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I Believe In Social Liberalism.
Liberalism is an ideology, philosophical view, and political tradition which holds that liberty is the primary political value. Liberalism has its roots in the Western Enlightenment, but the term now encompasses a diversity of political thought.
Liberalism rejected many foundational assumptions which dominated most earlier theories of government, such as the Divine Right of Kings, hereditary status, and established religion. Fundamental human rights that all liberals support include the right to life, liberty, and property.
Classical Liberalism
The early liberal figures that libertarians now describe as their fellow "classical liberals" rejected many foundational assumptions which dominated most earlier theories of government, such as the Divine Right of Kings, hereditary status, and established religion, and focuses on individual freedom, reason, justice and tolerance.
Classical liberalism is a political philosophy which follows the natural rights doctrine supporting individual rights as pre-existing the state. It asserts that the government ought to exist to protect those moral rights, backed by a constitution that protects individual autonomy from other individuals and governmental power, protects private property, and promotes a laissez-faire economic policy.
Classical liberals place a particular emphasis on the sovereignty of the individual, with private property rights being seen as essential to individual liberty. This forms the philosophical basis for laissez-faire public policy. The ideology of the classical liberals argued against direct democracy "for there is nothing in the bare idea of majority rule to show that majorities will always respect the rights of property or maintain rule of law. They do not believe that government creates individual rights (in a moral sense), but rather that moral rights exist independently of government.
Social Liberalism
Social liberalism also known as new liberalism (not to be confused with ‘neoliberalism’) and reform liberalism, is a political philosophy that emphasizes mutual collaboration through liberal institutions. Social liberalism, as a branch of liberalism, contends that society must protect liberty and opportunity for all citizens. In the process, it accepts some restrictions in economic affairs, such as anti-trust laws to combat economic oligopolies, regulatory bodies or minimum wage laws, intending to secure economic opportunities for all. Rejecting both the most extreme forms of capitalism and the revolutionary elements from the socialist school, social liberalism emphasizes what it calls "positive liberty", seeking to enhance the "positive freedoms" of the poor and disadvantaged in society.
Like all liberals, social liberals believe in individual freedom as a central objective. However, they are unique in comparison to other liberals in that they believe that lack of economic opportunity, education, health-care, and so on can be considered to be threats to their conception of liberty. Social liberals are outspoken defenders of human rights and civil liberties, and combine this with support for a mixed economy, with a state providing public services that social liberals intend to ensure that people’s social rights as well as their civil liberties are upheld.
Social liberalism versus neoliberalism
Social liberalism (also known as New Liberalism) is very different from the ambiguous term neoliberalism..
Neoliberalism has been used to describe the policies of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. As a body of thought, neoliberalism advocates positions contrary to many of those taken by social liberals, especially with regard to the former’s commitments to unqualified free trade, undermining of social programs, and deregulation.
Social liberalism versus social democracy
The basic difference between social liberalism and social democracy is in picture of human nature and values. Social democracy stems literally from democracy, and from a community-based view. Social democrats believe in the moral right of the majority to regulate everyone and everything. Social liberals see democracy and parliamentarianism as mere political systems which legitimize themselves only through the amount of liberty they promote. Thus, democracy is not the highest value to social liberals. Social liberals set liberty, individual rights, and private property in highest priority, and regard democracy as an instrument to maintain the human society. Social liberals tend to trust that individuals are capable in deciding their own affairs and generally do not need steering towards happiness. Social democrats believe in control and leave themselves licence towards steering deviants toward more self-productive behavior, i.e., through bans on smoking, or punitive taxation upon fatty foods.
Views of Social Liberals today
In general, contemporary Social Liberals support:
* Regulatory bodies over private enterprise in the interests of consumers and fair competition;
* A Regulated Free market economy;
* Free trade;
* A minimum system of social security;
* Ensure all citizens have access to education and health care;
* Low taxes;
* Environmental protection laws (although not to the extent advocated by Greens);
* Secularism;
* Multiculturalism;
* A progressive social policy, including support for gay marriage, abortion, liberal drug policy, euthanasia and prostitution legalization;
* A foreign policy supporting the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights and, where possible, effective multilateralism;
* Republicanism;
* Pacifism;
Social Democracy
Social democracy is a political ideology that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from supporters of Marxism.
