The first World Cup semi final proved to be an enthralling encounter, as Italy broke Germany hearts to secure a place against either Portugal or France in Sunday night’s main event. The hosts were simply devastated after the game, as a little consolation they can be sure that they were involved in one of the greatest matches in World Cup history.
Dortmund’s Westfalen Arena, a ground where until tonight Germany had never lost played host to the game, packed to the rafters with native fans hoping that Klinsmann and his team could provide a dream final in Berlin, but it wasn't to be.
Both sides made changes to the sides which won out in quarter final matches last week, Germany dropped winger Schweinsteiger and replaced him with Borowiki. For Italy, Totti came back into the team and Materazzi regained his place after suspension for his sending off against Italy.
Tackles flew in from minute one, leaving no doubt that both sets of players were up for the game. Predicted to be a tactical encounter the early exchanges had far more cut and thrust than watchers could have bet on, with the midfield packed full of stars left to do much of the work for the front men to feed on. As ever Italy’s defense was their main strength but Germany tried hard to break them down, Michael Ballack chief to this plot was all over the pitch as is his usual style.
Totti has the games first chance with a forty yard free kick which took a deflection before being safely collected by Jens Lehman, but the best chance of the half fell to the hosts.
After great link up work by Klose and Podolski, Schneider was fed in but could not keep his shot down when faced one on one with Buffon.
Germany basked in the atmosphere and even though their inspirational captain was quiet they had a period of prosperity following Schneider’s chance. The greater possession and threat however was held by Italy for whom full backs Grosso and Zambrotta were allowed to attack plenty in a bid to aid lone front man Toni.
It was Grosso in fact who nearly set up the Fiorentina striker when he burst past his man and played a cross into the feet of the two goal Italian striker, his shot however was blocked by a diving German defender just in the nick of time.
Moments later Lehman’s goal was once more under threat as an outstanding ball from Totti fell to the breaking Perrotta in the box. The midfielder failed to control the ball however and Arsenal’s number one was able to smother the ball.
With the crowd salivating for more, the second half began in the same manner. Germany began to attack more, yet it was Totti, who’s passing was outstanding all night, who looked to be the biggest threat. Grosso once more got round the back of Germany but failed to be Lehman who made himself big to block the shot.
The Italian’s freshened up bringing on Gilardino for Toni and instantly the fresh legs nearly brought a chance for Zambrotta. However as Italy failed to make the best of their opportunities, Germany looked set to score the first goal as Ballack fired a free kick over the bar when Podolski was fouled by Cannavaro.
The Italian skipper was in amazing for however cutting out passes from all angles, ensuring Germany could not break down a defense against whom an opposition player has not actually beaten.
Extra time and penalties looked to be the only way to separate the two battling sides, but the thirty minutes began with both sides going for the win. Italy twice struck the woodwork whilst good interplay from Podolski and Klose nearly led to a chance for Odonkor.
A missed chance from Podolski just before the first half of extra time looked to be the turning point as Italy realized they had received a lucky escape and a warning of the Polish born strikers threat rolled into one. After a great cross by Odonkor, Podolski lost his man but his header was too flat to direct the ball goalwards and he was left head in hands.
In the second half of extra time Podolski once more was the man to test the Italian defenses resolve. Cutting inside Zambrotta after a through ball from substitute Schweinsteiger, he hit a hard shot which brushed the fingertips of Buffon before grazing the cross bar and landing the wrong side of the net.
Seemingly spurred on by Podolski’s missed chances Italy worked a corner well from the left hand side, the ball was half cleared and fell to Pirlo who faked a shot before placing a lovely reverse pass straight into the path of Grosso, with a swing of his left boot the ball curled past Lehman and into the back of the German net.
The Italian’s celebrated a supposed winning goal, but there was still life in Germany yet.
As they pressed for the equalizer Odonkor screwed shot wide whilst Lehman saved again from Totti who’s powerfully struck shot could have sealed the win for Italy. As it was a classic counter attacking goal gave the Italian’s a satisfying victory. Cannavaro cut the ball out at the back and found Totti who was moving forward. Sweeping the ball forward he found Gilardino who was one on one with his man. Holding the ball up he cut inside and laid the ball back for an onrushing Alessandro Del Piero who made no mistake with an excellent finish.
Italy’s all time top scorer wheeled away to celebrate with his team mates as the final whistle blew and the German’s dream came crashing to the ground.
Simply heartbroken by the intensity of the match and the way it was won, Jurgen Klinsmann’s men can be proud of everything they have achieved with such a young team. For Italy they have been given a reprieve to put all the match fixing scandals in their own country behind them, the World Cup would make a great tonic.
