Liveblog: Germany vs. Italy

July 4th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

Italy comes away with a dramatic win in extra time as they score two goals in the final three minutes to earn a trip to the final in Berlin. It was an excellent game with both teams playing their hearts out, but in the end Italy comes out on top. You can read the play-by-play below and leave your comments about the game.

Final: Germany 0-2 (a.e.t) Italy

Full time An amazing ending to an amazing game. Italy and Germany both attacked in a game that was evenly played throughout. Italy scored two goals in the closing seconds to come away with a win on German soil. They continue their mastery of Germany in the World Cup. They will now face the winner of the Portugal and France match tomorrow.

120:00 GOALLLLLL! Del Piero breaks free and punches the Azzurri’s ticket into the final of the World Cup. Wow, what an ending to an incredibly hard fought game!

119:12 Fabio Grosso is the hero tonight after taking a pass from Pirlo in the box and burrying it in the corner of the goal with his left foot. What a great finish in a dramatic moment.

118:12 Pirlo with a long range shot that is on goal but Lehmann punches it away. Corner kick for Italy and they score. GOALLLLLLLLL!!! Grosso. GOALLLLLL!!!

115:00 One last push by Germany. Odonker crosses it but Italy is able to get away from danger. Neither team has a midfield.

113:04 Lehmann goes on a walkabout and Del Piero is unable to make him pay for coming off his line in such a wild way.

112:46 Friedrich forced to clear it over his own touchline and Italy takes its time getting to take the corner kick. It is headed away safely by Ballack.

111:11 Podolski takes it in the box and drills one that Buffon is forced to knock over the bar. Excellent chance for germany.

110:49 Neuville in for Klose and that might be a move heared towards the penalty shoot out. Italy with a chance in the box but Germany defends it well.

109:34 If you look ahead to a penalty shoot out it will be a classic with Buffon and Lehmann two of the best in the world at stopping penalty shots. Still a ways to go before we see that though.

108:12 Lahm on the other end collects the ball and launches it over the bar. This game continues to be played at a high pace with both teams looking to land the decisive goal.

107:32 Lehmann owns the ball in the box. He looks on fire tonight.

106:48 Odonker earns a corner kick for Germany. It is once again headed away by Italy and on the other end Iaquinta breaks free and wins a corner for Italy.

105:01 The second extra period is underway with both teams desperate to book their ticket to Berlin for the final on July 9.

105:00 Podolski wide open in the box takes the cross from Odonker and puts it way off the mark. Should have put it in the goal. End of first extra period and we are still scoreless.

104:48 Odonker putting the red boots into motion and then passes like he never played the game before. After a lightning start by Italy in this extra period it has turned into a slugfest.

103:59 Del Piero comes in for Perrotta. This puts a lot of pressure on their midfield.

102:58 Ballack collides with Iaquinta and they both look like they were shot by snipers.

101:27 Del Piero getting ready to come in for Italy as Lippi continues to look for an offensive weapon that will net a goal.

100:00 Both teams looking for a hero as we pass the 100 minute mark in this game. I am looking for a hero too now that half my fingers are bleeding, cramping and otherwise failing to type.

99:23 Germany free kick from the side outside the box. Schweinsteiger takes it and it is headed away by Italy. The Azzurri defense just is tough to penetrate.

97:49 Neither team showing signs of fatigue despite playing a high intensity match to this point. Lahm feeds Podolski but he is behind the ball as is usually the case/

95:57 Germany has settled it down and is controlling it in their attacking end. Materazzi gets knocked down by a shot to the head and he doesn’t appear to know where the hell he is. Looks like kramer from Seinfeld.

94:46 Zambrotta pulls down Lahm by the side of the box and Germany gets a free kick that leads to a corner kick.

94:14 Italy coming out with their attack full on. They have three forwards up front and are all in front of the goal. Italy has never won a World Cup penalty shoot out. Germany has never lost. You can understand why Italy would like to avoid taking part in one tonight/

91:49 Italy hits to post to begin the extra time and then Zambrotta off the cross bar. Italy out to win and avoid penalty kicks.

90:01 We are back underway in Dortmund with a spot in the World Cup final on the line. Both teams have had their legs worked on and have enjoyed some water. Italy has used their second sub by inserting Iaquinta for Camoranesi. Germany also has one sub left.

End of regulation After 90 minutes of intense World Cup football we are headed to extra time. There will be 2, 15-minute periods. If the score is still tied the spot in the World Cup final will be decided by a penalty shoot out. Anyone care to predict how things are going to turn out.

90 Germany with a chance from near the corner. Free kick is swung in but Italy is able to clear it up. Three minutes of extra time.

89:04 Camoranesi bites Kehl’s ankle and he is shown a yellow at midfield.

88:13 Germany seeming like the team more intent on ending this game in regulation but Italy hasn’t packed it in yet. Perrotta with a long ball to Gilardino and Lahm breaks it out.

86:33 Lots of blue jerseys in the box as Germany tries to mount something late. This game has just flown by with plenty of back and forth action. A good semifinal so far.

84:56 Perrotta breaks free in the box and Lehmann punches the ball and Perrotta’s body. Solid play from the German keeper.

84:23 Ballack and Gattuso are like a pair of bowling balls running into each other tonight. By now they are wearing each other’s underwear.

83:12 Odonker in for Scheider. Odonker plays in Dortmund and is received well by the home crowd. He does offer some pace to the game.

81:47 Podolski gets tangled up with Cannavaro at the top of the penalty box and Germany is awarded a kick just outside the box. Tough call. He was in the box but is awarded a free kick outside the box. Germany with the kick from straight on. Ballack drills it over the bar, as is his custom this tournament.

79:42 Lahm pushing way forward and Zambrotta matches him stride for stride. Ballack looks to be laboring out there with his leg. Lippi working the gum on the sideline and the German chancellor is caught picking a winner on the camera.

77:43 Italy with a little attack that leads to a Pirlo shot that Lehmann gobbles up quicker than you can say Oliver Kahn.

76:23 Even though there is still plenty of time left and both teams are not in a shell, I get the sense this one will go to extra time. I’m usually wrong about this sort of thing so go ahead and rub it in when it doesn’t happen.

74:46 I wonder if Luca Toni will be offside on the bench too.

73:35 For a scoreless match this one has not left for action. Gilardino getting ready to come in for Italy for Toni.

72:39 Gattuso down with a cramp and Klose helps him out. Borowski out and the Pig Man Schweinsteiger is in. Borowski had a solid game.

70:59 Germany likely to make a sub or two in the next few minutes as they will bring on some fresh legs for the final push.

69:34 Ballack and Friedrich with a nice combination that is broken up by the Italy defense. Just a reminder that we will be back here tomorrow for the France and Portugal semifinal so go ahead and stop be again. Cheers.

67:43 If I needed someone to defend my life I would choose Fabio Cannavaro. He is unflappable.

66:35 Ballack appears to be playing on one leg in the German midfield as the Italian team builds its attack slowly. The pace is still face but both defenses are proving tough to crack.

64:57 Grosso down on the turf after having his noggin popped. Some magic hair gel makes things feel better. Starting to get a little chippy out there.

63:48 Totti earning the whistles for attracting German penalties. Totti has not been on target tonight but he is all over the midfield.

62:01 Podolski reappears in the box and drills a turn around that is saved by Buffon. Perhaps that is why Podolski gets so much love and is admired by Paris Hilton.

61:23 Dotmund was the site of Germany’s late game win against Poland in the first round. Will we see a repeat tonight or can Italy pull it off on German soil? Should be a dramatic next 30 minutes.

60:13 Italy offsides again. That is number 8 today from the Azzurri who seemingly haven’t learned the lesson yet.

58:54 Not sure why the Germans love Lukas Podolski so much. He disappears in most games.

57:49 This is like watching a heavyweight fight with both sides trying to land one knockout punch. One goal either way and it might be over.

56:03 Metzelder called for a yellow after he clips Totti from behind. Didn’t look like a yellow to me, but the ref didn’t consult me on the call.

55:23 Klinsmann looks like he woke up on the wrong side on the bed today. He has been fired up the whole game and does not look super happy.

54:10 Borowski with a long bomb that goes well over the bar. The crowd is once again reminding us this game is in Deutschland.

54:02 The pace of this game continues to be excellent as both teams are playing to win and aren’t just sitting back. Lehmann looks like a killer sometimes. He could crack at any time.

52:23 Horns ringing out in Berlin as people are imploring their team to come up with a goal against this very good Italy defense. With Buffon minding the net it is a tough order for any team.

50:12 Italy races down to the other end and once again ends up offside. Grosso down looking to be on death’s door. The stretcher should help him feel better about himself.

49:59 Klose takes it on a run into the box and Buffon stones him. Great play from both studs.

48:49 Germany builds the attack with Lahm and Borowski crossing from the wing. Odonker starting to get limber for Germany on the sideline.

47:03 Zambrotta called for being offside. Italy has to lead the free world in offside infractions. Probably lead the unfree world too.

46:37 It will be interesting to see how the teams adjusted after halftime. As the game goes deeper in the fear of making a mistake grows that much bigger.

45:23 Neither side has made a change at halftime so if you liked those 22 guys from the first half you will like the start of this half.

45:01 We are back underway from Dortmund with Germany and Italy playing for the right to advance to the final of the World Cup. Thanks for joining me for the game. Your comments are welcome. This one could turn out to be a classic so let’s all enjoy the next 45 minutes together.

Halftime Stats Italy is ahead 58-42% in possession. Italy has three shots on goal and Germany none. Italy has a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. No cautions have been shown.

Halftime A fast paced and entertaining first half of play. Both teams have not ducked away from the attack with Italy having a slight edge in the better chances. I’m going to go get another beer and will be back to join you for the start of the second half. Go ahead and leave your thoughts on the first half and how you see things will go in the second half.

44:12 Borowski witth another cross as Germany’s best attack has come from the left side. Totti jumps over Ballack and he is called for a piggyback foul.

43:58 Ballack falls down by the sideline and Perrotta gives him a 9.5 for diving.

42:47 Italy playing a solid game considering the circumstances. Both teams have come out to win this half. We’ll see if the strategy remains the same for the second 45.

41:03 Italy free kick is headed over the bar. Italy with a number of opportunities off of set plays. They have had the better run of things the second part of this half.

39:43 Borowski shown a yellow for knocking Totti down from behind. Klinsmann is livid over the call.. It appeared to be the right call but Totti sure did make sure the referee noticed it.

38:49 Podolski flopping like a duck and does not get a call. He looks a bit frustrated out there. Lots of back and forth action in this game.

37:47 Italy free kick from right near the corner flag. It is swung into the box but Germany comes away with it. Referee letting the teams play a bit and Italy continuing to attack.

36:09 Ballack in the middle but he is stood up before he can get a shot off and put it over the goal. Mertzelder showing off his English skills by swearing with a four letter word.

35:12 I have been really impressed by Klose’s passing ability this tournament. He obviously is a goal scorer but he likes to get his teammates involved.

33:21 Podolski not having his finest game up to this point. Klinsmann on the sideline looking like he is ready to go in. Germany break away and Schneider misses from an angle after being set up nicely by Klose.

31:29 Italy continues to attack and gets another corner. Italy looking to be the more dangerous team. Lippi on the sideline looking like he is going to keel over some day.

30:12 Italy leading the possession game 53-47% but this game has been almost entirely even from my perspective. Both teams with some good opportunities. Italy breaks free and earns a corner that is headed away by Friedrich.

29:03 Camoranesi taken down by Lahm on the side of the area. No card shown but Italy gets a free kick. Pirlo rolls it in and Totti’s shot is blocked away.

27:23 No cards shown to this point as the referee from Mexico is letting both sides play. Refreshing to see in this World Cup.

26:23 Cannavaro dispossed Klose. What a class defender Italy has as a captain. He is so tough to beat on the ball.

25:23 Lahm will probably keep that arm brace on even when his arm is fully healed. He has had a nice World Cup.

23:43 Free kick in the box for Italy is missed by Toni and Materazzi had a chance at it too. Dangerous little play.

23:14 Kehl sticking his willy into the action as he pushes forward from the back. On the other end Zambrotta is working his magice with combination plays.

22:28 Excellent pace through the first twenty minutes of this game. Both teams have come to play and to score. Not always the case when you get to this point of the World Cup.

20:46 Germany’s central backline has the height to match up with Toni and Totti. On Italy’s end, their backline continues to be in excellent position but they are giving Podolski too much room. He volleys one over the bar.

19:25 Italy playing a lot of long balls to their forwards and are just missing the mark. Germany’s attack is coming all on the left side through Borowski.

18:23 In my next life I want Ballack’s hair. It is never out of place.

16:47 This game is wide open right now. Borowski is having a solid game out wide for Germany. He earns a corner kick and the air horns are heard throughout Berlin. It is cleared away by Italy.

15:32 Perrotta breaks in and is one on one with Lehmann but the German keeper is up the the task.

14:51 Borowski with a great cross that Klose leaves off for Podolski but he is too busy day dreaming about his upcoming date with Paris Hilton to track it down.

