The Day After in Germany

July 5th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

Football can be the cruelest of games. One minute you are on top of the world and the next you are completely gutted. Such has been the spectrum of emotions here in Germany during the past week.

After their team won a dramatic penalty shoot out against Argentina, many Germans had to be thinking that this would be their year and their World Cup. When Brazil was eliminated by France the mood became even more euphoric as one of the biggest remaining challengers was no longer a threat.

After 118 minutes of scoreless football against Italy, the feeling still had to be one of optimism. The semifinal was going to go to a penalty shoot out. Germany never loses penalty shoot outs. Italy never wins penalty shoot outs. Germany was headed to Berlin for the final. They couldn’t possibly lose a final in Berlin.

But as you know, the bubble burst with not one but two Italian goals. The silence outside was deafening.

As the clock ticked over to midnight, Berlin remained eerily silent. There was no late night celebration. There were no car horns blasting into the night. Nary a person was chanting “Deutschland, Deutschland.” Only a few police sirens rang out reminded you that your had ears and they exist to pick up sound.

Germany’s run has come to an end and like Argentina, Brazil and the fans of 25 other teams before them, German fans are left with the dreaded feeling of defeat, while those wearing the blue of Italy are feeling like the Germans did just a few days ago.

Such is the nature of football. You win. You lose. You exalt. You cry.

The day after is still young here in the German capital. The office workers in the building across the street are starting there day. It is another day here. It is a Wednesday. Work must be done and the bills must be made.

Life can be cruel sometimes, but life goes on. And in a few hours fans from either Portugal or France will understand the cruelty and the beauty of it all.

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Massimo

Byron Moreno should have been ref for that game.

Blatter called him.
Chris

The Germans can be proud of their team, that was a proper World Cup game last night, end to end, tons of skill, both teams going at it.
I was hoping they’d win but Italy had that touch of class that made the difference.

Germany raised their game in this tournament while overblown team’s like England and Brazil got what they deserved.

Listening to the sports phone-ins in the UK today I amazed idiots are coming on and saying thing’s like last night’s game was ordinary, England have better players and England would have steamrollered any of the semifinalist’s.

Take a look at Germany boys and see how you make the most of what you’ve got.
Silvia

just 4 words: WE ARE THE BEST!!! germans has been too haughty, arrogant… they deserve it! at least you don’t need to go home: you’re already there!!! goodbye…
http://www.3kilos.co.uk James

Ha-ha, an Italian calling Ze Germans arrogant, it’ll be the French next? :P

Good game last night, Italy deserved to go through and I am gald it didn’t go to penalties.
wendall

Nice display of Italian arrogance there, Silvia.

Fantastic game and once again the Italian’s do enough in the very final minutes to get a result. Very entertaining, but ze Germans must be gutted. To be so close to the end and then have absolutely no time to try and get a goal back.

Part of me would have liked to have seen a penalty shoot-out. Two of the world’s top goalkeepers facing off. It would have been drama of the highest order.
Marisol

I don’t know much about soccer but I have to say that the Germany/ Italy game was great. To see the athleticism that both squads had in running such a long game was inspiring. Conratulations to both teams for coming so far…can’t wait to see the finals and to learn more about the world’s most popular sport….
(I’m a baseball fan :)
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Germany looked over-confident. I think thats why they played so lousy initially!

Italy played too good! They deserved this win!

And I guess all that hussle bustle about frings was worth it, eh? Though did it actually play that big a role?

I couldnt help but feel sorry for Klinsmann. He looked devestated and in a lot of pain! :( The poor guy! Better luck next time (except when you play Argentina)!
Ale_Nesta

“very entertaining”…
are you kidding?
YOU where playing in front of 50000 fans.
YOU should “entertain” them showing that you could let your heart explode not to let the final go away.
and what happened?
WE did the match,
WE risked to win in the 90
WE hit two posts in overtime
WE sent 4 strikers in, not to let the game going to penalties while YOU where just waiting for Lehman to do the day once again.
c’mon stop with this things, we had the will of winning and we showed it, you where afraid and thought that another end to the penalties would be verrry honorable!
Max Neuberger

Yes Italy played better, won more 50-50 balls,and earned the win, but to call them classy? Maybe something got lost in the translation. If their plane ride home hits a bump in the air, half the team will play dead.
Ale_Nesta

it is classy not to give back the ball twice after we sent it out to let the doctor heal our players?
is it fair play?

bah
troy

italy deserved to win, but i think the that a team can win the world cup by not being the best team in the world. and thats the annoying thing about watching the cup, one bad decision can cost your team the cup. thats the problem with the whole competition. i think its time to revamp the cup to make teams worthy of winning the world cup. firstly i dont agree that to win the cup you only need to play 7 games. its just a contrived money making scheme that doesnt really say who is the best team in the world as the world cup should. why is it when a team qualifies you have to play in a league and play about 10 -15 games but when you make the cup you can be out with 1 bad decision.

i would like to see two 16 team leagues where you play 8 games each. 4 against top ranked opposition and 4 against lower ranked opposition. that way it spreads out the quality of opposition and avoids groups that are harder then others. this also will give a clear cut idea where teams stand in rankings. and have a top 8 that go through from each division and they play the round of 16 onwards. after 8 games the team on top would play the 8th ranked team from the other divisions and vice versa.

the 1 thing i think frustrates fans more then ever is teams have no time to attone for any mistakes, or bad ref decisions that may cost them a game. basically i think the luck should be taken out of the game.

the world cup deserves the best teams win the cup. some teams dont get to play any quality warm up matches and in todays modern era you need to be able to prepare your team as equally as every other team. over 8 games it gives every team a little more time to deal with unknowns and warm up and gel together as a team.

plus the more games that are played the more chance of seeing the best players and countries in the world strut there stuff. why have 23 players in a squad when about 7 – 8 players dont get a chance to impress. and think about how good a finals series would be if teams are warmed up and can play to there potential.

i know there is a question of time but in the finals you play like every 3 days, so i cant see that being to much of a problem to play 8 in 3 weeks. there is a squad for a reason.
JUDAS

GO PORTUGAAAAAL!!!!
http://aol Al Rende

Congratulations to both teams, outstanding play. Someone has to lose, glad it was not Italy. Good luck to all teams in the finals.
Carola & Edoardo

