Germany - Italy - Euro Semis

Hey, hey, I'm on time for the whole match today and I'm ready to see some goals in regulation! 

Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France) 

Italy,: Buffon, Balzaretti, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pirlo, Marchisio, Montolivo, De Rossi, Balotelli, Cassano. Subs: Sirigu, Ogbonna, Thiago Motta, Abate, Di Natale, Giaccherini, Borini, Giovinco, Diamanti, Nocerino, De Sanctis. 

 Germany: Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Kroos, Ozil, Podolski, Gomez. Subs: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Schurrle, Klose, Muller, Bender, Mertesacker, Gotze, Reus, Zieler

Apparently both coaches have promised an open, attacking game. Props to the honest coach who says he plans his squad to play defensively and carefully to win.

Time for anthems. For a country who gave the world some of the greatest opera tunes, Italy's anthem is strangely one-note. The players sing it enthusiastically, though.

I have to say, I'll generally root for Germany as long as they have Lahm playing for them.  The little dude is just such a solid player.

Lahm and Buffon read the anti-racist statements before the players all shake hands. At the coin toss, Buffon affectionately cuffs Lahm across the face. Joji Low, the German coach, looks far more casual than Cesare Prandelli, who still has his suit
 jacket on. 


1 - Kickoff! Italy gets first play.Germany breaks it up just as the ball heads into the box. x.
2 - Kroos sends a cross too far into the Germany box.
3 - Germany is less precise than Italy, a Khedira header drops right to Italy, and the linkup almost finds Ballotelli in the box. 
5 - Podolski is fouled, then Germany get the ball in the box and Buffon makes a hash of it, letting the ball go by. Pirlo clears the ball off the line with his knee. 
7 - There's already more going on in this match than in the 100-plus minutes of the semifinal yesterday. 
9 - There's  a long pass that Podolski starts to run for, but thinks better of it, letting Buffon collect.  
10 -  Ozil gets the ball into the box, but then Buffon boots it to safety. 
11 - Khedira with a random shot - might have meant it to be a pass - Buffon collects.  
12 - Sheesh! Buffon dings a cross out of  the way for a corner, but why didn't he grab it? Nervy stuff. 
14 - Germany bearing down on the Italian goal again, keeping the pressure on.  

15 -  Hummels brings down Ballotelli for a FK. 

17 - Italy dig in, and eventually mount an attack of their own, with an outside shot that Neuer dives for.
18 - Cassano tries his luck from there as well. Not really hard shots to save, but they do test the keeper at least slightly.
20 - Ballotelli scores! 1-0 Italy
21 - Cassano with a slick move on the left side of the box centers well. Ballotelli spots the rise and moves behind Badstuber, who doesn't cut the ball off, perhaps worried too much about SuperMario, who has the height on his jump to head the ball in perfectly past a helpless Neuer. Nicely done.
23 - Germany controlling play again, but seem befuddled as to how exactly to create a chance.
25 - Boateng strikes a pass that's too fast for Gomez to control with a header.
27 - Ozil with a low shot that Buffon gets down for. Not too  tough.
28 - Montilivo is all hustle, but there he gets whistled for infringement.
29 - Ozil gets creative again, but a deflection makes the final pass to Gomez go awry.
30 - Kroos shoots wide, but at least he's trying.
31 - Another one really trying is Montilivo, chasing every contestable ball, but he gets whistled again.
32 - Lahm with a poor pass seems to reveal Germany's nerves in this game.  
34 - Then Boateng with a sublime cross, but Barzarelli clears it wonderfully.
35 - Badstuber with defensive heroics in the box as well to deny Montilivo a shot.
36 - Khedira with a sizzling shot, but Buffon dives well to double-palm it away.
36 - Buffon then punches out the corner that follows. 
GOAL! Ballotelli again! A great through ball splits the defense and Ballotelli settles and shoots quickly, pounding the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 Italy.
39 - Did Ballotelli get a yellow card? He clearly took off his shirt to celebrate. Has FIFA rescinded that rule? Ah, no he did get booked.
41 - It's Italy's silky passing, combined with possession dribble moves, that throws Germany off. The Germans are more practical and geometric with their passing. It works well against other teams, but not so much the Italians, who delight in cutting off the angles of Germany's passes.
43 - Cassano is down and looks to be in some pain.
44 - Germany are pushing to pull at least one goal back before the half.
45 - A soft cross caught by Buffon isn't going to do it, though.  Italy pull back and leave Germany wandering around the perimeter of the defenders, unsure of how to attack the crowded area.

