to clear a corner. Germany held out until the last two minutes of extra time when Italy dashed their hopes the two goals.

Soccer Pundit feels that this German team has brought great joy to their nation and it was a pity that they did not make it to the finals. Against Italy, you don't get too many chances and if one or two ever comes your way, you have to grab it with both hands. The chances in the second half were enough for the Germans to settle the match but they were too wasteful. Nevertheless, this is a young and eager team and for many people who wrote them off, they have already proven themselves and won over the critics with their outstanding displays so far.

They can stand proud as heroes as they fought gallantly in this tight and highly balanced match. Germany did not manage to break down the Italian defence but any of the top contenders would face the same problems. (Soccer Pundit has mentioned before that this watertight defence is the X-factor for the Italians). It seems that the corruption scandal back home has united and spurred the Italians on, instead of demoralising them, and they now march into the finals as a hot favourite. Another interesting fact to note will be Italy's track record of being in the World Cup finals every 12 years, so for the year 2006, they could just repeat the feat for the fourth time and Soccer Pundit won't be betting against them...