Italy shatter Germany's dreams to reach final

DORTMUND (AFP) — Italy scored two sensational late goals in extra-time to book their place in the World Cup final for the first time in 12 years with their 2-0 win crushing the dreams of host nation Germany.

Normal time had failed to produce a goal in the semi-final clash and it looked like penalties were on the cards deep into extra-time.

But Italian defender Fabio Grosso scored deep into extra-time with a brilliant curling effort and substitute Alessandro Del Piero added a second to break Germany's hearts.

Del Piero, who has so often failed to produce his abundant talent for the Italians, was understandably emotional afterwards given that a former long-time Juventus team-mate Gianluca Pessotto apparently tried to commit suicide last week.

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

"But we showed that we had ...