Well, well, let's see what Germany are really made of in this next half. Right now, they are made of brittle sugarglass, and they seem a bit shattered by the two goals. They need to be more like marshmallow and bounce back.

46 - Ruess tries his luck, but Buffon controls the low bouncer well.
49 - Lahm going for heroics now, but he's denied as well.
51 - Back and forth for both teams, with Italy creating a half-chance, but no shot.
54 - Ozil's frustration at being unable to keep a ball in bounds seems to capture the mood of Germany right now.
55 - Ozil then puts on a burst of speed, gets into the box, cuts back beautifully, but his team lets him down. There's no shot and Italy recover.
57 - Klose and Bonnucci battle - Klose fails to get a shot off - good defending by Italy.
58 - Cassano comes off, still limping slightly. He gets lots of applause. Diamante is in.
59 - Ballotelli threatens in the box again, forcing Neuer to save.
62 - Reus with a sizzling FK - Buffon knocks it over the bar.  Italy then clear the corner kick.
66 - Diamante tries from way outside, mostly as a reminder to Neuer to not leave his line so much.
67 - Marchisio gets a great through ball into the box, but sends his close shot wide.
69 - Ballotelli is getting boos from the crowd for taking his time getting up after a knock. It is a bit early to be wasting game time.
73 - Muller is in the game now for Boateng, and trying to make an impact.
75 - Marchisio in the box, can pick his spot - and he shoots wide.
77 - The reaction Ballotelli to Marchisio's miss is classic - like he'd never missed before.
80 - There's a lack of ideas for Germany - and now the players are just flailing at shots, like Kroos just now sending one to the heavens.
81 - It's not Italy beating Germany that is surprising. It's that it's looking so easy. 
82 - And DiNatale is free in the box - and he shoots wide. Painful, but it won't change the outcome, likely.
84 - Lahm earns a corner, then gives Buffon a freebie catch with a poor kick.
85 - The announcers are going on and on about how upset the Germany players must be, rather than focusing on what Italy have done well to gain the victory few expected.
86 - Kroos with another desperate shot, but this one also flies over the bar, though it's a bit closer.
88 - Again with the, "This loss by Germany is a big surprise" Well, clearly, Italy were expected to be the chumps here. Which is silly, given their history in the game.
90 - With all the Germans pushed forward, Hummel punts a shot right to Gigi. Would have been a goal if he'd put it anywhere else.  Ozil then goes wide with another shot.
PK! Barzelli hit the ball with his elbow in the box.
Ozil takes, makes! 2-1 Italy.
Neuer is out of the box, at centerfield, heading the ball forward to try to keep German possession. But a Hummels foul turns the ball back to Italy with only seconds left.
Final Freekick. Final whistle.
Italy wins! They will play Spain.

 . 

