The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
Back to World Cup 2006 Index

The German World Cup dream goes on, after an enthralling, titanic game between probably the best two teams at Germany 2006. With these two sides so evenly matched it was no surprise that the game would be decided by spot kicks. One surprise, though, was why Argentina's coach, Jose Pekerman, didn't unleash Lionel Messi on tiring German legs in the second half. With such an exciting team it seems the conservative nature of the Argentinian coach possibly cost them the game. Pekerman honourably resigned after the game, but didn't accept any blame for the result.

This wasn't, in truth, an incident packed game - until the penalties. The contest began in fiery fashion, with a number of free kicks awarded, and, when things settled down, it was Germany who had the first meaningful strike on goal, when Lukas Podolski's free kick was fumbled by Argentina's goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri. Then a header from Michael Ballack fizzed just past the post, from a chipped Bernd Schneider cross, and soon after a shot on the turn by Per Mertesacker just went over, as Germany had all the best efforts on goal in the first 20 minutes of the game. Though the South Americans had lots of possession, they were up against a tight German defence.

Argentina then took the lead early in the second half, after the Germans had started the half looking a bit flat. Roberto Ayala, who had been a defensive rock for Argentina, rose superbly to head home a Juan Riquelme corner. Germany had a good chance to equalise, after Abbondanzieri lost a Bastian Schweinsteiger corner, but Ballack's shot was blocked in the penalty area by Ayala. Abbondanzieri injured himself going for the corner and then had to be replaced by Leonardo Franco. Maxi Rodriguez could have doubled Argentina's lead, but hit the side netting after the German defence had gone to sleep. With ten minutes left, however, Germany equalised. A Ballack cross saw a headed flick on from substitute Tim Borowski reach Miroslav Klose, who headed into the bottom right hand corner of the net in a flash. Extra time came and went with only one notable incident, when a cross from Fabricio Coloccini nearly caught German 'keeper Jens Lehmann off his line, but bounced behind off the top of the crossbar.

So, it went to penalties, and both Argentina and Germany had a 100% record in World Cup finals shootouts - three wins each. One interesting development before the penalties was Oliver Kahn going up to Lehmann and spurring him on. The talk in the English press had been of the two 'keepers hating each others guts...

Germany went first in the spot kicks. Sub Oliver Neuville hammered in the first penalty, despite Franco getting his fingers to the ball to his left. Argentinian sub Julio Cruz then blasted high to Lehmann's right to make it 1-1. Michael Ballack, struggling badly with cramp, still had the strength to smash his penalty home, to the 'keeper's right. But then, as often happens, arguably the best player on the pitch in the 120 minutes, Ayala, saw his weak effort saved by Lehmann going to his left. Lukas Podolski confidently slotted home his penalty, to Franco's left, to give the hosts a 3-1 cushion. Rodriguez then gave Lehmann no chance, beating the Arsenal 'keeper to his right. Impressive substitute Borowski, like Podolski, also beat Franco to his left. Then up stepped sub Esteban Cambiasso, whose goal against Serbia & Montenegro had lit up this tournament. He had to score to keep Argentina's hopes alive. Cambiasso struck his kick firmly, but Lehmann dived to his left to save superbly. Germany's hero then just wagged his right index finger, as if to say "No problem", and nonchalantly walked off - to be congratulated by Kahn. Cambiasso was left in tears.

Argentina, as is their wont, reacted wildly to going out of the competition. Unused substitute Leandro Cufre was red-carded, after flooring Mertesacker with a kick, and there were ugly scuffles all over the pitch. German coach Jurgen Klinsmann preferred to concentrate on the game, saying it was a contest between "the two strongest teams so far", and I'd concur with that. There's nothing to fear for Germany now, though Italy in the semi final will probably be as tough as playing Argentina.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.