So Close!

It was still 0-0 in the dying minutes of extra time in the most exciting, pulsating and richly entertaining World Cup semi-final most people could remember. The prospect of a penalty shootout brought fear to the Italians and hope to millions of German fans, both in the stadium and all over the country. And the biggest single reason was that Germany had Jens Lehmann, who had already broken Argentinian hearts with brilliant spot kick saves from Ayala and Cambiasso.

Then in a moment everything changed, as Fabio Grosso curled in a shot that eluded the diving German goalkeeper’s desperately outstretched fingers and flew into the far corner, sending the Italians into a frenzy of leaping delight and plunging the entire host nation into despair. And the Germans had barely kicked off and surged forward in search of a last gasp equaliser, when the Italians regained possession, swept upfield and found substitute Alessandro Del Piero, who gleefully beat Lehmann from close range, almost as the referee whistled full time.

Before the tournament, few would have believed Germany capable of entering the knock-out phase, much less being on the brink of the final, especially in the hands of a part-time coach commuting from California. They should have had more faith. In the face of much criticism, Jurgen Klinsmann has created a formidable team, and team spirit, from a group of players who are predominantly inexperienced. He has done it without an abundance of world class performers – indeed it is arguable that only Michael Ballack would fall easily into that category. And like all good managers, he has done it bravely, confidently, single-mindedly – the very presence of Jens Lehmann, whom he controversially selected ahead of the brooding Oliver Kahn, proves that.

All Germany can be proud of this team, which came so very close to winning the 2006 World Cup as host nation. It was their misfortune to meet on the day an Italian side which not only defended resolutely, but attacked with flair and creativity. And that is why they shaded it.