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DEL.ICIO.USFabio fabioso
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After his fortuitous dive against Australia in the dying moments of the second round, Fabio Grosso might have saved Italy from a short run in the World Cup.
Then again, given the Italians’ resilience through 118 minutes of regulation and extra time play Tuesday, they probably were due to be rewarded fair and square as they sent the German hosts packing in a rugged 2-0 thriller in Dortmund.
Grosso was left unmarked in the penalty area with just two minutes left before penalty kicks would have been needed, and slammed home a curling left-footed shot that sends Italy to the finals for the first time since 1994.
And on the very last play of the game, Alessandro del Piero doubled Italy’s pleasure on a beautiful counterattack, with Germany pushed up the other way.
The Azzurri remain unbeaten against Germany in World Cup play. But the hosts, a surprise entry in the semifinals, electrified a nation with their flair and attacking style.
The Boss Man just asked Off the Ball who’s going to win Wednesday between France and Portugal. As much as Italy has been using adversity in his favor in this World Cup, France might be the so-called team of destiny. But Portugal is going to get Deco and Costinha back. What a treat to see ex-Real Madrid teammates Zidane and Figo meet in the World Cup, at the twilight of their careers.
Predicting a winner here is hard, but enjoying the thrills of players such as these is the biggest treat of all.
Comments
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By steverino
July 5, 2006 1:29 AM | Link to this
yawn
By Henry
July 5, 2006 8:23 AM | Link to this
And then there were none and I can enjoy the rest of the World Cup in peace. Great game but after 2 tough quality games that could have been a great final each, the German defence finaly broke (tired mentaly and phisically). The German offence was rendered useless with only a couple of chances created by them (typical Italian defence). Italian politics entered the dirty part of the game again, but the Italian players gave us a great performans (thanks to the players). In Baseball term a great pitchers game in football terms a great defencive performance was given by bothe teams. Got it you soccer haters. After complaining about the Reffs, the Mexican referee had the best offical performance in this World Cup. FIFA this is how a game is to be officiated. Unfortunayly he will not be considered for the final. As this tournament ends, we will be priviledged to see two great final games on the weekend even the one for third place will be very entertaining. One item nobody commented on is the vidio performance of the games. Second to none and alwais on target and unsensored. Unlike in the MLS were management is protected by contract.