A LETTER TO SOME GERMANS
Dear Sirs,
Now we Italians all could write thousands of satyrical words in answering back to your unpolite and racist slogans against us just before the semi final or whenever… or towards your anti-democratic and “lager-like” prohibition – for Italians only – to express and naturally manifest our enthousiasm on the German territory in case of winning, as it’s normal in the human behaviour… but this prohibition is not normal from a country hosting the World Championship!
We could write, for example, that instead of “Arrivederci Pizza” and so on, you could now deserve a sentence like “Germans go home with your krauten and sausages” or “Auf wiedersehen kartoffeln”…
No… sorry, we have enough natural class, spontaneous style and real loyalty – as only true champions have, sorry – and we are SO PROUD TO BE ITALIAN, pizza and “loving mums” included (including our fantastic country, artists, all beauties, history, champions, fashion, food, beautiful women and men, etc., etc.) that the best sentence you deserve is a part of a famous song from Freddy Mercury from the “Queen” entitled “We are the champions”…
So please just listen…
“We are the champions,
my friend,
and we’ll keep on shining till the end…
’cause we are the champions,
we are the champions,
NO TIME FOR LOOSERS,
’cause we are the champions…”
…Ooooooops
sorry …it’s true…
NO TIME TO REPLY TO…. YOUR BITTER CRITICISM of poor loosers (sometimes cowards full of envy and jalousy against the superior winners, that is against us from always, and the history in all fields shows the evidences…).
Germany never won vs. Italy, sorry!!!
And this is another reason why you hate us so much.
In few words… NO TIME FOR LOOSERS,
so… NO TIME FOR YOU!
We guess you will never have enough courage – the one that only true champions really have – to publish this e-mail on your newspaper in capital letters… and it’s a pity, as may be this could teach a good and strong lesson to better, – if possible – , many Germans… so may be one day you could at least “dream” of being, some day, the possible winner over Italy…
Only if you can honestly admire others’ abilities with a sincere competitive and sporting spirit, you may have the chance to become champions too.
But FIRST YOU SHOULD LEARN SOME RESPECT FOR OTHERS IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE, as history teaches… (and all our respect goes to all honest, loyal and intelligent people in the world, Germans included).
Sincerely,
Carola & Edoardo
Bob

I heard the US/Italy game on satellite radio, and came away with no respect for Italy.Too many unfair, uncalled bad plays, in my view. Now I see they have managed to beat the Germans, apparently with more of the same kind of play.
Can some one please explain the “soccer scandle”in Italy and does it have the possible end result of taking away a win for Italy, should infact that happen? I hate this kind of stuff in sports, but it seems to be a factor at the moment, with very little follow up in our local press.
Srikar

Hi
I think the post-game comments for the coach of Italy were not very nice especially when the comments from the German coach were so sweet. It seemed arrogant.
Was thinking of supporting Italy but after reading his comments decided to support Portugal (or France if they go through)
Also, Italy has won the cup 3 times already
Dave Hamilton

Be careful about eating too much crow and having humble pie for dessert, Carola and Edoardo. Believe me, I am an expert on this since I have been stuffing on it since my beloved Brasil went down.

Italy, I will remind you, is not the champion of this World Cup YET. There remains one not-so-small detail on the 9th.

Lippi has done a wonderful job in the tradition of his days at Juve (my favorite Italian side for many years), but if Portugal advances, Mr. Scolari is the best in the business, so I wouldn’t be eating too much right now if I were you guys.

As for Bob, you are becoming almost worthy of a poet I see. And yes, it was extremely surreal last night here in Heidelberg amidst the would-be revelers. When that first goal finally curled past Lehmann, there was not a sound in the house. It was as if someone had just died. And aside from one maniacal screaming German fan throwing himself full force against the window of the tram I was in on the way home, there weren’t many signs of celebration save the occasional horn-blaring from cars sporting Italian bunting.

GO PORTUGAL!!!

Dave hamildav@yahoo.com
Dave Hamilton

Apples and oranges on the Italian scandal. The World Cup result will be unaffected, but a LOT of things will change for the Old Lady of Turin and other top clubs in Serie A. Lippi has been very careful to insulate his club from the goings-on in Italy as much as possible, but some professional futures will likely be changed and it must be a distraction.

Dave hamildav@yahoo.com
Gerrit

Finally a wonderful soccer game, which Italy deservedly won, with a referee who let the players play their game. Do we really have to go on about national pettiness? Let’s just hope that France-Portugal is as much fun to watch tonight and that the best team may win. That way we can all look forward to a great game on sunday. Okay, I hope it will be France against Italy!
Mike

Italy cheats and they get to the Final. It’s the culmination of the most boring and poorly officiated WC ever. On top of that, Grosso..the one who became a national hero by taking the mega dive vs Australia, gets the game winning goal. After that game, FIFA should’ve suspended him for a year. Instead, he gets to play and become the hero… this reminds me of Maradona in 1986 with the Hand of God…and then Argentina winning. Unless FIFA stops cheats, they will continue to cheat because they become heros of their countries. Has anyone seen the “Secret Italian Training Video”" Google it, you’ll have agood laugh. With all favoed calls Italy got in this WC (such as two Americans wrongfully ejected..when US was dominating the game), it would be interesting to see who shouldve really been in the semi’s.
Max

Hey Guys, plenty of words but let’s face it, you just can’t win a soccer game against Italy. :-))))
Dave Hamilton

Gerrit has the best recommendation I think. The Cup isn’t over, even if some of us have our teams “missing in action” now.

I am no fan of Italy, especially since their cheap shots against an undermanned U.S. team they couldn’t beat, but I would cheer for them over France any day. I don’t even want to get started on those overrated guys and their surrender-monkey government.

Dave hamildav@yahoo.com
Stuart

Nice commentary, as usual, Bob. Thanks again for doing this site…a REALLY cool addition to the pantheon of fandom for a wonderful event. It’s unfortunate that the dialog too often descends into ugly barbs, something not in keeping with the spirit of the tournament.

As for the game…wow! It was the 4th of July, so here in the US that means family get-togethers. We were at my mother-in-laws, and I was catching a ration of grief from everyone for wanting the game on. And what a game it was, truly worthy of a WC semi-final, and truly worthy of two great footballing nations. I thought the teams were very evenly matched, with the Germans showing a bit more control in their passing game. Both had some chances, and either could have won the game and been an appropriate victor. I don’t know that the absence of Torsten Frings was a deciding influence, one can only speculate. I do think the more difficult quarter-final match with Argentina played a part as Germany was clearly tired at the end. I think they gave up just a hint in those crucial final minutes, enough of a lapse to give Italy an opening. I think they were tired and let their guard down. That was a great goal that Germany should have defended better. I’m just glad it wasn’t won in the course of play on something lame like a penalty. It’s proper that it was won with a great goal. So congratulations to Italy on a wonderful victory, and to Germany on a great tournament run. Both nations can be proud of their sides showings. Klinsmann did a tremendous job with his side, and as a fan of Germany, it’s refreshing to see them play attacking football. I’m looking for better things from them in the coming years as they’re fairly young team.

