[WC] SF : Germany vs Italy -> Italy through

Tuesday 9 PM local time

Germany 0-2 Italy (OT)

I think Germany have a good chance in this one. The home support can never be underestimated and without Nesta, I think that Italy will have trouble dealing with Klose and Podolski.

I'm not in the prediction league, but just for fun, I'll say a 1-1 tie and Germany wins on penalties.

I think Germany will come out pumped for this one. They are (as a national team ) unbeaten in their last 15 at Dortmund. Huge advantage for them and the fans.

If Italy is going to win this game, they need to hold off the Germans in the first 10-15 min and then they need to score a goal.

Italy needs to win this in regular time and avoid penalties at all costs.

Prediction: GER 2 ITA 1

Sigh, game is on at like 3am here. Will have to settle for the replay.

Sigh, game is on at like 3am here. Will have to settle for the replay.
That's around the time we get hockey games here :D

2-0 Germany, Klose has both, I dont think Italy's defense is gonna keep close enough eye on Klose, and even if they do, Podolski will be in the picture. Germany will take this one

Hopefully Germany win this one, there was a poll on the QPR board and the majority of our fans want Germany to win. Its more of a case of how much the other teams are despised rather than the fact that people like Germany but its still a pretty big shock. :eek:

Germans have been impressive and are strong favorites now to win the whole thing. 1-0 to Germany or 0-0 and Italy wins on pens.

I'll say 2-1 Germany in a match high in entertainment, low in sportsmanship.

0-0 and Italy wins on pens.

Pretty bold prediction... :eek:

Germany will have their strongest game to date.
3-1 Germany:thumbu:

As a frenchman, i just hope Germany doesnt get through
I ve been rooting against them the whole tourney to no avail, sadly

Eventhough i love the country and the people.
They are some of the nicest people around.
but the national mannschaft, i just cant.

It's a historical thing, they absolutely own us in WC.

I'll say 2-1 Germany in a match high in entertainment, low in sportsmanship.

It will be extremely boring unless Germany score early, it will be like watching the Devils trap if the Italians take the lead.

Schweinsteiger out, Borowski in
Frings out, Kehl in.

That's Klinsi's plan for the game. Ballack as CM, Schneider (R) & Borowski (L) as wingers and Kehl as the DM.

Hopefully Germany win this one, there was a poll on the QPR board and the majority of our fans want Germany to win. Its more of a case of how much the other teams are despised rather than the fact that people like Germany but its still a pretty big shock. :eek:


Dont worry England & Germany are the latter day saints of the beautiful game .Hence I can see why they would support each other.:sarcasm:

The Germans & English never dive or feign injury. Nor do they run round the referee & applaud him when an opposition player is sent off .

If the footballing god takes his German shirt off today Italy should win this . Ayala & Heinze not the most mobile of centre backs & Mascherano completely neutralised the great striking duo.

In all fairness Cannavaro is the equivalent of these 2 rolled into 1 .Materazzi can excel so as long as Zambrotta like Maxi who had Lahm in his pocket all game keeps going forward Italy should have this wrapped.So long as Lippi unlike Pekerman goes mad.

Schweinsteiger out, Borowski in
Frings out, Kehl in.

That's Klinsi's plan for the game. Ballack as CM, Schneider (R) & Borowski (L) as wingers and Kehl as the DM.

Sounds solid.

Hopefully Kehl plays a good game in front of his "home crowd".

It will be extremely boring unless Germany score early, it will be like watching the Devils trap if the Italians take the lead.


Insomniacs need only watch the games played by England barring the one against Portugual where they at last woke up.

As for Italy being defensive just watch Germany v Argentina for 11 men behind the ball.So much for Herr Klinsmanns attacking football. Yet again more stereotypes with regards to the Italians.

They have attacked in all their games scored their goals created chances aplenty & all this whilst maintaining a watertight defence led by the superb Cannavaro (despite leading a somewhat charmed life v Ukraine).

Gilardino to pop one in at last.0-1 in regulation.

Dont worry England & Germany are the latter day saints of the beautiful game .Hence I can see why they would support each other.:sarcasm:

The Germans & English never dive or feign injury. Nor do they run round the referee & applaud him when an opposition player is sent off .

If the footballing god takes his German shirt off today Italy should win this . Ayala & Heinze not the most mobile of centre backs & Mascherano completely neutralised the great striking duo.

In all fairness Cannavaro is the equivalent of these 2 rolled into 1 .Materazzi can excel so as long as Zambrotta like Maxi who had Lahm in his pocket all game keeps going forward Italy should have this wrapped.So long as Lippi unlike Pekerman goes mad.
Metzelder, Mertesacker and Frings took care of the Argentinies.

It will be extremely boring unless Germany score early, it will be like watching the Devils trap if the Italians take the lead.

England fans have not leg to stand on when it comes to calling other team boring. Are freakin' kidding me? It's on coincendence that the whole freakin planet was celebrating your team's exit, you were boring all of us to death.

DEUTSCHLAND!!!!!

:yo:

As for Italy being defensive just watch Germany v Argentina for 11 men behind the ball.So much for Herr Klinsmanns attacking football. Yet again more stereotypes with regards to the Italians.

Statistically Germany is the most offensive team of the tornament. I have no link though, I just saw it on TV. they are 1st with 88 shots on goals and something like 45 hitting the goal or the keeper.

They had a lot of harmless distance shots, especially against Ecuador, though.

I think it's quite justified for English fans to say another team plays a boring style, that's not the same as saying England are exciting or less boring.

Keep any childish posts, taunts, sniping or whatever out of this thread.

All that said, I'm hoping for a German win. I'm not sure how Germany will play without Frings, and if the real Schweinsteiger shows up.

England fans have not leg to stand on when it comes to calling other team boring. Are freakin' kidding me? It's on coincendence that the whole freakin planet was celebrating your team's exit, you were boring all of us to death.
and we are all celebrating Svens exit because we tried to play Serie A football with prem players and it doesnt work.

