The German team and their supporters and others (like the Republic of Ireland with fine examples of mature sportsmanship like Roy Keane) who did not even qualify for the finals - do get a lot of practice at losing. The Germans - especially to the Italians. Perhaps that is why their record against them is so bad - perhaps they did not expect to be able to win (except on penalities)?

Perhaps if they spent less time studying and practising for penaltly shoot outs and more time on trying to score goals and win matches - they may not get into so many shootouts, they may have beaten Italy last night and may still be in the competition they have so finely hosted?

Italy were the best team and won a good game, on reflection, rather easily and deserve to be in the final. I only hope that it is France who will face them.