Since the US is long gone, Scotland didn’t qualify (dad’s side of the family), and now Germany’s left with a 3rd place match (mom’s side of the family), I no longer have a horse in this race. Given the remaining sides, I’ll have to back France…it would be a wonderful thing for Zidane to lead his team to a great triumph in his final match.
rescorpione17

ITALIAN CHEATS..ITALIAN ARE SLIMY.. AND MAYBE HUMMM MAFIOSO??..AND I FORGOT .. ARE WIMPY ?? YOU GUYS ARE A BUNCH OF RACISTS !! SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES ENOUGH OF YOUR CRAP!
Max

For my german friends crying like babies out there: Schadenfreude! :-))))
pao

As an italian after seeing a lot of bitterness towards us i must say something. I just hope we won’t face Australia and the USA anymore in a world cup. That’s cos we are likely going to beat them and since many of them just can’t understand football and its rules they will be blaming the ref and they will be calling us cheats and divers. I say that with all my rispect to many aussies and americans who are not blinded by stereotypes and ignorance on football.
We proved yesterday what we are capable of.
Enough said.
Regards.
Really

bla bla bla people, we’re in the final game!!!
http://usa johnny

i am proud to be german, i would like thank jurgen klinsmann and the german national team for giving it their all when nobody gave them a chance to go this far..they overcame alot of obstacles but couldn’t overcome the acting skills displayed by the italians, australia knows it to well , i dont feel sorry about the loss of a game nor should germany,we united a nation that is proud to feel german once again and not be ashamed to wave our flag again….this is much more of an accomplishment than winning a world cup….to the italians keep on the good acting skills because hollywood is calling…
Dave Hamilton

Wouldn’t be if you’d played the USA one more time.
Really

Johnny, is more simple to spit on us than admit you lost the game in a correct game. Really bad loser.
ronno

I was for Italia all the way, but Germany played GREAT, in this game and in the entire World Cup, so they fully deserve to be proud of their team. Now… on to the Final!!!
john

Im with you pao Its all part of the game Italy is the best soccer nation in the world they could kill any country.
http://Sultan.Rezagmail.com Sultan Reza

MAMBO ITALIANO HEY MAMBO

About 50 years ago, Silvana Mangano recorded this song.Yesterday,whole of Italy and Italians all over the world were singing it.Lippi and his lads had stunned Klinmann and his kids with the last minute move that removed Germany from the World Cup 2006 scene.What started as a football game, suddenly turned into a boxing match that knocked our Germany with a 1-2 punch.

The Berlin wall fell for the 2nd. time. I was there when it happened for the first time, when Germany was united.

I hope that they remain united and keep their young, energetic coach Klinsman to have a go at the 2010 World Cup.

Viva Itlay. Bravo Germany.
Robert

I was at the Italy – USA game. Italian players are a bunch of diving, cheating clowns. I have no respect for Italy.
carola & edoardo

By the way, we thank all the Italians and foreigners supporters of our team and of our country.
But we still respect everybody and those which do not respect us too!
RESPECT FOR EVERYBODY, FEAR OF NOBODY!
That’s our motto, not for soccer only, but for life.
We respect all the honest people and loyal fighters all over the world, but do not tolerate injustices , cheats, arrogance, evil!
We are not yet the World Cup winner, but until now we are one of the 2 BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD!
Ciao!
Carola & Edoardo
A P.S. (POST SCRIPTUM) to OUR LETTER TO SOME GERMANS:
Remember that in all international matches Germany never won vs. Italy, sorry!!!
And this is another reason why you hate us so much in your inner DNA.
You always criticize us, but you all want to dress, eat and make love like Italians, as well as you all do appreciate our country for holidays and for our ancient monuments and great historical past, or our fantastic landscape and all kind of beauties, or for our genius in all fields!
We may have outpoints as all mankind is not perfect, but we prefer to make a self-analysis to better ourselves and we do not waste our time in stupid criticism towards others, it’s much better to point our attention on the others’ pluspoint (and if we all could do this, the world will surely go better than how it goes: it’s better to be constructive instead of creating destruction!).
And remember that we Italians gave a great contribution to the positive development of this planet in all ages, as Earth is crowded of famous Italians – many are listed among the best in the World – in all fields: Actors, Fashion Stylists, Sport Athletes, Research, Nobel Prize Winners, managers, Directors, Architects, Sculptors, Inventors, Explorers, Painters, Singers, Kings, etc., etc.
Just let me quote Orson Welles, who honestly wrote: “In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love; they had five hundred years of democracy and peace and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.”.
Or Francis Ford Coppola: “Most Italians who came to this country are very patriotic. There was this exciting possibility that if you worked real hard, and you loved something, you could become successful”.
“What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.” – Erica Jong.
“A man who has not been in Italy, is always conscious of an inferiority, from his not having seen what it is expected a man should see.” – Samuel Johnson.
“Even now I miss Italy dearly, I dream about it every night.” – Eila Hiltunen, Finnish sculptress in 2000.
“The Creator made Italy from designs by Michael Angelo. ” – Mark Twain.
And so on…
Sorry, but I am so proud to BE ITALIAN and I would never like to be German or something else.
Sorry for letting our hearts loudly speak from the inner side of ourselves…
Finally, in few words… NO TIME FOR LOOSERS,
so… NO TIME FOR YOU!
Your evil arrogance made you deserve the defeat you receive back yesterday night the 4th of July (Indipendence day in U.S.!!!), and it is even worse for you as it was in your own home!!!
Let’s not say “Auf wiedersehen kartoffeln”… but just Ciao “belli”!
rescorpione17

…when i meant RACISTS comments before i meant exactly guys like ROBERT who really are the ones who deserve no respect ..LOSER GET LOST !! ..AND WORK ALL YOUR SOUR BITTERNESS CRAP OUT !
daniela

Hi,

I am an italian citizen, but also lived in Brasil for 5 years, so I wanted Brasil to win, but unfortanely they have lost so now I do want Italy to be the World Champions…
Avanti Italia :)

Daniela
LUIS

LISTEN TO ALL OF YOU, THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE A CELEBRATION. ALL OF YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES CALLING EACH OTHER NAMES LIKE SCHOOL CHILDREN, AND MAKING RACIST COMMENTS. THE TRUTH IS THAT ANY US TEAM WILL DO GOOD IN A SOCCER COMPETITON BECAUSE AMERICANS DONT HAVE IN THE HEART. THEY SHOULD HAVE GOT RIDDEN OF THAT USELESS ARENAS LONG TIME AGO, RIGHT AFTER 1994, AND BRING IN A REAL COACH EITHER FROM BRAZIL OR THE NETHERLANDS. FOOTBALL IS NOT A MONEY MAKING SPORT IN THE STATES SO THEREFORE IS LIKE A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN, FOR THE IMMIGRANTS. BECAUSE HERE EVERYTHING HAS TO DO WITH MONEY. FOOTBALL NOT SOCCER IS A PASSION. UNTIL THEN ALLEZ LA FRANCE!!!!!SINCE BRAZIL IS NOT LONGER THERE.
http://aol.sport Bruno

