Lessons in chemistry from the indomitable Italians

Chemical engg degree yes, but not a word of Chemistry do I know. Should you people want the thesaurus interpretation you could try: http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/Chemistry , but did not work for me. Well if I am to do a PHD in anything it would be footer and I am told that the qualification gives you a perspective of everything in the universe from the lens of your specialization. The Azzurri – Germany game gives me an opportunity to test this theory.

By far the best event of the day. The game started on the right note with both teams making their intentions clear right from the whistle. An open game if ever there was one. A visual treat, a clear departure from most of what was on display in the cup to date. Am guessing that both coaches had asked their boys to go for broke and start really well. While the Germans have used this approach in all the games they have played thus far, it was radically different from how the “conservative” Italians have chosen to commence proceedings.
(Lesson #1: Start with the correct approach and be single-minded in your advances to your objective. A good start I hence believe is a must to brewing a good potion)
New technique maybe; for the Italians; but they clearly outdid the Germans and seemed to have sounded the war cry.

This novel opening, I believe the Italians could take was based on confidence that the men at the back could address any eventuality. An assumption that was truly rewarded by the performance of Cannavaro, Materazi, Gattuso, Cambriaso and Zambrotta. The Italian defense was rock solid ably led by the tenacious Cannavaro. Klose, Podolski, Ballack and cos attempted attack after attack on the Italian citadel, but were denied the space and time to be creative.
(Lesson #2: Know your strength and capitalize on it. Different elements exhibit different properties, however each can probably shine in its own way.)
While the Italian strength and latent energy clearly rested with their defense, the German victories in the cup were coming on their ability to exploit gaps in their opponents back line, some thing they were clearly not able to do last eve.

Innovation in the Azzurri midfield and frontline was truly refreshing. The Germans probably did not expect the Italians to push as much upfront. Totti, Toni, Zambrotta and Pirlo seemed to know this and clearly surprised the home team. The German goal has not witnessed so much pressure in any of the games leading to this one. Even the mercurial Argentines with their wealth of creativity were not able to make such an impression.
(Lesson #3: The surprise element can work. Don’t be afraid to be creative. If you wish to discover new properties and possibilities you need to go beyond the obvious)

By the end of the 1st half it was obvious that the momentum was with the Italians. Did Lippi choose to maintain a status quo? For a while it seemed that he did. This probably allowed the Germans to claw back and perhaps regain some of the lost ground. Toni & Totti hadn’t been able to exploit the lapses in the German defense and perhaps Tonis lone vigil at the frontline had tired him and probably making him loose his edge. Did it mean that Lippi was to change his approach and perhaps switch to a more conservative line?
(Lesson #4: The chemist knows his elements and is probably in the best position to predict their response to various stimuli. Don’t be influenced by journeymen in your quest. In the end you’re the largest stakeholder and the responsibility for the outcome is solely yours so in the event of universal uncertainty go with your instinct. Even of the test is to fail you are least likely to regret the outcome)
Lippi was clearly counting on winning the game in regulation time / over time and not in the shoot out. So Toni was subbed with the equally potent Gilardinio. The attack was not to let up.

With overtime on it looked like the Germans were preparing for the shootout. The front line was still trying and actually came up with some opportunities. Podolski, Ballack and Odonkor were not able to do justice to some of the possibly decisive chances that came their way. The luck of the Italians did not seem any better, but they were at least on target, while Gilardino and Zambrotta hitting the post a couple of times in the 1st half of overtime. Lehman was called on making a couple of saves as was Bouffon. Lippi however seemed to detect the cracks in the German mettle and made inspired subs by bringing on the attack minded Del Piero and Iaquinta for Perotta and Camoranesi. The Italians orchestred by the sublime Totti and Pirlo kept the pressure resulting in numerous corners being conceded by the Germans. The number of players that the Italians invested in their attacks finally paid of with Grossos outstanding strike after from being found unmarked in the box by Pirlo. There was no chance for Lehman to stop the stike and with this kind of ability one wonders why he chose not to shoot in the game against the Socceroos. The goal in the 119th min made the Germans throw caution to the wind and desperate to equalize. Too much haste resulted in a loss of possession and the wily Italians launched a quick counter guided by Gilardino and clinically finished by the old war horse Del Piero.
(Lesson #5: Catalysts have their own time and place. Introducing them too soon can be detrimental and perhaps saturate the potion. If alternately they are bought to play at the right time they can hasten the reaction. A good chemist will know the right time)

Well that’s my bit about the extremely exciting and gripping semi final. Do you people think it taught me anything about chemistry though? Do comment should you find it worth your time. Hope the 2nd SF is as enjoyable. Supporting Les Blues.