World Cup Fever

The first Semifinal match of this year’s tournament is a big one. The last time all four nations in the semifinals were from Europe was in 1982, which ironically featured an Italy vs. Germany final, which Italy won. Both sides met each other 28 times, with Italy holding a 13-7 overall victories. Most notably the 1970 Semifinal, which many would argue is one of the best matches ever played in the World Cup, it was a 4-3 victory for Italy due to an extra time goal. The second match was the 1982 final, which Italy won 3-1, even more ironic is that the Italy league was facing the same type of scandal as they are facing now.

Germany have Frings suspended from this match, due to him punching an Argentine player during the brawl that happened after the penalty shootouts of their Quarterfinal against Argentina. Other than that they don’t have any other suspensions or injury concerns. Klinsmann says that the squad grew a lot since the beginning of the World Cup, their 5 consecutive wins in this tournament is a new record for Germany at the World Cup. They have looked good in all their matches, but they looked a little shaky in their quarterfinal. Klose has looked good throughout the tournament, he currently leads the scorers charts with 5 goals.? We will have to see what will Ballack do when he? faces another maestro in? form of Totti. Surprisingly Ballack has named Italy as favorites to win this match, but he hopes that homefield advantage will help them in this match.

Italy will be missing the services of Alessandro Nesta for this game, he still hasn’t recovered from his injury which ruled him out in the last 3 matches. Italy, much like France, have hit top form at the right time. I remember reading that Lippi has said before the World Cup that the team who will win it this year is the team that hits top form in the Quarterfinals, and develop to a totally different time. That is certainly true with Italy. After a shaky start and a not very convincing one, they went through their group as winners. They beat Australia with a last minute penalty. They beat Ukraine in the quarterfinals in a brilliant match, which showed us how much potential Italy has. Italy would always be named as a defensive team, but that match showed us how lethal this Italy squad really is. Italy have never lost to Germany in a major tournament, they beat Germany 4-1 in Italy four months ago in Florence.

Will Germany take revenge? Or will it be the same old story?