To all of u,that criticize,or doubt the final result of the match between Italy and Germany,eat ur heart out, because u dont know nothing about soccer,so stay away from stupid and ridiculos comments,that have no room in this pages.I agree that Italy didn’t play good until the game with Ukraine,but after that they did come out and win with honor without taking away anything that wasn’t right.Glory to the winner,honor to the looser.
May the best win.
Bruno Mirarchi
LUIS

I MEANT NEVER WILL DO GOOD.
SSmith

Aahh, the good ol’ days. My how I miss them. I’d say that right around the time when the US hosted the WC is when soccer worldwide started to take a dive (pun intended). Remember that? Because soccer was perceived as “boring” and low-scoring and because too many “great players” were getting hurt by “dirty fouls”, refs cracked down on slide tackles, etc. and then injury time no longer was a secret held by the ref. All of these “improvements” have gotten us the the WC we’ve seen over the past few weeks: a bunch of flop ‘n bawl teams in the finals (esp Italy and Portugal).

Also, stopping the game every time a player is down is complete nonsense. 20 years ago, the ref let the medical crew come on the field, carry the guy off, and work on him from the sidelines. That’s how soccer should be played. Now, the pretty-boys (the Italian team, Portuguese team, Beckham, Argentines, and many more) have hijacked the game.

What a pity.
liam

You know, I wasn’t a huge Italy fan, but I thought the Italy-Germany game was well officiated, and both teams played pretty clean, strong football, and against France or Portugal, I probably would’ve supported Italia, despite my unhappiness over the Australia result.

But after reading the arrogant, rude, and just plain mean comments from Italians here… well… Allez les Bleus.
Marcelo

I am no Italian and I am proud to be the citizen of the country that I was born in.
However, I always have a soft spot for all things Italian.
This could be caused by the great victory of Paolo Rossi & co. in the ‘82 WC final.
I support Ferrari staunchly in Formula One and my favorite football club is Juventus. Really hope that they will not be demoted next season.
Bev1860

Danke/Merci/Thanks Germany for hosting a great World Cup and playing with so much courage and fairness. Watching Chancellor Merkel with PM Prodi in the stands added to the friendly atmosphere.

Congratulations to the Italian National Diving Team. Soon you’ll be back home with Berlusconi and all the other scandals. Grazi i Chiao!
susana

Italy deserved the victory, of course, they played great!!! (germany didn’t play anything!). I love the way italy played yesterday, passing, shooting, atacking… i hope they repeat this in the final! and i will support them! because italy can make the ‘jogo bonito’ we wait for in this world cup and doesn’t appear!!! (maybe some argentina and spain matches, but against countries that didn’t make anything in those matches…)
So… FORZA ITALIA!!! i hope a Italia-Portugal final!!
Sam

So much hatred over a boy’s game played by men. Self esteem should not be based on such a frivilous and unimportant dalliance. Grow up.
marinho

I loved to see Brazil out of the competition, They tought they all ready won the cup without play, just becouse they were soccer starts,… but soccer teams win the cup in the field and NOT with fame.
carola & edoardo

So Liam please inform yourself about WHAT THE GERMAN PRESS WROTE ABOUT US since the beginning of this World Championship.
Or you are one of those who accuse and criticize others without letting these ones have the same right to defend themselves and their pride???
So you would live better in some Lager-Kamp like some other fellas, where no democratic human rights are allowed.
Anyway we dont need fan like you, we just care about intelligent and correct “open-eyed” fellows which TRULY OBSERVE SEE AND LISTEN the TRUTH.
Carola & Edoardo
P.S.: In the match yesterday, at the end of the 2nd extra time for 4 times we received injustices from the judge who made some mistakes in attributing the punishments, etc.
But in spite of it, we won… and not 1…but 2 scores in one minute.
Please LOOSERS try to honestly accept the true greatness of WINNERS and try to learn from those who make better than you, instead of going on with stupid criticism!
Only in this way one has the chance to be better and may be to win one day!
Don’t go on with all this various ignorance I read above… please do it if you still have some sporting spirit, and some self pride and self dignity!
jericho

racist?liam
c’mon,all you americans are all complainin about the italy-usa game.Lets face it,usa wouldn’t be able to make it to the semi-finals even if their lives depended on it.
carola & edoardo

Congratulation Jericho, you are really honest and intelligent!
jack

italy played great against germany, and deserved to win. buffon made some spectacular saves, and grosso’s goal was amazing. the germans held on for a long time, and even though i am a die hard italy fan, i am proud of them.
i would just like to say that i dont understand why everyone is calling italy diving cheats. in the us game, the us was a man up until the americans got red carded, and they didnt capitalize on the oppurtunity. also, its not italy’s fault that the ref was retarded and gave out those red cards.
same with the australia game. italy isnt diving cheats because grosso got the ref to call the foul. thats calcio, you try to get the ref to call fouls. neill never should have fallen, if he had just stayed on his feet then it wouldnt have happened.
also, australia was a man up and italy still was not letting anything by the defense. the australians dont know good strategy because they shouldve been trying the long ball and hoping to get something past the defense before they got back into position, not kicking it around midfield before trying to push forward.
congratulations to germany coming this far, and they really did play a great game. hopefully today’s game will be just as good.