14:23 Toni is offside on a long pass from the back line. Toni and Thierry Henry both seem to need a re-education on the offside rule.

12:34 Nice German build up finds Podolski with a turn around right at the top of the box but it is cleared away. Germany heeded my call and settled it down during that stretch. Pirlo hits the turf after Borowski clips him.

11:15 Italy corner is in the mix but Germany is able to clear it out. Both teams seem to be playing a little bit quicker than they should be. The nerves need to be worked out and the passing settled down.

10:03 Both teams looking a bit unsettled but both are playing more attacking football than I would have predicted. Perotta crosses it into the German box and it is cleared without harm.

9:02 It is eerily silent in Berlin right now. If you were looking for a quiet place to read a book I would suggest coming here. Klose limping a bit as he tries to work off the pain in his leg.

7:45 Ballack with a blast well over the crossbar. Go ahead and keep track of how many times I type that tonight.

7:12 Klose gets chopped down and does a fair number of rolls. He is fine. Impressive amount of falling down by both teams early in the match.

6:34 In case you forgot, the crowd is letting us know this game is being played in Deutschland.

6:14 Free kick from Borowski goes wide and Italy is able to clear it out of trouble. Podolski never has his shirt tucked in. If I were Italy I would force the ref to make him tidy up.

4:36 The Pig Man is on the bench and looking about as happy as Oliver Kahn. Italy showing some impetus to attack. This could make the game much more interesting. Ballack earns the free kick.

3:04 Kehl knocks down Perrotta and the whistles from the German fans are deafening. Totti’s long free kick is controlled by Lehmann. Good action so far.

2:34 Podolski down on the ground after getting kicked by Gattuso. Shows off some fine rolling and grimacing skills.

1:24 Italy called offside. I’m going to wager that this is not the first time we see the flag up when the Azzurri are attacking. Toni lives offside.

:34 Germany starts off rolling it around and proceeds to kick it out bounds. Off to a roaring start.

Kickoff: We’re underway from Dortmund where Germany and Italy are squaring off the first semifinal match of the 2006 World Cup. I really appreciate you joining me today. Your comments throughout the match are welcome. Keep them clean, have fun and try your best to get along. The end is near, my friends, so let’s enjoy every last second of this World Cup.

4 minute countdown: It is Germany’s turn to sing and the entire country belts out their anthem. I give the anthem advantage to Italy but both of them have sent chills down my spine.

6 minute countdown: I’d give my left typing arm to be one of the kids escorting the players. The anthem of Italy is played and we all sing how we will die for Italia.

8 minute countdown: Some excellent tifo in the stands in Dortmund as we hear the German fans chanting “Deutschland, Deutschland”. Klinsmann looking relaxed in his standard casual button down shirt. Beckenbauer is in the stands standing next to someone important.

10 minute countdown: The players for each team are lining up in the tunnel trying their best to ignore one another. Italy is clad in their traditional blue with the font that I can never decipher. Germany is wearing their home white, a pity because I fancy their red uniforms that they never wore this competition. The referee leading the players onto the pitch is Benito Archundia from Mexico. He will be officiating a record fifth World Cup match. His whistle must really be full of saliva. Much like my mouth as I open my first half beverage, a lovely hefeweizen.

15 minute countdown: I am officially sick of seeing Jens Lehmann final penalty shoot out save against Argentina. That image, as well as repeated video of the scuffle after the game, has been shown on the German airwaves about a million times. The possibility that will see another penalty shoot out tonight is real with both teams saying they expect to play a tight game. If it does go to a shoot out, Germany has the historical edge winning all four of their World Cup shoot outs, while only missing two of their penalty kicks. For Italy, the shoot out record is not so great. Think 1994 final. German television showing Maradona entering the stadium. He will not be playing tonight.

20 minute countdown: I remember watching the Italy and Germany friendly back in March where the Azzurri won 4-1. After that match I thought there was no way Germany would do well this World Cup. Obviously the host country has proven me wrong, as well as a lot of people. What kind of Italy team will we see tonight? The team that looked wonderful against Ukraine or the defensive-minded team that showed up against Australia?

25 minute countdown: As you might imagine, today is a holiday in Germany even though it isn’t Independence Day or an official state holiday. The excitement on the streets of Berlin has building all day long and it is hard to find anyone who isn’t decked out in the colors of Germany. Close to a million people are expected to watch the game at the Berlin Fan Fest. Right now there is some singing coming in through the apartment windows but once we approach kickoff the streets will be silent until there is a roar of a goal. I’ve seen quite a bit of how the Germans celebrate victories, but I have no idea what the scene will be like if they lose.

30 minute countdown: Some key players for both teams will be missing tonight. Italy is once again without Daniele De Rossi who is out serving a suspension. Alessandro Nesta is also out with injury. Germany midfielder Torsten Frings will not play after being suspended for his actions in a brawl following the quarterfinal win against Argentina. I had a bit of food poisoning last night but no amount of tainted spinach would keep me away from liveblogging this game. Here are the 22 men who will be the center of your attention in a half an hour. From a liveblogging standpoint it is nice to not have to type out Bastian Schweinsteiger’s name at the start. Also interesting to see World Cup Willy in the starting lineup.

Italy
1. Gianluigi Buffon, 3. Fabio Grosso, 5. Fabio Cannavaro, 8. Ivan Gennaro Gattuso, 9. Luca Toni, 10. Francesco Totti, 16. Mauro Camoranesi, 19. Gianluca Zambrotta, 20. Simone Perrotta, 21. Andrea Pirlo, 23. Marco Materazzi

Germany
1. Jens Lehmann, 3. Arne Friedrich, 5. Sebastian Kehl, 11. Miroslav Klose, 13. Michael Ballack, 16. Philipp Lahm, 17. Per Mertesacker, 18. Tim Borowski, 19. Bernd Schneider, 20. Lukas Podolski, 21. Christoph Metzelder

40 minute countdown: Germany and Italy have met four times in World Cup history with Italy winning two times and the other two games ending in scoreless draws. Germany enters tonight’s match with 11 goals to their credit, tied with Argentina for the most team goals. Miroslav Klose tops the race for the Golden Boot with 5 goals, but he won’t have an easy time this game against an Italy team that has only yielded one goal in its five games. Starting lineups will be appearing on your computer screen in the very new future. That’s a promise or my name isn’t Bob and I’m not drinking a beer and wear a Nigerian jersey while I type in a stinky Berlin apartment.

50 minute countdown: The wait has been interminable today, but alas we are less than an hour away from kickoff. Germany and Italy are two of the great football powers in history and tonight they square off for the first time in a World Cup since the 1982 final in Spain. Tonight’s game is being played in Dortmund, a location where Germany has never lost – winning 13 games and drawing once. Italy has an unbeaten streak of its own, more than 20 games without a loss, including a 4-1 thrashing of Germany in a friendly in March. It has been a warm day here in Berlin but as nighttime approaches it is turning out to be a perfect evening for football. Starting lineups and other stuff coming your way in a bit.

A classic battle. Who do you think will win?

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PETRA KEYES

wir werden gewinnen ich halte auf die unseren fussball speiler .wir sind weld meisterschaft petra aus florida
Mark

Germany will prevail despite the unfortunate Frings suspension.
Germany 1-0 over Italy.
JUDGE

GERMANY
ITALY 2 – 0 GERMANY
deSaladin

Ok, from a Premiership fan to German fans – I feel very sad for you, but like England I believe you were victim to very poor personnel choices during the Game. Crouch-ing kitten for us as an example and lots of missed chances and for you – really Ballacks was truly hopeless – never seen him play so uninspired before – but the coaches have to take players off and substitute them against the fans reaction when they don’t play well. The game should have been won in regulation time – but when you go past 90 – anything can happen, – including penalties. Lehmann was terrific but somehow like Brazil vs France – Germany had almost no meaningful shots on Goal for most of the game despite some nice set ups. Credit to Italy I suppose for their patience – but it’s hard to get excited about a team that boasts so many divers and fakers. (Still, I would rather my team loses fairly than wins by subterfuge. Long live England sportsmanship – no more Rooneys!) In this Game, the longer it went on the more an upset was coming and the German strike force was completely off their game. If France are smart they will thrash Italy – but they must be prepared to take off great names if they are not on their game. (Portugal must not progress in the interests of World Soccer without Hollywood theatrics).
Gp

Germany might win if they stp being nurveos and concerntrate on what they do and how they play!!!
Cindy

I have a feeling that Germany is going to win The World cup in gerneral! The Host Country seems to always to pretty well.
Cindy

*edit* I have a feeling that Germany is going to win The World cup in gerneral! The Host Country seems to always do pretty well.
Cindy

*edit again* I have a feeling that Germany is going to win The World cup in general! The Host Country seems to always do pretty well.

(i think thasts it :))
http://espn abcc

Toronto Metros-Croatia
joe

germany r gona win
klose will score the goal that wins it
james

2-0 to germany no problems with lehmann, pomatski and klose
wadhwa

klose it is .. you bet to close the match lock stock and barrel
Kurt Bruv

Germany will win the hosts > italy.
Bani

Germany never won againts Italy and tonight will loose as well, no matter what
Rino Sciani

Wheres rolly?
Rino Sciani

Roland where are u?
Rino Sciani

rolly’s driving the spainish team back home on ghana’s bus.To bad Italy did’nt get a hold of spain.
rankavat

Though Germany had not won against Italy…are tipped to win this time on home ground…let it be PSO.
rankavat

posted from Libya …not Greece
Laudrup

Here’s a prediction for you.

Germany 0:4 Italy

I’ll look forward to seeing the Germans teach the Portuguese or the French about football in the 3rd place decider; they’ve played some wonderful football.
nana

Italy baby
italia all the way
nana

gr8 prediction Laudrup i love it (y)
Deviilz.

My bookies gave me this odds for this match:
Germany to win by a goal or more margin within the 90 mins…?
Posssible..,nevertheless ,I think Italy seems to be a better wager,ya..?
don

Italy gotta be careful with all the messed up calls by ref who’s guaranteed to be biased toward freakin germans.

Viva AZZURI! Let’s kick those cheating german bastard ass!
bikh

GERMANY IS GOING TO WIN IT ALLLLL!!!! :)
don

By the way, germany plays the ugliest football in whole tournament. cross here cross there, boom boom goal. fumble balls, kick, goal. even brazil looks a bit better (they still suck)
The last team who played like that already out of WC: england.
good bye germany
Univision fan

Italy, for its superior acting skills that will surely earn easy penalty kick(s).
jadon

I know germany will win because germany rocks and rolls too!!!
dirk

Don, you have the ref calls wrong. Only Italuy in this game has beneffited from dubious calls. Germany 2-1 in OT
javier

Italia Italia Italia

Show those kitsch germans the manners of the ancient Rome Empire … Thumbs down to finish the host’s dream.
http://www.aast.edu Hossam Shawky (Egypt)

Go ahead Germany
Deutschland uber alles!

Heil mannschaft!
marco

hi to all guys. this is THE match.
El Asador

German players tonight will be drinking beer and wondering how is possible to loose 11-0 with even a goal of Buffon.
Motherf**ker … tonight you’ll become…. Italia’ssucker
http://www.fussballwmblog.de/ fussballwmblog

after penalties 4:1 for Italy against Germany
Bye Bye

LONG LIVE ITALIA!!!
GET THEM FAT GERMANS!!!
Keyser

Italy 1-0 Germany
Forza Italia. Spoil the german feast exactly the way argentina did in Italy 16 years ago.
My heart is with you. Today and only today, I’m a catenaccio lover
Turkish Pride

Ha ha ha ha
“Master race” needs to Polish forwards to score goals for them. LOL!!!

Alcoholics
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

*fingers crossed*

Heads up to all of you supporting Italy!

:D
marco

For the people all over the world. Folk, you can’t know how big has been the trouble among Italian and germans in the last days! Lots of lies to pump the people’s supporting strenght and to make nervous the Italian players.
The result was that for a fist in the face, a German player is been excluded for only ONE game.
This sounds strange to me.
Let’s hope the ref is fair.
I really refuse to hope that German players won’t complain and scream and dive all the time.
I only hope for a big Italian football performance.
spooky

Half an hour till Italys Armageddon :)
Fog007

Breaking News 4th July 2006: The German premier have made an announcement in the parliament today regarding the governance of Germany and football results. Part of the statement included “All must bet on Germany winning, bet on all casinos out side Germany, with this win, so much money will flow in our country and we’ll make United States of Germany to replace EU”
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Errrmm… Bob..

Did you mix the two team players up? They’re under the wrong country name. Or is this a hidden joke that I dont get?!
maurizio

someone will be kaput! in an hour or so but it will not be the italians …http://profiles.yahoo.com/amoredelanotte?intl=ca&os=win&ver=7,0,0,438
Fog007

Breaking News 4th July 2006: Italian nation food de agency have reported that they are trying to make the Spaghetti strands bigger especially for the Italian football national team’s lunch today. When asked why the answer was “The Italians feel they are little when looking at German sausage so we’re trying to help them mentally”
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Oh it got fixed! :D

Talking about German fans.. I wonder what they think of the match. Are they down right confident that will win the match with ease? Or do they think its gonna be a tough match? Or do they have their doubts?