WWC, Germany v Japan - Quarterfinals

Little preamble, as the previous match ran right up against this one. Prinz is not starting.
Kickoff!  
2- Japan has a corner. Miyama serves it up to Sawa, but it's a bit low.  
4 - Kulig with a header - high and wide, but not far off. 
7 - Japan trying to keep the ball versus the more physical Germans. 
8 - Schmidt in for the injured Kulig.  
9 - Garefrekes in to shoot, and Japan does well to clear.
12 - Japan chasing a lot, as Germany mostly have their way, so far not looking like losing Kulig has caused them to miss a beat.  Germany freekick cleared off the line. 
15 - Japan don't usually have to play rush and counter, but they're trying to do it now.  
19 - Getting a bit of a passing game going now.
20 - Da Mbabi with a shot, pulls it wide.  
23- Beeringer freekick and Germany nearly scores before a defender desperately hooks the ball away. 
27 - Germany are looking good, but Japan are also looking more competent than, say, England.  
35 - It's end to end stuff, but phone calls had me busy for a bit. 
39 - Because Japan is better than England, this game is refreshingly even, though Germany has been perhaps a bit better and with a few more chances.  
40 - Da Mbabi with a high boot in the Japan box ends that chance.  
45 - Grings bumped off the ball at the top of the box - she's furious, but nothing doing, and the halft ends scoreless. 
48 - More of the same with Germany probing, but lacking incisive play. There's no update on Kulig - she seems to have refused to go to the hospital until the game is over. 
56 - Japan clear the ball of the goalline - Germany just needed to poke it home there.  
57 - Ohno has nowhere to go against five German defenders, but give her a bit of credit - she hands on to the ball for a bit.  Sawa gives up a dangerous freekick by elbowing the ball just outside the box. 
58 - Kinga wins the header under tremendous German pressure.  
59 - Kaihori with a terrible goalkick - straight out of bounds.
60 - Bresonik on the attack - but her outside shot gets blocked.
62 - Miyama from outside, but it's over and Angerer had it covered anyway.  
63 - Ian Darke keeps calling for a Bajramaj sub. She hasn't done much this tournament yet, so I'm not sure why he's so convinced she would be the key to victory for Germany.  
64 - Bresonik is coming out for Goessling.  Sacaguchi with a good tackle on Grings kills a German attack. 
65 - Ohno off for Iwabuchi. 
67 - Ando with a nice runs wins a corner for Japan. Miyama to take it. Germany clear well, though. 
69 - Germany's freekick gets headed away by Sawa - who has led a good team effort by Japan in this match. 
70 - Germany may have the ball less than Japan, but they've threatened more. Japan has managed to frustrate them, however.  
72 - Sakaguchi gets a yellow for taking down Laudehr. The freekick service isn't great and Garefrekes' header pops wide.
74 - Ando fights for a corner. The ball drops for Sakaguchi, but her shot is blocked out and cleared.  
76 - Germany with a little run of play, but Japan makes them fight for everything and the team is clearly out of sorts. 
77 - Garefrekes in the box, but her cross isn't met until Behringer hits it at the top - way too high.  
79 - Germany again laboring to get into scoring position. As the players get more frustrated, their shots and passes get hit harder, so all precision is lost. Players are chasing even simple passes. 
80 - Ando in the box as Angerer bobbled the ball, but got away with it.
81 - Muriyama backheel sets up Miyama shot, but it's high. 
83 - Grings is down in the box, but the referee waves off a penalty appeal, though the crowd wants it. She was shouldered off the ball, sure, but the ref deemed it a fair challenge.  
85 - Japan attack, but the cross misses a charging Ando. 
87 - Sawa gets a yellow for a sliding tackle on Laudehr. Bit harsh. The freekick isn't bad, but Japan have really clogged up the box and get the ball away.  
88 - Missed call on the corner kick, but Germany win one anyway seconds later. 
89 - The crowd goes crazy, but the eventual long range shot by Peter is way over. 
90 + Da Mbabi gets a deep throw and Germany with a desperate spell of possession still can't really get a shot on goal.  
Garefrekes in the box - but with Miyama draped over her, the half-turn and shoot goes wide.  
91 - Bummer. I didn't budget time for extra-time. I won't be able to blog much longer. Iwabuchi has the ball, but Germany eventually take it off her. 
92 - Sawa is down and in serious pain. Could be a groin pull.  
94 - With a player advantage, Da Mbabi tries to turn and shoot, but puts it wide.  Sawa is back.Not a pull then. 
96 - Sawa helps Japan get a corner. 

 97 - Iwabuchi comes down on the heel of a German player. 
100 - I'm off, though the game still holds in the balance.  

WWC - Germany - Nigeria, Running Blog

It's the two-time and defending champions versus the scrappy and speedy Nigerian squad.

Anthems. Nigeria looks focused. Germany looks German. The captains fist pump at the center circle with the referees. Howie Mandel, germaphobe who is a big proponent of the fist pump, would be proud.

2 - Germany in Nigeria's box early on - Laudehr nearly puts it in.
4 - Nigeria's athleticism on show there, with a steal and a break, but the final pass is a bit short.
6 - Nigeria are probably encouraged by the team which only beat them by a goal (France) getting such a good result versus Canada.
8 - Nigeria lose the ball a lot in the midfield, but their defenders are good at takeaways. Prinz, just now had the ball stolen off her foot.
10 - Ohale with a shot from downtown off to the boondocks, that was so off-target.
12 - Kulig with a shot from downtown, on target, forcing Precious Dede to make the save.
14 - Garefrekes gets a great crossfield pass that frees her from the Nigerian defense, but falls down when she cuts too hard on the grass. Fail.
17 - The ball runs safely in to Dede - Nigeria holding Germany off - even if they're not creating much on their own yet.
20 - What's interesting is how as supportive as the crowds in Germany are for their squad, their opponents haven't been intimidated. Nigeria certainly aren't cowed. If anything, they seem excited and joyful in their play. Pressure makes them.
22 - Chikwelu in the box, but puts her cross too close to Angerer, who collects it well.
24 - Bartusiak saves an Orji break by putting the ball out for a corner.
25 - Crowd is quieter now. Nigeria set up for the corner. Bresonik clears it for Germany.
27 - Dede grabs a wayward cross.
28 - Germany, shockingly, look tired.
30 Behringer is injured and Nigeria comes close on a freekick while Germany is a man down, but Angerer handles the danger.
31 - Nigeria get another corner, but the header attempt goes wide. Popp is now on - Behringer is done.
33 - Germany's coach Sylvia Neid looks elegantly grumpy at the match thus far. Nigeria has played Germany even, and the scoreline is an honest reflection.
35 - Da Mbabi kicks Nkowcha, wasn't malicious, but it nailed her knee and now she's on the sideline.
38 - Peter is now down. They're dropping like flies out there. Peter also got hit on the knee.
40 - Both injured players are back now, in time for a Germany freekick.
41 - Dede catches the ball.
43 - Nigeria still fighting hard, stymieing the German attack.
44 - Nigeria have a freekick. Brezonik clears it.
45 - Popp in the box, but she's caught by a Nigerian defender on the tackle and goes down hard