VIVA L’ITALIA
Suzie Q

…. and i say allez bleus – vive la france. have not heard a damn thing from them that was in anyway negative. I love you, Torsten Frings.
carola & edoardo

Jack you are right, as well as many others above, I cannot say all their names, sorry.
Considering all the matches in this World Championship, ITALY has been right considered one of the most fair playing and correct team.
So STOP WITH ALL THIS ENVY AND JALOUSY.
If you are able to honestly respect and admire others’ greatness and abilities so you may also learn to better youself and have more chances… next time…!
AS ONLY THE TRULY GREAT PEOPLE CAN DO, I REALLY LOVE YOU ALL, FRIENDS AND ENEMIES, AND I UNDERSTAND ALL YOUR HUMAN EMOTIONS IN ALL THEIR “COLOURED EXPRESSIONS”…
FORZA ITALIA!!!
Carola
Michelle

I’m an American living in Germany and I routed for the Germans from the gitgo! It has nothing to do with winners or losers but HOW you play the game. The Germans played hard and well. Jungs, euch alle hat sehr gut gespielt und wir sind alle sehr stolz.
carola & edoardo

In Soccer you just win making more SCORES yhan the others and this is THE ONLY EVIDENCE showing WHO IS THE TRUE WINNER and therefore the best players.
And, unfortunately, who is the loosers and the worst players.
Germany fought, but Italy fought better and scored (and “spoke less…” before the match…AHAHAH).
So Italy IS THE BEST!
This is a sillogism, IT’S LOGIC!
Simply THIS, nothing else or more to add or say.
This is just the mere observation of obvious.
RESULTS AND FACTS SHOW THE BEST ONES IN EVERY ACTIVITY OF LIFE.
All the rest is just BLA,BLA,BLA…just words, not facts!!!
But only facts truly count at the end.
I feel a bit of pity for all these German or others’ supporters who are not able to loose, as this is a quality of TRUE CHAMPIONS.
A true champion is able to loose and to admit a defeat and, more, to recognize the winners’ superiority.
AhAhAhAhAh…let me smile and laugh!
VIVA L’ITALIA!!!
Alvaro

I do not understand how a lover of football could find anything to criticize about the Italy v. Germany match. It was two great teams who fought to the death. The sad beauty is that only one can go on. Italy deserves the respect of a champion(let us not forget they already have collection of World Cups). Congratulations to the Italians, the pride they show in their style of football, and that great BLUE WALL that could not be penetrated. Lastly, thanks to Germany for an equally great tradition, a great effort and a great World Cup.
Vamos Italia y Portugal!
brenda johnstone

ok so this is a little off subject (sorry i’m not interested in arguing about who is being a mean racist and who is not)…. but who over here agrees with me that cristiano ronaldo is the hottest man alive?!!!! im praying that portugal beats france today!!!
..but in the end i’ll still be rooting for italy because i think they deserve this the most!!! forza italia!!!
carola & edoardo

Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo is special and his team Portugal is smart and nice and I surely prefer it to the France!
I am for Portugal today and I hope in a super Final Italy vs. Portugal!
They both deserve to be there, more than others in my opinion!
Forza ITALIA and PORTUGAL!
Carola
Alvaro

I think today, France’s run will come to the same cruel end as that of Brazil and Germany. Italia v. Portugal would be great. (Even though I am tired of hearing from my wife and my brother’s girlfriend about how “beautiful” Cristiano Ronaldo is.)
Adios Francia! Vamos Italia y Portugal!
Luise

@carola & edoardo:
Seriously, what is your problem??
Your country won, deservedly so. Everybody in Germany is saying that Italy was the better team last night (even including BILD), why can’t you just be happy about that? Why do you (and I only mean the two of you, not Italians in general) have to be such bad winners?
And what is all that about the German press and racism? Maybe I haven’t read enough newspapers in the last few weeks, but I certainly have the feeling I’ve missed something…
ronno

carola & edoardo…
I am a proud Italian-American and Italia has always been my favorite team (although I dutifully rooted for the U.S. also). Grosso’s goal was a thing of beauty, but without it (and Del Piero’s subsequent counterattack goal) Germany would have had the advantage in penalty kicks. The game was THAT close. If certain writers in the German press were unkind to Italia that doesn’t mean we should behave ungraciously as winners. This was a great game between two great teams. Let’s remember it that way. Thank you, Germany, for being our hosts. Now… Forza Italia!!!
SSmith

Portugal will win today. The same bafoon who refereed the US-Italy game (in which he red-carded 3 players) is refing today’s game. This bodes exceptionally well for Portugal’s “flop-n-bawl” style of play. Look for France to be fortunate to end the game with 9 players. Unfortunate since France has looked solid in their past couple of games.

Therefore, looks like it’ll be a “flop-n-bawl” Final Match. Hope there’s a few diving judges in Germany b/c they’ll need them…
carola & edoardo

Yes Luise, may be you wake up just now and do not listen or read all the evil and arrogant criticism that your country has towards Italy and Italians, recently and – unfortunately – from long time…
Just keep yourself informed and as you seem so interested I ask you back the true fundamental question: “What problem do the Germans have vs. Italy???”.
But I already know the answer, simple human envy and jalousy…
But, however find it out for yourself, but IF YOU REALLY WANT TO GET THE TRUTH, PLEASE INFORM YOURSELF HONESTLY BEFORE…
Thanks,
Carola
CLAUDIO

Hello everybody,
my goodness, what a hot range of comments! Anyway, I had not shouted like yesterday evening, for ages! I played calcio (soccer) some years ago and I know tiny bit of it. Very happy for Italy (my country) and my deep respect for Germany.
A big hugh to some of my german friends too (wish you were with me yesterday) and celebrate the tru meaning of the sport (whatever the result…) with a german beer or a glass of Chianti !
Un saluto particolare a Carola & Eduardo anche se non vi conosco.
Ciao a tutti.
Claudio da Londra
carola & edoardo

Ronno, we do not behave ungraciously, we just defend ourselves and our pride and this is a sacred right say, and doing it we unfortunately are telling some hard truth…
Truth has this feature: it may be really hard, but it is always Truth.
And one has to be really full of COURAGE to confront, to stand up in front and to easily accept some Truth that few have the courage to tell.
Sincerely,
Carola
carola & edoardo

Ciao Claudio e grazie!
Adoro londra e gli amici super partes o comunque leali!
Carola
ronno

:)
pao

ssmith you have got to “dive” into the football (and i mean football) rules. A full immersion is required. That ref red carded 3 players who actually deserved to be red carded. You have got to face it.
Luise you are right, some bad tabloids, or at least some bad reporters writing on them, can’t be an example of what an entire country thinks. Let’s be gracious winners as the most of you are gracious losers. Period.
Luise

“Yes Luise, may be you wake up just now and do not listen or read all the evil and arrogant criticism that your country has towards Italy and Italians, recently and – unfortunately – from long time…
Just keep yourself informed and as you seem so interested I ask you back the true fundamental question: “What problem do the Germans have vs. Italy???”.”

