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Well...I hate being right (I guessed Italy will make it, even before the turnament). The victory for Italy was deserved in my eyes. However, losing in the last minutes is always VERY hard. Congrats to Italy, but now I hope France and Zidane will make it!

Sorry Italy hope you can understand this ;-)

Very very disappointing for Germany. I really do hope that Italy now go on to win the tournament!! Overall I think the tournament has been so wonderful and well organised that the Germans can be very proud of themselves regardless!

The longer the match lasted, the surer I was Italy will score. They were lucky to do it so late, so they didn麓t get too much reaction anymore. As a German of course I wanted our team to win, but well ... we have the world cup here - which is a win in itself - and at least we left with an exciting match, not a dull one, which is good and there will be another match on saturday. I am sure the fans will again be fully behind the Mannschaft. I will go on wearing my colors until the end of the tournament. As for the big final, I now hope for France. They were great against Brazil and France could also need some of the good vibes we have here through the WC taking place in Germany. So I will add "Allez les Bleues" to "Deutschland" or just "Schland" as we shortened it ;-)
Anyway, congrats to Italy. It was a great match.

France has got to get the cup now! Italy won deservedly, I have to admit. Yet it wasn't really necessary.

I can't really add anything constructive tonite. Germany will now have to show Portugal where they belong on Saturday in Stuttgart. Itally shall not be allowed to get their 4th star on German soil - or at all.

Will the fan miles be filled even after Germany's exit? Well, being German I will go to MainArena tomorrow evening again, all dressed up in blue, white and red.

Alles les Bleus!

Poor Germany, so sure to win in their winning stadium where they have never lost, with the overwhelming support of most of the german crowd, whistling like mad whenever italy got the ball, but 2 killer goals at the death snuffed out a limp germany, Italy never looked like going down, they were the much better team when they beat the germans 4 - 1 in italy, and they proved that again today when they beat the germans again 2 - 0, Germany played better than last time they met, but not well enough!

Portugul will not be easily beaten by France, I would not be surprised to see Portugal in the final against Italy

@Ted

Out of utter curiosity - which team exactly do you support and how well did it fare?

This has got to be the most dissapointing defeat I've had to go through in my entire life. To lose in the last 2 minutes, after the team giving its all, is the most heartbreaking thing one can imagine. I'm somewhat disappointed at Ballack, he didn't have the same World Cup as last time. He seemed to have forgotten to make the forward runs of his that are so lethal. Part of this was also due to him having to be more defensive since Frings was suspended, but this wasn't an excuse for him lying so deep for so much of this game.

I think our players at the very end thought ok, let's just go to penalties and Jens will save us. They forgot how Argentina punished them on set pieces, and once again, from another corner, Italy was able to create this chance. Had the team been extremely worried about those last set pieces, I'm 100% sure that it would've gone to penalties and we'd be going to Berlin on Sunday.

But all credit to Klinsi. He made the moves that took Germany this far, and I truly hope he stays. It's a shame Ballack wasn't able to lift the WC trophy at home, and it seems like for the next WC a whole generation of German players will be gone, but a new exciting generation is coming up. Italy ripped my heart out today, but they deserved the victory even though in my honest opinion we played more attractive football.

It'll take at least a month for my heartbreak to end. But at least the future looks bright for Der Mannshaft.

Re Germany v.Italy. What a wonderful display of football by both teams. Makes you realize how pathetic England was.

Re Germany v.Italy. What a wonderful display of football by both teams. Makes you realize how pathetic England was.

Re Germany v.Italy. What a wonderful display of football by both teams. Makes you realize how pathetic England was.

so sad

A few hours later my head is more clearly now. I don't know how it was for the Italians in 1990 or the French in 1998, what they felt, how the atmosphere was in their country. I can only say it was the greatest football experience in my lifetime and I'm watching football since 1982.

Reaching this semifinal means so much more to me than 1990 and every participation in the final of the other WCs. On the other hand I'm glad it's over. The match against Argentina was too much to my nerves and those 118 minutes yesterday were even worse. I can forbear such nervewrecking matches, I assure you. Every win felt sweeter as the one before, because the opponents were getting better and better, but losing is somewhat like hitting a wall. Don't get me wrong, I'm not the least bit angry or sad about it. There's always the ambition to reach the final and Germany succeeds in it very often but this time it meant so much more, not only for our players, but for a whole country.

Germany is struggling since 1989 and this is the first time since that that there's new optimism. We somewhere lost our optimism while trying to bring the two Germanys together.

It were tremendous weeks for all of us here in Germany. For us hosts and hopefully for our guests, too. There happened much more than some football games. And I take great pride in the fact that our young and clearly unexperienced team made it to the semis. We all hoped that something like this would happen, but we thouhght we *knew* it couldn't happen and well... suddenly we were allowed dreaming, and that made the progression of the team even more pleasing. I don't know if Klinsmann knows what he did to us.

