Two shocks in twenty minutes, in the world of sport

As I was trying to put behind the disappointment of Germany being knocked out of the Euros, and switched over to Star Sports to see Rafa's second Wimbledon match so that I could get a consolation before I sleep, the worse happened. Rafa too was knocked out by a 100 ranked player.
The sporting world shook twice in a matter of twenty minutes, two of the biggest upsets in recent times.

Germany, along with Spain, has for long been my favourite football team. The two most attacking teams in world football. The best teams by far in Europe, if not in the world. And I was hoping for a dream final, a repeat of the Euro 2008 final. Spain having reached after edging out Portugal in a penalty shootout, everything was in place, with Germany avenging their 2006 world cup defeat to Italy being just a formality.

When the match began, after struggling to get the ball for the first few minutes, settled into their rhythm, and laid siege to Buffon's goal. Italy were fortunate not to go atleast one goal behind. Instead, against the run of play, they broke away and Cassano beat two sloppy defenders before delivering a pin point cross to the mercurial Ballotelli, who slotted home with a thumping header. Germany were 0-1 down. They should have easily blocked Cassano, but took him and the Italian attack lightly and paid the price.

Thereafter, instead of being tighter at the back, as they could ill afford to concede another, they were again venturing forward in heaps for a corner, and again were caught napping, with a through ball finding Balotelli one on one with the keeper, and he fired another screamer of a shot to put the Azzuri two goals ahead.

And Germany went into the half time, with a daunting task ahead. But I was optimistic about they clawing their way back. If at all there was a team in these competitions that could overcome a 0-2 deficit it was the Germans. Their attacking style of play what makes them one of the powerhouses of Europe, but then the Italians have the best defence in Europe. With the naturally well built Italians holding off the German threat, it never looked like Germany would score. In fact, Italy should have made it atleast 5-0, but fluffed many an easy opportunity. Though the Germans eventually pulled one back stoppage team courtesy a penalty, it was too late. Once more Italy have knocked Germany in the semifinals of a major tournament.

It seemed as though complacency did the Germans in. They underestimated the attacking threat Italy posed, and were lackadaisical in defence. They probably thought the Italians would sit back for whole of ninety minutes, and look to cash in on set pieces or drag the game to penalties. The defence, which should have tightened after the first goal, fell apart. 1-0 down even after 80 minutes would have still given them a chance to claw back, but instead allowed the Italians to virtually shut them out with a second goal.


And how they missed the experience of their talisman, the legendary Michael Ballack. One of my favourite players of all time. I also felt his presence would have made a huge difference even when in the world cup semifinal when they lost to  Spain. They have the quality and exuberance of youth - they are the youngest squad in the Euros with an average age of 24 -but they sorely missed the experience Ballack would have brought to the table. We saw how Zidane, at the wee end of his career, almost inspired his side to win the 2006 world cup. With all respect to Klose, whom along with Ballack I 've been following since the 2002 world cup, if Klose can play at this age, Ballack certainly can, and he would his inspiring presence would have propelled his teammates on to the final. But I feel Germans are due for success in a major tournament, they deserve it more than any other, and they would do it sooner or later.


On the bright side though, it would make Spain's task of retaining their European crown easier. For, the Germans were their biggest threat. Though I would have backed Spain to win against Germany anyway, this result should quash the doubts if any in my mind. Viva la Furia Roja!!!


And when I switched on to Rafa's match hoping I could get a small consolation before I could sleep peacefully, the unthinkable happened. Rafa too was knocked out by a rank outsider from Czech Republic, who stunned the onlookers with this thunderous forehands. I don't even remember his name, it was Rusol or Rosol, but it certainly ended a horrific day of sport.