???What has the Italian press lead you to believe??? The Germans LOVE Italy! Why do you think they always spend their holidays there?
Have you ever been to Germany? If yes, you’d have seen all the Italian restaurants and gelaterias and you’d have realised that they’re very popular, just as Italy and its citizens in general.
Do I really have to remind you about Stefano Stefani and some of the things Berlusconi said in the European parliament?
SSmith

Thanks for proving my point Pao. The way the rules are written today, those were legit red cards, but 20 years ago–when the quality of soccer (or football) was much better–those would’ve only been yellow cards. See earlier post about how the new rules in soccer have made the game worse and have turned it into a pretty-boy game.
pao

I agree on that ssmith, football was way better 20 years ago, you are totally right on this. But now you have to deal with present rules.
Luise a german friend of mine told me once: We have a saying here: Germans do not admire Italians but they love them; Italians do not love Germans but they admire them”. Is that actually a German saying? And do you think in your experience it’s correct? Our countries are so linked in history and in the present that all this discussion doesn’t make any sense probably. It’s just something pushed by poor newspaper, part of the world cup appeal though.
Have tripped to Germany and I have been always treated with great kindness. And I am going there in 15 days. I know i’ll enjoy my trip.
Luise

@carola & edoardo:
Hm, is this about the “legendary” Spiegel online article? Now, I haven’t read it myself, but saw people mentioning it on other boards. Apparently it was meant as pure satire, but people didn’t see it as such. Finally, I have ventured to find out about it, only to find this:

http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/0,1518,423809,00.html
Darcy

beautifully written Bob. thanks for that sweet moment of nostalgia..
SSmith

That’s the problem: “Dealing” with present rules is nonesense. The rules were changed a few years back and they messed up the game. They need to be changed back. This game is no longer a man’s game the way it is played today.

Re: your other comments, people being nice to each other is great and I’m all for it. But just because someone criticises another, that doesn’t mean that they hate them. People (just like soccer today) are way too sensitive!
luislopes

Obviously the people watching a team like Germany and saying they played well, were not watching the same World Cup I did. Germany was a team full of speculation, and lots of luck, helped by an argentinian coach without “guts”. Thos is one of the worst german teams I have seen, but again, they are not known for the spectacular game they play. Nothing like Argentina, or the old Brazil….. Germany, bunch of gladiators.
http://anon anon

Carola, it’s not for you to judge whether you are acting graciously or not.

Btw, I’m not sure what Germans have to be jealous about in regards to Italy! (Think about it. I’m American, I like both places, both people, but I can’t imagine Germans being jealous over anything Italy has.)
Luise

Hi Pao :)
I’m not sure whether it’s a German saying or whether the part about the Italians admiring the Germans is true, but I do think the other part is. :) I think, the ‘not-admiring’ comes from the stereotypes of there always being strikes in Italy and things (proposedly) not being as well-organised as they are in Germany. On the other hand, (most) Germans love (attention, more stereotypes!) the Italians for their not taking things so seriously (i.e. not being that well-organised) all the time, their passion, their food, etc. etc.
We really shouldn’t take each others tabloids (and other media) so serious all the time. And as I said before, even Bild is admitting that Italy was the better team last night. And that’s really saying something. ;)
carola & edoardo

OK Luise, Pao… maybe you are right: Press is not kind all over the world.
I am a very peaceful person and never attack, but, as my father always told me, “never attack anyone, if you are attacked you have all the rights and duties to defend yourself and those you love”… and i think this is a good lesson.
I love all mankind, but for example… When a foreigner come to Italy I help him speaking all the possible languages he knows to welcome and help him. On the contrary, I went 2 times to visit germany and even if I speak English, French and a bit of german and Spanish, I always met a “wall” instead of helping my efforts to be understood…
Anyway this is just an example, as I know that in all Countries there are nice and positive people and some negative ones…
i was just underlining an attitude…
For me it’s OK, I understand you and hope to enjoy your welcoming in the future.
For me one can always learn from each other, the important thing is being capable to admire pluspoints and to respect everybody together with his own differences or similarities, abilities or weaknesses.
I love you all and please note I have a BIG ITALIAN HEART FULL OF PASSION AND APPRECIATION.
A big kiss from Italy!!!
Carola
pao

That’s the problem: “Dealing” with present rules is nonesense. The rules were changed a few years back and they messed up the game. They need to be changed back. This game is no longer a man’s game the way it is played today.

Re: your other comments, people being nice to each other is great and I’m all for it. But just because someone criticises another, that doesn’t mean that they hate them. People (just like soccer today) are way too sensitive!

Ssmith it’s just i have read a good share of bigotry on this blog, i do appreciate criticism.
I agree this WC turned into something different from football sometimes. I do think the mexican ref did a great job yesterday. It was a semifinal it lasted 120 minutes and only 3 players were red carded. That’s how it is meant to be. I hope mr. Blatter is not blind and will turn back to some “ancient” football as it was yesterday.
pao

ehehe yeah Luise and our admiration comes from stereotypes as well. Hey everything they do is well done. Hey if they say the train will be here at 5.34 it will be here at 5.34. Things like that. the no loving part comes from stereotypes as well such as they are always taking things so seriously and so on. Now we have ruined all the stereotypes taking des spiegel and bild so seriously. I fear we are becomin germans.
pao

ooops i meant yellow carded
ronno

“That ref red carded 3 players who actually deserved to be red carded.”
Pao . . .
Do you REALLY, HONESTLY believe Mastroeni deserved his red card? That was a blatant “equalization” card, to make up for DeRossi getting thrown out. DeRossi elbowed McBride and McBride had blood streaming down his face! Do you think Mastroeni committed an “equal” offense? I love Italia, too, but let’s be realistic!
p.s. That same ref will be officiating today. Watch out!!!
SSmith

Pao–Good to hear and I agree with your assessment of yesterday’s ref (but I think you meant 3 yellow cards vice 3 red cards–probably just a typo, so no worries).
ronno

oh. i thought you were talking about the Italia-US game! (i’m still sore about that one!)
pao

ronno I think Mastroeni’s takle was very dangerous and deserved a red card. Maybe 30 years ago that would have been a yellow. But it’s a red now and even 10 years ago. No it’s not an equal offense to DeRossi’s infact De Rossi got a 4 games ban. Mastroeni’s tackle is still a red in my opinion, of course not worthy a 4 games ban, just one.
SSmith

Ronno–We were talking about the ITA-USA game, and I agree with you–sort of. I don’t see how any of those red cards were deserved–all three involved players going for the ball. You can make the case that McBride was elbowed on purpose, but then anytime a person came away bloody from a 50-50 ball, the opposing challenger would then need to be red carded. I think that’s a bit harsh.

As mentioned above, the 3 reds in the USA-ITA game should’ve been yellow cards. Of course, yellow cards were handed out with just about every (perceived) foul in this Tournament, so I guess it only logically follows that if giving soft yellows is the flavor of the month, then so should soft reds…

If today’s ref performs like he did in the USA-ITA game, then Portugal will win–see my posts above for the rationalle.
ronno

4 games ban! That’s crazy. If I had been ref I would have given De Rossi a regular red card ban, and I would have given Mastroeni a yellow. I want to see my heroes out playing on the field where they belong, rather than seeing so many having to sit out.
pao

ronno i do agree on that as i told ssmith. But we have to face with present rules. And rules say: De Rossi, Mastroeni and Pope have to sit out. Blame the rules not the ref.
thom

carola & edoardo, you are single-handedly destroying the reputation of Italians on this blog.

