The Story of Italy in The World Cup Part 5

We continue with our story about the Italian national team in the 2006 World Cup. After they overcame Australia in the second round, and Ukraine in the quarterfinals, Italy faced the first real challenge by confronting the German national team in the semi-finals.

The Semi-Final Match

On July 4, 2006, at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, the Italian national team faced Germany

At nine o'clock European time, Mexican international referee Benito Archondia blew his whistle, announcing the start of the match.

The match started with a lot of caution by both teams, as we waited until the 34th minute until we saw the first real chance, which came from Bernd Schneider's shot.

The Italian response came at the 59th minute when Pirlo passed a through ball to full-back Fabio Grosso, who was face-to-face with the goalkeeper, but he shot it weak.

The 90 minutes ended in a 0-0 draw, so the match went into extra time.

In the first minute of the first extra time, and with an individual effort, substitute Alberto Giladrino dribbled the German defenses and shot the ball to the left of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, but it bounced off the post.

A minute later, a cannonball from defender Gianluca Zambrotta hit the crossbar.

And in the 119th minute, from Andrea Pirlo's pass, full-back Fabio Grosso Pissara scored a superb goal, giving Italy a 1-0 lead, one minute before the end of extra time.

From a perfect counterattack, Gilardino passed the ball to the other substitute, Alessandro Del Piero, who finds himself face to face with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, to put the ball in a wonderful way in the 90 corner, announcing that Italy qualified for the final match.

The Final Match

At the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on July 9, 2006, in front of more than 60,000 spectators, Italy faced France in the 2006 World Cup final.

At eight o'clock European time, Argentine international referee Hoarcio Elizondo blew his whistle, announcing the start of the match.

The 90 minutes and extra time ended in a 1-1 draw.

Zidane scored for France with a penalty kick, and Marco Materazzi equalized with a perfect header.

Thus, the match went to a penalty shootout, and Italy won 5-3.

Thus, Italy won its fourth World Cup title.