The German Machine grinds to a shuddering Halt.
I must have put the abbalonian curse on the Germans after tipping them to win this one. They came nowhere near winning it. For some reason best known to the management, they adopted their game to suit the Italian style of play, but their first half affort was abysmal and lacked all cohesion, all co-ordination. Their right hand didnt know what their left hand was doing. They should have stuck with their normal pattern. By the time they were able to make solid changes at half time they were.. to everyones shock...2 - 0 down thanks to a spiffing goalgetting display from Mario Ballotelli.
But even though the German team was trailing by 2 goals you still expect them to win. What is it in their demeanour that leads a chap to think that these guys are always going to win. I dont know.
Even well into the second half I still thought they were going to win it...this despite the Italians under the guiding hand of midfield ace Andrea Pirlo playing very well indeed.
The goal the Germans got from the penalty spot late in extra time was little more than a consolation goal. The Italians deserved to win the game.
The Germans, not known as emotional individuals particularly, yet many of their fans were in actual tears in the stands at the end, so convinced were they and everyone else that they were going to win not only this game but the tournament as a whole.
Stand by yer beds...the big one hits central stage this Sunday Night.
Spain v Italy. A wholly palatable mediterranean dish of mixed spices, yet with oodles of subtle flavour.