Just thought I’d mention it, in case you haven’t noticed yet.

I for one don’t think the majority of Italians are as vicious, ignorant and full of hate for Germany as you are.
Neither am I aware of Germans being racist towards Italians, of all people, quite the contrary.

Btw., the German ‘Bild’ is by no means to be confused with the rest of German papers. The way the German media and public accepted the defeat is nothing short of classy, imho.

As for the game, I don’t think it was that great to watch; both teams had their strengths, but couldn’t score .
Modern, efficient football, not enough heart for my taste.
A goal in the final minutes of extra time, that’s like scoring in the penalties, one team getting more lucky than the other one.

Nice goals though, no doubt, but could as well have happened on the other side of the pitch.

Good job by the ref; he let them play, didn’t make one major mistake.

Congrats to the Italy; now I can’t wait to watch Zidane and Figo tonight.
looking for good, fair football.

——————————————————————————————————————–
luislopes | July 5th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
Obviously the people watching a team like Germany and saying they played well, were not watching the same World Cup I did. Germany was a team full of speculation, and lots of luck, helped by an argentinian coach without “guts”. Thos is one of the worst german teams I have seen, but again, they are not known for the spectacular game they play. Nothing like Argentina, or the old Brazil….. Germany, bunch of gladiators.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Totally agree.

Structure, structure, structure, structure……….. I think Germany has forgotten – IT”S A KID’S GAME – a kid’s game!!! ……… not an engineering project.

You still have to be able to take the ball at the other team when the opportunity presents itself. No one on Germany could break down anybody on italy , one-on-one. If it wasn’t part of their game plan, they didn’t do it or attempt it – horrible football.

Another thing, it’s curious how the refereeing has become A LOT better now that, all the non- european and S. american (mainly Brazil, Argentina) teams are all but gone now. Has anybody noticed this???
SEBA

GERMANY CAN’T BE CHAMPION WITH THIS FUTBOL, THEY DO NOTHING IN 90 OR 120 MINUTES, THEY ONLY WANT FUCKING PENALTYS, THIS IS NOT FUTBOL, ARGENTINA HAVE A LOT OF YOUNGERS PLAYERS, THEY ENJOY THE GAME IN THE FIELD, WE LOST IN PENALTYS ITS THE FUCKING TRUE, BUT WE LOVE THIS FUTBOL, TOQUES, TACOS Y CAÑOS (SEARCH IN THE DICTIONARY)
THANKS FOR THE SPIRIT, THANKS FOR FEEL THE SHIRT.
GOOD LUCK. AGUANTE ARGENTINA.
Suzie Q

No, looking for good, fair football. nobody has noticed it, aside from the sore losers.
Gian Luca

GEE, THANK YOU GUYS!!! I think this is the first blog page I read on this site where people don’t insult each other…
Gian Luca

By the way, I read a lot of opinions around soccer rules. How many have read the official FIFA rules?

Here’s the link:

http://www.fifa.com/en/laws/menu.htm
http://p555p326yahoo.com Steven Guardala

Good, courteous blog. This is for all of you. It is the media all over this world who keep old grudges going. As people that I played Soccer with, most Europeans got along well. They did not stereotype Americans, Italians or Italian-Americans like myself. Only the Irish-Americans picked fights with the English and went to the Hospital for their ARROGANCE! The bigotry on some of these blogs was somewhat surprising. But, the Italian bashers have been oddly silent since yesterday.
carola & Edoardo

Dear thom,
I think you really did not understand anything of all our discussion and your indicating “our ignorance” just shows once again some ARROGANT CRITICISM we were exactly talking about… which often goes together along with true ignorance.
Btw, you have an “infected” view point, the one belonging to loosers, so I do not expect any true critical self-analysis from yourself…
Only an ignorant loosers could say that making 2 goals one after the other in one-minute-one at the very end of the 2nd extra time, so after about 120 minutes of hard fighting can be “lucky”.
Are u sure u were watching the match yesterday???
Where were u when Italy continued to attack almost arriving so many times to score – Germany was truly lucky in all those situations!!! imao) – ???
I have an answer: Why in all my life – and in private situations too – I have never heard one German honestly admitting their defeat and the superiority of somebody else?
is this possibly connected with some stupid, strange, racist and false idea of being Superior so deeply resident in some German DNA or education style???
I really hope this is not!!!
Who knows???
Hey guy smile to life!!!
;) :)
carola & Edoardo

Ooooops … I meant I have a question….(not an answer).
P.S.: You see thorm, no one is just superior to anybody else, but sometimes in certain occasions one can win over others as he is using better his abilities and skills, his determinism and force, his strong character and will power.
I love every one who respects me, my family, my friends, my life, country, my planet and my environment.
And I don’t need to say or to be a champion to get enough self-confident to understand when respect is truly and openly given or this is a masked way to insult.
Finally champions do not need to tell others that what they are, but they have the same right to defend their integrity and dignity when someone like you spread around bitter critical words, as loosers sometimes do…
:)
Luise

@carola:
“Why in all my life – and in private situations too – I have never heard one German honestly admitting their defeat and the superiority of somebody else?

Have you been reading ANYTHING I and most other Germans here said?? And repeatedly so I might add? Again, even BILD said Italy was better! Really, what is your problem?
You’re the one complaing about the “German arrogance”, yet at the same time you want us all to bow to the Italian “superiority”.
I’m sorry to say it, but you’re really starting to get on my nerves. I guess, now you’ll say that’s just a sign of my German arrogance “so deeply resident in my DNA”, talk about being racist… :(
carola & Edoardo

Please read with attention what I really wrote in all my posts and please do define using a good dictionary any words where u are not sure to know all its various meaning, as well as any grammar words, etc…
So you will see there’s nothing dangerous in my words and no need to get nervous…
True UNDERSTANDING is a miracolous potion in many disagreements!
Smile to life Luise!!!
:)
carola & Edoardo

P.S.: CALM IS THE QUALITY OF STRONG PEOPLE
Arthur

Since we’re talking about europe, we should get some facts straight.

it’s size is 10.532.000 km², home for 730 Millionen people, thats 70p/m² (usa: about 27p/km²), 45 nations, more than 20 languages plus countless dialects, and till 1945, in a constant state of war, sometimes interruptet by 2 or 2 decades of peace. Germany and france fought 3 wars between 1870 and 1945. Germany as well as europe we’re seperated for decades. it took us only 12 from cold-war-status to a single-currency.