Halftime - Good points by Viola Oderbrecht on the desk that the Germans needs to stop complaining about Nigeria's physicality and get aggressive themselves, make their goals happen, instead of being surprised by how well Nigeria is playing. Very true.

46 - Nigeria already has a corner, and Germany are screaming at each other setting up to defend it. Not looking harmonious.
48 - Prinz gets knocked down, gets up very painfully.
49 - The freekick is cleared by Nigeria, and they also shut down a follow attack.
50 Popp gets cleaned out MMA-style, by Ohale. Finally a yellow shown.
52 - Prinz is coming out for Inka Grings. Not a good day for her.
53 - Nigeria deny two corners, and now, face a freekick from Da Mbabi.
54 - GOAL! Germany break through. Behringer flicked it on, Popp took the first shot, which was blocked - then Laudehr banged in the rebound before Dede could react. 1-0 Germany.
56 - Nigeria seem understandably deflated.
58 - Nkwocha shoots from outside - wide.
60 - Now it's Nigeria's turn to be the team whose players pick themselves up from collisions and tackles last. They've been bouncing back up first until the goal.
63 - Nigeria freekick into Germany box is whistled dead for a foul on Angerer.
63 - Good German buildup fizzles out with an off-target shot by Garefrekes.
66 - Nigeria spell of possession broken up by Germany.
67 - Popp from distance. Dede has no problems with it.
69 - Nigeria's hard effort is beginning to show in their weariness, and sloppy passes.
72 - Or not. Mbachu in the box, fights for a shot, but gets whistled for a foul.
74 - Kulig gets a yellow for a late kick.
76 - Angerer catches a high ball, but Nigeria's players try to pressure her anyway, risking a yellow, but the referee makes no call.
79 - Nigeria still attacking the Germany goal, but the Germans are defending stoutly.
80 - Kulig from distance. High.
81 - Nigeria give up a corner kick on a bad backpass. They clear, but Grings is fouled as Nigeria try to counterattack.
85 - Nigeria throwing everything they can forward.
87 - Bajramaj coming in for Da Mbabi.
90 - The chippiness of this match continues to the end.
90+ Freekick for Nigeria leads to a corner kick. Angerer punches the ball clear, then gets fouled, but there's no call.
Popp suffers a blow to the head on a breakaway and there are murderous boos for the referee.
Final whistle! The battle royal is over. Germany and France advance.

Women's World Cup - Germany - Canada

I slept in, because I was at the Gold Cup final, so I've already missed the host country's opening goal.

It was a header, though, by Kristen Garefrekes in the 10th minute. Germany leads, 1-0

19 - Matheson with an outside try at the equalizer. Deflected for a corner, which is cleared.

24 - Back and forth stuff - Canada fighting to equalize, Germany countering hard.

25 - Germany corner is cleared by Canada.

27 - I think new fans watching the Women's World Cup may be startled by the fact that Canada is a solid contender versus Germany. They're a good team. The quality in the women's game doesn't follow the men's rankings in many cases.

29 - McLeod collects a long-range shot.

30 - Matheson has another crack from distance. Over the bar.

31 - Garefrekes is offside. Her hairstyle is actually hard to pull off - a parted in the middle ponytail. Mine won't stay down that way. Most players are sporting ponytails pulled straight back. That's easier to manage.

33 - Sinclair is tackles. She's definitely being targeted by Germany. They're not letting her breathe.

35 - Canada in deep, but Germany counter quickly. Canada goes back and Angerer smothers a shot.

36 - Think the USA had a hostile crowd in the Gold Cup final? Not compared to Canada in Germany's opener as the host country in the Women's World Cup. Even the announcer's are saying they can't spot a single Canada fan. C'mon, there's got to be a maple leaf flying in the stadium somewhere.