I am so nervous... I'm shaking.

Statistically Germany is the most offensive team of the tornament. I have no link though, I just saw it on TV. they are 1st with 88 shots on goals and something like 45 hitting the goal or the keeper.

They had a lot of harmless distance shots, especially against Ecuador, though.

Here's the link: http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/stats/detail.html?section=ta&sort=SOG

Germany's defensive stats are rather good too. At least no one would have guessed so a month ago.

DEUTSCHLAND!!!!!

:yo:


:yo: :yo:

Tough game for me. My dad's father is of German heritage, and my dad's mother is of Italian heritage.

Guess I'll go for the Azzuri, but I won't be upset if Germany win.

I am so nervous... I'm shaking.

Its alright ... you know God is on Italy's side ... after all Vatican City is located in Italy

Wow... this game is so hard, to cheer on a team I really dislike so a team that I hate can be eliminated.

Thought I would never say this but:

Go Italy!

The media is putting so much pressure on germany to win. It's like Italy doesn't stand a chance. Suits me fine, forza Italia!!

Well I don't know how the Italians aren't favoured in this game. I know Germany is playing at home but the Italians owned them in that friendly a couple months back, giving them the psychological edge

Nice acting job by Podolski ;)

Wow, I didn't think Klose was gonna stop rolling there. I thought only Portuguese players rolled like mad when they got fouled. Guess everyone is right :sarcasm:

Hehe the Italians are absolutely ruthless so far :biglaugh:

German center backs finally got exposed but no Italy finish by Perrota

This ref is the man!

Germany is facing a technical team.
That's only the second time they have in this WC, and the first time, Argentina beat themselves pretty much.

I believe Italy will win this one.

He is.


Podolski can join the likes of Robben, Van Bommel, Portugal, Sorin etc.


Italy is 2 times better.

He is.


Podolski can join the likes of Robben, Van Bommel, Cristiano Ronaldo, Figo, Van Persie, Ballack, Sorin etc.


Italy is 2 times better.

fixed

The ref had been very good, great bottle out on a tackle from Ballack, he jumped 3 feet in the air. :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

The Germans have finally solved the fake injury thing, don't give the ball back, well done.

Its been a fairly good game, way more open than I thought it would be.

Italy has been fantastic so far. Hopefully they can put the Germans away in the 2nd half.

I'm not so sure that Italy is going to win this. The Germans are playing very similar to the way they played in the Argentina game, they are being very patient and to be fair, they have created a couple decent opportunities. Schneider probably should have scored, but was denied by that great fingertip save from Buffon.

I think that Klinsmann will bring on Odonkor and/or Schweinsteiger midway through the 2nd half, sooner if Germany go behind, and these two might cause Italy some problems.

I still like Germany in this game though, Italy hasn't done very much.

what an insane first half..

German dangers are coming from lost balls by Italian midfielders.
Pirlo keeps acting like he can lose without problems balls in his own half :speechles

Gattuso should stop passing to Totti with three men around when there is Grosso alone on the left.

It's a pity to see a double of Totti there..he doesn't even seem the same player, completely lacking any kind of acceleration.

Italy is not taking advantage of those half-opportunities they had (nor of the couple of real ones). Not a good sign for them.

what an insane first half..
ya pretty good - the italians actually attacking

is this a soccer game or diving contest?

Players who dive to much should be suspended 1 game.

is this a soccer game or diving contest?

With Italy, you never can tell.

Totti just pulled an Henry not my name for it the commentators on Sportnet gave it that name."Totti much like Henry did not get touched. Henry went down like he had been hit with a cannon when Puyol was no where near his face with his arm"

:biglaugh: Materazzi

imo this game has been quite clean from diving and acting.

Where's the penalty? it was inside they area :dunno: .Another ref blunder

Where's the penalty? it was inside they area :dunno: .Another ref blunder

I didn't see a foul ... ref ****ing it up again ... at least it was missed

Where's the penalty? it was inside they area :dunno: .Another ref blunder

Clearly inside the box, Italians on the right side of another bad call. Horrible call, and a horrible kick by Ballack.

A tad more embellishment is natural as fatigue sets in.

My prediction of Italy winning on penalties is getting closer and closer.

My prediction of Italy winning on penalties is getting closer and closer.

But the ghosts of DiBiagio, Baggio, Baresi? ;)

It's Going to OT baby!!!

whoa.. the germans sure do know how to play like **** and get far in a tourney..

and jesus, too bad ballack doesnt play hockey.. i wish someone would clean his clock, hes such a wannabe diva.

Italy left with no legs in the second half and Lippi only brings up Gilardino. What the **** is he expecting to use his second change to sub Camoranesi who is losing ball after ball??? unbelievable.

Where's the penalty? it was inside they area :dunno: .Another ref blunder

Another ref blunder? Its the only thing hes done wrong all game. I hope he gets the final unless he does a Poll in ET.

Good reffing indeed.
I liked the guy who reffed France/Spain as well.

OMFG so close

Let's go Germany!!! Wir fahren nach Berlin!

Wow what a great individial effort for Italy...almost ended it there.

Italy is pounding Germany.

Italians can't find the net:D

what a rocket

if germany wins this on a header by Klose I'll f-n hurl.

Ok kids...that's NOT how to head a ball.

LOL

a Henry by ballack
not to mention another dive by podolski

Italy get through, please

http://www.airraidsirens.com/ebay/h8s4.mp3

DIVE!!! DIVE!!! DIVE!!!

a Henry by ballack
not to mention another dive by podolski

Italy get through, please
Nope.
Henry was fouled.
Here Ballack went full speed and hit Iaquinta with his elbow.
Faking an injury was the only way not to get carded. And it worked.

The reffing is not so good in ET. Totti was clearly fouled just in front of the box, and no call....
It seems like the ref is playing in hockey playoff OT mode.

You know, for a goalless game this has ben rather entertaining. The fast pace has helped to keep awake (and believe me, I tried to take a a nap during the game but the tv commentators screaming's prevented that).

