Vintage Azzurri ! Deco Vs Makalele Or Figo Vs Zidane
Germany - 0 Italy - 2 Semifinals WC 2006
The Azzurri always fascinated me in some ways or the other. Is it the catennecio style ? or is it just the defence part of their game ? or is it their technique and skill to put the ball behind the net whenever they get a chance ?. There is just something about their way of play.
Tuesday's game was a mixture of safe play and neat 1/2s. The Germans, according to me, never looked like a team that was to be in the SF after their lacklustre performance against the South Americans and an even poorer display against the Italians. I was looking forward for an all out attack Vs an all out defend-n-couter game, but the approach of the Germans left me dissappointed. They were waiting for their opponents to commit a mistake on which they could capitalize and press forward. The Italians however started off with their impeccable defensive approach and pushed forward into German territories with neat 1/2s of which Pirlo, Totti and Gattusso were major contributors.
The first 45 mintues was Italy showing greater will to go ahead, though the Germans had their fair share on goal too. The second half had Germany holding a slight edge over the Italians though the latter's technique and ground passing signalled a constant threat. In short, it was the Italians dictating the game and the Germans looking for loopholes in their plan. That never happened and come extra time, Italians must have felt that it is simply not their night; after they had 2 shots that hit the woodwork. The way the game started with a number of half-chances and a few full-chances (overshadowed by the brilliance of Buffon n' Lehman), penalty-shootouts didn't seem the way out.
2 mintues left to judge who would be the best custodian of the night. Pirlo, outstanding throughout the match, had the ball for what seemed to be 'eternity'; threatening the german defence inside their box. He must have thought a thousand times to take shot at goal; before gathering himself and playing a pass to the unmarked Fabio Grosso. The rest can't be written; one had to see the finish to believe it -- a moment of true brilliance !
1-0; it seemed that the Italians would sit n' defend the rest of the night (120 odd seconds that were remaning), but we were in for some Vintage Azzurri show a minute later. The Germans pressed for goal and Cannavaro (is there any better defender than him in the world right now ?) architected the couter with Gilardino who passed the ball to Alex Del Piero. The finish sent a message across to his critics why he was Juventus highest scorer till date and if i were to choose b/w the 2 Azzurri goals , it would have to be the second one -- just for the sheer joy of watching Del Piero score in the Azzurri 'cattenecio' fashion.
Now its Viva Portugal ! Still wondering if the game will be won by the better of Deco/Makalele or Figo/Zidane ? I don't expect much from that dud C. Ronaldo but you never know at times his step overs do work ! Yes he doesn't fall !!!!