Keeping the faith

The Germany vs Italy match was watched by moi in the doctors' room off the ward during a thankfully benign on-call shift. Rushed back to the accommodation as the game went into extra time, thinking (along with every other person I'm sure) that we'll be witnessing more penalties in a game that is bound to go down as one of the classics of the World Cup.

Although normal time finished with the score at 0-0, there was a fascinating play of attacking football and a fluency to both sides that was just a marvel to watch. It was personally gratifying to watch players like Gattuso and Pirlo perform at a similat wavelength, or to marvel at the defensive strength of the Nesta-less team. Even more heartening was the show of respect of the teams for each other and the spirit of sportsmanship that prevailed.

Two minutes before the end of extra-time,Fabio Grosso (yup, guy who fell at the penalty box at the last minute against Australia) caught the ball at the edge of the six yard box and curled an absolute wonder around Lehmann and inside the German goalkeeper's far post. Cue jumping and whooping by yours truly.

Germany tried equalising immediately, but the ever consistent captain, Cannavaro, sliced the ball to Gilardino, who picked out Del Piero on the left. The veteran Juventus player cut inside and lifted the ball over Lehmann and in at the far post. A beautiful finish for a beautiful match. Followed by more 'woohoo-ing' by moi and I have to admit, a wonderful sensation of being high.

The victory was made more beautiful by the fact that practically every single person I've spoken to poo-poohed my support for Italy (except this half-Italian nurse) and were confident that they'd get thrashed by Germany. But nobody can deny the brilliant performane displayed by Italy today, and it is with trepidation that I await their match in the finals on Sunday. Most of the Italian players might end up in Serie B if Juve and Milan's management are found guilty of match-mixing, but for the moment we can bask in the glory of a thoroughly deserved victory.