Italy!!!

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool Itaaaaaaliaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Molto bene! :handclap: :handclap:

Uh-oh

LOS! LOS! LOS!

my god!!!

Del Piero seals it!

Italy!!!:yo: :yo: :yo:

Game over.

Quite the finish...two wonderful looking goals.

Scheiße :cry:

Congrats and good luck in the final. :)

I won´t interrupt the complaining about the ref, diving etc any further - Italy did everything that had to be done: score a goal.

Great game. Even though Italy is my other team(US) I'm a little disappointed that Germany is out.

Well, congrats to Italy, they have gone through a lot these days, and they played well.
Congrats to Del Piero for that goal, and I'm sure his celebration was directed to Helice :D

Anyway, my biggest congrats have to go to Germany.
A year ago, just before the Confederation's Cup, nobody would have bet a dollar on Germany's chances. They were young, inexperienced, and deemed as an average team.
They surely had an OK schedule to reach the quarters, but they did in style, and their fans can be proud of the achievements. Three minutes away from a final (because they always win the PKs anyway), that's pretty good.

:handclap:

Well, a good game. I wish Italy hadn't won, but they did. Congrats.

Let's go France (mostly because I don't want to have to pick between Portugal and Italy).

Damn this hurts, so close, yet so far, this was our tournament to win, this day will haunt me for the next 4 years.....

Grats to Italia for going to the big dance.

The most undeserving team reaches the finals.

Ok kids...that's NOT how to head a ball.

LOL

I hope his head is alright ... that looked vicious

what a great game to watch. I'm a little disapointed that Italy won, and disapointed one team can dive so shamelessly, but what a game. Italy deserved this as they were clearly the better team in extra time. I'll surely be cheering for them in the final against Portugal.

OMG My head just asploded. Unbelievable. I'm stunned. I knew Italy would win...except not in this way!!!! FORZA AZZURRI!!!!

Italy really picked it up in the ET session and you could tell that Germany were tired. Still though, kudos to them for pushing up. The goal was brilliant, great waiting and a great pass from Pirlo and a perfect shot from Grosso.

I would have preferred Germany, but I think Italy are a worthy finalist.

Wow. VERY intense match between two equally strong teams, Italy comes out on top in a game either team could have won.

Good luck in the finals!! :yo:

All Italian-Americans, and Canadians, unite!:yo: The Italians dive, but in soccer, so does everyone else.

Bellisimo.I give Grosso 4/10 for that Tardelli impression though.:D

Der Spiegel can stick this result in their pipe & smoke it.Germany are finished in international football(at least until they host the next tournament).Their juniors are nothing to look at when compared to France Spain & Holland.

And thank goodness we wont be treated to the sight of Angela Merkel :dunce: every ten minutes.Talk about politicians trying to gain credit on the backs of others.

The horns are already going here & a few firecrackers with there being quite a sizeable Italian community here.

The most undeserving team reaches the finals.

No kidding. At least Germany had to play two real teams before this match. Italy. Ugh. :shakehead

Congratulations to Italy. They played the better game, 3 or 4 big chances in OT. The 1:0 fell because of our flagging defence, but they deserved their win :cry:
I see a final Italy-France again - revenge for the EURO 00?

Congrats to Italy and good luck in the finals. We were a minute away from penalty shooting but all those Italian chances were too much in the end.

I'm still proud of the way our side carried themselves through this tournament. Great games, lots of offense, semi-finals. Well done! :clap:

Congrats to Del Piero for that goal, and I'm sure his celebration was directed to Helice :D:biglaugh:

he was absolutely AWFUL as usual!!!!

After Del Piero blew two sitters, I was like 'Here we go again, Euro 2000' and then all that stuff happened.


I had actually predicted the 2-0 score so kudos to me.

Italy will win the WC.

Full credit to the Germans, they played a great game as well. Any time Odonker went down the flanks I had a heart attack. If they had gone to penalties, I was telling everyone that Italy was going to lose. Fabulous shot from Fabio.

Every 12 years baby. Every 12 years.

Der Spiegel can stick this result in their pipe & smoke it.Germany are finished in international football(at least until they host the next tournament).Their juniors are nothing to look at when compared to France Spain & Holland.


Like so many papers, hm?
And look at our team: Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Podoski, Merte, Metzelder, Odonkor... all relative young players. Not 17 but young. Even Friedrich, Klose and maybe Ballack can play on the higher level for 2 big tournements. We're not a powerhouse in junior or youth football, but we rarley were in the past, too.

Wow, I had tears in my eyes, and I wasn't even rooting for any of the two teams in particular. So much drama and emotion, who needs Hollywood.

Any time Odonker went down the flanks I had a heart attack.


So did have most of the germans...but just because Odonkor is not able to cross the ball most of the time. :biglaugh:

Der Spiegel can stick this result in their pipe & smoke it.Germany are finished in international football(at least until they host the next tournament).Their juniors are nothing to look at when compared to France Spain & Holland.

And thank goodness we wont be treated to the sight of Angela Merkel :dunce: every ten minutes.Talk about politicians trying to gain credit on the backs of others.


Funny post :)

Der Spiegel can stick this result in their pipe & smoke it.Germany are finished in international football(at least until they host the next tournament).Their juniors are nothing to look at when compared to France Spain & Holland.
.

Could you be any more bitter?

Anyway, congrats to the Italians. I'm proud of the way Germany played in this tournament.:clap:

The most undeserving team reaches the finals.

How are they "undeserving", if they had just beat a "deserving" Germany? Doesn't that make them kinda "deserving"?

Incredible. Well played Germany, there's some fine young talent around (yes, really) and with the core of this team set, they'll be back. I wanted them in the final but wow, what a game.