Then... being praised from all over the world for fresh attacking football is quite new to us and added. I paled when I read this from the British and Dutch press. Just like waking up in an alternate future or something.

Furthermore, it seems 60 years after the war we are able to show good natured patriotism and finally accepted our colors - black, red and gold. The usual German has a problem with all things German. Getting hated for boring football and experiencing much antagonism from other football fans doesn't make it easier. I don't want to whine, rather recognize, but in the last couple of days I was at least 4 times accused as a Nazi or had to read some miserable jokes about WW2. Cheap shos we learned to live with, no problem with that. Tells much more about the chap, telling you this.

On a last note... this tournament came too early for us. 2 years ago we hit ground zero. It should have been much earlier. 2002 glossed over our many problems. In 2004 Rudi Voeller quit and nobody wanted to take the job as German teammanager. Everybody was too afraid to embarrass himself and us all in 2006. After a long search Klinsmann took the job and wouldn't it have been for his great commitment and his optimism, I'm sure we wouldn't have survived even the group stages. But as I said 2 years weren't enough. I hope he continues, even if it doesn't look like. He promised us the title, I think his mission isn't accomplished.

Oh and don't condemn Peckerman. He's a class act. Sometimes we all learn something new. The Argentinians know now, they'd better hit the ball in the net in 120 mins, before they go into a penalty shoot out with us. The Germany now know that the Italians at all cost avoid a penalty shoot-out (2leftfeet, yes I think you are right, they wre to lazy the las minutes of ET). In tight games it's only a nuance that differentiates the winners from the losers.

I hope you have a pleasent stay or if you are not in Germany, have much fun with the remaining games.

See ya and thanks for reading.

Match was great! Being a true Italian fan I just could not sit tight, had butterflies in my stomach. Italy played well, match was exciting and Hoping truly they would win the big cup too.

Congratz Italy! Del Piero u r gr8!

I am soooo relieved. I was struggling to get over England's exit. Now I am surrounded by "gutted" Germans and it has cheered me up no end. I didn't know I had so much Schadenfreude in me. But trust me, I am being very dignified and not rubbing in, unlike some other people when I came into work on Monday. you should be proud of me. I might try some consolation later but for the moment I am keeping quiet. I know it's very selfish but no matter how hard I try I can't bring myself to support Germany even if they play well and the fans are brilliant. I put it down to that Andy M枚ller celebration in 1996.

When interviewed after the game Klinsmann was asked whether he would carry on and said he would go back to California and talk to his wife first. Clear message in that, I think.
From his personal point of view he might think that he should quit while at the top, I don't mean as tournament winner but while everyone in Germany loves him. Also Loew can be trusted to develop the team in the same general direction as an attacking and attractive side.
However, Klinsmann may not realise how much his attitude had meant to Germans. They have been somewhat a nation of moaners ever since the euphoria of reunification wore off, and Klinsmann has shown them that a more positive attitude can really move mountains. Maybe the country needs to see his example for a while longer. He's become more than just a football coach.

I'm just afraid that the collective joy and the new patriotism both will disappear now again....
well, I keep having the german flag out, and from tomorrow on I try to be friendly again. Today that's impossible :(

Great hopes were punished by an Italian team which was more experienced and stronger... At least people did not expect too much of their team in first place. Well done Italy. Still: COME ON FRANCE!

And, EnglandFan, Schadenfreude is something nice, isn't it. Just as much I was cheered up that the so-called Lions did not meet the English myth of becoming World Champion again. Well, it just just happened once before anyway. So, at least good luck for the Eurocup.

@Ted..yes, ted, I think we should be told, especially as we haven't heard ANYTHING positive from you about ANY team or nationality. Are you even a football fan? A 'limp' germany..were we watching same match?

There isn't a lot to look forward to now for the Germans. They'll probably put a brave face on for Saturday's pointless game, but the reality of tax hikes and welfare reform that the government squeezed through while the population was gripped by World Cup fever will soon hit home.

I have to say, commiserations to Germany, you have put on one hell of a world cup and do go out like that was truly brutal. They may not be world champions,but I think we've seen a glimpse of the European Champions 2008. They are a young side and they are just going to get better and better....as long as they keep klinsmann!

As for Italy,lets hope your players stay on their feet and dont let bad sportsmanship ruin the final!
(Allez le blues!)

I have to say, commiserations to Germany, you have put on one hell of a world cup and do go out like that was truly brutal. They may not be world champions,but I think we've seen a glimpse of the European Champions 2008. They are a young side and they are just going to get better and better....as long as they keep klinsmann!

