It has to be a titanic match and it lived up to the expectations. Italy started with pace in park and creating early openings. With both teams willingness to attack early the match seems to be an open match rather than a tactical stalemate.

Totti astute pass to Perrotta created the first clear opening of the match but Perrottas first touch left much to be desired and took the ball away from him and invited Lehmann to make a brave save.

Midway through the half as the game slowly and steadily turning into a midfield mudsling Pirlo pass was intercepted and Klose released Schneider for a clear shot on goal. Unfortunately for Germany he blown it away, no wonder he has just scored one goal in 70 odd matches.

Italy bright start and dominant possession had one bleak side that they failed to translate it into goals before the half time.

The second half was all together a different story. Germany came out as a team possessed and clear in its thought of what has to be done to dispose the Italians. Ballack start imposing himself on the game and substitute Odonkor send some beautiful crosses.

One of those crosses was well held by Podolski on a turn but the shot was brilliantly saved by Buffon. With attack few and far between from the Italian side it seemed that they are happy to play for the extra time.

In the extra time the Italian came out blazing hitting the crossbar and post in the first three minutes of extra time. German goal was living its charmed life, defense was all over as Juaquinto regularly beating Lahm on the flanks to create opportunities.

At the end of the first half of extra time Germany got its best opportunity of the match. Podolski received a free header in front of goal from a cross by Odonkor. Nobody in the stadium believed he missed it.

In the second half of the extra time the game totally opened up. There was no midfield of note and teams are either attacking or defending. Germany made early inroads and Podolski thunderous shot was brilliantly saved by Buffon.

As the match seemed to going to penalties Pirlo fired a shot at Lehmann , which was easily diverted to corner. On the resulting corner slack defending led to the impossible. A brilliant curling left foot shoot from Grasso ending into the back of the German goal. I will be surprised if it wont be among the best goals of the tournament.

Two minutes to left Germany went for broke to equalize and Del Piero took the advantage on brake and scored Italy's second with the last kick of the match.

Germanys dream is shattered and nightmares of 1982 are back.