Good win by Italy, but they have the worst divers I have ever seen. Slight tap. Boom, they go down, a stiff breeze. Boom, they go down.

yeap! deserved win, as the italian gave up their wrong (defensive) one-man forward game in overtime and tried to win this thing before it comes to a penalty shoot-out. what a refreshing overtime after some (often) long 90 minutes (especially the second half).

nice, that one of the few teams, that mostly played attractive football during this cup, made it to the finals - hopefully, they will return there to the attaching game of today's overtime, then noone will stop them (as they don't really have a big weakness in this years's squad).

the germans did their best, i think, they got 120% out of their team and used a fine draw and the homecrowd to their best fortune, but they had tons of luck against argentina and, to be honest, are simply not in the same class than the top teams right now (i wonder, how they will do in qualifications for euro 2008?)

what a cheer from me, when del piero scored that second goal! :jump: :jump: :jump:

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! FORZA AZZURRI!

Great game by both teams.. I was getting ticked off with Italy. I will admit they were going down too easily. But there were some spikes being shown.

I have to hand it to Germany. I was seriously waiting for Odonker to damage us some how.. They played very good. Amazing ball control.

I also have to hand it to the refs. They did an admirable job. They let the teams play.

but they had tons of luck against argentina and, to be honest, are simply not in the same class than the top teams right now (i wonder, how they will do in qualifications for euro 2008?)


I knew this kind of crap would start if the Italians managed to win.

I KNEW it.

I knew this kind of crap would start if the Italians managed to win.

I KNEW it.

That's kinda BS.

While I admit I didn't think Germany would beat the Argentines, it's not like I was completely shocked by it.

Germany is indeed an elite club. I'm not taking anything away from them by saying I didn't expect them to win. I am just saying that Argentina was playing very very well at the time and all of a sudden they came to a screeching halt.

But, at the same time you have to give Germany credit. They are the reason why Argentina's masterful play was stopped. It also helped that Argentina played some easy teams up to that point.

Very deserving win. The best team advanced to the final, no question. I applaud Germany`s effort and positive football, but they couldn`t match the Italians today. Awesome game. I`m happy it didn`t have to end in a shootout.

The most undeserving team reaches the finals.

Sour grapes. :cry: :cry: :cry:

Italy has played well throughout. They do flop around unnecessarily, but that's up to the official to determine. The ref today didn't fall for the theatrics, and hopefully Sunday's ref will call a smart game as well.

It's nice to see some neutral observers (even English ones, wow :D) giving credit to the German team. Except for takharov, of course. He's right about Merkel though.

I knew this kind of crap would start if the Italians managed to win.

I KNEW it.

this kind of 'crap' would've come from me, even if the german had won ;)

you won't become an elite team in nationalteam-football again with one fine tournament and a lucky draw - it didn't happen in 2002 and i doesn't happen in 2006. just as one fine match from the french doesn't blow away all their lousy performances since euro 2000.

i think, the german showed their maximum at that world cup - and i never expected such a performance from them, but i don't think, that it represents their day-in day-out level.

and that's not trashing the germans, that's just my opinion, as i watch a lot of german football and don't think, that 6 games (with the first 2 and the last 2 being not all that impressive for me) are enough to change my perception of a slow downward-spiral in german football the last 15 years or so ... .

i dont' think, that there is enough elite talent beside lahm, ballack (despite his average wc), podolski and sometimes klose in this team, to bring back the times, when the germans were favourits in most games they were playing.

and believe me, watching the austrian team fall from knocking on world level down to the lowest of the lowest, i know something about downward spirals ... :cry:

btw, for once a fine ref ... and the diving-contest might have ended with a draw

Bellisimo.I give Grosso 4/10 for that Tardelli impression though.:D

Der Spiegel can stick this result in their pipe & smoke it.Germany are finished in international football(at least until they host the next tournament).Their juniors are nothing to look at when compared to France Spain & Holland.

And thank goodness we wont be treated to the sight of Angela Merkel :dunce: every ten minutes.Talk about politicians trying to gain credit on the backs of others.

The horns are already going here & a few firecrackers with there being quite a sizeable Italian community here.


You really hate Germany, don't you?

Well, congrats to Italy, they have gone through a lot these days, and they played well.
Congrats to Del Piero for that goal, and I'm sure his celebration was directed to Helice :D

Anyway, my biggest congrats have to go to Germany.
A year ago, just before the Confederation's Cup, nobody would have bet a dollar on Germany's chances. They were young, inexperienced, and deemed as an average team.
They surely had an OK schedule to reach the quarters, but they did in style, and their fans can be proud of the achievements. Three minutes away from a final (because they always win the PKs anyway), that's pretty good.

:handclap:


Thanks, Evilo.

Italy was the better team, no doubt. Well deserved win, and a whole lot less dives and acting (from both sides) than I thought.

A liked the reffing, except for that BS call with Podolski. It should have been no foul at all, but if he whistles, it's a penalty and not a free-kick.
Oh and in the beginning he could have decided as penalty as well. Hand from Pirlo (?). But he didn't call a whole lot for either side, that's fine.

this kind of 'crap' would've come from me, even if the german had won ;)

you won't become an elite team in nationalteam-football again with one fine tournament and a lucky draw - it didn't happen in 2002 and i doesn't happen in 2006. just as one fine match from the french doesn't blow away all their lousy performances since euro 2000.

i think, the german showed their maximum at that world cup - and i never expected such a performance from them, but i don't think, that it represents their day-in day-out level.

and that's not trashing the germans, that's just my opinion, as i watch a lot of german football and don't think, that 6 games (with the first 2 and the last 2 being not all that impressive for me) are enough to change my perception of a slow downward-spiral in german football the last 15 years or so ... .

i dont' think, that there is enough elite talent beside lahm, ballack (despite his average wc), podolski and sometimes klose in this team, to bring back the times, when the germans were favourits in most games they were playing.

and believe me, watching the austrian team fall from knocking on world level down to the lowest of the lowest, i know something about downward spirals ... :cry:

btw, for once a fine ref ... and the diving-contest might have ended with a draw

Downward spiral?? Oooook.

I guess we have to win every other major tournament, like the "elite" teams do, is that it?