As for Italy,lets hope your players stay on their feet and dont let bad sportsmanship ruin the final!
(Allez le blues!)

What a fantastic game, great to see after the disappointment of England's performances. And I thought it was refereed superbly.

Having been in Germany three times in the past month I really wanted to see them win - the fans, the camaraderie, the atmosphere were all brilliant. If you haven't been, Germany is a beautiful country and they should be really proud of this tournament.

Well done Italy, great peformance. Well done Germany - great World Cup.

@EnglandFan (#19): Are you German? Being negative like that is soooo German. I must know, because I'm German too... :-)
However, I think that this WC has changed things in Germany a lot. Finally there was a really positive attitude in this country wiping away this stupid negativity of Germans (having lived in the US for 4 years when coming back to Germany this attitude was the hardest to take for me). If we can keep this momentum going, we will actually turn this country around. It needed a boost and here it is. So stop whining, continue smiling... :-D

Well yesterday Italy was the better team, especially in extra-time but the game was sold to Italy by FIFA with the suspension of Frings. What he means to the german game was seen yesterday. Congrats Italy your usual shady tactics were a success. Now hope you find something in today's game you can show your friends at FIFA.

Sebastian (post 7), are you sure you're German? "Der Mannshaft", eh?

And EnglandFan, thanks for pointing out that nutter M枚ller, but you know one of the reasons I've never really been able to support England although I've lived here for some 13 years? Players like Pearce and Sheringham not wanting to shake hands with the Germans BEFORE the match in 1996. Little publicised, but nevertheless very sad. I guess they'd been reading too many of their fish and chips wrappers.

I was disappointed last night, but it was a great game and so much more than we expected. Better to play good football and go out with some grandezza than that old 'winning mentality' (negativity, more like).

Now for 3rd place! I'm actually really looking forward to that game...

Wolf - I can't speak for Sheringham but Pearce hated the forced handshakes as he had already gone into 'battle mode.' That said, something else little publicised in that Euro 96 semi final was that when he did foul one of the Germans, he patiently stood there offering his hand whilst the German player squealed like a pig on the deck.

I was sorry for Germany last night, but it is better that a team should not get to the final on the basis of penalty shoot outs. Hopefully France will have that spotty little oik Ronald 'O' in tears tonight and we will have a classic final.

My, my. Last night we saw a great game with a new German team and you guys bring up cry-baby M枚ller and the '96 Euro and most likely the '66 WC etc. Guys, this is the PAST! Forget about it! And to Ralph: You don't have to believe every crap the Bild tabloid writes. FIFA has seen the Frings incident on ZDF (German TV)! The Italian newspaper reported on it a day later! Bild is not even worth wiping your a$$ with it, because you will get dirty. And if you don't believe me, I recommend So, Italy deserved to win last night, Germany gave them a hell of a fight and it was one of the best (if not the best) games of this WC. And now France, please kick these actors out. Not that I don't like Portugese people (I actually have some Portugese friends), but what these players did in the Netherlands game was just pathetic. Italy-France would be a great final to watch. So "Allez les Bleus!"

I am Jordanian but a devout German fan for 16 years. I grew up with heros such as Klinsmann and I just love this team for their mental discipline, fair play and class act. My heart broke last night but I am just so proud of the German team and I know that after 10 years in the 'wildreness' since Euro 96, we have a new beginning for a new long chapter of success. Euro 08 and SA 2010 here we come, and I just hope and pray that Klinsi remains at the helm to help build our next generation. Germany should be proud of being such great hosts, organising one of the best tournments, and such a great honourable showing. It's no shame loosing as heros and especially to a team who equally deserved it like Italy. last night there were winners and loosers, but I think football lovers and our 'beautiful game' trIUMPHED. To our friends the Germans, you will remain great forever and we salute you, and to the Italians you have won honourably and best of luck for the rest of the tournament.

....Oh if only they make the worldcup every 3 years.....

@Michael (#23): speaking about negativity, I won't miss the booing and whistling by the German fans, it gave the impression that there was absolutely nothing they wouldn't stoop too to help their team win the WC. Other than that it's been fantastic, with some promising performances by the German team.

Allez les Blues!
Forza Azzuri!

Michael, I completely agree with you and sorry for moaning about battle-axe Pearce. It's just one of those little things that stays with you when people here (especially the media) always go on about the great English character and the dirty, cheating rest of the world.

I actually don't believe in all that footballing history stuff. Does anybody really think even one player on the pitch last night spent a second thinking about how many times each of the two countries have won the WC? It's just great for the hacks to dig out their stats and anecdotes, but the players are in the here and now.

If people were really into all that stuff they should support Portugal, because as a nation they surely deserve the trophy more than anybody. They've never won it, despite so often having wonderful players (Eusebio etc), and they are really nice poeple (I think).