And I have no idea, what were their reaction to the Frigs suspension?
Let’s Hope

Let’s Hope that Italy beats this stupid talantless lucky penalty shooting team in full time. PLEASE!!!
http://www.sportsnews.com.au Michael

Germany, on behalf of ALL AUSTRALIA people and football fans best of luck against Italy tonight.

Let me firstly say Germany you have been great hosts, exhibiting great kindness, generousity, warmth and niceness to all visitors and media alike.

More importantly you have a football team which won’t just beat Italy tonight but hammer them 3-0.

Without doubt your side is far superior to Italy’s. Italia clearly struggled against Australia and if not for a ridiculous penalty you might of been playing us in the semifinal and not Italy.

May you go on and beat Italia then beat France in the final.

You deserve nothing more !

Again danke for a brilliant world cup.

Win Germany, win.

Regards,
Michael
joe

could u watch the game on internet
E Raynsford

Italy will win this game. Germany is simply over matched. Klose and Ballack had tough games (120 min) against Argentina and they wil not be fresh. Tactically, Germany’s game is straight up the middle, they just play the ball to the middle, and it works. However, Italy is the best all around team and they hve the fresh legs to nuetralize the German attak. Might I remind that Italy has not really been scored upon this world cup. Italy will win 2-0 or 3-0 depending on how Lehman plays. I think they will score in the 30th and 45th minute, then maybe in the second half if they want to. Thank you
Let’s Hope

German team is s h i t Argentina had them under control the whole 120 minute.
Germans are lucky to be here now only becouse of only the penalties.
Lloyda from Guyana

i would love to see italy win this thing with a late goal after very competitive football from both teams
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

“Breaking News 4th July 2006: Italian nation food de agency have reported that they are trying to make the Spaghetti strands bigger especially for the Italian football national team’s lunch today. When asked why the answer was “The Italians feel they are little when looking at German sausage so we’re trying to help them mentally””

That is probably the best joke yet!! Spagetti the size of Sausages?!! This I gotta see.. do they have pics?!

Joe.. yes you can. Check out the live streams on http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com
dirk

Italy can book the night train home from Dortmund. Arrivaderci Italia!
Lloyda from Guyana

it is going to be a defensive germany nervous under the pressure of being the homeside…i hope this does not go to penalty…i wan the italians to win this thing in normal play
marco

Let’s make a prediction all together.
Which team do you think is going to be the most diving/complaining one?
Please SAY! Please. Wonder.
And try to guess.
Keyser

Australia may be with germany but argentina is with italy.
vamos italia carajooooooooo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGBSSgr4XA armando

Go Europe! enjoy the game, i hope it would be full of goals and no drama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGBSSgr4XA
Carsten

However – Germany have NOT been overly defensive or nervous under the pressure of being the homeside yet (amazing to me).

And the Ger-Arg match was very even – until the penalties where Germany always win (it is not luck – it is composure and preparedness – hence their perfect record in PSO)

That said I do hope the Germans come through today.
Keyser

whoa! the geraman are booing the italian anthem? and I thought they were civilized!
Lloyda from Guyana

this is the semis…defensive they have been and it will not work here
sebastian

ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carsten

booing the anthem – not nice. I suppose you get idiots everywhere.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

ARGENTINA WILL WIN!!! Muahahaha!!

Just you wait and see!!
bella

GO ITALY GO
bella

va Italia va!!!
Stefan

my mother in law can’t beleive that you’re all talking about the game on this site. Great stuff though and nobody needs to pay the billions for the rights……
Henna

Hoping for a German win (though I really wanted to see it come down to Germany-Brazil) but still depressed after the double disaster the other day. Ah, I see everyone’s awake today & Ballack in the running for the diving Oscar already …
Geokyr

Looks like Italy is ready to play. Have Germany even touched the ball yet???
squiggle

The Pig Man’s found the source.
Ann

I know this is not very important, but why is Italy wearing blue instead of white pants?

Seems like many teams wore odd combos of their official kits in this WC.

Holland with orange pants and socks instead of white and blue.

Brazil with blue instead of white socks, etc.
Andreia & Alex

Glad to see you blogging Bob! We’re hear and hoping for a good match
http://Canada Geokyr

Who’s the pigman?
Keyser

italy is playing better
forza azurri
http://deleted ks

schweinsteiger is the pig man….unfortunate name.
Keyser

cannavaro is playing like baresi. what a defender.
squiggle

Pete Doherty is the Pig Man.
sebastian

beutiful give and gos!!!!
squiggle

Pretty good start. Nervy, but up for it.
joe

looking 4 internet site to watch game live advice please
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Italians are playing an attractive game…delight to watch
bella

Anyone with info on live online site to watch the game? im suffering here at work snif
marnee

Hey, can anyone point me to a website that is showing the current game?
thanks in advance.
Keyser

great game by italy!
marco

More than I can bear!
Henna

I do like that evil grin on the referee’s face.
http://Canada Geokyr

ESPN has it. It’s called 360
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

30 minutes and still no card! what a pleasant surprise :)
DJ

No card for Lahm? Bullsh*t.
Let’s Hope

ITALY SHOULD PUNISH GERMANY FOR CHEATING AGAINST ARGENTINA!!!

FORZA ITALIA!!!
Keyser

germany is really fouling today. no cards so far
sebastian

what happened tofair play?!?!?!
marco

They didn’t gibe the ball back!!!
http://deleted ks

yep germans are fouling more and hopefully one of these corner kicks will turn into a goal- despite lehman.
bella

ahhhhhhhhhhhh not being able to watch this is torture….
Henna

Sheesh. Catfight in the corner.
sebastian

I predict a yellow in the next minute
Henna

Fair enough, but the extra somersault?
Keyser

finally a yellow card.
http://anymatters.blogspot.com anymatters

from min 20 to 40 round 1, this is the best 20 minutes in the worldcup 2006. very nice game, good attacks from both sides. shake my hand please…
sebastian

jajaja….indeed…
Let’s Hope

Germans playing dirty! Bunch of cheating bastards!
http://palscape.wordpress.com Bongopondit

Totti’s acting there not upto Italian standards…
bella

FIRST YELLOW CARD
http://deleted ks

okay that was a foul against cambranesi. the germans are getting a little to aggressive….getiing the first yellow card.
sebastian

whats up with the germans???
playin dirty and waht not…..
next ting you know…theyll be bitchin bout
refereeing and bla bla…untild a controversial call…
against them ofcourse…
Tom

Totti didn’t need to act there. It was a legit yellow.
http://Canada Geokyr

For those of you that want to watch the game on the pc, ESPN is showing it from their website. Look under ESPN360.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Not a single dull moment in the first half. An Italian goal looked more probable, but Germany had the best chance to score.
http://deleted ks

why is ballack’s mouth always open?
Tom

For all those that said the Azzurri’s defense has been untested…well, they seem to be solid against a top offense in Germany.
jericho

yo wats the site to catch this espn 360?
Lloyda from Guyana

Italy is controlling this game
Tom

http://www.espn360.com
SpeCster

Deutschland will prevail
Bobbio

Ugh! Someone press fastforward so we can go to the penalties already!
sebastian

ok…as a neutral fan…and based on this game..
im leaning towards italia…..they played the better soccer…..these germans are DURRRRTY y
all
Papazorro

I envy all the germans, they are watching the game and having a beer and we at Mexico are working, its not fair,
Keyser

against argentina it was the same. podolsky should have been sent out before the first 15′.
here they are way too agressive and they should have at least 3 yellows by now.
go italy. spoil their party please.
Vince

I see the Itailian Dive team is in fine form. They should also be graded on Technical Merit and Artistic Impression. What a joke.
Odin

Ref is great, which I am happy to say. Both teams are giving a great performance. Just what is the deal with Klinsmann though. He needs to take a chill pill and act more professional.
Papazorro

the same thing is going to happen when the world cup is in South Africa, we want the world cup back in America I proposse Mexico again (Argentina not because they suck)
http://postedfrommalaysia evelyn

good italy !!!!! cheer up.
jericho

thx for the site
wish work would give us off like in some areas of Europe
http://dinorider.blogspot.com Dinorider

I think they both aren’t playing as good as they should!

Hope that will improve!
bella

Italy will win …
being ugly and dirty wont help the germans…
antha

FORZA AZZURRIIIIIII
marco

The match watched by an Italian.
It’s impossible to watch.
I can see we play better.
But…you know, they are arguing for every little thing. Even when they commit a foul. And Klinsmann is always jumping and leaping and screaming.
I predict a penalty for germany the first chance they can dive.
sebastian

PAPAZORRO…atleast its day time in mexico…its 3 am here in bangkok!!!….

VINCE…what the hell dude…waht game have you been wathcin…all the fouls have been legit….stop whining
Alessandro

ITALIA BELLA!!
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

The piggy back was “hilarious”!

I cant say Italy is playing strong football.. rather ‘cute’ football!!

They are really trying hard.

And its really cute, their attempt at trying to form a human barrier as soon as the ball reaches their end of the field! I think I spotted at least 8 players there once! Is that possible?!

Hehe.. I wish they win! I hope they win! They’re really scared, but trying REALLY hard!

Acting aside though. Both teams are doing a good job at it!

Ball possession is 60% Italy and 40% Germany

Fouls – 10 Germany and 8 Italy

Go Italyyyyyyyy!!!!!!
The Kayaker

Thanks for the blog coverage as I have no tv coverage…
Germany 1 Italy 0
I bet a buck with an Italian National…Go Deutschland!!
Carsten

Unfortunately BOTH teams (well some individuals) seem to be vying for the Oscar…..

But both with their chances. An exciting first half.
jericho

it would be interesting to see italy win on germain soil.That would be a revenge when Germany won in Italia 90′
dirk

a good first half, with both teams having chances. Fun for the spectator
Deviilz.

…will this game go to the extra-time..?
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Did someone see the one of the German players bad mouthing?! I spotted one of them swearing straight into the camera (or maybe he dint notice). I cant remember who it was!
Miguel

Good 1st half with chances for both teams. Let’s hope someone will score in the 2nd!
javier

1-0 Italia, please don’t extra time this match !!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Best performance by Italy in this WC.
footbal-fan

FRANCE – GERMANY in the finals!

ITALY PLAYS ANTIFOOTBALL .i.e. ROMAN THEATER! TOTTI DESERVED YELLOW FOR HIS DIVES.

PORTUGAL, ITALY, ARGENTINA ARE DISGRACE TO FOOTBALL WORLD
http://anymatters.blogspot.com anymatters

man, i had to resist going to the loo because of this game. i take my time now…
Deviilz.

….the longer this game goes, the better for the Germans.
Right..?
dirk

a few dives by both teams and the ref not buying it. Excellent officiating
Lloyda from Guyana

italy got to step up the attacks…if this go to penalty is Germany game…so far italy has had the better chances but this does not count when it goes down to penalties
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

“Mertzelder showing off his English skills by swearing with a four letter word.”

Oh I just read that! Haha!!

Poor Germans… final resort is violence and swearing?
Marcelo

What a match so far. Italy will prevail.
ITALIA! ITALIA! ITALIA!
here come the second half.
I have faith in the Azurris.
bella

Ok Ok …. Va Italia Va!!!!!!!!!!!
No access to TV ….. Hows it looking? Italia kickin *#*!???
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com Trish

I hope the trend toward diving doesn’t continue in the second half…that was tiring in the US-ITA game.

Glad the ref is letting them play and not falling for the drama. I get tickled when he’s like, “ok, get up…”
joe

i am desprate could any body aDVICE WHERE U COULD WATCH THE GAME LIVE ON YOUR COMPUTER
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

can it get more exciting than this?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Germany leads 2-0 for yellow cards
bella

If you have a credit card ready ESPN 360…. to watch it live … otherwise I have searched … anyone?
jericho

you can also watch the game via winamp
Jodido

Floppalicious!
Tom

ESPN360 is free for certain ISP users. I use Verizon and I can watch it free. But I watch Univision instead.
Vico

“….the longer this game goes, the better for the Germans.
Right..?”

yes, I believe so; AET – if it comes to that – has usually favored the germans.
bella

winamp? just download winamp? or is there a link?
Tom

Vico, I agree. If Italy can’t score in 90 they are probably done for.
Vico

One more ofside for Italy,… few if none for Germany. Not good, it might work for Italy at some point to keep trying…
Lloyda from Guyana

well this is looking more and more it will be a 1-0 victory. Italy has to turn up the pressure if they want it to be them…Germany is playing marginally better.

come on Italy
Vico

Someone said that Germany – if it goes to that- has never lost a Wolrd Cup match in penalties. Argentina just atested to that.
jericho

download winamp.once installed you select tv,and theres various channels playing the game
Tom

My man crush on Buffon is growing.
Trapper

Podolski with a nice turn and shot, although I’m not sure what the Italian defender was doing showing him the inside like that.
Vico

Tom, although I just rememberd the ‘Game of the Century’ back in Mexico ‘70…Germany did end up loosing to Italy; I wonder if it goes to AET how much that will weigh in. The commentators were saying that in WC Germany and Italy have met 4 times: two draws and two wins for the italians.
Vico

20 minutes into the 2nd half…C’mon, somebody score! Let’s heat things up!!
dirk

Germany is dominating Italy
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

For AmericanS:

Doesn’t Jurgen Klinsmann look like Rick Neuheisel and have the sideline mannerisms of Bobby Knight?