I knew this was going to happen. If we didn't go all the way, people were going to say "ahh, see, they weren't that good anyway".

Germany showed they are among the strongest again.

See you at Euro 08.

A liked the reffing, except for that BS call with Podolski. It should have been no foul at all, but if he whistles, it's a penalty and not a free-kick.That call was unbelievable indeed. And very dangerous as well..dying minutes of the game, free kick just outside the penalty area..

Oh and in the beginning he could have decided as penalty as well. Hand from Pirlo (?).Right man (Pirlo), but that was a shoulder..;)

and jesus, too bad ballack doesnt play hockey.. i wish someone would clean his clock, hes such a wannabe diva.

Actually he is known for being down to earth, unlike a lot of german big name players in the past (Mattheus, Effenberg, Khan).

And I have to say Cannavaro is the player of the tournament this far. It is a bit boring to have a defenseman holding that honour, but it has been a pretty defensive tournament and he has been flawless (with three different partners also).

Great game by both teams.

Gattuso was strong as ever in midfield and Cannavaro was simply awesome. It looked like the German strikers were afraid to go up against him. I also think as of now, he is the player of the WC.

Germany looked a bit nervous but who would of thought that they were 2 mins from a possible berth to the WC final? Great effort and good try.

Where's the penalty? it was inside they area :dunno: .Another ref blunder

A doubly bad call. IMO it shouldn't have been called a foul, but since it was called a foul, it should have been a penalty and Germany would likely have won the game.

That said, congrats to Italy on a great extra time 30 minutes. They could have scored 4 or 5 goals with a little more luck.

Fantastic game with a hell of a finish. I'm glad it wasn't a fluke play that decided a match like that. Two beautiful goals. One of the best games I've ever watched.

No kidding. At least Germany had to play two real teams before this match. Italy. Ugh. :shakehead


I guess coming in first in a tough group means nothing?

It meant nothing for Argentina.

Der Spiegel can stick this result in their pipe & smoke it.Germany are finished in international football(at least until they host the next tournament).Their juniors are nothing to look at when compared to France Spain & Holland.


Seeing your irrational vehement hatred of Germany is the only thing that brings a smile on my face today.

At least Argentina went home even earlier.

How insignificant are they in international football now, if they get knocked out by the mediocre Germans? LOL! :biglaugh:

you won't become an elite team in nationalteam-football again with one fine tournament and a lucky draw - it didn't happen in 2002 and i doesn't happen in 2006. just as one fine match from the french doesn't blow away all their lousy performances since euro 2000.

I would say that playing Australia and Ukraine in successive knock-out matches is rather lucky.

Be careful what arguments you are making.

I would say that playing Australia and Ukraine in successive knock-out matches is rather lucky.

Be careful what arguments you are making.

doesn't having 2 top 5 rated teams (I KNOW I KNOW, ITS FIFA) in the group stage kinda negate that argument? ... you have to beat who you play no matter what ... and Italy hasn't lost to anybody in this tournament and hasn't been scored on (Own goals don't count, especially when they occur in ties)

anyways great run by Germany ... and good luck at Euro 2008

It was an entertaining match, with the ref not buying any acting. Good run by Germany, though. Perhaps with some experience, that young German team could be heavy favorites in 2010? I don't know.

BTW, I'd like to point out to the winners of the Portugal/France to watch the Italy-USA game to figure out how to put Italy on the defensive. Well, not even that, just put heavy pressure on them right from the start, don't let up, and always mark your man on defense. They are not invincible, they couldn't beat a 9-man U.S.A. squad. :)

BTW, I'd like to point out to the winners of the Portugal/France to watch the Italy-USA game to figure out how to put Italy on the defensive. Well, not even that, just put heavy pressure on them right from the start, don't let up, and always mark your man on defense. They are not invincible, they couldn't beat a 9-man U.S.A. squad. :)

Sounds like a recipe to beat any team ;) Easier said than done though.

well at least this game wasn't marred by attrocious reffereeing...

great game...

Great game just not the result I wanted to see. Grats to Italy, but i'll fully be rooting for whoever they face in the final.

Italy has not let up a goal(a real goal) in like 76 years, and it's not changing on Sunday. All Portugal or France has to do is make 1 little slip-up and the game is over. No chance in hell Italy loses.

doesn't having 2 top 5 rated teams (I KNOW I KNOW, ITS FIFA) in the group stage kinda negate that argument? ... you have to beat who you play no matter what ... and Italy hasn't lost to anybody in this tournament and hasn't been scored on (Own goals don't count, especially when they occur in ties)

anyways great run by Germany ... and good luck at Euro 2008

The Czechs maybe but the US :biglaugh:

Italy has not let up a goal in like 76 years, and it's not changing on Sunday. All Portugal or France has to do is make 1 little slip-up and the game is over.

Please edit this post :biglaugh:

Please edit this post :biglaugh:

I'm being Sarcastic, but it seems that way.

BTW, I'd like to point out to the winners of the Portugal/France to watch the Italy-USA game to figure out how to put Italy on the defensive. Well, not even that, just put heavy pressure on them right from the start, don't let up, and always mark your man on defense. They are not invincible, they couldn't beat a 9-man U.S.A. squad. :)

Don't forget the most obvious strategy that came from the Italy-US game. Make sure to make it appear as though Italy only need show up in order to win that way they will be totally unmotivated. Give them a false sense that the team they are facing have no business being on the same field as them. Get them to score on their own net at least once, then have the referee begin sending players off at 5 minute intervals until no one is left. Then take it in the shootout. Only a master tactician can pull this off.

Italy has not let up a goal(a real goal) in like 76 years, and it's not changing on Sunday. All Portugal or France has to do is make 1 little slip-up and the game is over. No chance in hell Italy loses.
I think France has a very good chance at beating the italians.

Euro 00 final : win
WC 98 QF : win
WC 86 knockout stage : win

The most undeserving team reaches the finals.
You lack every kind of knowledge.