39 - Sinclair nearly pulls off a precise through ball to Tancredi. Germany counter and McLeod is out for the save in traffic.

40 - Outside shot by Behringer over the Canada goal.

41 - Canada takes a short corner. Germany clear it anyway.

43 - GOAL! The offside trap is totally sprung by Okinyino D Mbabi - Canada steps wrong, a perfect pass comes it and the run is fantastic. Mbabi finishes coolley past McLeod. 2-0, Germany leads.

45 - Canada are more stunned than they were after the first goal. They really had the better of play for a bit. Didn't make it pay off, though.

Halftime - Canada need to regroup. As Mexico has shown, one can come back from 2-0 down, but it's a bit of a mental killer to give up the second goal right before the half.

46 - Kelly Parker is in, so is Gayle to replace Nault and Kyle.

52 - Goalmouth scramble, but Canada finally clear the ball.

53 - Foudy is right - Darke is wrong. Mbabi fell down in the box, but it wasn't a dive. She tripped over her own feet.

54 - Foudy is wrong that women don't dive, however. Marta is good at it. To be fair, she also gets hacked a lot without getting the call.

56 - Alexandra Popp is in for Prinz. I think I remember her with the U16 Germany team. I feel old. Popp, might now, too, as she falls hard on her back after a tackle and gets up holding her lower back like a senior citizen.

60 - Canada's players have lost their spark. Germany firmly in control now.

67 - Wow. Garefrekes misses an open goal stunner. Over the goal with the net gaping before here. Shocker.

70 - Germany still pressing. Fatima Bajramaj - very popular player, comes in for Germany.

72 - Germany fans celebrating - with all the emotion in the huge stadium, Canada might count itself lucky to end up only with a two goal loss.

74 - Canada having a lot of trouble with possession.

77 - Off the bar! Laudehr from outside. Germany sizzling in this match. They should be up by more.

79 - Grings tries to make that happen, but McLeod makes the save.

80 - Timko in for Tancredi.

81 - Laudehr with a late tackle on Sinclair, who sets up for the free kick. and SCORES! GOAL! CANADA! 2-1. An awesome, efficient free kick, with just the needed amount of bend and power. The stadium is stunned.

83 - Sinclair is such a warrior. Game on, because Germany let Canada escape too often before.

85 - Kulig cracks one from outside. The fans are still in shock. The stadium isn't rollicking the way it was before.

87 - Canada nearly pulls off a tricky short corner for the equalizer.

89 - Germany's composure is returning a bit. They're on the attack now.

90 - Sinclair gets fouled, but this freekick is far out. Germany gets a counter, but when Laudehr finally takes a shot, it's way over again.

90+ Angerer collects the ball from a corner.

Fulltime! Germany holds on, but it's not quite the triumphant victory march it previously looked to be. Canada scrapped to keep it close.

