Liveblog: Germany vs. Italy

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?