Euro2012: Germany want to overcome Italian trauma

The 2012 European Championships is now in the semifinal stage with Germany taking on Italy at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland tonight to reach the finals. Though Germany have won all their four matches in this competition so far, they now face an opponent in Italy whom they have never beaten in official competitions; but Joachim Löw and his team are confident that they can change the record books for once and all.

In the seven Germany vs Italy matches at Euros and World Cups so far, Italy have won three and the other four matches were drawn. Interestingly the four draws were all in group stage matches at European Championships and World Cups, while the losses were in semifinals and the final of FIFA World Cups. Surely an interesting piece of statistics, but Germany will want to overcome this tonight and create history.

The four draws were a goalless draw at the 1962 FIFA World Cup, another goalless draw at the 1978 FIFA World Cup, at Euro1988 there was a one-all draw and another goalless draw came at Euro1996.

But especially the three defeats have been of historic dimensions. The first defeat was in the 1970 FIFA World Cup semifinal, a 4-3 win for Italy against West Germany in extra-time after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match is said to have been one of the best matches in football history and has been termed as the 'match of the century'. Then came the 1982 FIFA World Cup final which a strong Italy won 3-1 against West Germany. The Italians were far superior that night in Madrid to win their third World Cup trophy

And there was the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Dortmund on July 4, 2006. I personally was there at the stadium to cover the match and it was supposed to be the night that Germany changed history and won their first official match against Italy. But late in extra-time Fabio Grosso and Alessandro del Piero scored for the Azzuri and they went on to win their fourth World Cup title, while Germany's summer fairytale had a harsh end. And a lot of people remember this match and have revenge on the football field in their mind.

The last friendly international between these two sides was on February 9, 2011 which had ended in a one-all draw with Germany being the better side, but Italy getting an equaliser to deny the Germans a win.

Tonight the match starts at 0-0 and the young Germans know that they have it in them to change the history books for once and for all. But Italy will be hoping to keep their track record intact. Spain awaits the winner...