Many modern social democrats have broadened their social goals to encompass aspects of feminism, racial equality and multiculturalism. At present, some former social democrats do not see a conflict between a capitalist market economy and their goals, and, are thusly more "right-wing" in their views.
Populism
Populism is a political philosophy or rhetorical style that holds that the common person’s interests are oppressed or hindered by the elite in society, and that the instruments of the state need to be grasped from this self-serving elite and used for the benefit and advancement of the people as a whole.
Leaders of populist movements have variously promised to stand up to corporate power, remove "corrupt" elites, and "put people first." Many populists appeal to a specific region of a country or to a specific social class, such as the working class, middle class, or farmers. Often they employ dichotomous rhetoric, and claim to represent the majority of the people.
Populists are seen by some politicians as a largely democratic and positive force in society, even while a wing of scholarship in political science contends that populist mass movements are irrational and introduce instability into the political process.
Elitism
Elitism is a belief or attitude that elites — a selected group of persons whose personal abilities, wealth, specialised training or other attributes place them at the top of any field (see below) — are the people whose views on a matter are to be taken most seriously, or who are best fit to govern. Elitism may also be used to convey a less rational and more purely arrogant sense of entitlement to better treatment owing to wealth, social standing, etc. Stemming mostly from this usage, elitism has highly negative connotations and is often used pejoratively as conveying disregard for the public (non-elites) or arrogance. In its political and sociological sense, elitism sees an elite as occupying a special position of authority or privilege in a group, set apart from the majority of people who do not match up with his or her abilities or attributes.
Green politics
Green politics is a body of political ideas informed by environmentalism aimed at developing a sustainable society.
Greens often refer to productivism, consumerism and scientism as examples of "grey" views, which implies age, asphalt and obsolete ideas of human social organization, including globalization of economic relations. Many Greens are important players in the anti-globalization movement. Greens on the Left are often identified as Eco-socialists, who merge ecology and environmentalism with socialism and Marxism to blame the capitalist system for environmental degradation, social injustice, inequality and conflict.
