Italy defeated Germany 2-0 in extra-time to claim a place in the Final of Germany 2006. In a match that looked destined for penalties, the Italians spoiled Germany’s hopes with two goals coming in the dying minutes of play. With both teams playing a conservative style, the game was very slow and meticulous in its build-up with very few chances.

Germany’s Bernd Schneider had the only chance in the 1st half just missing narrowly, with a right-footed drive, over Buffon and the bar. In the 2nd half, Germany’s Podolski was foiled by Buffon, who pushed his shot over the bar with a one-handed save. The Italians also carved out two chances in the 2nd half as both Gilardino and Zambrotta beat German keeper, Jens Lehmann, only to be denied by the post.

Much of the same reserved play dominated the extra-time period; however, with penalties pushing closer and closer, the Italians finished off a patient build-up to devastating effect as Grosso finished off a neat passing play in the 119th min, with a bending shot that curled past the out-stretched Lehmann into the back post. Del Piero added the 2nd in the 120th min, finishing off another passing move through the dejected German defense.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 6th, 2006 at 12:05 am and is filed under Soccer World, World Cup 2006, Rick Wall (Head Editor). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.