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The Italians celebrating their 2-0 win over Germany.

Yesterday, Italy defeated host country Germany 2 to nothing. Italy scored in overtime with goals from Fabio Grosso in the 119th minute and Alessandro Del Piero in the 121st minute. Italy had to defeat Germany in overtime and could not afford to have a penalty shootout with the Germans who are unbeaten in previous matches that involved a penalty shootout. The Italians out-hassled the Germans in the final minutes and made two well executed attacks that led to goals.

German fans react to their team’s loss.

The Germans, beaten in Dortmund for the first time ever lost their hopes and dreams of winning a World Cup at home. Inspite of their loss, they can still be proud of their team who played well in this year’s tournament.

Today, with Zidane’s goal, France advances to the final game of the 2006 World Cup against Italy. Prior to the game, everyone was talking about the matchup of two living legends in soccer, Real Madrid team-mates Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane. Both retired from international football after the Euro 2004 but changed their minds and decided to help their respective countries and make a final appearance in this World Cup. Unfortunately for Figo, this was his last game and last chance while Zidane has another game and another chance of winning another World Cup.

Zidane’s penalty kick shot.

When the games started I was rooting for Brazil to defend their title. I like the Brazilian team because of their exciting plays and gracefulness with the ball. However, they didn’t play well and France beat them 1-0. In the first semi-final Italy vs. Germany, I was rooting for the Italians. Not that I like them but because I didn’t the Germans. And for the game today, I didn’t root for a specific team but had a feeling that France was gonna win. The game for 3rd place, Germany vs. Portugal would be played on July 8th. The final game, Italy vs. France would be on July 9th. For that game, I will be rooting for France.

*images Copyright: Reuters & AFP.com