From : wikipedia.org
How To Trasform State Enterprises To Corporate
หลังจากที่ผมลองมานั่งคิดดู สืบเนื่องจาก
ผมสนับสนุนในแนวความคิดทางการเมืองแบบ New Liberalism (โดยที่ยังมี Classical Liberalism หลงเหลืออยู่บ้าง) และเศรษฐกิจแบบ Neoliberalism
ถ้าจะมองปัจจัยพื้นฐาน ซึ่งพลเมืองทุกคนควรจะได้รับสิทธิในการดำรงชีวิตอยู่ โดยมีปัจจัยพื้นฐานที่จำเป็นต่อชีวิต
และมองปัจจัยทางเศรษฐกิจ ว่าควรจะสนับสนุนตลาดเสรี โดยรัฐมีบทบาทกำกับอยู่เบื้องหลัง มีบทบาทเป็นกรรมการ ไม่ใช่ลงมาเป็นผู้เล่นซะเอง
การแปรรูปรัฐวิสาหกิจต่างๆ ย่อมเป็นทางเลือก ที่ไม่สามารถปฏิเสธได้ ตามแนวความคิดทางเศรษฐกิจข้างต้น
แต่วิธีที่จะทำให้ สิทธิขั้นพื้นฐานของพลเมือง ยังคงดำรงอยู่ ก็มีความสำคัญไม่แพ้กัน
ดังนั้น ความจำเป็นในการแยกส่วนต่างๆ ของรัฐวิสาหกิจ เพื่อควรคุมผลกระทบที่เกิดขึ้น ย่อมมีความจำเป็น
ยกตัวอย่าง กรณีการแปรรูปไฟฟ้า
ซึ่งผมคิดว่า ตัวโรงงานผลิตกระแสไฟฟ้านั้น เป็นสิ่งที่ ควรจะเปิดเป็นตลาดเสรี ปล่อยให้มีความสามารถในการแข่งขัน
ในขณะเดียวกัน ส่วนของสายส่งกระแสไฟฟ้า ซึ่งนับว่าเป็นปัจจัยพื้นฐาน ควรจะอยู่ในมือของรัฐ เพื่อเป็นการรับรองได้ว่า
พลเมือง จะมีโอกาสเข้าถึงกระแสไฟฟ้า ในพื้นที่ที่ อาจจะไม่คุ้มค่ากับการลงทุนสร้างระบบส่งกำลังไฟฟ้า
แต่การเปิดตลาดเสรีตัวโรงงานผลิต ย่อมส่งผลถึง ปัจจัยการผลิตด้วย
ซึ่งปัจจัยการผลิตหลายๆอย่าง เป็นของรัฐ และไม่สามารถ หรือไม่ควรจะแปรรูปให้เอกชน เช่น เขื่อนต่างๆ
ดังนั้น การเปิดประมูล เพื่อให้แต่ละบริษัท มีโอกาสเข้าถึงปัจจัยการผลิต อย่างเท่าเทียมกัน ย่อมมีความจำเป็น
แต่ในขณะเดียวกัน การเปิดประมูล ด้วยวิธีเสนอผลประโยชน์ให้รัฐสูงสุด
กลับจะก่อให้เกิดผลกระทบกับ สิทธิในการเข้าถึงปัจจัยพื้นฐานของพลเมือง อย่างหลีกเลี่ยงไม่ได้
ในกรณีนี้ ผมเลยคิดเสนอว่า รัฐควรจะมองรูปแบบ ที่รัฐจะได้รับผลประโยชน์ ในทางตรงกันข้าม
ที่ไม่ใช่ตัวเงิน แต่เป็น ปัจจัยพื้นฐานที่พลเมืองควรได้ใช้ประโยชน์ ในราคาที่เหมาะสม
ซึ่งทำได้โดย เปิดประมูล โดยรัฐไม่เก็บผลประโยชน์ใดๆ จากบริษัทที่เข้าร่วมประมูล ยกเว้นก็แต่ ค่าบำรุงรักษา ปัจจัยการผลิต ที่อาจจะเกิดขึ้น
โดย บริษัทที่มีโอกาสชนะมากที่สุด คือบริษัท ที่เสนอผลประโยชน์ให้แก่พลเมืองมากที่สุด
หมายความว่า บริษัท ที่สามารถ มีผลการดำเนินงาน การบริหารจัดการที่ดี ย่อมเสนอทางเลือกในการเก็บค่าใช้จ่ายจากประชาชน ได้ต่ำที่สุด
เช่น บริษัท ที่ 1 ชนะการประมูล ด้วยสามารถเสนอราคาค่าใช้ไฟฟ้าต่อหน่วย ได้ต่ำกว่า บริษัทที่ 2 และ 3 ทั้งที่อาจมีต้นทุนที่สูงกว่า แต่ก็ยอมที่จะมีกำไรน้อยกว่า
แนวทางนี้ จะทำให้พลเมืองได้รับประโยชน์ในการใช้ไฟฟ้าทันที โดยไม่ต้องรอให้รัฐจัดเก็บรายได้จากสัมปทาน และกระจายกลับไปสู่พลเมืองอีกครั้งหนึ่ง
ถ้าจะถามว่า แล้วรัฐจะเอาเงินจากไหน มาใช้จ่ายในโครงการต่างๆ