I keep expecting a chair to come flying on the pitch.
bella

thanks jericho your awesome….
I got it
Tom

dw, I expect him to choke a player any second.
pawan

neuville and odonker will make german team more attacking
bella

Tom stop being a pestimist pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase… Italy WILL score God willing
Tom

It seems to be only a matter of time before Germany scores. This is saddening to me, as I am a diehard Azzurri fan.
ETucker

Buffon is amazing.

The number of offsides call is a good indicator of a team that likes to take chances offensively….one blown offsides call and Italy will have its goal.
Vico

“download winamp.once installed you select tv,and theres various channels playing the game”

Is that just for PC? Or does it work on Mac? Need to have that at work tomorrow for France-Portugal!!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

If Italy can just stay onsides, they’ll win.
Tom

Is Italy sitting on 3 subs?
jericho

no problem bella :)
dirk

Italy must be hoping for PK’s
jericho

hmmm not sure if winamp works for mac
check their page out if they have a mac version for it
http://deleted ks

must say the italian defense is strong – esp. cannavaro. and they are attacking much more.
lehman!!!
Tom

I still think Germany will win if it comes to PKs. Even though Italy has the better keeper, Germany has the better PKers.
marco

incredible!!!!!! this is a foul??????????
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

Italy is also suffering from poor shot selection.
Tom

Che Bella. :) Spero che Azzurri vinca.
Henna

Extra time is one thing but please, please, not PKs again –
http://AOL Marc

Could this go the same way as the England Portugal game. Penalty kicks after double over time? *I like the Germans chances if it does!
Vico

thanks jericho.
http://deleted ks

tom, each team has 2 subs left. toni is gone. and borowski also.
bella

lol … TOM I think you are a German fan in disguise
Miguelito

Germans, ugly style…..or no style
Vico

I agreeTom. Penalty kicks games are ALWAYS decided by the kickers not the goalies. If a golie stops one its the kickers fault. Germans are flawless on penalty kicks.
http://deleted ks

is ballack trying to injure someone? he is playing dirty as far as i can tell.
dirk

Italy is just out of this game. Save the Ballack volleys for the italian newspapers
Tom

No way Bella! I’m just a realist. :)
Jacquelina

Italy deserves to win… I hope they go all the way…. Its our moment to shine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ITALIA!!!
Bobbio

ZZz…
ETucker

Ballack is doing his best to play with just one leg.

He couldn’t nad shouldn’t have gone the full 120 against Argentina either…he is a liability for Germany at this point.
Trapper

Odonkor on, he plays for Dortmund and he set up the last minute winner v Poland on this ground.

nb WTF was the referee doing giving that nothing free kick to the Germans on the edge of the box? There was no foul and any contact was inside the box anyway.
Vico

“Extra time is one thing but please, please, not PKs again ”

I agree… whenever it comes to that, no matter who wins, I end up with a deflated empty feeling inside.
dirk

Italian acting at its best
Vico

Oktoberfest is not boring…
Let’s Hope

This ref made a bad call already by cheating Germans to give the the free-kick infront of Italian goal.

Germans bastards are playing dirty cheating s h i t they are!
Alessandro

WTF ??? a remake of the Shumacher/Batiston act??
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Italy is not looking as good as in the first half now.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

That’s a 15 yard penalty on Lehmann in American football. That’s just way too dangerous.
Alessandro

Why is that anything related to Germany so boring?
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

Italy is really looking tired. Germany isn’t. Klinsmann’s training regime is giving them an advantage.
Tom

If this thing goes into OT, who has the advantage?

Germany has shown to be one of the fittest teams in the WC. they have amazing stamina…that said, Ballack’s injury can’t help him.

Oh, and some German acting there, too. :)
jericho

mehhh
forget it
italy doesnt have too much advantage in ot or pk.
history will repeat itself??
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

finally a yellow card to Italy…in the very last minute
Let’s Hope

Italy needs to get better finisher! They need someone like Tevez or Messi up in front!
Tom

Italy is either out of gas or they are content to go into OT and try and outlast the hosts.
bella

OMG … its almost in O.V Time…. what are the chances of PK instead ???????????/
Keyser

go italy, c’mon, give me a goal
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

Overtime. Surprise, surprise.

Why don’t we just skip straight to penalties?
dirk

Well, so much for Italy’s being such the better team. Germany dominated Italy in the 2nd half. Just read neutral observer observations
Alessandro

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tom

Bella, the chances are very good.
sebastian

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…damn it so close!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Germany looked more hungry for goal in the second half and Italy content to defend. German fitness might prove decisive in the extra time. Can Italy hang on? Italy’s strategy might be to play out the 2nd half and go for the penalties.
Cinsald

Italia!Italia! I want them to win to play against Portugal on Sunday! Italia vs Portugal ALL THE WAYYYYYYYYY !!!
marco

I CAN’T BEAR!
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Noooooooo!! They shudnt go into PKs!! Germany has an advantage at PKs!! Make a Goal ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:(
http://deleted ks

dw, i don’t think “italy is just out of the game”.
Vico

I don’t think it will go to PKs. Italy looks tired and the germans are sure to continue pressing on and get the goal in AET. I just hope if there is to be any scoring it is more than 1 goal… give us 2-1, either way!
Jodido

Zzzzzz….hmmmmmm….scoreless and most likely headed to penalties.

Wow, I bet NOBODY saw this coming.
jericho

lmao bella
i havent done any work here
been glued to the game too
Bobbio

SNORE
laprimavera

Neither team seems to want to win the game, so far.
Tom

mohan, that’s what I think, too. However, Italy may surprise us and come out energized in OT. We shall see.
Vico

If Italy wants to win they should not play out the OT in hopes to go to PKs,…they would loose then. They have to press on and get the won now.
http://AOL Marc

Maybe the Germans can barrow Zadine right now
Lloyda from Guyana

this look like penalties but i still hoping for that late late goal fuh italy…
Jodido

Veeeeeery close Italy. Good show!
Vico

OMG!!!!!!!! It hit the post!!
bella

OMGosh the suspence is overwhelming …. I cant handle this … I havnt done a thing here at work except being glued to the pc….
Tom chances good? ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
pawan

that was too close man.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

italy hit the post !
Vico

OMG!!!!! It hit the post again!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

is God a German ????
sebastian

AGAIN!!!!…
Jodido

Germany on their heels!
bella

OMGOD IT HOT THE POST TWICE !?!?!?!?!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

italy twice unlucky
http://deleted ks

sorry, that comment was for dirk.
Trapper

Italy hit the woodwork twice in a minute. It seems like the ball’s preference is to go into the goal at the right side on the TV. All the best chances have been at that end of the ground.
http://www.mainada.net/comicssketch/ TIago

Check out the animated preview of this game in :

http://www.mainada.net/comicssketch/show_strip/1138

;) have fun on the site!
Vico

Bella? Didn’t they give you the day off at work to watch Italy??? They should’ve…
Khem

ITALY U GO GO GO!!!!!!!!!!!
gus

Italy seizing the initiative here
bella

Vico If that was the case I would be advertising for them now…. THEY SUCK …
footbal-fan

NO, GOD IS ARGENTINIAN, according to Fatso MAradona
sidious

GERMANY ALL THE WAY
2-0 FOR GERMANY
DEUTSCHLAND IST SIEGER AUF JEDEN FALL!!
Let’s Hope

Kraut box rattled twice!! Wow!!!
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-germany-vs-italy.html Khem

ITALY GO GO GO
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

“Italy hit the woodwork twice in a minute. It seems like the ball’s preference is to go into the goal at the right side on the TV. All the best chances have been at that end of the ground. ”

Of course. Our TVs aren’t level. We need to fix that before tomorrow.
Marcelo

C’mon Italy, all the omens are pointing to an Italian victory.
Ferrari won in Indy and Giancarlo came in 3rd to win the non Ferrari battle.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-germany-vs-italy.html Khem

PS: I am not from USA. I am in HKG.
bella

VA ITALIAAAAAAAAAAA VA!!!
Vico

“NO, GOD IS ARGENTINIAN, according to Fatso MAradona”

…and with very big hands! LOL
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan dw

The Italian coach looks like a cross between Leslie Nielsen and Roy Williams.
bella

5 mins left in OT ….
nothing yet … W T H
bella

I c …. much hope…
we close here in 20 mins…
I get kicked off the pc IN 20 MINS …. I wont know what will happen on the way home.. I hope Italia scores soon
jericho

lmao dw
true that
Tom

Bella, there’s 20 min total left plus injury time
dirk

Ooh, and Totti. A bronze medalist in the free dive comptetition
Vico

Hang in there Bob…keep blogging!
Tom

I have no respect for Ballack. What a loser.
ETucker

then another 15 minutes.

if it goes to penalties i am going home early from work!
sebastian

ballak…a true diver
Trapper

dw:

“Of course. Our TVs aren’t level. We need to fix that before tomorrow.”

Or maybe lobby for our favoured team to play in the same direction for the whole match.

Odonkor looks lively but then plays a woeful cross.
http://AOL Marc

I can’t pick up the Spanish channel to watch this match
gus

ouch… a free header miss :(
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

what a miss by Podolski ! Italy lives on
ETucker

Podolski played well ONE GAME….get him out of there!
sebastian

anyone noticed how everytime theres a
shot of the crowd…the shot switches as soon as the ppl relize they are on TV???
Lloyda from Guyana

goal less but play was better in the last 15 mins. come on Italy ur best chance is to score now. don’t let the Germans steal this…u have played better for the whole match and u have to finish the job.
Tom

This one is getting exciting!
ali

Germany will play France for the cup..both strong competitors
MilesDavis

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, How does he miss it.Send him back to Poland.
dirk

Lloyd, what game are you watching? a computer game
Vico

another close one for Italy!
Vico

Close one for Germany too!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Buiffon’s GREAT SAVE !
Ray Lopez

Bob U R a funny host! Good job doing the sports DJ!
Lloyda from Guyana

still goal less but play was better in the last 15 mins. come on Italy ur best chance is to score now. don’t let the Germans steal this…u have played better for the whole match and u have to finish the job.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this is heart stopping stuff now
Trapper

sebastian:

One thing I’ve noticed in this WC is that there are relatively few TV shots of the crowd at all (relative to previous editions).

Maybe the TV networks are bowing to the North Korean and Saudi TV networks who have to spend so much time doing pesky editing them out? ;)
Tom

PKs…ai ai ai.
Vico

Great OT!
Trapper

Nice try from Pirlo.

GROSSO!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Italy Goal !!!!!!!!!!!!
http://deleted ks

OMG italyyyyyyyyyygoal!
squiggle

Brilliant!
Vico

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

This is incredible!!!! I think Germany is toast … 1 minute to go!! RATS!
bella

NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

PKSSSSSSSS
Marcelo

GOAL!GOAL!GOAL!GOAL!GOAL!GOAL!GOAL!
Azurris are on their way.
sebastian

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
pawan

wow, its italy.
gus

Magical stuff… Italy scored. what a bend!
proto20

Cry Germany Cry!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can´t rob a World Cup
Forza Italia!!!
Argentina true champion!!!!!
Tom

GOOOOOOOOOAL ITALY!
Trapper

2-0!!!!

OMG!!!
http://deleted ks

another italy gooool
Vico

GREAT ITALIAN GOAL!
Henna

Univision announcer ecstatic — he’s waited all this time to yell goollllllllllll.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

A double whammy !!
roger

penalties soon, then watch Lehmann break the rule by coming off his line before the ball is kicked, and Germany to win due to his infringements ignored by the referee
Henna

OK, it’s official — God IS an Italian.
Jodido

OUCH!
Tom

WOW!!!!
Marcelo

Unbelievable! The 12 years rule has struck again
http://deleted ks

they totally deserved it.
Andreia & Alex

Wow, what an ending!
dirk

France will woop Italy’s ass
http://AOL Marc

Two goals in 3 minutes for Italy
Tom

What a refreshing game (well, since I’m an Azzurri fan). No major penalties, no red cards, both teams played pretty well right until the end.
Vico

Totally amazing!!! 118 minutes: no score,…last two: TWO GOALS!! Whoa! Incredible. Football is amazing!!! A game for the books!
marco

Per tutti quelli che parlano Italiano.
For those who speaks Italian.

