It’s time to look at a more modern World Cup – 2006, and the epic semi-final between Germany and Italy.

Germany initially struggled under the stewardship of Italia 90 hero Jurgen Klinsmann.  A sceptical German public feared the worst.  What they got, however, was a dynamic, attacking team, packed with younger players (such as future World Cup winners, Lahm, Podolski and Schweinsteiger) and led by the underrated Ballack, powering their way to the semi-finals.  As the team grew in stature, there was an unexpected swell of patriotism.

Meanwhile, Italy arrived at the World Cup under a dark cloud.  The Calciopoli scandal tarnished the reputation of Italian football.  However, the Italian public rallied to the cause.  With the veteran Marcelo Lippi in the dugout, and star players like Buffon, Cannavaro, Pirlo and Totti on the pitch, the Azzurri found their groove.

What followed in Borussia Dortmund’s iconic stadium, was a gripping showdown.  Pirlo and Totti provided the magic for Italy, whilst Cannavaro produced a defensive performance for the ages.  The Germans, previously criticised for having a weak defence, stood up strongly, with Mertesacker and Metzelder on top of their game, and Lahm showing signs of becoming one of the world’s great full-backs.

On a tense night, the game moved inexorably towards a penalty shootout. Then, Italy won a late corner…

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