Italy deliver last minute KO to stun hosts
By MSN's Lee Harvey
Last updated July 5 2006
Germany 0 – 2 Italy AET
On the day that four of their biggest league clubs were relegated for their part in yet another Serie A corruption scandal, the Italian national side took on old foes Germany for a place in the World Cup final.
Galvanised by their domestic plight, the Italians dominated the opening exchanges with Pirlo and Totti linking well. The Germans, shorn of the suspended Torsten Frings, looked like a team still nursing the wounds from their last meeting with Italy; a friendly they lost 4-1. Looking for any advantage they could find, Podolsky dived so much that even Cristiano Ronaldo would have blushed.
Despite their dominance, the Italians could not apply the finishing touch to any of their flowing moves. Perotta was put through one on one but was closed down well by Lehmann. Toni, looking typically sluggish up front, couldn’t react quickly enough to Grosso’s near post cross. Against the run of play, Germany should have scored but Schneider blasted the chance over the bar.
Aside from a close range Podolsky shot, a surging Klose run and some superb cameos from Pirlo, the second half was a scrappy affair littered with free kicks. The Germans finally showed some intent but were consistently repelled by the combative Gattuso and the peerless Cannavaro, who must be a leading contender for player of the tournament. While Jurgen Klinsmann’s touchline histrionics made entertaining viewing, the action on the pitch reached a stalemate.
Perhaps fearing Germany’s formidable penalty taking skills, Italy set out to finish the game in extra time. Substitute Gilardino skipped past his marker only to see his shot bounce off the post and trickle away to safety. Seconds later, Zambrotta lashed a twenty yard shot onto the crossbar. Again the hosts survived. Coach Lippi then upped the ante and sent on Del Piero. Italy, of all teams, were playing with four attackers!
As Italy pushed forward, Germany sought to exploit them on the counter attack. Podolsky wasted a free header from 10 yards out. He then stung the palms of Buffon with a rising left foot strike. Play switched from end to end. Pirlo forced a great save from Lehmann. But Germany failed to clear the resulting corner. Pirlo threaded a pass to full back Grosso who curled a beautiful shot into the far corner.
With only 90 seconds left to play, Germany threw everybody forward but were thwarted by Cannavaro. Gilardino then stole away and played a reverse pass to Del Piero who slotted the ball home. Cue silence in Dortmund. A deserved win for Italy and heartbreak for the hosts. Germany have still never beaten Italy in a competitive match.
Useful links
Updated World Cup results
