Italy and Germany hook-up in the semifinals today in an all important match. The winner gets to play in the World Cup finals! Italy and Germany have met before in the World Cup. Their first World Cup finals meeting was in 1982 when the Azzurri disposed of then West Germany, 3-1, to take the title.
What about 2006? Italy has been stingy on defense, having allowed only one goal in five World Cup matches scoring a total of nine goals. The Germans have scored 11 goals and surrendered three. The Germans ousted the tournament favourites Argentina in a penalty shootout and the Italians had a bit of a easier way to the semis first beating Australia via a controversial penalty and then overcoming Ukraine easily. In 10 previous trips to the semis, the Germans have a 70% success rate. Will the Azzurri overcome the mighty German team and 70 thousand screaming fans? Only if it goes to the penalties they may get lucky!
Our prediction 2-1 for Germany. The odds: Germany $2.30, Draw $3.00, Italy $3.50 on Sportingbet.
