Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
I think the real difference between the two teams is Buffon.
Buffon has only let in one goal in, and that too on a own goal. Nothing against Jens Lehmann, but there is a reason Juventus got Buffon from Parma for so much money. If the game had gone to penalties, Buffon could not have saved Italy by himself.
Good sportsmanship shown by Germans, and well played both.
Can't wait for Portugal and Big Phil.
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
Buffon is a Football God. No doubt
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
Ghar kee murghi dall baraabar. Dont run down our supporters. People in Karachi gave standing ovation to Indians when they won.
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
I am pretty sure I didnt state which team would put their stadium on fire :halo:
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
Final: portugal Vs Italy.Italy winning 1-0,
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
so, as I had predicted Italy were technically and tactically the better side. Unfortunately for the Germans, the Italians didn't choke (unlike Argentina).
moreover, already 6 months back I was saying Italy are the most complete team going into the WC, and many people had declared me mad because of that :D Anyway, as it turns out Italy are indeed the most complete team (although I hope France to win it :D)
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
^ France wont win it. 
It was the best game of the knockout phase. cant get over it 
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
sob wanted the germans to win...
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
Oh yeah, I remember in group stages people were bashing on Italians. I was like either those don’t know anything about football or are really unaware of Italy’s stature in the international football scene.
Italy’s defense (Cannavoro and Buffoon in particular) rightfully are getting accolades. But I think Lippi played it perfectly as he knew he had more to bring off the bench then Klingsmann. Saving Del Peirio till OT was brilliant.
One final note, I wish to no end the US finds a midfielder like Pirlo at some point in the near future - he’s been brilliant. Italy arguably has had the best midfielder, defender, and gk this tournament. Like you, I’ll be rooting for Zidane if France makes it to the Final. Old dog still can play this game!
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
^great analysis.
Pirlo is really one of his kind. He is a playmaker, but unlike Zidane he doesn't play just behind the strikers, but just in front of his defenders. Therefore, he is very hard too mark for the opposition. Kehl was the one to mark him, however Kehl is a defensive midfielder and is used to mark playmakers in his own half. But since Pirlo operates from Italy's half, Kehl cannot go that deep to mark him: hence Pirlo has a lot of freedom for his movements and long passes.
In a way, Pirlo reminds me of Redondo, also a great playmaker just in front of the defense.
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
^ Kehl was marking Totti, not Pirlo. No? He was constantly around Totti throughout the match.
Pirlo has been awesome throughout the tournament, his pass for Grosso was just sublime. Dont forget Gattusso's awesome contributions in front of defence. He has been the player for Italy in this tourney, alongwith Cannavaro of course.
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
It was a wonderful game - probably the best of the World cup. The second half was even better - it was like watching a basketball game whereby one team was attacking at one end and the other at the other end. Italy fully deserved to win the game.
Re: Semi Final 1: Germany v Italy
what a match.. aur kya gaol hui hain..!!
grossi became emotional after his goal..