Stunning late extra-time strikes from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero took Italy into the World Cup final at Germany’s expense with a 2-0 win. Klinsmann’s Germany team seemed to be an unstoppable force, heading for Sunday’s showpiece in Berlin. The opening 90 minutes were intriguing – but goalless – and it was in extra-time that the game truly exploded into life. The Italians, famed for their defensive strength, adopted an increasingly attacking approach, aware of the Germans’ brilliant record at penalty shoot-outs. But, with the semi-final less than two minutes away from a penalty shoot-out, Grosso fired Italy into the lead in the 119th minute. As Germany pressed for an equaliser, Del Piero then finished an Italy break with a delicate chip into the corner, sending delirious Italy into their first World Cup final since 1994. Marcello Lippi’s team celebrated on the pitch as the whole of Germany sank to their knees. However, while it is the Azzurri who march on to the Final, Germany – beaten in Dortmund for the first time ever – can reflect on their FIFA World Cup campaign with pride, having played throughout with spirit and skill in abundance.
The dream of a second triumph in their own tournament is no more. Instead it is Marcello Lippi‘s men who have the opportunity to put four FIFA World Cups in their locker. In their sixth Final, Italy will face either France or Portugal who meet in the second semi-final in Munich tomorrow. Had Germany prevailed they would have arrived in Berlin with their energy reserves severely depleted. Jurgen Klinsmann’s brave troops had toiled through extra time and penalties to see off the challenge of Argentina. Another long, exhausting shift followed tonight before Italy cut through just as time was running out.
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