So, the 2006 edition lost the team that had, arguably, provided the most scintillating football of the 22 days since the first ball rolled in Germany. But the hosts are still alive and kicking.

Facing Germany in the semifinal in Dortmund in three days' time are Italy, who had things mostly their own way in a 3-0 defeat of Ukraine in Friday's other quarterfinal. Only Brazil now stand in the way of an all-European final, the first for 24 years.

A hiatus of 48 hours as Germany 2006 took its first breather after 19 frenetic and mostly fantastic days, was far too long a time to wait for Germany-Argentina, a coming together again of two legendary opponents who had disputed both the 1986 and 1990 Finals.

The vast bowl that is Berlin's Olympiastadion was a magnificent setting for such an occasion. The tension was palpable, the hopes and dreams of both sets of supporters soaring towards the skies as kick-off approached. One felt, however, that a banner proclaiming: GER 50 - ARG 0 Das Wunder '06' (The Miracle of 2006) was perhaps a shade optimistic.

Argentina started well, Juan Riquelme immediately stamping his class on proceedings by drifting into telling areas and proving near-impossible to shake off the ball. Michael Ballack took personal affront at his rival's early dominance and responded positively, with some assured touches serving to encourage Germany.

However, from about the 30-minute mark the South Americans took a firm hold on the play, Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez and Luis Gonzalez contributing every bit as much to the midfield supremacy as the elusive Riquelme. Up front, Carlos Tevez justified his selection by rampaging his way down the left and infield.

Minutes after half-time, Argentina took the lead when Riquelme's corner found Roberto Ayala rising majestically to head home. The issue looked like falling Argentina's way, but fate was to take a critical hand when goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was hurt climbing for a corner, an injury which later forced his withdrawal.

With ten minutes left, the equaliser arrived as Ballack crossed, Tim Borowski nodded on and Miroslav Klose turned in his fifth goal of then tournament. Extra time yielded no further goals and so it went to the dreaded shoot-out. Ayala saw his attempt saved by Jens Lehmann as did Esteban Cambiasso, while Germany successfully converted all of theirs.

"Deutschland, Deutschland" rang out around the stadium. So many happy, smiling faces. But you could cry for Argentina.

There was a touching moment at the end of the match in Berlin when Kahn, the hero of Germany's campaign in Korea/Japan 2002, hugged Lehmann, the man who has taken his place. Before the shoot-out, he had also taken time to offer Lehmann some words of encouragement.

Now it is only Italy who stand in the way of a second successive final appearance for the Nationalmannschaft. When the teams met in Florence in March, Italy won 4-1, Jurgen Klinnsmann was written off as a coach and Germany were given no hope in this year's FIFA World Cup. How quickly things change.

An early goal is always desirable in these games, with nerves so capable of playing havoc with your composure. Italy, having just seen a fourth-minute chance missed by Mauro Camoranesi, were thrilled to score two minutes later.

A surging run opened the way for Zambrotta to stride on and beat Oleksandr Shovkovskyi by his left-hand post with a powerful shot.

Shovkovskyi, the hero of Ukraine's Round of 16 shootout-victory over Switzerland was beaten twice more, but the scoreline was perhaps a little harsh on the Eastern European debutants, who enjoyed 59 per cent of the possession during the course of the 90 minutes. They were mounting an unarguable case for an equaliser, coming agonisingly close on three occasions when Italy broke away to score their second of the evening through Luca Toni's stooping header. The same player then finished off more good work from Zambrotta for the third.

Besides the invention of Francesco Totti and the power play of Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso embodied the work ethic and determination so vital to Italy's cause. He suffered pain when he had his arm stamped on in the early stages, but recovered to produce sterling service in the central areas.

And so, a repeat of the 1982 final is upon us. Perhaps more appropriately, the sides last met in a semifinal at Mexico 1970, when Italy ran out 4-3 winners. That game, while providing a feast of football for the neutrals, ended in heartbreak for Germany and one of the stars of their side, Franz Beckenbauer. With Beckenbauer certain to be watching from the stands in Dortmund, he and the rest of the host nation will hope that history does not repeat itself on 4 July.