Day 21 - We are on our way to Berlin!!!

We are the Champions,my friends...Huh..Maybe am singing it out a bit too early. But after Italy's vintage performance against Germany, few will have doubts about their threat. A fascinating encounter saw Italy emerge as the winners with two late, late goals deep into second half of Extra time. Fabio Grosso sent a fine curling shot past lehmann - after some good work by Pirlo - in the 119th minute to silence the home crowd and the German bench. And as the German's were searching for the equaliser, Italy hit them on the break and del Piero sealed the win with a deft lob over the rushing Lehmann. The game was probably the best of the tournament and in the end, Italy were deserved winners. The game started at a fantastic pace and both teams had chances, but failed to find the back of the net. Italy were controlling the game in the first 45 minutes and then Germany started to gain control in the second half. Though the scoreline remained 0-0 after full time, the game was far from boring as it was a total end to end attacking package. Germany had their chances, but like all the other teams in the World Cup so far, failed to breach the Italian defence marshaled by the magnificent Cannavaro. In extra time, the game exploded and Italy were denied by the woodwork twice in 2 minutes with Lehmann completely beaten. Germany survived. But with Pirlo orchestrating from the midfield, the Italians had the advantage over their opponents. With the match teetering towards the dreaded penalties, Germany were sitting back on the ball but the Italians burst forward and then came the defining moment. A short corner, Pirlo's fine pass, Gross's deft curler and the ball hitting the back of the net were the dreams the Italians will have and the nightmare that the Germans will have. With Germany on the brink of elimination in their own back yard, a hush settles over the German camp, and to add to the injury, the ageless del Piero finished off in style by getting on the scoresheet. Italy have not played so well in this world cup, that the majority (in fact more than the majority) accepted that they were worthy winners and deserved to be in the final. With potentially 90 minutes separating Italy and the World Cup, I can hardly work today...and can't wait to see Cannavaro lift the coveted trophy high into the German sky! FORZA ITALIA!!!
Italy 2-0 Germany (AET)
119-Grosso(ITA), 120-del Piero(ITA)

A few Quotes about the game:

"The German team played well, but Italy deserved to be in the final" - German Legend Franz Beckenbauer
"A big compliment too to Italy, they are in the final and good luck to them." - Jurgen Klinsmann
"If there was a team that was going to win this game, it was going to be us" - Marcello Lippi (and me!)

BBC Poll
"It will be little consolation to the hosts but 70% of you think that was the match of the tournament. 84% say Italy are worthy winners."

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