We’re on a good way, i don’t care about stereotypes anymore, when they call me kraut or potatoeater, i fell free to call them island-ape or pasta-eater, it’s not meant in a bad way, but it’s a complex continent, so it just simplyfies it.
it’s obvious that there are still ressentments and rivalries, but we don’t need the battlefield anymore, we use another field now.
http://anon anon

Carola, wow, you’re smug. I can’t tell if you’re serious or not (I think you’re just goading others), but if you are, look at the words of yours that Luisa quoted.

Do those words precipitate understanding?

I would have to say you don’t know many Germans. But even so, why paint with such a broad brush?
Luise

“Please read with attention what I really wrote in all my posts and please do define using a good dictionary any words where u are not sure to know all its various meaning, as well as any grammar words, etc…
So you will see there’s nothing dangerous in my words and no need to get nervous…
True UNDERSTANDING is a miracolous potion in many disagreements!”

I think my grasp of the English language is quite sufficient, thank you.

“Smile to life Luise!!!
:) ”

Oh, I’m smiling alright. I’ve got nothing to be bitter about, you see.
Luise

Dear Carola and Edoardo,
I’m a little confused… Please tell me, who of you is the one gloating about Italian superiority and condemning German arrogance and who’s the one who “loves us all” and wants us to “smile to life”?
pao

Carola and Edoardo I am trying to keep world peace here and you are messing my job. I am not kofi annan, my skills are limited! why the hell i am talking english to fellow italians by the way?
pao

* speaking even
jack

i posted something here earlier this morning and i came back to look at the blog and now i just dont understand. even my very unbiased comment was taken and twisted. germany played well and germans as a whole have nothin against the italians. it was a good game, with no unfair calls and germans should be praised for doing as well as they did and for playing such a good and entertaining game to watch. there is no reason to go on and on about italians being better and italian superiority. i am a huge italy fan, but i dont see why that is necessary. italy did afterall win. theres no need act defensive …

oh and by the way, you really do sound racist.
carola & Edoardo

PER PAO:
Ciao pao, ma però a me sembra che sia qualcun’altro un po’ come dire.. permaloso qui, dai noi vogliamo solo tenere alta la nostra Difesa all’Italiana (alla Cannavaro)e a nostra volta scherzare come hanno gfatto loro tedeschi all’inizio provocandoci con satira ed ironia (anke pesanti).
Spiega loro che tutti abbiamo gli setssi diritti, non possono scagliare la prima pietra e poi nascondere la mano… si prendano almeno un minimo di responsabilità per quanto molti dei loro connazionali hanno detto e scritto su di noi.
So che per loro è dura e che patiscono la sconfitta, però devono imparare a perdere e ad accettare le risposte a ciò che loro stessi causano.
per il resto, chiudiamo, ma spiega loro che noi amiamo l’italia ed il Mondo intero…fino a che non ci pestano i piedi, ovviamente.
Non ti vogliamo creare problemi, ma dì loro di essere un po’ più sportivi ed autoironici, oltre che autocritici, se possibile.
Un abbraccio a te e a luise.
carola & Edoardo

PAO, spiega che anke loro devono accettare la nostra ironia e satira e… la nostra difesa all’italiana (vai cannavaro!!!).
Non vogliamo crearti problemi, ma che siano un po’ meno permalosi ed un po’ più autocritici, se possibile.
Noi non ce l’abbiamo con nessuno a priori, e credo tu l’abbia capito.
Un abbraccio
PETRA KEYES

die deuschen hatte das laste speil gewinnem solte die sollte das tore doch schessen ich hatte es gesehen das der speile gekauft war ?????und das habe ich ganze schon gesehen im fernsehen. das speil war gekauft ?????? petra aus st petersburg fla.
Wigz

What a wonderful World Cup (even if England were rubbish)! Germany I salute you. Your hospitality has been second to none. Hold your head very high for providing the whole World with a spectacular showing of the greatest game on Earth.
Cikku

My World Cup Highlights

Now that the month long football carnival is nearly over, these are my memories of the major highlights. While I did not watch every single game I saw the vast majority and can only comment on the ones that I did. Two matches are also still ahead which may change these opinions

Best Team – Despite the travesty of justice in the game against the Socceroos I still feel that Italy was the best allround team irrespective of what will happen in the Final.

Most Disapponting Team – England despite reaching the Quarter Finals

Best Player – Andrea Pirlo (Italy) primarily for his superb performance in the semi final

Best Goal – The magical 24 touch wonder goal by Cambiasso for Argentina against Serbia

Best Goalkeeper – Found it easy to settle for Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon

Best Young Player – Based on potential rather than performance in this World Cup I go for Argentina’s Lionel Messi

Best Coach/Manager – A toss up between Marcello Lippi and Jurgen Klinsmann and for the life of me I cannot separate them. Lippi for taking a team under a huge amount of pressure into the final and Klinsmann for changing the face of German football. Possibly Lippi by a whisker.

Most Dramatic Game – The 2-2 draw between Australia and Croatia

Best Technical Game – The semi final between heavyweights Italy and Germany

Best Comeback – Australia’s 3-1 victory over Japan when the Socceroos came back from a goal down with 6 minutes remaining

Most Dramatic Decision – The penalty awarded to Italy against Australia with just 10 seconds remaining to extra time

Best Over Achievers – Very close between Ghana and Australia with the Socceroos slightly ahead because of the manner of their elimination

Best Referee – Very tempted to say NONE but I’m surprising myself by going for Luis Medina Cantalejo from Spain despite the two highly debatable decisions in the Australia v Italy game. He was possibly the best of a bad lot

Worst Referee – Without doubt England’s Graham Poll for his nightmare in the Australia vs Croatia game

Worst Non Decision – Poll again for the blatantly clear rugby tackle on Mark Viduka in the same game

Worst Decision – Too many to mention

Best Fans – Definately Australia, both the ones in Germany and the ones who went out in the middle of winter nights to support their team with so much passion

As an Australian I have done my utmost not to let any bias cloud my judgements and remain as objective as I possibly could

Finally the debate over the use of video referees must make FIFA come to their senses. Even if a 3 referee panel is only used to judge a questionable dive it will be a start and very simple to implement. The panel of 3 will ensure that a decision is not left up to the opinion of just one person.

The referee stops the game if in his opinion an illegal tackle has taken place, the majority decision of the 3 man panel is relayed to him after studying the video from a couple of different angles then either proceeds with the penalty kick or award the defending team with a free kick together with a red card to the offending actor.

The same process can be used for diving outside the penalty area but with the issue of a yellow instead of a red card.
Bo

What song played after Germany lost?