Italy upsets Host

Cannavaro: Back to the fore

Italy broke German hearts in Dortmund on Tuesday when they stunned the hosts with two goals at the fag end of extra-time to go through to the World Cup final. But if the Italians were able to take the match that far it was mainly because of the unyielding efforts of their captain Fabio Cannavaro. The 32-year-old central defender, who moved to Juventus last year, displayed a cool head and came up with stout-hearted tackling to cut off whatever threats the speedy German striking duo of Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski posed. So calm was Cannavaro that the Italians never felt handicapped by the absence of their other key defender Alessandro Nesta, who had to sit out of the semi-final because of an injury. Thanks to Cannavaro, Italy have conceded just one goal right through the tournament, that too an own one against the United States. His clean tackling and quick release of the ball prevented the Germans from making off-the-ball runs and splintering through. He was so quick on the ball that Germany's midfield maestro Michael Ballack was not allowed the space to maneuver and create the openings for his strikers. Born in Naples, Cannavaro has a laid-back approach but widespread popularity in the game. His positioning, timing and reading of the game has made him one of the top central defenders in the world. It is rare to see a spectacular, last-ditch, sliding tackle from the former Parma defender because he hardly ever finds himself needing to take desperate measures.

read more @ Rediff/Sport/news

I would love to take back all that I said about Italy earlier.Their game yesterday came as a pleasant surprise to everybody.it would be wonderful if they crack the finals and win the cup : )