Germany and Italy serve up another classic

By Mitch Phillips

BERLIN (Reuters) – It was always unlikely that Germany and
Italy would reproduce their seven-goal 1970 spectacular but
Tuesday’s semi-final has already earned its own place in the
World Cup’s gallery of masterpieces.

In Mexico 36 years ago Italy emerged 4-3 winners for the
dubious honor of becoming Brazil’s sacrificial lambs in the
final but this year the prize at stake was a place in a very
winnable decider against France or Portugal.

It also offered the chance to secure a fourth victory since
both sides had lifted the trophy three times previously.

The size of the reward could have strangled the match with
tension but instead it was the best of the tournament so far
and another reminder that a shower of goals are not always
necessary for a classic as Italy won with two late strikes in
extra time.

The game was memorable for all the right reasons.

It was played at a relentless pace, with supreme technical
mastery, expertly and sympathetically refereed, featuring risky
but positive substitutions by both coaches and settled in
dramatic fashion with two beautiful goals late in extra time.

“It was the best match that I’ve seen in a long time,” said
former Germany great Franz Beckenbauer, echoing the thoughts of
locals and neutrals from around the world.

TOURNAMENT GREATS

The atmosphere in the Westfalenstadion was electric before
kickoff as the 65,000 crowd prepared to witness a titanic
battle between two tournament greats who both fully believed
they were the better side with neither willing to give any
ground.

They were not disappointed as the match started at
breakneck speed and barely paused for breath over the next two
hours.

In contrast with much of the cagey, slow-burn football that
had been on display throughout the last four weeks, Tuesday’s
match was a fantastic advertisement for attacking football.

As soon as each side won the ball they set about trying to
find a way forward. But this was no kick and rush, no hurried,
hopeful long balls to the front men — it was considered, sharp
passing, agile movement, thrust and counter-thrust.

However, the constant attacking did not lead to many
chances.

Both defences were at the very top of their game, aided by
the increasingly common system of having a holding midfielder
screening them and breaking up attacks before the danger zone.

In Germany’s case that man was Sebastian Kehl, who ensured
the suspended Torsten Frings was not missed.

For Italy the role was filled by was Gennaro Gattuso, who
flew into every tackle with total commitment despite knowing
that one mistimed challenge could mean the yellow card that
would have ruled him out of the final.

As the game progressed, the tension mounted and both sides
had half-chances that could have settled it.

MORE CONFIDENT

Germany, relentlessly impressive knockout operators,
appearing in an extraordinary 12th World Cup semi-final or
equivalent, had looked the more confident side for an hour.

But Italy, who had never lost to Germany in their six
previous competitive meetings, gradually got on top and the
game tilted dramatically in their direction in extra time.

Twice in the first minute of the extra period they hit the
woodwork but it seemed as if a great game was going to end with
a frustrating penalty shootout finale.

Fabio Grosso’s stunning strike and Alessandro Del Piero’s
sublime second soon after ensured the finish it deserved.