Ragazzi, facciamo paura.
Il nostro cuore ha battuto ancora una volta i tedeschi!
E’ una vittoria per persone in grado di capirla.
La Germania ha giocato bene.
Non pensavo che giocasse così bene in difesa.
Noi abbiamo vinto con tutta la nostra storia.
Up the Italy.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this was fantastic stuff…Knock-out punch for Germany
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Italy deserved to win all the way. Brilliant football.
sebastian

….whats the 12 year rule????
NOE JR

your right france will beat italy ZIZOU!!!!!!!11
Tom

Also, it’s good to see that the Italy bashers weren’t out in force on this blog. I had fun watching the game and blogging with you all. :)
Vico

Too bad. I was rooting for Germany.

CONGRATULATIONS Tom, Bella, Jaquelina and all Azzuri fans. Well done! :-)

Don’t care for France of Portugal so GO ITALIA ON SUNDAY!
http://AOL Marc

Really thought the Germans would win. Viva Italy
Mark

WE DID IT!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES
Diane

Congrats Italy on you win 2 fantastic goals,and congrats to Germany you played well. Good game
http://anymatters.blogspot.com anymatters

MAMAMIA… 2 Goals is like I won 2 large pizzas. Woohoo !
Tom

Dave, that’s the way it goes. Had Italy had a different ref against the Socceroos they probably wouldn’t have received an early 2nd half red card.
Andreia & Alex

Just loved it!
pawan

france vs italy.
or it is portugal vs italy?
i dont know man.
Trapper

Italy have deserved this, I think. They shaded the 1st half, were outplayed in the 2nd, but definitely had the best of extra-time.

Grosso’s last-minute finish in extra-time almost makes me OK with his last-minute contribution v Australia. Great goal.
Alessandro

I am so proud of this team!!!

Ciao Germany…
rew

aside from my hatered to the Italiain team of divers…. that was an amazing game right down to the end .. awesome macth…WOW
Jodido

That’s what Germany gets for playing for penalty kicks.

Try harder to win the game during regulation or extra time!
proto20

Cry Germany!!!!!!!!
You can´t beat anybody without robbing!!!!!!
Jan-Willem

Nice game of football. Italians were better, but the Germans put their effort in and weren’t bad. Great referrees, and good sportsmanship. I wish they would have officiated the other games like this.

Lets hope we can see somthing like this tomorrow.
Vico

“OK, it’s official — God IS an Italian.”

Well,… afterall, the Vatican is inside Rome…huh?
Kevin K

Perfect shot by Grosso. The German defence switched off there and left him unmarked but he still had to strike it perfect to get the ball in the net.
David

A fine match – ESPECIALLY the referees. Too bad they weren’t there earlier, or Germany would very likely have had a different opponent this match – especially the gifts game vs Australia and the inexplicable calls against the only team that Italy did not beat.
– Dave
Henna

Awesome ending. Any predictions about tomorrow?
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

DIEEEEEEE GERMANY DIEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TAKE THAT BALLACK!!!!!!

ITALYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

WOWWWW!!!!!!!!!

WAS THAT AMAZING OR WHAT>?!!!!!!!!
jericho

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
FINALLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
RETRIBUTION FOR WORLD CUP 90′
cyberkraze

Italy just played better football period! Germany has a young team and will be one to reckon with next world cup. When it comes to the line its experience that always wins over youth. France has proved it and so does Italy!
rew

So true David…
laprimavera

Great goals. Italians, see what you are capable of, once you stop diving and start playing football?
proto20

Ciao germany!!!!!!!!!
Aguante Argentina!!!!!!!
sebastian

……WHATS THE 12 YEAR RULE????
mike

the germans you out
Vico

I predict a France win tomorrow. I hope so. France vs Italy would be an awsome Finish
eltomas

HELL YEAH!!!ITALY went for the jugular,GROSSO AGAIN towards the end of the match like Australia, Germany doesn’t even deserve to play for third place, they were mediocre the whole tournament like Brasil. Good for all the italian players who had no idea about all the junk their bosses (in the Serie A) were pulling. Look at what cannavaro did in the second goal, the guy is a lion!!!
http://- Alberto Zahor

DON’T CRY FOR ME GERMANY! ! !

JAJAJA.. ALEMANES!!! PERDIERON!!!

FORZA ITALIA!!!!!

ARGENTINA LOVES YOU!!!!!
Tom

I can’t see Portugal beating France, so I predict a 2-1 Italy win in the finals!
http://dinorider.blogspot.com Dinorider

OMG what last 3 minutes!!

I just hope Portugal will kick France’s ass tomorrow so France and Germany will show as a real battle !
Marcelo

Unbelievable! Great performance all round. Incredible reflex save from Buffon.
One more match to go.
http://worldcupblog Lisa dFC

Oh My God! WoW
I cannot get a live feed, even on my PC so I did not see the game at all…but all of you guys ROCK.
The commentary,teasing and all.
Thank-You
There will always be some naughty apples around but in general the World is Good.
Ciao Ciao
Tom

Also, I seriously hope tomorrow’s game is as exciting as this one…maybe even more exciting!
Tom

Does anyone actually think Portugal can beat France? France runs its entire game through Zidane (as shown in their last 2 matches). If Zidane plays like he can and becomes a general on the pitch, Portugal is lost.
http://vickyay.com meekiee

hooray hooray hooray!
Italia vs France at the final!
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-germany-vs-italy.html Khem

YEEEEEEEEHH……

ITALY U GO GO GO………
David

I’ll say it one more time. The story of this match was that the referees (for once, especially considering *Italy* was involved) that allowed the *players* to decide the outcome. True football fans can only hope what little remains of the Cup will be the same.
dirk

Well, I think it is fair to congratulate Italy. A well-played game all around and Italy did get a nice goal on the 1-0. I am sad, but happy we put on a good show Germany
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-germany-vs-italy.html Khem

What a tragic way of losing for Germany. Although happy that Italy won, I think Germany still played better.
Vico

Sebastian, since 1970 Italy has made it to the final every 12 years: 1970 vs Brasil, 1982 vs Germany, 1994 vs Brasil and now in 2006
Goalkeeper

=( I was hoping Germany would win… but it was a fair match, which Italy won. Congratulations to them.
Let’s Hope

Sweet revenge for Argentina!!!

GRACIAS ITALIA!!!
dirk

Eltomas, your comment is ignorant. The game was evenly played and well officiated. It was exciting from start to finish
Tom

Khem, care to elaborate? I thought Germany played better in the second half, but Italy was the better team when it counted, in OT.
JasonM

to eltomas… you’re a monkey!!! Germany played extremely well the whole tourney and today is no exception… To say otherwise is a ridiculous statement that only a fool would make
pawan

good bye germany
futbol

ITA – POR final
eltomas

referees and their mistakes are part of futbol, just like the mistakes the players make, the coaches make, imperfection is a part of every humna being,,,better italy than germany in the final.
dirk

And we still get to host the party for another five days. Yeah!
Let’s Hope

GOOD BYE NASTY CHEATING GERMANY!!! BYE BYE BYE BYE BYE!!!
http://www.aast.edu Hossam Shawky (Egypt)

Luck Plays with Italy
Vico

I think both teams played with heart and the game was evenlymatched, and the better team won: the one that scored.
Bas

What is the 12 year rule??
Trapper

Best of luck to Germany in the 3rd-place game. They were a far more competent and appetizing prospect than I gave them credit for before the Cup started.

I hope they play Portugal, and I hope they make Cristiano Ronaldo cry (yet) again.
Bas

Oh I see the the rule. Thanks Vico.
Vico

Bas, since 1970 Italy has made it to the championship game every 12 years: 1970 vs Brazil, 1982 vs Germany, 1994 vs Brazil and now in 2006.
eltomas

truth hurts, germany are not that good at all(unless of course you are german or follows futboll JUST for the WC), germany is a crappy team playing with home field advantage just like Korea in 2002 but now they are out, beaten in their own back yard.
http://- Alberto Zahor

WHAT’S UP germany?? NOBODY COMMENTS THE MATCH??

HAHAHA!!!

A LLORAR A LA IGLESIA!!!

NOW YOU MUST PLAY FOR THE 3RD PLACE AND YOU ARE GOING TI LOOSE!!!!

AGUANTE ITALIA!!!
FORZA ARGENTINA!!!!
http://www.sportsnews.com.au Michael

deep sympathies germany – keep your heads up. at least the referee did a goodjob – nice to be saying good things about them for once.
http://zainal.wordpress.com/ MooDy

so i guess the match said it all , Against your expecations …
Everyone was talkin about Germania Kicking Italia’s Butt …

Both teams played good Untill the 118 Minutes , untill Germany collapsed ..

good game Germany ..
Forza Azzurri , good win ..

Period .
Marcelo

It is predicted that Italy will play in the final every 12 years (12 years rule) and will win the cup every 24 years (alternate World Cup).
lets look back to 1982 and 1994, it is exactly 12 years from losing the final to Brazil in USA and 24 years since the last victory in Spain, beating Germany 3-1.
http://anymatters.blogspot.com anymatters

2 large pizzas with regular topping, no penalty shot-out…
Vico

elthomas, I disagree,… The World Cup is the ultimate tournament and the fact that Germany has made it to the finals in 1954, 1966, 1974, 1982, 1986, 1990 (three in a row here) and 2002 (bt tomention the times they have made it to the semis, pretty much says they are a force in the world of football. They are tied with itally with the most titles won after Brazil.
Moe

Congratulation Italy and hard luck Germany…

There were some dives and some acting from the Azurri’s players.. I wish that wasn’t the case..
http://deleted ks

i am still recovering from that amazing match. both teams played so well.
now i better go and console my german boyfriend sulking on the couch here.

can’t wait for france (i think)-italy final.
Vico

2 large pizzas with regular topping, no penalty shot-out…

LOL! Glad it didn’t come to that!!
dirk

Let’s Hope and Eltomas; you aren’t football fans, just blinded bigots (but I’m glad to see that you hooligans are limited to the blogs for a change). Glad you didn’t make it to Germany for the WC. You would have completely ruined the atmosphere. And Zahor, what is your problem?
eltomas

Vico, it is TRUE that Germany has a great history but I’m focused in THIS german team, this team has no imagination, ideas or improvisation, it was in the best interest of futbol that germany, brasil and england all lost. Too bad for argentina but their coach was too prudent.
http://anymatters.blogspot.com anymatters

thanks for the LiveBlog…
cow

Thank you to both teams for creating yet another WC classic.
Fabio come grosso!! :D

jetzt Sagen wir “Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland”
ciao ciaoooo!!!! :D
Trapper

eltomas:

Germany got this far, as they have so many times before, for a reason. If you can’t see what that reason is then maybe you have chosen the wrong sport to comment on.
Amalia

This game was one of the most tense games in the World Cup so far. The funny thing is that I actually ordered 2 extra large pizza’s just before the game even started!! What a weird coincidence. Yeah but good job for Italy. I know that lots of people who live in Hamilton Ontario Canada are up all night celebrating since the Italians over populate the city.. In fact I’m gonna celebrate with them!!1

Congrats to Italia… Forca Italia!!!!!
eltomas

Trapper
germany got this far because they are playing in GERMANY, the good times germany had were Vs costa rica, sweeden, poland and ecuador BUT when they played Vs big teams like Italy and Argentina, just like it happened with brasil
dirk

Oh, never mind Zahor, I figured it out. Argentina 2 and holding forever (like they’ll ever win in Brazil in 2014).
Steve

ITALY through to the Final.
PORTUGAL probably will win against the odds to qualify too.

MY GAME IS FAIR PLAY

Well done FIFA! The two biggest bunch of divers, cheats and scoundrels will play out the Fair Play Final.

What a waste of time!
jericho

believe it or not
italy is set to win world cup
12 year theory works.
EviLuzZ

tedeschi del cazzo ci avete fatto la pizza con scritto arrivederci italia? eppure siete uscite voi!!!! mai festeggiare prima della fine della partitaaa!!! e intanto sokatecelaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Vico

Go party hard Amalia! I’ll go see some fireworks tonight and be happy tht we watched an amazing match finish. Great game!
tuanny

Someone asked about 12-year rule…. Every 12 years, Italy got to WC finals. 1970: loss. 1982: win. 1994: loss. 2006: ?
Fabio come grosso!! :D

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Vico

“Oh, never mind Zahor, I figured it out. Argentina 2 and holding forever (like they’ll ever win in Brazil in 2014).”

well said dirk. :)
John

I think Italy can thank Argentina for this win. It was clear that Germany was just plain out of gas at the end, and that surely has a lot to do with playing extra time and shootout against Argentina a few days ago. There were 3-4 German players standing around in their own box when Grosso scored. That would never have happened if Germany had anything left. So, good job Italy, but thank your lucky stars for Argentina taking Germany to the max just before.
deSaladin

Like England I believe Germany was victim to very poor personnel choices during the Game. Crouch-ing kitten for us as an example and lots of missed chances and for you – really Ballacks was truly hopeless – never seen him play so uninspired before – but the coaches have to take players off and substitute them against the fans reaction when they don’t play well. The game should have been won in regulation time – but when you go past 90 – anything can happen, – including penalties. Lehmann was terrific but somehow like Brazil vs France – Germany had almost no meaningful shots on Goal for most of the game despite some nice set ups. Credit to Italy I suppose for their patience – but it’s hard to get excited about a team that boasts so many divers and fakers. (Still, I would rather my team loses fairly than wins by subterfuge. Long live England sportsmanship – no more Rooneys!) In this Game, the longer it went on the more an upset was coming and the German strike force was completely off their game. If France are smart they will thrash Italy – but they must be prepared to take off great names if they are not on their game. (Portugal must not progress in the interests of World Soccer without Hollywood theatrics).
Tom

Was rooting for Germany, but the Italians deserved to win. After two halves of the usual diving and injury feigning on their part, in the OT they played the real game, like the ‘82 team. I can’t say I’ll be pulling for them in the final, but if they play this way again, at least I won’t feel bad about the result. As for Germany, everyone except Odonkor was clearly playing for PKs, and you see the result. You’d think they’d have learned something from Argentina, but I guess not.
Victor Ward

When is soccer going to join the 21st century and start using instant replay to decide controversial referee’s decisions— too many decisions are made to make the game “interresting for the fans ” instead of enforcing the rules –which become arbitrary on an official say-so. too bad really ; something like pro boxing . I hope it doesnt deteriorate to the level of pro wrestling!What does the fourth official do during the game anyway?
Vico

deSaladin,

Amen!