If the final is anything like this, it is sure to be the greatest in living memory.
Dortmund’s Westfalen Arena, a ground where until tonight Germany had never lost played host to the game, packed to the rafters with native fans hoping that Klinsmann and his team could provide a dream final in Berlin, but it wasn't to be.
Both sides made changes to the sides which won out in quarter final matches last week, Germany dropped winger Schweinsteiger and replaced him with Borowiki. For Italy, Totti came back into the team and Materazzi regained his place after suspension for his sending off against Italy.
Tackles flew in from minute one, leaving no doubt that both sets of players were up for the game. Predicted to be a tactical encounter the early exchanges had far more cut and thrust than watchers could have bet on, with the midfield packed full of stars left to do much of the work for the front men to feed on. As ever Italy’s defense was their main strength but Germany tried hard to break them down, Michael Ballack chief to this plot was all over the pitch as is his usual style.
Totti has the games first chance with a forty yard free kick which took a deflection before being safely collected by Jens Lehman, but the best chance of the half fell to the hosts.
After great link up work by Klose and Podolski, Schneider was fed in but could not keep his shot down when faced one on one with Buffon.
Germany basked in the atmosphere and even though their inspirational captain was quiet they had a period of prosperity following Schneider’s chance. The greater possession and threat however was held by Italy for whom full backs Grosso and Zambrotta were allowed to attack plenty in a bid to aid lone front man Toni.
It was Grosso in fact who nearly set up the Fiorentina striker when he burst past his man and played a cross into the feet of the two goal Italian striker, his shot however was blocked by a diving German defender just in the nick of time.
Moments later Lehman’s goal was once more under threat as an outstanding ball from Totti fell to the breaking Perrotta in the box. The midfielder failed to control the ball however and Arsenal’s number one was able to smother the ball.
With the crowd salivating for more, the second half began in the same manner. Germany began to attack more, yet it was Totti, who’s passing was outstanding all night, who looked to be the biggest threat. Grosso once more got round the back of Germany but failed to be Lehman who made himself big to block the shot.
The Italian’s freshened up bringing on Gilardino for Toni and instantly the fresh legs nearly brought a chance for Zambrotta. However as Italy failed to make the best of their opportunities, Germany looked set to score the first goal as Ballack fired a free kick over the bar when Podolski was fouled by Cannavaro.
The Italian skipper was in amazing for however cutting out passes from all angles, ensuring Germany could not break down a defense against whom an opposition player has not actually beaten.
Extra time and penalties looked to be the only way to separate the two battling sides, but the thirty minutes began with both sides going for the win. Italy twice struck the woodwork whilst good interplay from Podolski and Klose nearly led to a chance for Odonkor.
A missed chance from Podolski just before the first half of extra time looked to be the turning point as Italy realized they had received a lucky escape and a warning of the Polish born strikers threat rolled into one. After a great cross by Odonkor, Podolski lost his man but his header was too flat to direct the ball goalwards and he was left head in hands.
In the second half of extra time Podolski once more was the man to test the Italian defenses resolve. Cutting inside Zambrotta after a through ball from substitute Schweinsteiger, he hit a hard shot which brushed the fingertips of Buffon before grazing the cross bar and landing the wrong side of the net.
Seemingly spurred on by Podolski’s missed chances Italy worked a corner well from the left hand side, the ball was half cleared and fell to Pirlo who faked a shot before placing a lovely reverse pass straight into the path of Grosso, with a swing of his left boot the ball curled past Lehman and into the back of the German net.
The Italian’s celebrated a supposed winning goal, but there was still life in Germany yet.
As they pressed for the equalizer Odonkor screwed shot wide whilst Lehman saved again from Totti who’s powerfully struck shot could have sealed the win for Italy. As it was a classic counter attacking goal gave the Italian’s a satisfying victory. Cannavaro cut the ball out at the back and found Totti who was moving forward. Sweeping the ball forward he found Gilardino who was one on one with his man. Holding the ball up he cut inside and laid the ball back for an onrushing Alessandro Del Piero who made no mistake with an excellent finish.
Italy’s all time top scorer wheeled away to celebrate with his team mates as the final whistle blew and the German’s dream came crashing to the ground.
Simply heartbroken by the intensity of the match and the way it was won, Jurgen Klinsmann’s men can be proud of everything they have achieved with such a young team. For Italy they have been given a reprieve to put all the match fixing scandals in their own country behind them, the World Cup would make a great tonic.
If the final is anything like this, it is sure to be the greatest in living memory.