Germany/Spain running blog

The final! Will Spain throw off the mantle of underachiever? Will Germany triumph, sending the momentum of its fans gained during the World Cup into a frenzy?
Funny how Foudy talks about how goalkeepers need games to be sharp in reference to Jens Lehmann. Foudy didn't say anything like that when saying she wouldn't want to play in front of Hope Solo after Solo protested getting replaced at the Women's World Cup by Scurry, who had hardly played.
There's a bunch of pregame stuff - including a song by Enrique Iglesias, the anthem of the Cup. Can you hear me? Doesn't seem too connected to soccer.
Here come the teams. Ballack is a starter. So is Cesc.
Spain: Casillas, Marchena, Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Silva and Torres.
Germany : Lehmann, Friedrich, Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Frings, Hitzelsperger, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose and Podolski.
Spain stand stoically as their non-lyric anthem, the Royal March plays. Germany belts their song out, as do plenty of German fans in the stands.
Iker and Ballack shake hands.
Kickoff!
2 - Gray says that it's in the German nature to get the job done.
4 - So far, though, it's been almost all Spain possessing early, though they're not really penetrating. And Germany nearly steal one - Klose nabs a bad backpass, but his touch isn't great and he loses the ball.
7 - Gray cracks on Capdevila being far offside, calls it "ridiculous".
8 - Ballack shows he has some moves, beats Puyol, but his cross doesn't find a match.
9 - Hitzelsperger with a shot, but it doesn't really test Casillas.
12 - Torres is all alone up high. The announcers seem to think Spain going back to their old formation is a good idea. I'm not sure.
13 - Germany corner, Casillas punches it way out. It's served back in but Casillas has it.
15 - Almost an own goal - Iniesta in the box pokes in a cross that deflects off Mertesacker and Lehman has to save the goal-bound ball.
Germany clear the ensuing corner.
17 - FK for Spain, a ways out. Lehmann comes up with it.
18 - Torres in the box, gets dispossessed, goes down, no call.
19 - Gray wants Gullit to explain the Galaxy's loss. Did he see the game?
20 - Torres with some tricky play earns a FK deep on the right. When it's taken, Torres does get a head on it, but can't direct it well and it pops over the goal.
22 - Off the post! Torres nearly had the opening goal on a header where he out-jumped his defender. So close.
25 - Podolski gets a corner kick for Germany. the service is cleared, but it goes right back into the box, where Ballack takes a sideswipe at it, hitting Ramos in the side with the ball. Spain are able to clear, but that was also close for Germany.
28 - The game is back and forth with both teams taking advantage of the extra room on counters.
30 - Torres versus Mertesacker in the box, Torres can't get his shot off, but Mertesacker gives up a corner.
32 - Cesc with a shot - but Lehmann gets down and claims the ball.
33 - GOAL! Torres finally breaks through. Xavi sends in a pass, and Lahmn can't shield effectively as Lehmann comes out for it. Torres just gets there and puts the ball over the diving Lehmann. 1-0 Spain.
Torres celebrates with a classic knee slide.
36 - Ballack is off the field with a cut on his head.
37 - While he's getting stitched, Germany earn a dangerous FK. Ballack's not there to take it, and Schwiengstieger hoofs it way out.
39 - Ballack is sent off again, because his stitches are bleeding. Germany need to use the electrical tape that Justin Braun had on after his injury last night.
40 - Again, Germany earn a dangerous FK while Ballack is off. Germany get to retake the kick. Ballack gets on before the rekick. The FK is cleared for a corner. Casillas punches it out. Germany reclaim and continue the attack - another corner.
42 - Xavi prevents a German shot, and Spain try to clear.
43 - Gray is angry at the ref for not calling advantage and for not carding Ballack for his persistent fouls. Iker comes out to argue with the ref about it. Although he's the captain, the ref cards him for dissent, though Ballack also gets a yellow.
45 - Spain on the counter - Iniesta has the ball in the box, but doesn't pass to Torres in time, though he gets the corner. It's taken short, and Spain work the ball around, but can't get a shot off against the German defense.
Halftime!
Germany definitely look second-best at this point, but have time to show better in the second half and are only a goal down.
50 - Klose down for a bit - ran into a kick. Lahm is out this half, and Gray thinks it's due to injury, though I think Loew might blame Lahmm for the goal against Germany.
53 - "Little Xavi" as Gray likes to call him - cracks a shot that gets deflected for a corner.
