German dismay
Dan Nicholl
Posted Wed, 05 Jul 2006
When Argentina lined up against Germany in the quarterfinals, the general consensus was that whoever won that game would be well placed to see off Brazil come the final. Germany made it through, but Brazil didn't, and a German triumph looked a good bet — until 118 minutes into the first semifinal.
Italian football is in disarray at the moment, the big clubs swept up in a scandal of frightening proportion. And it's a scandal that won't go away; it will be set aside for a little longer, however, for despite the distraction of a crumbling Serie A, Marcello Lippi's side is into the final, one game away from the title.
Germany were favourites for a number of reasons. Home support is no small factor; the team under Klinsmann had shown a refreshing willingness to attack; and Italy had needed a contentious penalty just to make the last four. But the loss of Thorsten Frings wasn't the best omen, and after a quiet first half from Michael Ballack, the Italians found a little confidence, and their fans full voice…
But it still seemed Germany would win it — Klose was quiet, but Ballack improved, and Italy seemed content to head to penalties, despite the German reputation at the shoot-out. Two minutes from extra-time, everyone prepared for penalties — and then Fabio Grosso chose the perfect moment to claim only his second international goal. Del Piero's was a blur in an incredible finish — one the Germans will take a while yet to come to terms with.
Dan's pick of the day
The commentators knew it was going to penalties. The crowd knew it was going to penalties. Even the Italians seemed set for a shootout — with one exception. Fabio Grosso will never score a more important goal, and the touch he needed to get past Jens Lehmann — ball curled exquisitely past the German 'keeper's fingers — did justice to the endless replays it's now destined to receive.