But then there's Ronaldo...

I think a round of long lasting applause should be given to two teams that should that football isn't about diving!

They showed that there are still professional football players that value a good game where football ability is required not acting ability.

The germans have done themselves proud on the pitch and by hosting a fantastic world cup.

Hopefully last nights match will go down as a classic of two evenly matched teams and as a benchmark of fair play and respect.

Seems to say something about european football that the final four came from the hosts continent!

@ Ralph (comment 24)

Please Ralph,think....Italy doesn't count a penny for FIFA, never did, saw that very well in Corea...

In the last European, when Totti made me feel ashemed to be Italian by spittin' on the opponent face, the tv that showed the images was danish....so what?

Sorry, Frings had to stay out, and Germany is not only Frings, as Italy is not only Totti, as we've well shown in these days.....

We deserved it, totaly, and last night game was probably the best of this all Word Cup....thank's for the show, and thank's for the whistling....was good luck to us :D

Like Dadooronronroninho said, Klinsi is more than just a football coach. The man is a legend who has almost single-handedly changed stereotypes and perceptions. He did it when he came to play for Spurs in the Premiership, and he has done it again now. The man is decent, self-effacing, passionate and confident without being arrogant.

As for those who mentioned Andy M枚ller - I had always seen him as the personification of the German the English loved to hate, but when he did his strutting celebration after hitting the winning pen in the Euro 96 semi I did laugh with him. It was a reaction to the crowd and, as far as I was concerned, an antidote to the Stuart Pearce's histrionics after he scored his pen in the quarters against Spain.

Then there that anti-German twit Barry Davies - who I have hated ever since the 'Schumacher moved' commentary during the France '82 shootout. Hearing him scream 'ohhhhhhhhhh nooooooooo' when Southgate missed in 1996 was priceless.

I have been watching this game for far too long...

Germany didn't play well last night, for goodness sake look at the chances Germany had, not one was remotely dangerous. That German team did not deserve a place in the final, even their 2002 team did not deserve the second place.
Italy played better & dominated the game & were more dangerous, & it's clear they wanted to finished the match as close as possible to the end of the game & succeeded in doing so.
One last thing, I admired Klinsmann alot & rated him amongst german football greats but to see him acting like a spoiled child last night, throwing bottles & screaming, i must admit, i lost alot of respect for him.

@ scherif:

Emotionally, Klinsmann is not your typical German - he is actually more Latin. Whereas the likes of Kaiser Franz or Bundesberti would sit with a straight back if we went 1-0 down or 1-0 up, Klisi would let his commitment and passion take over - and thus would either be illustrated by maniacal leaping or the throwing of a water bottle. It is this passion that has endeared him not only to the home fans but those from overseas as well.

The leaping and bottle throwing is only during the game, though. Not once, either as a player or a coach, have I seen him act in a sour way once the final whistle has been blown - he has always been there to pick up his team-mates and congratulate the winners. Yes, he may have looked like a spoilt child when he chucked the bottle during the game, but the dignified manner in which he congratulated the Italians and consoled our shattered players when the bitter end came shows what a man he really is. The attitude shown by Klinsi and the German team were in stark contrast to that shown by the Argentinians.

Klinsi and Jogi have to stay for at least Euro 2008, where they can nurture and develop this young and promising team. By 2010 they should be the finished article.

@ Ralph

Ralph, your comment is so offensive for every Italian person and fan...just accept that Italy deserved to win and stop the whistling thing.

@ Ralph

Ralph, your comment is so offensive for every Italian person and fan...just accept that Italy deserved to win and stop the whistling thing.

@ Ralph

Ralph, your comment is so offensive for every Italian person and fan...just accept that Italy deserved to win and stop the whistling thing.

Solution to all the Italian, Portugese etc divers cheats....

LETS PLAY ALL WORLD CUP FINAL/EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES ON ASTRO TURF IN THE FUTURE

DIVING ENDED IN AN INSTANT!

@steve W, bit of a sore loser are we?, I'm sure that even the team you support has it's "divers", its not exclusively Portuguese or Italian. Even if the game was played on astro turf your team would loose!

Steve W, why can't you accept defeat with a bit of class? The Germans have... Remember, always trying to find a scapegoat for your own faults won't help you rectify your mistakes and you will never evolve as a result, and by the way, Rooney has also shown how two dive, this time down the 2 moons... :)
FORZA ITALIA

Steve W, why can't you accept defeat with a bit of class? The Germans have... Remember, always trying to find a scapegoat for your own faults won't help you rectify your mistakes and you will never evolve as a result. And by the way, Rooney has also shown how to dive, this time down the 2 moons... :)
FORZA ITALIA