Germany Advances to the Semi's
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by user BigPPup
Being the newest and the biggest German Soccer fan this side of the pond I feel obligated to speak about the stellar match that took place today in Berlin Germany between Germany and Argentina. Facing off in the World Cup Quarter Finals in one of the best games of the tournament Argentina bowed out in penalty kicks 4-2, after ending regulation and the 2 extra sessions tied at 1 apiece.
Both sides came out strong in the first half. Taking advantage of a referee who was whistle happy, to make plays based off of set plays. Neither team was able to gain an advantage on the score board as the goalkeepers from both sides remained solid. Argentina and Germany made their breaks but both sides were up to the challenge playing bend don’t break defense.
Argentina broke through in the second half off a set piece. A corner kick crossed into the middle was met with a thunderous header by the mid-fielder for the go ahead goal. Argentina took control and seemed to be on its way to the Semi-Finals. That’s when things got strange.
As time ground down in the second half and the German assault mounted Argentina’s goalkeeper went down with an injury and had to come out the game with close to 15 minutes left. It was as if the German players smelt blood with the fresh meet goalkeeper Leonardo Franco in net for the Argentineans. Despite fatigue the German squad pressed forward and in the 80th minute Miroslav Klose came through with a header to tie the game at 1 apiece.
From there it was overtime. Both teams battled back in forth during the two 15 minute halves of OT. Neither side had a substitution to spare, and in the German’s case their superstars Ballick and Podolski had gone the distance and the signs of beating from the game were becoming apparent. Neither team was able to put much of a serious offensive together in OT nor so would this game with penalty shots.
In OT it was German goalkeep Jens Lehmann who stepped up with 2 big saves, giving the German team the 4-2 lead and the win.
Simply put this was an amazing game. Although the score may not reflect it, both teams made exquisite efforts to make runs on the goal, but were unable to capitalize by putting the ball in the net.
For Argentina it was a long journey that ended too soon. Many people felt that was a squad that had the potential play and compete in the finals. There were times in pool play Argentina looked ready to meet its South American counterparts in the Finals. After the pool play though Argentina struggled against Mexico and then bowed out today. In some ways this years World Cup will be looked back as a lost opportunity for a solid squad.
For the Germans it’s on to Dortmund for a match-up on Tuesday. Going into the Cup not many felt this Germany team could mirror the success of the olds of old. However, they have improved their play as the tournament toiled on. They dominated pool play and rolled over Sweden in the round of 16. Today they proved the critics wrong by playing from behind and finding a hard fought victory. Couple their grit and desire with the army of fans behind and this German squad has the potential move on to Berlin.
Perhaps more impressive to me is how this whole World Cup has gotten me wrapped up in soccer. A month ago I could not name a single soccer player American or foreign now the names of players from around the world roll of my tongue with the same ease as Griffey, Aaron, and Clemons.
The athomesphere surrounding these games is amazing. It is like watching the Final Four every time one s pair of teams takes the field. You can see the intensity on the players faces not wanting to let themselves, their team or their country down. Four years of training and hard work all coming down to 90 minutes on a field. And not a single player wants to let that opportunity slip by. As a sports fan you cannot ask for much than that.
Date
Fri 06/30/06, 10:23 am EST