FRANCE VS ITALY
futbol

GER is not a better team comparing to ARG. ARG coach made a big mistake that costs the team dearly.
dirk

And now it is time to congratulate Mexico. First, for bringing a very good team to the WC, and second, to having brought us a referee that let the teams play. Viva Mexico. Lots of reasons to be proud.
Mark

Steve, you can shut your face! Divers? Cheaters? This game did show what real football is all about, two world class Teams did play the best football match so far.. no cheats..dive or else..
where’s your team mate? SHUT UP!!! Envious GIT!!!
Vico

“…….What does the fourth official do during the game anyway?”

He blogs…
Steve

Dirk

There is something in what you say but let’s face it, There should have been several more yellows and one red tonight (tackle from behind by an Italian – clear cut red on FIFA guidelines)

But how strange that there were so few with Germany being in the semi….

Work it out…
Vico

Thanks Dirk! Glad we could contribute positives to the WC.

Vico from Pasadena,
(originally from Mexico City :-) )
Fabio come grosso!! :D

que sera seraaaa whatever will will be!!!! :D
Trapper

eltomas:

I note that you also belittle Brasil.

Have you actually ever watched a World Cup before this one?

Germany have reached 3 World Cup finals in a row in the past.

Just like Brasil.

As I said earlier, their 2006 side was, relatively speaking, poo.

And they still got to the semi’s.

I take it you’ll be supporting Portugal’s “whining generation” in the other semi.
Gavin

Well done Italy. I wasn’t supporting them because of their acting tendencies, but that was not an issue today. They deserved their win and achieved it in style: two beautifully struck goals.

Forza France!
redheart

congrats italy!
Vico

The coach IS part of the team and if he made a bad decision and lost then they were NOT the better team then that day!

People! when will you begin to look at the whole picture??? The team that scores wins and is the best that day, period. You can’t keep saying” well… if they hadn’t played two overtimes in a row, or if thhis guy hadn’ gotten hrt, or if they had not tighten their showlaces too much…” Everybody has the same challenges, including overcoming human error (refereeing, players and staff mishaps), the winner is the one with more point on the board and as such THE BEST TEAM!!!!
Vico

Does anybody know if there is a rule on how many Important matches in row (like today’s refere in tehh Semis and hopefully in the finals) can officiate?? I wold love to see the same one on Sunday.
dirk

Well, Steve, while one can argue about the cards, I would hate to see the game decided by that. I thought the ref was very even-handed and the game turned out to be a very exciting one (even before the goals). I think he let the teams play, and it showed. There was a lot of end to end action. I hope he gets to work the final.
nan

A sad sad sad day! Germany and France in the final would have been perfect.
What next? Italy and Portugal in the final?????
Trapper

dirk:

Mexico covered itself in glory in this tournament. Their match v Argentina was the best so far.

They are also the best hosts this Cup has ever had (’70 and ‘86).

Germany got a free-kick outside the box that was a bit dodgy, but other than that the Mexican referee was great.

Viva Mexico.
Steve

Trapper

To be factual, Germany have never won the world cup, West Germany did.

If this is not true then East Germany also won 3 world cups.

And don’t harp on about reunification, Germany as an entity only existed for 78 years before the Soviet partition (1871-1949). Before that it was, like Italy merely a collection of independent principalities that shared a similiar language.

Or perhaps the Poles in Silesia can claim to have won the World Cup too????
hansie

yeeeaaah!!

i am so happy germany lost!! it made my day to see the german players and the crown crying…. germans are a disgrace to humanity and i hope the whole of germany commits suicide tonight….

the world hates germany and 5 billion people will be celebrating tonight….

germany lost!!
germany lost!!

the filthy dirty crap that the germans are wont ruin the final of the most beautiful game on earth…..

germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
germany lost!!
dirk

Fabio com Grosso, It’s nice you have exhuberance, but instead of being positive (such as Forza Italia), you choose the negative. What does that say about you?
Gian Luca

I hope this game puts some of the animosity about Italians to sleep…

(Grosso still remains a winer in my book, but he put a hell of a GOAL! Did you see when he was holding his head during regular time? What was that about?)

Those goals! Both of them! Make with a brush! I had just finished telling my wife that in three world cups I hadn’t seen what was so special about Del Piero, and, boom!, he bent that ball in past Lehmann… What a goal!
eltomas

trapper
again and again referring to past history. THIS GERMAN TEAM(version 2006) is very poor, Ballack didnt appear Vs Italy and that is were most of the German class came from. Can we please talk about WC 2006?
dirk

Hansie. Get a life. Oh, and Steve, Germany won the world cup in 1990 (in Italy)
Gian Luca

Bob, can you remove Hansie’s entry? It’s really pathetic.

Go call names somewhere else.
Vico

Steve,

but didn”t Germany become unified in 1989, and then the Italy World Cup happen in ‘90 when they won?? Giving them at least 1 WC title for ‘whole’ Germany?… or did they still compete as West and east for that tournament?
Gabriel

They wrote “Arrivederci Italia” on the newspapers (”Goodbye Italy”)…well..i agree and Goodbye to you too Germany and while you go don’t forget to suck my hairy balls :D

Side note: usually i love to be fair…but this time they deserved the mocking blow ^_^
dirk

Eltomas was obviously watching a computer game. I hope he gets a real TV for the final
Steve

Germany was only reunited on 3 Oct 1989
Vico

“Side note: usually i love to be fair…but this time they deserved the mocking blow ^_^”

no….they don’t :-)

It was a fair great match.
eltomas

dirk
please enlighten me, show me what I didnt see from the germans
Vico

hansie, you are worthless scum. We should all get rid of you!!!
Trapper

eltomas:

Just saw your 12:06 post. Perhaps I agree with you more than I thought. I agree that Brazil deserved to go out given their style. And England.

And I TOTALLY agree that Pekerman restrained his Argentina at exactly the wrong time.

What I’m saying is that you will usually find Germany there, or there-abouts, and as such Klinsmann deserves credit for making them a far more exciting prospect than in the past.

One of the worst aspects of the debacle that was Italia ‘90 was that some argued that West Germany played the best football in that Cup.

A sad indictment of that awful Tournament, as if it ever needed one.
dirk

yeah, Steve, and Germany won the cup in 1990
jericho

seriouslly
the news reporters were mocking the italian team all the time.This is just sweet revenge to those german reporters
deSaladin

Hi Vico,
Yes, you are technically correct I think when you say the coach IS part of the team and if he made a bad decision and lost then they were NOT the better team then that day!

However, Europeans and others do not always look at sports so Black and White.

We agree that the team that scores most wins (obviously!) – BUT NO – it does not mean that they were the best that day, period. ( Although Italy was agreed- better today than Germany) You say – the winner is the one with more points( Goals you mean) on the board and as such THE BEST TEAM!!!! – NO not always!!. They are the Winners – obviously but not always the Best. Look at Steelers vs Seahawks in the SuperBowl – Seahawks were better but Steelers got all the criticial decisions in their favor – still Steelers are the Champions -we accept.

In soccer the scoring system is so simple and yet so relatively hard to score- you can be outplayed for 90 mins and still win if you get a dubious Penalty in the dying moments.
-Also remember that Soccer is almost a substitute for War in Europe – so there is more analysis about How the game was Won rather than simply saying “who goes Home” as we say in the States. – That’s also become another part of the Game.
Steve

Sorry, Germany was only reunited on 3 October 1990 – AFTER the world cup!!!

As I said, Germany have never won the world cup.
dirk

Eltomas, if you watched the game today you would have seen a very even match. Oh, and if you don’t believe me, read neutral observations of the match. You obviously have a deep hatred of Germany, so just get therapy to deal with it.
http://deleted ks

how does a filthy nasty comment about the whole german race end up TWICE (by hansie) on this blog?
dirk

The wall fell in 1989. Is there a point here Steve?
dirk

Oh Gabriel, another charming commentary from the ever gracious Italian Choir. Boy, you sure are a sore winner
Trapper

Germany 2006=Klose.
Gabriel

#

jericho | July 5th, 2006 at 12:44 am

seriouslly
the news reporters were mocking the italian team all the time.This is just sweet revenge to those german reporters

Posted from Canada Canada

That’s what i was referring to.
They just spitted on us for the whole week.

Tonight is a sweet gift from the soccer gods to us italians :D
dirk

So true Trapper, but worth watching in any event
Gabriel

And Btw Dirk, i would NEVER make a comment like that to someone that acted fair with us, i was talking about reporters not the players.
Vico

deSaladin,

I understand what you are saying. And I agree the Seahawks were a better team going iinto the SuperBowl than the steelers, and played better…. Yet, my feeling is this, unless there is a game changing bad decision by the referee or obvious cheating by one of the teams or a single player if the game is played fair and the team with the 10-6 record beats the team with the 14-2 record on the day they ‘agreed to meet to settle a title’ then the 10-6 team is the Best becasue they ended up winning the game that matter the most in the season, which was the final goal since day one. no?

I remember Matt Leinart from USC saying right after their loss to Texas ‘I still beleive we are a beter team’ and I jsut thoght:’no you are not, you lost tonight’.

So going back to the WC today Italy was the best just like Germany was better than Argentina in the quarters.
Vico

deSaladin,

then again… I know it’s almost impossible to have a game with no human error, so yes, good teams are impacted negatively at times, but such is football and sports in general, huh?
dirk

I see Gabriel. So we should read Italian newspaper stories from now on with that level of seriousness as well? Really, I guess I should then root for Juventus in their Serie B opener and hope the rest of Italian footballers don’t get pale from their stays in jail cells. Really, the media, you must be kidding.
Gon

“Did you see when he was holding his head during regular time? What was that about?”

Gian Luca, Lehman punched him in the head after having hit the ball far, and the referee didnt even see it.

FORZA Azzuri!
Most people in Argentina are either of Spanish or Italian ascendancy, so Italy was most people’s choice to cheer for.

You should have seen the pubs. Everyone shouted the Italian goals as if it had been Argentina itself making them.

I certainly did not like the mexican referee. He made bad calls all throughout the game. There was a “fault” (it wasnt even a fault) from italy well inside their box, but he “saw” it outside. Then Lehman punched Grosso and he didnt do anything either. And many other stuff.
Horacio Elizondo (argentinian referee that directed England-Portugal) has been the best so far and I hope hes in the final, so theres a clean match.
Vico

Gabriel,

oh, OK. then they do deserve to be mocked today. :-)
Amalia

First I want to say something to Hansie, man you really need to shut the f*** up!… First of all don’t be wishing suicide on the Germans or any other people!!! I think someone should get you out of here, I think that you’re an illiterate when it comes to Soccer and the World Cup, and it’s people like you that piss me off, you should go learn things about soccer than come back you jack ass. I’m not German, and I wasn’t supporting Germany, but just because they lost, you don’t need to wish death on them, you dumb f***.

And Secondly, the world cup is a fair game so for Steve to say that players who cheat are the ones who are making it to the finals is complete bull!! Your from the Netherlands and I’m guessing that you were supporting them. So if you want to talk about cheaters lets start by Robben. He tried to get a penalty by CHEATING!!
Don’t diss the game man!!
proto20

Forza Italia!!!!!
Argentina te agradece
Gabriel

Dirk…they insulted us calling us (in random order and all was intended to offend): Pizza eaters (as we are olny able to do that), parasites, crybabies and many other nice words.

(go look at Der Spiegel)

And now i’m guilty cause i feel the right to reply with a win on my shoulders…lol…too old to keep playing with ya dude.

