Italy will be in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1994, which they lost to Brazil. It looked like penalty kicks would be needed to decide this World Cup match but Italy managed to score in the 28th and 30th minute of overtime.
World Cup Match 61: Italy (2) vs Germany (0)
|
Despite a very flowing game with good possession plays and passing, the shots on goal statistic is very telling. Of the 13 shots the Germans had, only 2 were on net. The Italians had 15 shots and 10 were on target. It’s very difficult to win a World Cup game against a strong defensive side with only 2 shots on net. It can be done, but it’s hard. |
In the 1st minute of overtime, the Italians came close to scoring. Gilardino made a brilliant baseline run, cut left past his defender and his sharp angled shot hit the near post. A minute later, Zambrotta’s drive hit the crossbar.
The Germans best scoring opportunity in overtime came in the 16th minute when Odonkor dribbled down the right wing and passed the ball to Podolski at the near corner of the 6 yard box. But Podolski’s header was way wide of the net.
In the 28th minute of overtime, Pirlo, at the top of the penalty area, sent a through ball to Grosso, who sent the ball into the top left corner of the net. Italy were up by one.
Two minutes later, Del Piero scored on a 2 on 1 fast break with Gilardino to put the game out of Germany’s reach.
German will play for 3rd place on July 8th in Stuttgart. Italy will play in the World Cup Soccer final on July 9th in Berlin. Their opponents will be either France or Portugal.