11 Classic FIFA World Cup Matches
1. Germany Vs. Italy (2006, Semi Final)
Classic games don't always need lots of goals. The Germany vs. Italy semifinal clash between the tournament hosts and eventual World Cup winners is a case in point. There weren't lots of goals in this match, but it was undoubtedly one of the most absorbing semi-finals in an age, with a pulsating closing stage.
The match ebbed and flowed throughout the regular 90 minutes, but neither team could break the deadlock as they spurned a glut of chances. Thus, the game went to extra time during which Italy hit the woodwork twice. It seemed the semi final was drifting towards penalties until Fabio Grosso curled a shot into the back of Italy's net on the 119th minute. His emphatic celebration quickly became part of football's iconography.
Germany quickly pressed forward for an equalizer, but it was the Italians who struck again when Juventus legend Alessando Del Piero scored in the last minute to make the final score 2-0 to Italy.