Corner leads to a shot by Silva that's deflected wide.
55 - Torres in another footrace into the box, but this time, Lehmann is off his line quicker to smother the shot.
57 - The game is much more open, but this time Spain is conceding possession and striking back via counter.
58 - Frings boots ball away after he fouls, but the ref lets it go. Hitzelsperger is taken off for Karanyi.
60 - Ballack with a shot as the Spanish defense falters slightly - it's wide, but just barely.
61 - It's enough to revive the German fans, who are loud again.
62 - Ballack with a cross - Casillas outleaps Kuranyi to it. The Germans look dangerous again, attacking with more verve.
63 - Schweinsteiger with a shot - or a cross? Whatever, he walloped the heck out of the ball, and it ricocheted of Klose and went just wide.
64 - Cesc is getting taken off for Xabi Alonso.
66 - Podolski and Silva face off and Silva does nod his head forward slightly, but the ref missed it - could have been a send-off, but Podolski wasn't hit hard. It was away from the ball.
The FK for Germany is sent poorly by Schweinsteiger.
67 - Cazorla comes in for Silva. Spain have bent, but not broken under the recent German pressure.
68 - Spanish FK - Ramos gets free and sends a header straight to Lehmann. The corner results in a shot that Frings clears off the post. Another corner.
69 - Off the corner, Iniesta with a shot. Lehmann blocks, but can't hang on. It's out for a Spanish throw.
70 - Finally Germany are out of immediate danger - offside is called on Spain, though Gray believes it was passive.
71 - Casillas confronts a dangerous German FK with a solid punch that clears the ball far out.
72 - If I were a ref, I wouldn't give Kuranyi a call just for that pretentious facial hair.
74 - Spain looking for a safety cushion, Germany looking for the equalizer, Gray hoping that a bad call doesn't settle a close game.
75 - Torres fights for a header and gets booked with a yellow. Gray is horrified at the call and points out to Healey how poor it was.
76 - Torres on a break, puts ball past Mertesacker but within reach of Lehmann, who grabs it.
77 - On another counter, Spain manage to earn a corner.
78 - Torres is out for Guiza now. So far, Torres is the hero, but there is time left. Mario Gomez is coming in for the Germans, replacing Klose.
Long pass to Guiza brings Lehmann out of his box - replay shows he handled the ball just slightly after crossing the line, but it goes uncalled.
80 - Spanish counter brakes at the German box, weak shot by Capdevilla stopped by Lehmann.
82 - Senna with a chance to seal it, alone in front of the box, couldn't reach the knock-down header. So, so close.
83 - Metzelder pulls at the face of Guiza, leading to a Spain FK. It's taken square, and the shot rebounds off Metzelder and goes out.
84 - "It only takes a second to score," says Healey, presumably chiding slightly the Spanish fans that are already celebrating.
86 - Spain looks closer to scoring, but they haven't. Corner leads to FK for Spain.
88 - German fans join the noise of Spanish celebration - imploring their team to score.
CRAP! The signals skipped and went black twice just now. I thought they promised that wouldn't happen again.
Kuranyi late on a slide tackle to Senna. Gets yellow for it.
90 - Gray gives credit to Spain for continuing to attack. But Germany finally manage a counter and lob the ball into the box, where their tall forwards have a chance, but Gomez fouls.
90+ Three extra minutes - Germany with another chance, but the cross is overhit.
Screen cuts out again. Dang. Announcers don't mention it, so maybe it's me and my cable service. Picture is back now.
Desperate Germany continue to try to get forward, but Puyol heads the ball away from the larger German players.
Final whistle!
It's over! Spain wins! Spain wins! Torres' goal held up and the Red Fury finally came through. Germany fall just short. Nice. Spain really played the better soccer throughout the whole tourney and deserved to win.
"Que viva Espana," ventures Healey a little tentatively, but I give him props for the effort. Torres claims a Spanish flag from fans and wears it as a cape. The Spanish supporters are going crazy - they may not be able to sing an anthem before the game, but they're singing now.
Aragones is getting air-tossed by his team. Be careful with the old guy - dudes.
Tommy Smythe says "the demons are gone" for Spain. Foudy says Spain is "letting go of some of those jinxes".
"Si, si, si! La Copa esta aqui!" chant Spanish players holding the trophy. Yes, yes, yes, the Cup is here! "Spain reign." says Healey.
That doesn't leave much to say. "We are the Champions" blares over the stadium sound system as the coverage ends of Euro '08.

