We ending up going to the Fan Zone to watch the game. Around 50,000 people where there. They started with some local band and everyone knew all the songs and was singing along. Great party atmosphere. Then, at 5pm, the game started. Right from the beginning, you could tell the Germans were not playing as they had played in previously. At least from an offensive point of view. But, on the defensive side, they were holding their own and even though Argentina had more of the possession, they were not making much progress on the German goal. I would call it a stale mate. The fans were all very nervous. Not much singing was going on. Now and then, you would hear them chant something, but it was never anything big and prolonged.
The second half started where we left the first half and when Argentina scored the goal, it got real quiet. People where in shock. The first time this WC that Germany was not leading. As the game went on, Germany was not looking that great and my Uncle thought that there were not going to pull it off. Then, when Klose scored the goal, the people went nuts. The singing started and people started getting in and having a little more hope. One other thing that started showing up was the better physical condition that the Germans were in. You could see that even more in overtime. And you have to question why Argentina did not bring in Messi. I think he would have cause a lot of trouble of the defense.
As usual, Germany ended up winning PKs. What is it with Germany and PKs. I don’t believe they have ever lost on PKs in the WC. Correct me if I am wrong. The big hero was Lehman. Guessing the correct way. Don’t know if you guys picked up on the, but they did here in Germany. He had a little piece of paper in his socks that had all the Argentina’s PK takes and the tendencies. The other thing that got a lot of play here was how Oliver Kahn has handled being relegated to second string. He and Lehman have not been the best of pals, but there were showing in TV how he came over to Lehman before the PKs and put his arm around him and told him something and when Lehman came off the field, Kahn patted Lehman on the back and told him what a great job he did. So, Lehman became the big hero of this game. It seems, every game, the people found a new hero.
And then we had those ugly scenes at the end. That should never have happened. You need to know how to win gracefully and you need to lose gracefully. So, of course everyone was blaming Argentina for what happened. Then today, an Italian newspaper shows pictures how Germany’s Frinks being involved in something like that. So, FIFA have said that they are investigating everything, including Frinks. I hope he was not involved in anything. The Germans have been doing so well, and to have something like this hang over them would not be nice. And Frinks would probably be suspended for a few games, which means a very important player for Germany would be missing.
Anyway, I am so excited. I was saying, we have to make it to the final. Playing Italy who Germany has never beaten in the WC and to whom they lost 4-1 four month ago is going to be a tough opponent. But, with what is going on in this country at the moment, it would be such a let down if we ended up not making it to the final. In my opinion, if Germany don’t win the WC now, I will be very disappointed.