(i’d like to point again especially at the “PARASITES” thing!!!)
deSaladin

Hi jericho | July 5th, 2006 at 12:44 am

You mentioned “…the news reporters were mocking the italian team all the time.This is just sweet revenge to those german reporters…Tonight is a sweet gift from the soccer gods to us italians

Well – congratulations to you and to your Team – but perhaps you should consider why they were reporting the way they were – The classy finishing of Italy is in direct opposition to the antics and theatrics that have become a part of the Italian/Portuguese/Latin Game. -Understand, we all love great Soccer – Baggio was an incredible finisher – we love that style – we just hate cheating and trickery – That’s all! -When a team resorts to that – it does not speak well of their country. That’s why I am down on Rooney – who discredited the one last bastion of fair play.

Also – may be if we could substitute God for soccer gods we could put soccer in perspective and seek for true chivalry and fair play in the once “beautiful game”.

Thank you in advance for hearing me out.
Let’s Hope

I don’t understand how was Germany better then Argentina? HA? LOL!!!
Germany only won on penalties get your facts right. Argentina had a very bad luck with lottery penalties thats all over all Argentina played much better then Germany.
dirk

Want to make it to South Africa for 2010 and then to Australia for the 2018 WC (because they’ll get it then). Now there’s a fun set of trips
Vico

Okay people, I’m outta her. Nice talking to you all (except for hansie). I’ll catch up with you soon.

Viva futbol!
dirk

Well. at least Let’s Hope has finally turned down the rhetoric and hooligan attitude.
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dirk

You’re right Gabriel, you’re too old. If you can’t differentiate between the media and a country, then you do need some rest. Oh, and by the way, congratulations to Italy on a well played game.
deSaladin

Thanks Vico for the honest feedback to my thoughts.

I think in the end we could both be on the same page. In sports, perhaps more so in Soccer you can however have an undeserved Winner as we both discussed.

Today was Italy’s day for sure – national feelings run very high in soccer and over zealous patriotism can sometimes lead to unfair play and decisions.

Keep enjoying the WC my friend.
Vico

okay, I’m still here…

Let’s Hope,
Noooooooooooooo, Argentina were not better than Germany. OK, they did play better than Germany in regulation, but the fact that they missed 2 penalty shots (something that no tru self respecting pro should ever do) proves that while they played better they were not the best team at the end of the day! had they been they would’ve nailed all 5 shots into the net!!

they didn’t…

(and penalty shots ARE part of the game)
Trapper

Gabriel:

If you don’t understand why the Italians are seen as “sore winners” then you might want to click on the Italy section of this site. Check out the “Tastes like Chicken” or “The Cup is Ours If We Want It” blogs.

Have a look at all the whinging that Italians do on those blogs. Yes you got shafted in Korea. That doesn’t mean Italy has a God-given right to win every match. It doesn’t mean that Aussies and Germans should be ridiculed for putting up a good fight. (Although Ukraine should FO and never come back, a ridiculously negative attitude that deserved to be punished.)

This was definitely Italy’s best win in this tournament. The Czech’s played with fear in their hearts v Italy. None of your other opponents did, and the average Italian fan has a particularly loud mouth about their beaten opponents afterwards.

Maybe it’s just a cultural difference?
Sergio

Vico
Why not a bit more latin and a little less latino? “Viva il Calcio”!
Vico

deSaladin,

Thanks buddy! Yes, let’s continue enjoying the great experience that is World Cup. I’ll be sad (as I always get) when it is finally over come Sunday night. I wish it happened every 2 years insead of 4.

Vico
deSaladin

Guess what Vico- European Cup in 2 years! How about it? – Guess I can wait. And Greece are the title holders – and thet were not even in the WC? – Amazing game this.
Vico

Sergio,

OK.

How ’bout a bit latin, latino and anglo?? (afterall I am in Pasadena):

Viva the Calcio!!
tony

Defensive play, uniformity and calculation don’t pay back to Germany, Holland, Ukraine and Brazil.

Thanks Italia. You’re opportunistic but creative tonight. Good luck in the final and give us more show.
Let’s Hope

COPA AMERICA IS NEXT YEAR!!!
Vico

deSaladin,

Yeah… I know, but I just like the party when everybody is invited!! I enjoy the European Cup but not nearly as much as the World Cup. So I end up resorting to football and basketball in the meantime…

In the end I love sports and the atmosphere they bring and how people commune through the spirit of competition and the joy of winning and success!

I remember the slogan of Mexico ‘86, and makes me smile to this day: ‘El Mundo Unido por un Balon” – The World United through a Soccer ball” :-)
dirk

Hey, Trapper, I’ve heard a lot about Australia being a sub for SA in 2010, but with questions about the number of stadiums and their ability to host WC games. Between Telstra and other stadiums in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, aren’t there enough WC stadiums in Australia already? Not that I want SA to lose the WC, but couldn’t Australia already host?
deSaladin

Thanks Vico -

If you knew Cricket I could share with you some great stories – here’s one – How The great rivalry between Australia and England (called the Ashes) and the deep desire of both teams to win last year – did not stop an Aussie from admitting to the Umpire that a Catch was actually on the ground – allowing the England “batter” to continue playing instead of being dismissed. -Anyway gotta leave here soon – but back later, leave me something. Cheers !
Sergio

Vico
right! :D

BTW better live blog covering the WC,kudos to the blogger cuz I would never be able to type and follow the match simoultaneously like that. And a little something about the guy talking about the other Italy-Germany clashes in the seventies and eighties. Yeah,that’s right we are talking about old matches played by basically all another team: but you do a soccer newbie’s typical error (vulgarly speaking: “being born yesterday”) thinking that those old memories don’t play no part anymore today. Italy-Germany 4-3 1970 is a BIG myth in Italy: no less than Kennedy’s in the USA. An american might only know this face of sport culture (pride for his own country) from the olympics,but I think squad sports like baseball or soccer makes you feel it much less impersonal than that
Trapper

dirk:

I hadn’t heard about us being an alternative for SA in 2010.

All our stadia are based in 6 cities at most. If we co-hosted with New Zealand we might manage the greater number of cities FIFA wants for a host, perhaps.

But I think FIFA is pretty keen on taking the WC to Africa, and I have to say I agree with them.

Although I don’t know anything about the facilities in the area, I think Nigeria/Cameroon/Ghana might have been a better prospect. Real Football Country, that.
Trapper

Obviously co-hosting between 3 countries would present problems, though.
Joseph from Malta

Tom & Hossam are you *nuts* or delirious?!

Italy played a brillaint game vs. a tough German side…it was a great victory for sport, not only for Italy.

Grosso a diver? No we’ll leave that skill to Aussies (Materazzi incident, shame OZ!) & USA.

Italy gave a lesson in football to all the foul-mothed “experts” on this blog….
http://onthepitch.org/2006/07/04/that-was-a-pretty-goal-and-an-excellent-match/ On The Pitch » That Was a Pretty Goal and an Excellent Match

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dirk

South Africa 2010 it is. Can’t wait. I’ll just make my annual pilgrammage to Aus and NZ anyway
dirk

Apparently, no Italian success can go without some badmouthing about somebody else. What is the issue with that?
Vico

Sergio,

When you say the 4-3 win by Italy in Mexico ‘70 is abig Myth in Italy I assume you don’t ean myth as ‘it never happened’ but as in ‘a match of mythical proportions that has become greater than anything else on earth, right?
Trapper

dirk:

1: Enjoy, mate.
2: I’m not sure, but I love that attitude when I see it in other aspects of Italian culture. If you look at their traditional internal conflicts, it’s actually (mostly) quite endearing. Saw a thing on a centuries-old Italian donkey racing meet for example…
Vico

deSaladin,

Yeah… my knowledge of cricket is “Nada”, but I’m sure I would still enjoy your stories.

Here’s a personal soccer story for you. I was born and raised in Mexico City. I was 8 yrs old when Mexico hosted the WC in 1970. With tickets being expensive, my dad took turns taking my mom, my brother and me to see some matches. He only had 2 tickets per game. I was supposed to see a semifinal match: It turned out to be the Italy-Germany game – yep, the Game of the Century! But that day in the morning, my cousins and aunt and uncle picked me up to go out on a ‘field trip’ We took too long to get back home, so my dad took my mom instead :-( (and she doesn’t care much for soccer anyway!!!) I so missed out on soccer history!

To make it up to me my dad took me to see the 3rd place match between Germany and Uruguay, but it wasn’t the same.
Liliana

Yay for the Mexican referee!
Trapper

Vico:

That’s a terrible story. But you were only 8, maybe your Mum enjoyed on a different cultural level. I saw Cruyff play on a regular basis when I was 8, but only have vague memories. D’Oh!!!

You’re right though, it would have been nice to know you had been there.

I could tell you a similar Cricket story about my Dad giving his ticket to my uncle and missing Sir Garfield Sobers score 254 v Australia in an Innings Bradman described as the best he had seen.

But that means nada, I understand. :)
Suzie Q

Best referee so far. Great game. Too bad Germany lost. I missed Torsten Frings. Congratulations to Italy and Germany for an entertaining game.
Suzie Q

Brilliant post, Jason M!!! You, as an American, are much more knowledgable about soccer than most of these people here.
Trapper

Anyway,

Portugal v France tomorrow.

See you all then.
Sergio

Vico: exactly,it’s 90s italian slang for “of almost mythical proportions”. When Homer Simpson stretches his arms and yells “it rocks!”,the italian dubbing translates “mythic!”
Suzie Q

Eltom ass, have you noticed you are the biggest idiot on this blog?
deSaladin

Tarpper, Vic:
Just got back from the Stores before they Closed.

Ah Bradman – now there’s a player – for me the best batsman who ever garced the wicket – you probably remember Larwood too (body-line?). Peter May was my all time favourite and sorry to say Freddie Trueman (Yorks.) died earlier this week. -All great sportsmen.

OK between us – let’s see who can predict the score France vs Portugal (after 90 minutes only).

My prediction – France 3 Portugal 1 – what’s my chances?
Gemini

This is impossible, Germany could of won… they r the host, and they r the best…
Now what? Germany is done, Berzil is out, England is out… what kind of world cup is this? God what’s wrong… *cry*
It’s okay Germany, u r always the best. Klose is the best!
lol
Gemini

德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
德国必胜！德国是最棒的！
我爱你，亲爱的德国同胞~~~
Gp

oooohnoooo…. Germany lost :(
Yeeeahhhh…. Italy won…. :)
Atleast the germans played a good game….
Gian Luca

Scolari (the coach who won the World Cup with Brasil in 2002) said something which I found very true. More or less he said that if you want to win a game, sometimes you have to play a boring game, because you are trying to prevent the other team from scoring and that takes a lot of effort in the “back”.

People often accuse Italy of playing a boring game (even though I think the Italy we are seeing is a lot more mobile in the “front”), but it pays off. It’s a work of strategy that neutralizes the other team’s attack.

Nicky Lauda once said that the only thing in which Italians are not creative is soccer!

Looking at Sunday, if we play France the problem is… they play like Italians! (And that’s why they won against Brasil which is all attack and no defense.)

Portugal’s game is more dynamic, but a little weak in defense.

Tonight, Germany had a perfect machine at work, which gave its fruits in the past: Strong in defence, strong in attack. But Italy had the ball and controlled it most of the game, taking away opportunities from the German players, as the clock ticked…

It must be flooring for the German players to loose at one step from the final. But Italy has went through that too… the last time Germany won the World Cup!
futbol

Gian Luca,

I find it not completely true.

The game is boring if BOTH teams always sit in the back. However, if one plays defense and one plays offense, then it’s NOT always true that we have a boring game. For example, BRA – ITA in WC 82, this was one of the most exiting game in the history.

Secondly, if playing defense does not always give you victory. If it is, then ARG would be the winning team when they led 1 – 0 and playing ALL defense.

To be successful in playing defense you have to be GOOD at playing offense first. It sounds contraditive but it it’s very true. Put it another way, if you sucks at offense, do not even think about playing defense. If you are good at playing offense, then you may or may not be successful in playing defensive strategy.

So, question is how to beat the ITA team which is wonderful playing defense. Answer: you have to have excellent forwards. Another words, if ITA’s defense is ranked 8/10, then your offense ought to be ranked at least 9/10.

This world cup, I think the only team can beat ITA’s defense is ARG. Unfortunately, luck is not with them this time. GER’s offense is NO MATCH to ITA’s defense.