Germany/Croatia running blog

Why not? I'm watching it anyway. The Germans have a nice show of unity during the anthem, they link arms over shoulders and sing away. Croatians gaze at flag and sing with hand over heart - or about half of them do.
Croatia: 1-Stipe Pletikosa; 5-Vedran Corluka, 4-Robert Kovac, 3-Josip Simunic, 22-Danijel Pranjic; 11-Darijo Srna, 10-Niko Kovac, 14-Luka Modric, 19-Niko Kranjcar; 7-Ivan Rakitic, 18-Ivica Olic
Germany: 1-Jens Lehmann; 16-Philipp Lahm, 17-Per Mertesacker, 21-Christoph Metzelder, 2-Marcell Jansen; 4-Clemens Fritz, 8-Torsten Frings, 13-Michael Ballack, 20-Lukas Podolski; 11-Miroslav Klose, 9-Mario Gomez
Kickoff!
The crowd is loud for this one. I wonder if Ante Jazic and Ante Razov are watching. Probably, the locker rooms in the HDC have lounges with big TVs.
Which reminds me - are there any Germans in MLS? I can't think of one off-hand. Could Lothar have ruined it for everyone else?
4 - Klose carries ball down the wing, passes into the box, but Fritz' flick pass gets cut off my a Croatian defender.
6 - Olic was down for a bit, but he's up now.
8 - Germany is controlling most of the play. Captain Ballack is running the show, getting the ball a lot.
10 - German CK, cleared.
12 - Another sportswriter and I were talking about players who run in unique fashion, making them recognizable even in a wide pan shot. Cuauhtemoc Blanco is definitely one. Klose is another.
13 - Lahm and Klose work the give'n'go, but Klose gets a weird touch on the return and loses the ball.
15 - Lehmann picks up a long ball on the edge of his box, snuffing a chance for Croatia there.
16 - Croatia FK to Croatia CK. Nice corner, but it gets headed parallel to goal instead of inside.
18 - Smythe speculates that Jogi Low has made Germany's style more conservative since Klinsy left.
20 - Too bad Mario Gomez couldn't be the DP for the Colorado Rapids - that would be amusing.
22 - I was looking forward to this game, but it's been deathly methodical so far. Gomez is offside again. Frings' cross into the box then gets cut off.
24 - GOAL! Croatia wake up, work the ball well into the German end, nice one touch passes, until the dipping cross comes in from the left, and Srna manages to reach it ahead of Jensen, poking it into goal. 1-0 Croatia.
27 - Srna fouls Podolski just beside the Croat box. Gets a yellow. German corner taken short, cross hits wall and Croatia escapes danger.
29 - Germany seem stunned at the turn of events. Croatia aren't having a letdown, they look more lively than at the start.
30 - Croatia in the box! Over the bar.
33 - Germany FK - Ballack fires it at Pletikosa, who stands his ground and parries it. Corner for Germany results in a deflected shot.
35 - Gray and Smythe discuss the MLS match up tonight - Houston versus Revs. I want Gray to pick a winner, but he just mentions that it's a rematch of the championship.
37 - Jansen's long cross to Klose is too high - he's not that tall.
38 - Rain has subdued the crowd somewhat.
39 - German CK. Ballack is arguing with ref. Kick is to be retaken. Second kick is again held up as ref is nitpicking about players pushing each other. Frings finally takes the kick and Metzelder puts it over the bar.
42 - SAVE! Lehmann on Kranjcar - who finishes off a sparking Croatian counter by catching the ball on his chest, turning and firing the ball out of the air, but Lehmann manages to stop it.
44 - Germany seem to score, but ref rules interference on the goalkeeper.
45 + Oooh, Klose was on the attack, but then Simunic touches it out, then puts an extra kick on the ball - gets carded for timewasting. Refs are cracking down on that - that's apparently what got Mastroeni his second yellow against Argentina. Players always want to push the envelope for stuff like that, though.
Halftime. Croatia didn't look deadly until they were. Germany looks good through the midfield, but it's falling apart - or not quite coming off - in the final third.
49 - Ballack misses high. Germany seem to have lost composure.
52 - Lehmann bobbles an outside shot a bit.
55 - Once again, Germany have the lion's share of possession, but can't connect the final shot for the equalizer. Not yet, at least.
56 - Forgot to mention, Odonkor came on for Jansen. Shot of Low looking pissy.
59 - If Croatia hang on, this will be historic - the only other win over the Germans was the famous World Cup victory in 1998.
61 - Gomez beats his defender, gets into the box, Klose is open, but Gomez puts the short pass behind him. It's funny, Gomez looks pissed and Klose resigned. The pass needs to be in front
63 - GOAL! Olic! Off a counter, against the run of play, a Croatian cross/long shot gets away, bangs off the post as Lehmann misses it, and Olic is dead center to clean up the present. 2-0 Croatia. Wow.
66- Gomez is taken off, Bastian Schweinstiger comes in.
67 - Frings fouls Kranjcar near the top of the arc. Dangerous - it's into the wall, though.
69 - Croatia still attacking hard on counters, making Germany look slow and tired. Corner for Croatia.
70 - Lehmann punches out for another CK. Cleared.
73 - Olic is subbed. Bastian shot. parried just slightly for a corner. Taken and kicked out by Kranjcar for another corner. It's cleared.
74 - Germany works the ball around the box until Lahm attacks in and crosses, but Ballack doesn't really get a header off, ball drops, then Ballack commits a foul trying to recover it.
76 - Kranjcar outside shot caught by Lehmann.
78 - Another German corner comes to nothing.
79 - GOAL! Podolski! Lahm serves it in, Kovac's header is a bad clear and it falls for Lukas, who bangs the volley home. 2-1 Croatia still leads.
82 - Kuranyi comes on for Fritz.
84 - Schweinstiger from outside, deflected by defender. Germany is circling the Croatian goal, but time is running out.
86 - Kranjcar is our, Knezevic in. Defensive move for the Croats.
89 - Croatian defense staying calm and organized, denying Germany.
90 - FK Croatia - cleared.
90 + Attack by Croatia comes close, Lahm puts the ball out for a Croatia corner - Germany wins the outlet. Schweinsteiger gets tackled from behind and retaliates with a hard push - RED CARD.
Final whistle - Croatia complete the ten-year cycle of German defeat. This really changes the European Championships. The favorites are in danger - or likely to meet Portugal next round.