© EuroFootball.com
The head coach of the Italian national team, Marcello Lippi, spoke about the fulfillment of a dream after a dramatic victory in extra time with a score of 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final against Germany, and the authors of the winning goals were speechless with joy.
"This is the fulfillment of a long-lasting dream. If there was a team that could win this match, it had to be us. We had a significant territorial advantage, we were a bit tired towards the end, and took some risks, but not too many," said M. Lippi.
Although the Italians scored their goals in the last two minutes of extra time, the "Azzurri" coach insisted that the victory was fully deserved: "In my opinion, we controlled the game. We played in front of 50,000 people - the German fans were fantastic. We scored two great goals - it was good that we avoided penalties, as you know, that is always a lottery. They should be proud of what they did, proud of the respect and enthusiasm they received in Italy."
According to the former "Juventus" coach, A. Del Piero's entrance into the field changed the game: "I was convinced that Del Piero would have an impact on the match. I watched him carefully, looked at him before the game, and I knew he really wanted it. When I sent him onto the field, I told my friends on the bench that he would score the decisive goal. He played such a significant role and determined the end of the match."
Del Piero himself stated that it was a privilege for him to play in one of the most beautiful matches of the 2006 World Cup, and dedicated his goal to his friend Gianluca Pessotto, who was lying in the hospital: "Forward Pessotto, don't give up. It was fantastic to play in these matches and win on their own turf - there are no words to describe what I am feeling now. Lately I have been criticized a bit, but I showed that I want to win just as much as anyone else. The second half was tough, but we defeated a very strong team. We could have scored earlier, and our desire today overcame all obstacles."
There was also ecstasy for "Palermo" defender F. Grosso, who scored his first goal for the national team: "I can't find the words to describe it all. We deserved all of this, because as we said from the beginning, this is a great team with a real team spirit. I can't wait to celebrate with them and hug each one. This was a very good semi-final, with two great teams playing with all their might and honoring each other from the first to the 120th minute. Now we are heading to the final, and it will be another tough match, but we believe and promise to leave our mark."