No kidding. At least Germany had to play two real teams before this match. Italy. Ugh. :shakehead
Don't forget to mention that Germany had to play three 'real' teams in the groupphase too !!

I think France has a very good chance at beating the italians.

Euro 00 final : win
WC 98 QF : win
WC 86 knockout stage : win

That only says we are due :D

Thank god Italy won or else you would have fans sceaming for injustice and how they got *****.. Guess they forgot how lucky they were to reach the finals of Euro 2000 when the Dutch dominated them more than I ever saw them doing in the semi's..

Expect a boring final.

Thank god Italy won or else you would have fans sceaming for injustice and how they got *****.. Guess they forgot how lucky they were to reach the finals of Euro 2000 when the Dutch dominated them more than I ever saw them doing in the semi's..Funny how you Dutch always forgot to say Holland played almost the whole game with the man advantage..

I would have prefered a goal on first shoot of OT, than at the end. The game was over, when Grosso destroyed the dreams of "54,74,90,2006."

Congrats to Italia, you guys wanted it more (while Germany was trying to escape into the SO.):clap:

Funny how you Dutch always forgot to say Holland played almost the whole game with the man advantage.. Hey, I never forget that !

I still like it how a worldclass defender like Zambrotta got humiliated by Boudewijn Zenden in that game. :D

Funny how you Dutch always forgot to say Holland played almost the whole game with the man advantage..

Which made the Dutch domination worth less how exactly? It only showed that the Italians needed rough fouls to stop us. We had like 85% ball possesion that game and had two penalties in regulation, not to mention the Italians had no single shot on goal. Italy played as cowards, whether that was with 11 or 10 men. Holland was the best team at Euro 2000 and IMO 1998 too.

I would say that playing Australia and Ukraine in successive knock-out matches is rather lucky.

Be careful what arguments you are making.

well, for my part there's a difference, if you have to begin the tournament against costa rica, poland and ecuador or against ghana, usa and the czechs ... i know, which group i would prefer for confidence-building and a smooth start into the cup, especially if i'm not sure, how my team will do in competition (as the germans had their last 'real' match at the euro 2004)

and for australia and ukraine: australia was - different to the swedes - one of the more impressive teams during the group stages and ukraine at least seemed to have found their form of qualifications after a shaky start against the spains. nothing lucky there (except for the fact, that the australians played with more caution than in the games before), just a good effort of the italians in both games, as it was a great effort from the germans in their elimination games (and to have a ton of luck against argentina doesn't mean that they didn't deserve the win there)

but even you will have to admit, that group a wasn't as tough as group e (or literally every group other than h) - and that this fact wasn't a disadvantage to build up some momentum with a (relatively) young team

as i said before: greatest respect for the performance of the germans in this tournament, as they were one of the few teams, that played to (and over) their limit, but as yesterdays overtime proved, the limit of the italians (once they decided to go for the win with two forwards and del piero) is still higher than the limit of the germans.

and that's the difference to former years: now germans have to overperform to get their places in finals or semifinals of tournaments - something they reached in the past regularely with less convincing games

might have to do with both - the own quality (sinking) and the quality of the other teams (rising) ... ;)

Hey, I never forget that !

I still like it how a worldclass defender like Zambrotta got humiliated by Boudewijn Zenden in that game. :DBack then, Zambrotta was not a defender yet! :D

You can't really judge how good Germany are on this tournament alone. Home advantage does give you a few extra rounds, see Korea in 02, England in 66, France in 98, Portugal in 04, England in 96 etcetera....

The real German side will be in Euro 2008, how they perform there will be the yardstick for how they are judged.

Which made the Dutch domination worth less how exactly?I thought playing 90 minutes with the man advantage was a factor in dominating a game, no?

It only showed that the Italians needed rough fouls to stop us.Zambrotta made two stupid unnecessary fouls and was ejected.(He was still unexperienced on international level..)
No rough fouls needed involved in that red card..

We had like 85% ball possesion that game and had two penalties in regulation,Only one of the two penalty shots was obvious as far as remember (the idiot Iuliano on Davids). And how being awarded penalty shots make a team deserving the win?
Not saying it was not the case though.

not to mention the Italians had no single shot on goal. Italy played as cowards, whether that was with 11 or 10 men.You have to take into consideration that after the red card Italy was basically playing with nine men since a pathetic Del Piero was (virtually) on the pitch!

You can't really judge how good Germany are on this tournament alone. Home advantage does give you a few extra rounds, see Korea in 02, England in 66, France in 98, Portugal in 04, England in 96 etcetera....

The real German side will be in Euro 2008, how they perform there will be the yardstick for how they are judged.The real German side didn't have home advantage in 2002 and reached the final.

The real German side didn't have home advantage in 2002 and reached the final.:eek:

I'm sure they are a few more examples. ;)

You have to take into consideration that after the red card Italy was basically playing with nine men since a pathetic Del Piero was (virtually) on the pitch!

Why do you hate Del Piero so much? Did he kill someone you know?

So, time to spend some words on the game.

It was huge. That goal right before the penalty shots was a real relief for us.. we could see that destiny coming again and after a game i think Italy deserved to win.

Kudos to Germany for their play in this WC and to their fans to take it in a sportsmanlike way. I've witnessed a WC in Italy and a semifinal elimination (through penalty shots) as the home team: i know how it feels.. even more considering back then we had arguably the best team. Germany won that title in Italy, we will see if we'll be capable of the same in Germany, hopefully in a better final.

