Germany through on penalties, Italy on experience

Neither Germany’s grit, passing skills and the home crowd nor the flair and skills of Argentina could win the day during 90 minutes, the game ending at 1-1 and with no goals coming from extra time, the game went to penalties. Italy lived through some tight moments but in the end experience paid off. 3-0

Argentina 1 Germany 1 aet
Ayala 49 Klose 80
Penalties
J. Cruz Neuville
Rodriguez Ballack
Podolski
Borowski

Germany threatened three times in the first half, against Argentina’s one chance. However it was Argentina who scored first just after the break, Ayala heading home from a corner. 1-0

Klinsmann took off Schneider after 60’substituting him with the lively Odonkor, to make incursions along the right wing. Germany started to come into the match more and more with a Ballack shot being blocked by Ayala, a move in which the goalkeeper Abbondanzieri became injured, limping off after 70’, forcing a substitution (Franco).

There followed a tactical exchange between the coaches - Pekerman took off Riquelme, for Cambiasso, after 72’ and Klinsmann replied by putting Borowski for Schweinsteiger, for Pekerman to exchange forward Crespo with Cruz.

With Germany raising their game looking for the goal, a movement along the left wing saw Ballack cross to Borowski, who back-heraded for Klose to score his tenth goal in World Cup Finals. After 85’ the tiring Klose was substituted by the faster Neuville.

Neither part of extra time produced goals as both teams tried not to make mistakes. In the end, Germany won on penalties, maintaining its 100 per cent record from the spot kick in world cup finals.

Lehmann saved Ayala’s and Cambiasso’s penalties to win our man of the match award.

Italy 3 Ukraine 0

Zambrotta 6

Luca Toni 59, 69

Italy showed their clinical efficiency but Ukraine on another day could have been more in the game, not to mention have won it. Ukraine leaves Germany 2006 with its head held high, having practised some excellent football and having made many new friends. The last eight is an honour and not a disgrace, so the Ukrainian players, led by manager Oleg Blokhin, can only be congratulated.

While Italy’s three goals will be remembered, it is also important to point out that Ukraine had 13 shots to Italy’s 10 and three corners to Italy’s one.

Do svidanya, Ukraina.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY
PRAVDA.Ru