Live from Germany

Italy reach World Cup final after Grosso's late, late show

Italy shrugged off the scandal surrounding their domestic league to snatch a 2-0 semi-final extra-time win over hosts Germany and set up a meeting against either France or Portugal in Sunday's final in Berlin.

Defender Fabio Grosso was the hero with a goal two minutes from time in a match that was heading for penalties after 118 minutes of scoreless action.

Substitute Alessandro Del Piero made the result safe when he lofted the ball over Jens Lehmann for Italy's second in the 121st minute but Germany were already on their way out by that time.

It was a devastating setback for Jurgen Klinsmann's side who felt they were destined to win while Italy can enjoy some marvellous news following the corruption scandal surrounding several top Serie A clubs which affects many of Marcello Lippi's national side.

"We came up against a very strong opponent," said the 31-year-old Del Piero.

"But we showed that we had the will power to beat them.

"I dedicate this win to Gianluca Pessotto," added del Piero, who last week flew back with team-mate Gianluca Zambrotta to see the stricken Pessotto who recently attempted suicide.

Foto: Marcus Brandt/ddp

Grosso was almost lost for words at scoring in such an important match.

Italian midfielder Simone Barone (L) celebrates their victory with Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (C) as German forward Oliver Neuville (R) reacts in extra time during the semi-final World Cup football match between Germany and Italy at Dortmund's stadium, 04 July 2006. Italy won the match 2-0 in extra time to reach the final. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS

"I am drunk with joy, I haven't got much to say only that it is a victory for a strong group of people," said the 28-year-old Palermo defender.

The match featured few clear cut chances but when either team did manage to break through, the excellent goalkeeping of Gianluigi Buffon and Lehmann was there to keep the virgin scoreline.

French and Portuguese players were heading south from their training camps in the north of the country to Munich where they will contest Wednesday's second semi-final.

The 1998 champions France will start as heavy favourites especially if ageing skipper and midfielder Zinedine Zidane can reproduce the form he so brilliantly displayed in the 1-0 quarter-final win over Brazil.

But the Portuguese players believe they have a special weapon in the burly shape of Brazilian coach Felipe Scolari.

Scolari, who led Brazil to World Cup glory four years ago before taking over in Lisbon, is on a record 12-match unbeaten run in World Cup finals matches and he is the most imposing of coaches in Germany.

"He gives us so much confidence," said midfielder Hugo Viana.

French midfielders Patrick Vieira (L) and Zinedine Zidane (R) speak together during a France national football team training session, 03 July 2006 in Wesrbergland-Stadion in Hameln, two days ahead the World Cup 2006 semi-final football game Portugal vs. France. AFP PHOTO / PASCAL PAVANI

"He trusts us all and this helps. He has done a special thing with us in the World Cup and I hope we can stay with him for many years."

The France juggernaut has slowly built up steam after a sluggish start with two fine wins over Spain and Brazil and ahead of his most important game as coach Raymond Domenech stated: "We're ready."

"A World Cup semi-final is an exceptional moment and we're going to have to play even better than in our last two matches.

"The Portuguese aren't there by luck and I wish people would stop talking about their suspect tactics - Portugal are a team capable of giving us problems tactically, technically and physically."