I think the home team improved a lot defensively before and along this tourney. The team had a positive and confident approach to the wc, that must be given to Klinsmann. Klose is indeed a dangerous striker. Lehmann has completed the best season of his life with a very solid WC redeeming his career (on par with his good potential).
I was less pleased with the attitude of some German players in this game though. Not giving back the ball while the game is tied and there is no interest for the opponents to lose time?.. and Ballack's flying elbow..anyway, fortunately nothing affected the final result (and i will be able to use all of that against my German brother in law :D )

Speaking of Italy, they went very close to lose a game they should have won. I think an average Totti would have meant a win within the 90'; i've never seen him being so weak on his legs and so run-less.. when he started out his serie A career before turning 17 he had already more power than now (and was less afraid too..)
It's kinda ironic to make it to the final without the help of our two best outfield players (Totti and Nesta).
Camoranesi had an awful second half. Lippi was LATE in his subs.. i hope the guy is left off the final.
Cannavaro was awesome once again.
Materazzi struggled (if only Nesta could play the final..)

It was a crazy night on Italian roads, but the current situation is so similar to Euro 2000 that provides nightmares:
Italy beat the home team to reach the final, and France against Portugal was the other semis...and you know how it ended..

note: this win was vital for my sister.
Even her son was cheering for Germany. She lives in Munchen and was watching the game with husband, colleagues and friends..all supporting Germany........:)

Downward spiral?? Oooook.

I guess we have to win every other major tournament, like the "elite" teams do, is that it?

I knew this was going to happen. If we didn't go all the way, people were going to say "ahh, see, they weren't that good anyway".

Germany showed they are among the strongest again.

See you at Euro 08.

as austria can't be prevented from participation :yo: , we'll be there (to give one of the worst performances ever seen at such a tournament :shakehead )

but i'm still not sure, the germans will be there, too (depends on their qualification-group)

and as for the downward-spiral - in former years germans always expected to have a shot at the title of the competition they were in - which does NOT mean, that they had to win every single one. but there always was a kind of disappointment even after lost finals and harsh criticism, once they went out earlier. right now they finally seem to be very satisfied in reaching the semis of the wc at home, as they were very satisfied with loosing to brazil in the 2002 finals - and the criticism after the early exits in euro 2000/04 were more kind of realization, that they are simply not that good anymore (as germans - to a lesser extent - make the same mistakes in their leagues as we do in austria), and that they have to lower their expectations to the point, that they are no longer one of the few favourits in every tournament, but more part of the chasing group (which doesn't exclude a 'successful' campaign).

when it comes to games against the likes of brazil, argentina, italy or portugal, today the germans normally start as the outsiders. that's the difference to the past and that's what i meant with downward spiral (if you like, you can compare the successes of the german national and club teams before and after 1990 - might be another sign for a trend from the elite to the 'better average with chances' ;) )

Why do you hate Del Piero so much? Did he kill someone you know?I guess i should repeat once again the whole story..

to summarize:
Del Piero is arguably the most overrated player in the history of Italian soccer. The hype about him is absolutely insane comparing with the value of the player.
Most of his caps with the national team were undeserved and due to his name, to being Juventus' symbol and to sponsors.
He has been (so far) the most consistently damaging player with the national team i've ever seen, regularly helping to kill Italian chances in big competions (1998, 2000, 2004 AND 2006* so far. All seasons where he didn't even deserve to be on the team).

Is that enough? i could add he has been a very good player in a couple of seasons in the past, never coinciding with the ones of the big international competitions though. He is slow, he lacks strenght, he lacks guts as soon as he wear the national team jersey (chokes under that pressure) and he whines instead of hiding out Italian fans' sight.


* as for yesterday's game, he came in fresh in OT and managed to lose his first two balls going down as usual, managed to waste two glorious chances to decide the game and then scored a nice but completely needless goal when the game was already won. That should provide him with one last chance in the final to redeem himself; who knows, the goal should help his mind, but i guess his presence during the final will just damage Italian chances as always.

It's all over! :cry:

But bravo to Italy, well deserved win and an honest game by them! :handclap:

I'm so sad and so happy at the same time. This German team exceeded my expectations and not only got far but also played some nice football (not always), still we all believed to win it all and were so crushed yesterday.

I'm not a huge fan of penalties so I think to lose a game because of a beautiful goal is a good way to crash out.

I don't understand how Germany is "always on the way down" and "unable to produce great players" when they seem to generally consistently produce decent performances as a team at major tournaments.

At the World Cup stage, they've been in the finals of 1982, 1986, 1990, 2002, the semi-finals of 2006, and the quarter-finals of 1994 and 1998.

Meanwhile, teams like the Netherlands and France have failed abysmally in some of their World Cup efforts (i.e. 2002).

One weak tournament or two (i.e. Euro) and the sky is falling?

When's the last time Italy made the final before this year? When's the last time they won? How about Argentina?

when it comes to games against the likes of brazil, argentina, italy or portugal, today the germans normally start as the outsiders.
They were certainly not outsiders against Italy yesterday (both teams looked pretty even). And why would they when Italy hasn't won anything for 25 years. Because of Germany's early exit in 2004 ? But Italy didn't make the last eight either. Not to mention 2002. As for Argentina, when was the last time they reached the last four of the WC ? Was 1990 and even then Germany was better.

Brilliant game, this is what the WC is all about. For the most part it was played in a very good spirit, and was very well reffed. It was a great tactical battle and although I was extremely down on Italy due to the result against my own country, I most certainly do not begrudge their victory yesterday. Both of those strikes were absolute quality and Pirlo's vision in the leadup to the Grosso goal was amazing. Ballack's midfield battle with Gattuso was one for the ages, and if Milan were to get relegated I'd love to see Gattuso move to the EPL so we can see that one for years to come.
:clap: bravo to both teams, if today's game is half as good as this one I will be very satisfied.

He has been (so far) the most consistently damaging player with the national team i've ever seen, regularly helping to kill Italian chances in big competions (1998, 2000, 2004 AND 2006* so far. All seasons where he didn't even deserve to be on the team).

man, you really hate del piero ... :shakehead

you forgot one thing to mention: which offensive player beside robbie in '94 really was able to stand out in those unwatchable defensive systems the italians performed the last 15 years or so? none! sad for del piero, that the italians start to PLAY (instead of defend) football only in the twilight of his career (but better now than never)

The real German side didn't have home advantage in 2002 and reached the final.

