The Germans have been waiting for this moment for 24 years to avenge the 3-1 loss at the hands of Italy in the final of the 1982 World Cup. They also, while they're at it, want to take their revenge on their 4-3 overtime loss to Italy in the semis of the 1970 World Cup. A game that is widely regarded as one of, if not the greatest, game in history.
But is this edition of Germany good enough? In theory, Italy should run over Germany like Romans quashing a bothersome rebellion. There is arguably only one player on the German squad that would crack the Italian line up and that's world class midfielder Michael Ballack.
Sure, a case can be made for Lahms, Frings, Lehman and one of their strikers like Miroslav Klose but it would be tight. Italy, as I pointed out on my inaugural post, also has a winning record against Germany all-time. All this bodes well for Italy. But, the game takes place in Germany and the Germans mentally believe they can win it all. This may prove too much for the Azzurri who won't be without strong fan support themselves. But the orange, yellow and gold will overpower the red, white and green - in theory.
On the flip side, Italy is not without their own emotional weapons. The betting scandal has hit Italy hard and Italian players want to win for the country to restore some honesty and dignity into the reputation of their league. More importantly, they have former teammate Gianluca Pessotto, who attempted suicide, on their minds. Human stories like this can always motivate a team in any sport.
Aside from the notation that Western European civilization is based on the Teutonic/Romano blood line following the fall of Rome when the two civilizations clashed across the limes, it should be a classic and epic battle between two of the greatest heavyweights in World Cup history.
The France/ Portugal semi is no push over, however it is hard to resist watching Germany/Italy.
It is time.
NOTE: Italy went on to defeat Germany 2-0 in a classic extra-time epic battle. It is one of the greatest victories in Italian soccer history. Overcoming great odds in a hostile environment, Italians played strong and they played proud. For its part, Germany had never lost in Dortmund. Both sides competed like lions. Alas, on this day Italian talent prevailed. It's off to the final for the Azzurri.
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