Again, I’m no expert. All of the above could be 100% wrong.
http://canada tony

i would nominate totti for an oscar, but his acting was horrendous. burying his face in his hands every time he was involved in any kind of contact on or off the ball, what a joke,soon to be another thumbsucking hasbeen, then they can trot him out at the end of every game like the other circus pony del piero.
http://canada tony

i would nominate totti for an oscar, but his acting was horrendous. burying his face in his hands every time he was involved in any kind of contact on or off the ball, what a joke,soon to be another thumbsucking hasbeen, then they can trot him out at the end of every game like the other circus pony del piero.
http://canada tony

i just realized the consolation! germany kicking portugal all over the field in the 3rd place game, portugal crying “were not argentina” and frings replying “same difference”!!
LiverpoolFC

The run of the CHEATING,RACIST,MATCHFIXING,DIVING DOGS CONTINUE, Maybe its time for everyone to turn off their TV’s and burn down FIFA headquarters. F*CK ITALY U CHEATING DOGS!!! How many dives did u take in that game? the referee actually done a half decent job, f*ckin dives everywhere, holding heads, crotches man, u luv feeling urselves, u stupid italian f*ckers. Maybe we should throw banana’s at uz for every f*Cking dive that u take, that’d b alot of banana’s and should’ve been alot of yellow n reds as well for some of the embarrasing acting that was going on.
Bhupendra

again and again referring to past history. THIS GERMAN TEAM(version 2006) is very poor, Ballack didnt appear Vs Italy and that is were most of the German class came from. Can we please talk about WC 2006?
LiverpoolFC

BTW Germany u guys played brilliantly this Worldcup and we luved watching you here. Very UNLUCKY to lose guys very UNLUCKY. Loved watching Pedolski and Klose as always fantastic players and a great team really, ballack i thought was abit disappointing but oh well maybe he’s still not fully fit, certainly didn’t look like himself. Been a privilege to witness the great change in attitude and style of german soccer keep it up!!! Look forward to seeing u guys at Euro 2008 and certainly 2010 caus no team has better young talent at their disposal than you guys and it’ll be great for you in 2010 because u’ll hardly need to change the team in my opinion. Congrats Germany, u just lost to a bunch of lucky cheats today but u played BRILLIANLY,CONGRATS AND CATCHYA IN 2010!!! :)
http://jhubert.livejournal.com/ Jürgen Hubert

“The run of the CHEATING,RACIST,MATCHFIXING,DIVING DOGS CONTINUE, Maybe its time for everyone to turn off their TV’s and burn down FIFA headquarters. F*CK ITALY U CHEATING DOGS!!!”

That was wholly uncalled for. Italy won. Let’s deal maturely with that fact instead of calling names…
don

Germany… what a boring team. cross here cross there, klose heads in. The problem is no more crossing lucks today. I’d rather see Italian defense than boring germany football style.

Seriously, let the best team wins the tournament. Germany certainly is not the one. ARG should be there in the final. ARG, Italy, Portugal, France are clearly the best team in the wc.
cow

Some of the Australian whiners just can’t let go… they probably think that it could have been them in the final right now, lol!
Joseph from Malta

What a great game by Germany & Italy…. a *triumph* for sportsmanship & fair play! Congrats to the host nation, Germany, for providing such a lovely event (the camaraderie in Germany, as well as the hospitality of the Germans towards fnas from all over the world is *amazing*).

Italy scored two lovely goals & won. No need for shameful name calling & racist remarks….that also means you TONY from Malta (you’re a disgrace to my country)
terra

So who has a better chance to advance in tonight’s game ?France or Portugal?
Fog007

Breaking News 5th July 2006: After the German worldcup defeat to Italians yesterday. The German premier came and she stated that “we lost the match but again, our breakfast sausages are bigger than Italians spaghetti”. The statement was made in a casino where she was secretly placing bet for Italian winning the worldcup on sunday while eating Spaghetti for lunch.
Forza Italia~~~

I love Italy~~~~~What a wonderful play yesterday~~~~~!!
Marco

LiverpoolFC your low brow, thug like, single digit IQ comments are an embarassment to Ozzies and any self respecting Liverpool. Get a life scum-bag, and try and learn something about football if you want to be taken seriously…

A proud Italian
Really

Jürgen Hubert, you’re simply an idiot!!!
Marco

Really: I think you misunderstood… the original comment was by LiverpoolFC! Actually Jurgen epitomises the german spirit of fair play inherent in the vast majority of germans. Sure they are gutted to have lost, but on the whole accept it that on the night Italy were a better team. Lets not forget this is ‘just’ a game. Its the vile comments of LiverpoolFC, Hansie and their like which put a black cloud over the beautiful game.
http://www.xgenmobile.com Bernie Reyes

My fearless forecast, It’s going to be ITALY against FRANCE. Two great Football nations for the Finals.
France will win Tomorrow against the Portuguese.

But between the French and the Italians, Its going to be a Classic Match. Frace may become the eventual winner of the Finals this would largely depend on the performance of Zidane.
Joseph from Malta

Noticing all the Aussie friends round here: Congrats to Australia for the fine performance, better luck next time….they met Italy, a team that eventually made to the final….& lost only 1-0 by some sloppy defending on Grosso….

Oz has a laid a great foundation for future particiaption in the WC…..hope to see you again, Australia!
bella

Italy VS. France !!!!!!!!!!!
Va Italia Va !!!
Tujeni

Obviously the comments of LiverpoolFC are totally uncalled for, and I am even surprised they were allowed through!
Although I am totally of the opinion that Italy does not deserve to have made it this far, I do not condone using that kind of language.
I do feel, hw, that the Italian players are a disgrace to the game of soccer, with their diving and all girlie-man play tactics – and the major league scandal back in Italy speaks volumes. On the other hand, Germany was a total disappointment! They played for PKs. What a turn off! I am so bummed! Once again Italy was allowed to sneak in, at the last moment.
But France will take care of them. Vive la France!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam

Tujeni,

The scandal back in Italy has nothing to do with the players: it has to do with disgusting managers. Some of the players for those teams are already walking off in disgust at their managers and owners.

Try to see past the stereotype and work out how many times Italy has dived. Compare it to the number of times a team such as Germany has dived. Check out this blog and others if you want — these bloggers call a dive when they see one. If you count, you’ll find that Italy has certainly dived no more times than anyone else. Get out of this stupid semi-racist mindset (”Italians are nothing more than girlie cheaters”) and actually watch some of the games.
bella

Its not a case of racism that our impotent lonely Tujeni has, rather it is a sad case of jealousy …
the facts are out there and there is no need for blind talking from your ass…. if you look at the ratio of dives from Italy to the cheats from Germany, you are sure to find that Germany takes lead…
no need for cowardice here … just admit to what’s true and qualify as an elementary bred human Tujeni…

non è un caso del razzismo che il nostro singolo Tujeni impotent ha, piuttosto è un caso triste della gelosia… che i fatti è chiari. nessun’esigenza della comunicazione cieca dal vostro asino…. se guardato il rapporto tra i tuffi dall’Italia e gli swindles dalla Germania, siete sicuri trovare che i ritorni della Germania non conducono… requisito di cowardice qui… dire che cosa è allineare è l’etica Tujeni della scuola elementare…
Sergio

Let me explain you how the italian soccer scandal works. It all started when a series of leaked phone recordings between italian soccer managers were published on a major italian newspaper. This would be illegal in the USA,but italian newspapers would never miss a lynching. No crime was evidently perpetrated through the talks,but the newspaper made it clear: it was the biggest scandal ever and many heads were going to fall. Someone,somewhere,had bought several matches to its own team. The alleged perpetrators were of course the most winning teams in Italy,primarily Juventus. Juve is notoriously the center of italian soccer conspiracy theories: it’s a team whose games never excel in beauty and yet they win,thus getting massive hate from the losers. So,you now have the whole anti-Juve italian soccer world that’s blowing on the fire to have it penalized for the simple reason that “all of us know that Juve likes to cheat”. We have yet to see 1 single proof that these are not just rantings by Rome’s hooligans. The only proof of Juventus’ need to buy matches instead of winning them in a legit way,is that the current Italian team is 75% juventus players. But Italy is not new to these kind of wich-hunts and many people think if this was not just a set-up of the new government to cover its first dirt moves. Or to put in jail italian ex-prime minister Satanusconi,which is also the president of Milan – who,smart as ever,still has not realized this but has already joined the hooligan rantings in order to expropriate Juve of a couple of prizes.
Tujeni

Sam & Bella, direct your venomenous hate talk somewhere else, where it rightfully belongs. What racist talk did I engage in? I was questioning how the caustic LiverpoolFC comments could have been allowed through this blog? Did you even read them & and my response? Or are you targeting me because I speak the truth about the extra-ordinary diving skills of the Italian players? The fact that they think they can, and would like to get away with that kind of disgraceful play? The soccer scandal back in Italy is symptomatic of the mentallity that you can get away with cheating without playing by the rules! That’s what the Italian team is good at! Respond to the facts, and not to some fantom remarks that you guys have concocted up in your funky minds! VIVE LA FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joseph from Malta

Tujeni, you must be missing your medication…..what diving skills?

Diving is the preogative of Aussie players…remember the inexistent foul that led to Materazzi’s red card? Remember vthe award winning dive by the Aussie player?

C’mon, don’t be a sore loser, Italy not only won, they outplayed Oz on every count.

Just count the goal-scoring chances Italy had…
no.1 world cup fan

i think its going to be a tough match between italy and france in the finals after germany lost
Jimmy

france gonna win this world cup, but italy came back very strongly. wish u good luck for both the teams. i love to see henry kick the ball for the greatest goal in world cup. all the best for him as well
Maddie

Im soo sad Portugal lost! I never liked Germany, well now i gotta cheer on my team. ITALIA!!!!
Maddie

Andiamo l’Italia! Viva Italia! Sono il la cosa migliore!
Joseph from Malta

TUJENI….are you still alive….?!!?

…or did you choke in yor own (venomous) words?

Italy won deservedly….& set records & a sporting example to all.

Look, learn….& be jealous…
Juerggen Canada

Thank goodness we can all agree that Eltomas (or is it El-dumbass?) and Hansie and the biggest bigots and idiots on this blog.

Germany played great from start to finish. Phillip Lahm’s goal was an amazing start to some incredible goals this tourney. Boring German football is a thing of the past. Sweden was lucky not to lose 6-0. And all you down and out ARGIE fans can stop your whining. You managed a draw against NED and barely beat IVORY COAST, and the SERBS layed down after it 2-0. You had your chances but only scored one measley goal against this “boring” team, so shut the hell up.
Juerggen Canada

To those who say Germany leads Italy in dives, watch the game again. See how many times play is blown dead when a player is down on the field and the opposing team has control of the ball. No surprise! Italy wins that contest hands down. There’s a time when Grosso goes after a ball that goes out for a goal kick. He turns around to head up field with no one around him. Germany then has the ball in wide open space on the right flank. Whistle blows, guess what? Grosso is mysteriously down with not a German in sight.

You can also see Gattuso’s incredible sportsmanlike behaviour towards Ballack after they both collide going for the ball. Gattuso gives him a nice fingernail rake across the neck. What a piece of shit move that was.

Sorry Italian footballers but your reputation precedes you. The only difference between you guys and Ronaldo, is that you guys fall down when the ref ISN’T looking, then all raise your hands to bring it to his attention. Ronaldo’s problem is that he hasn’t figured out a way to have the ref looking the other while he has the ball.
Hummel

We shall see who wins the Euro Cup, thats a real football Cup, not Viva la FIFA…….

Deutschland uber alles
Juerggen Canada

indeed that will be interesting
divenemy

Quoting Sam “Try to see past the stereotype and work out how many times Italy has dived. Compare it to the number of times a team such as Germany has dived.”

Dives:

Italy-40
Germany-24

http://www.informationbuilders.co.uk/ontheball/wcuk.htm
Daniel Müller

Well, i’m shocked, to say the least… I know it’s been almost a month now since the end of the WC, but MAN, I had to say something…

I think that now that the WC is over it’s easier to anylise things.
Germany, in all fairness was a disapointing team before the World Cup Began, nobody realy believed this team would go very far.
And yet, they finished beautifuly, with a well played 3-1 victory, Germany may not have taken the Cup, but they gave something to German sports fans that is just as, if not more important than the Cup, The Feeiling that they have done a great job.
It’s hard, but i have to admit, the German Boys were just no match, for the tough Italian defensive and relatively experienced team, and yet, they managed to hand the Italians a hard ass match. But they did all they could, they pushed themselves to the max, and in the end, that’s wat matters in sports, doing the best you can, and yes, i know, it sounds cheasy and clichê, but would you disagree with me? Would you tell me that ultimately wat matters is winning? I mean, even on the professional level, Klinsmann may have not led the Gemrans to a Fourth World Cup Title, but never the less, almost every one who was against his management at the start of the tournament, wound up begging him to stay, media, fans, etc…so I’m guessing, that not winning but, doing his best paid off after all…

Oh yeah, I just thought I’d say something about hansies remark:
Dude, I’m sorry you hate Germany so bad, but ultimately, the gemran anguish that delited you after that match, withered away, and now joy, and euforia are taking hold of Germany, so, keep on hating us, but we won’t care… I know that a lot of you people (Hatefull Fucks) hate us, mainly Argetines, after this World Cup, but hey, Face facts, we did, we know our team wasn’t a Dream Team out of the FIFA 100, and we were rewarded with a great world cup campain!
And I agree with Juerggen, Boring German Soccer (1994-2002), is dead…and as soon as these boys gain some experience, it’ll be the start of a new age, hopefully, even better than the Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller age!

Catch you later sports fans!

(And I mean real sports fans, not dumb asses that use soccer as a scape goat for settling ethnic, regional, and international rivalries)