They had a very easy route and hardly impressed along the way. Still, they did well to get there, you've got to win the games. I still don't think they're that good a side.

They had a very easy route and hardly impressed along the way. Still, they did well to get there, you've got to win the games. I still don't think they're that good a side.

Portugal got to play Greece twice in Euro 2004 on home soil and we all know how that worked out.

As you said, you still have to win the games.

Portugal got to play Greece twice in Euro 2004 on home soil and we all know how that worked out.

As you said, you still have to win the games.

Watching the Greece/Portugal games in 2004 reminded me of the NJDevils vs Wings final in 1994:madfire:

as austria can't be prevented from participation :yo: , we'll be there (to give one of the worst performances ever seen at such a tournament :shakehead )

but i'm still not sure, the germans will be there, too (depends on their qualification-group)

and as for the downward-spiral - in former years germans always expected to have a shot at the title of the competition they were in - which does NOT mean, that they had to win every single one. but there always was a kind of disappointment even after lost finals and harsh criticism, once they went out earlier. right now they finally seem to be very satisfied in reaching the semis of the wc at home, as they were very satisfied with loosing to brazil in the 2002 finals - and the criticism after the early exits in euro 2000/04 were more kind of realization, that they are simply not that good anymore (as germans - to a lesser extent - make the same mistakes in their leagues as we do in austria), and that they have to lower their expectations to the point, that they are no longer one of the few favourits in every tournament, but more part of the chasing group (which doesn't exclude a 'successful' campaign).

when it comes to games against the likes of brazil, argentina, italy or portugal, today the germans normally start as the outsiders. that's the difference to the past and that's what i meant with downward spiral (if you like, you can compare the successes of the german national and club teams before and after 1990 - might be another sign for a trend from the elite to the 'better average with chances' ;) )

The things you are talking about are vague and subjective -- people's expectations or views.

The things I'm talking about are real and tangible -- the team's actual performance on the field was excellent. They were clearly quite competitive in the games against Argentina and Italy, their toughest opposition.

As for performance since 1990, you've got to be kidding me...a WC final, a European championship, and now a WC semifinal. If you think that is weak, I shudder to imagine what you must think of most other nations!


They had a very easy route and hardly impressed along the way. Still, they did well to get there, you've got to win the games. I still don't think they're that good a side.


What must you have thought of England, then??:eek:

I don't understand how Germany is "always on the way down" and "unable to produce great players" when they seem to generally consistently produce decent performances as a team at major tournaments.

At the World Cup stage, they've been in the finals of 1982, 1986, 1990, 2002, the semi-finals of 2006, and the quarter-finals of 1994 and 1998.

Meanwhile, teams like the Netherlands and France have failed abysmally in some of their World Cup efforts (i.e. 2002).

One weak tournament or two (i.e. Euro) and the sky is falling?

When's the last time Italy made the final before this year? When's the last time they won? How about Argentina?

The German teams are generally strong, but I think part of the reason Germany takes that sort of criticism is because they haven't been producing a lot of dazzling individual stars, despite being an extremely affluent country of 80 million with football as the number 1 sport. Proportionally, Germany doesn't stack up so well when compared with much smaller countries like the Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic, etc. It's not unlike some of the criticisms levelled at Canadian hockey.

I must say, as someone who dreaded watching Materazzi play, and was not happy to hear him added to the squad... I am very impressed with his play throughout the tournament so far. His sending off in the Aussie game was harsh.. Other than that, he has looked very calm, and hasn't gotten into any trouble.

Bravo for Marco.

As for performance since 1990, you've got to be kidding me...a WC final, a European championship, and now a WC semifinal. If you think that is weak, I shudder to imagine what you must think of most other nations!

1.) we talk about the germans and not most other nations, and

2.) where in hell did i wrote, that they are weak or that they didn't have success in the last years or that they never will have success in the future?

just remember, what i wrote in my first answer to you:

and that's not trashing the germans, that's just my opinion, as i watch a lot of german football and don't think, that 6 games (with the first 2 and the last 2 being not all that impressive for me) are enough to change my perception of a slow downward-spiral in german football the last 15 years or so ... .

i dont' think, that there is enough elite talent beside lahm, ballack (despite his average wc), podolski and sometimes klose in this team, to bring back the times, when the germans were favourits in most games they were playing.

we talk about a football-nation, who always rated themselves as the ultimate tournament-team and (for a long time) their bundesliga as the best league in the world. a team, that for long didn't fear any other team (including the brazils) and seldom lost to weaker squads. that's the level, from which imo the slow downward-spiral started, and even you have to admit, that the germans don't achieve the same success after the title '90 than in the years before. they had one title, two finals and a secondround exit in the 4 wc-tournaments before '90 and they have one final, one semi and two quarterfinals since then. they had one win, one final, one semifinale and one firstround exit in the four euros before '90 and they have one win, one final and two firstround exits (in the last two euros) since then. they had 16 clubs in the european- and uefa-cup finals in the 15 years before 1990 (with winning 8 of them) and they have 'just' 8 finalists (with four winners) in the 15 years since then.

that's still quite lots of success, but also some (for germany) unusual early exits and long title droughts (the last time they went 12 years without a title had been after bern '54).

so maybe it's coincidence or maybe it's a trend and imo it's for sure a combination of the germans losing quality with other nations getting stronger, but as you are of a totally different opinion and convinced, that the germans are as strong as ever, it's a fruitless discussion, 'cause you won't and can't change my thinking and i won't and can't change yours.

only time will tell, who is right ;)

Brazil didn't even reach the finals for a 24 year span.

These things can go in cycles.

Germany may be the most consistent overall, and yet somehow they're held to a higher standard than everyone else apparently.

Germany may be the most consistent overall, and yet somehow they're held to a higher standard than everyone else apparently.

I think it has to do with envy (success of the DFB team) and the fact that Germans aren't the most popular people. Resulting from the history and German arrogance (example : the German tourists masses, especially in Europe.)