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It was so called the bad boy of football who shocked the world with his stunning header and with the rocket alike shot past Neuer to announce the world to take him seriously. It was Mario Balotelli’s brilliance which halted the Germans attempt to change history. The score sheet shows 2-1 but it was a match where Italians could’ve added at least three more. With this win, Italy now maintains their stunning record of not to lose against a German side in World Cup or in European Championship.
Yesterday, the fans across the world witnessed the best match so far in this competition. It was entertaining, thrilling and engaging enough to make you glued to your sit. The diehard Italian fans couldn’t believe their eyes as they continuously attacked the German defense and made the defenders fall back. One thing began do to the rounds, where were the renowned “Catenaccio” for which Italy has been famous for?
This is surely a different Italy. The mastery of Andrea Pirlo and his contingent has transformed the outlook of the team. The sharp counter attacks in the second half were making the tall German defenders dwarf. They literally had no clue how to stop the Italian attacks.
Italy was shaky in the first 10 minutes when Pirlo had to clear a goal line to keep hopes alive. When the Germans were beginning to threat the Italian defense, the Italian attack launched the killer blow. The amazing turn of Antonio Cassano past a German defender made the path for the first goal in the 20tth minute. Balotelli came from nowhere and headed the ball simply to the right hand side of Neuer who was just a mere spectator.
This changed the game. The clever play making by Pirlo and De Rossi had caused trouble in the German defense and tore open the 
goal line with strike after strike. The sublime pass from Montolivo fooled the German defense and came straight to Balotelli who measured the angle with a blink of an eye and slammed past Neuer into the left top corner. The celebration after the goal was clearly to send the message to the Italian newspaper which insulted him by posting a King Kong cartoon mimicking him.
During the second half, Joachim Loew made changes by bringing the experienced Miroslav Klose and inexperienced Tomas Muller. But little they did to change the fate of the game. The Germans started with all out attack which the Italian defense resisted confidently. Claudio Marchisio missed two good chances in the 67th minute and eight minutes later when he shot both the balls outside the post.
The sudden cramp of Balotelli made way for Di Natale who missed a golden opportunity with no German defenders by his side. An unfortunate handball by Balzaretti in the stoppage time made the Germans to put one back. Mesut Ozil stepped in and cleverly stroked the penalty at the left corner. With the final whistle the Azzuri entered their first final since 2000 when they lost to France with a golden goal by Trezegue.
Much has been said and talked. But what about 34 years old goalkeeper in red shirt who stood brilliantly like a guarding father protecting his child? The reflexes and the positioning are still unmatched in today’s world of football. The first half Khedira save and the Reus free kick clearance have made it very clear that he is still the most reliable goalkeeper behind the Italian defense line. It is the man who sings loudest when “Brothers of Italy” progresses at the start of the game.
Two days and Spain lie between Italy and the Championship. It will be their first European crown after 1968 if they get past the Spanish armada. Can they stop the World Champion Spain a third consecutive major title? Will Balotelli fire? The time holds the answers for us.
