We can still be proud, says Germany's Klose

Del Piero finally rewards Lippi's faith

Italy's Alessandro Del Piero finally rewarded the faith shown in him by coach Marcello Lippi with his well-taken extra-time goal securing the Azzurri's place in the World Cup final on Tuesday.

Fantastic to win in Germany's back yard-Del Piero

Italy's Alessandro Del Piero said it was hard to describe his feelings after beating Germany 2-0 following extra time in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final.

Totti nears new career highlight

After he converted a last-minute penalty to beat Australia in the second round of the World Cup, Francesco Totti said winning the "scudetto" with AS Roma in 2001 remained the highlight of his career.

Gallas warns teammates to watch for diving against Portugal in World Cup semifinals

Diving, cheating, simulation, gamesmanship.

Zidane, Figo look to go out on a high note at World Cup

Two soccer legends lead their teams onto the pitch Wednesday looking for a last bit of glory.

Grosso becomes Italy's unlikely hero

Defender Fabio Grosso, who was playing fourth division football only five years ago, was struggling to take in the fact that he had booked Italy into the World Cup final after Tuesday's 2-0 win over Germany.

Ballack lets 2nd chance at Cup final slip

If heroism in football is about seizing the moment, Germany captain Michael Ballack could not quite live up to the role on Tuesday as he let a second chance of playing in a World Cup final slip through his grasp.

Japan's Nakata retires from soccer

Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, one of the most famous Asian players of his generation, has announced his retirement from professional football, his website has said.

Roberto Carlos quits Brazilian national team

Ballack becomes face of Germany

Three weeks of sparkling soccer has done what six decades of soul-searching could not: It's made Germans proud to be German again, and prouder still of national team captain Michael Ballack, the communist sports prodigy who left the East to become a capitalist star in the West.

Rooney decision not influenced by players, says ref