คำตอบเรื่องนี้ ยังจะมีอยู่ว่า รัฐยังเก็บภาษีบริษัทผลิตไฟฟ้าได้ตามปกติ นั่นคือส่วนหนึ่ง
อีกส่วนหนึ่ง เมื่อ ปัจจัยพื้นฐาน มีราคาที่ต่ำลง ย่อมส่งผลให้ค่าใช้จ่ายในการผลิตโดยรวมลดลง
และย้อนกลับไปสู่ อำนาจในการผลิตและใช้จ่ายของพลเมืองโดยรวม เพิ่มมากยิ่งขึ้น
เมื่อพลเมืองผลิตได้มาก ใช้จ่ายมาก รัฐก็จะจัดเก็บภาษีอื่นๆได้มากทดแทนกันไป
ตัวอย่างของการไฟฟ้า สามารถนำมาใช้ได้กับการประปา
เพราะน้ำ ย่อมเป็นปัจจัยพื้นฐานที่พลเมืองควรมีสิทธิในการเข้าถึงอย่างเท่าเทียมกัน และน้ำ เป็นทรัพยากรร่วม ไม่ควรเป็นของกลุ่มบุคคลหรือบริษัทใดๆ
ดังนั้น การประมูล บริษัทผลิตน้ำประปา โดยใช้แนวคิดเดียวกับการไฟฟ้า ย่อมทำให้พลเมือง ได้รับประโยชน์อย่างทั่วถึงกัน
โดยที่ ปล่อยให้ ท่อส่งน้ำ ที่เป็นปัจจัยพื้นฐานที่สุด มีรัฐควบคุมอยู่
เมื่อนำตัวอย่างไฟฟ้าและประปาแล้ว
ย้อนกลับไปมองทางด้านพลังงาน ก็ควรจะให้ ท่อส่งก๊าซและน้ำมันพื้นฐาน อยู่ในความดูแลของรัฐ
และให้เสนอผลประโยชน์ให้พลเมืองโดยตรง เช่น ลดค่าการกลั่น ค่าการตลาด
ถึงแม้รัฐจะได้รับผลประโยชน์โดยตรงน้อยลง ทำให้มีงบประมาณน้อยลง
แต่พลเมืองได้รับประโยชน์มากขึ้น และการปล่อยให้ตลาดเสรี ย่อมทำให้ เศรษฐกิจขยายตัวและเติบโตได้อย่างรวดเร็ว
โดยรัฐไม่จำเป็นต้องยื่นมือเข้ามาช่วยเหลือ หรือแทรกแซง เพียงแต่รัฐมีหน้าที่ควบคุมดูแล ให้ผู้เล่นทุกคน อยู่ในกติกาเท่านั้น
ข้อเสนอและบทความนี้ ผมเขียนขึ้นจากโครงร่างคร่าวๆในหัว
ซึ่งคิดว่า น่าจะเป็นทางเลือกหนึ่งในการบริหารจัดการทรัพยากรธรรมชาติ และแนวคิดหน้าที่ของรัฐ ที่มีต่อพลเมือง
ตามแนวคิดพื้นฐานแบบเสรีนิยมและเสรีนิยมใหม่
ที่ให้ความสำคัญกับสิทธิขั้นพื้นฐานของพลเมือง (Human Rights) และตลาดเสรี (Free-Market Methods)
By NOZ (2006.07.24)
Germans End On High
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FT:The final whistle goes here in Stuttgart. Germany win this game to finish third in the 2006 World Cup finals. There was not a lot between the teams but Schweinsteiger was the man who made the difference. Two great strikes and it was his ball that set up the own goal. An entertaining game, and a fitting way for the home nation to bow out. The crowd were brilliant again and they played some great football. In the end it was comfortable.
90 mins:There will be 2 minutes of injury time.
89 mins:Portugal are having a real go here, another goal back would make it really interesting, but it doesn’t look like they will have enough time.
88 mins:GOAL – NUNO GOMES. Superb delivery by Figo and Gomes couldn’t miss and heads it home. What a ball by Figo and Kahn can do nothing. Surely no more than a consolation?
86 mins:Hitzlsperger does well to get a cross in and Neuville gets across his man but can’t direct it towards goal.
84 mins:Ronaldo goes for goal again but this time it is wide of Kahn’s goal.
83 mins:Ronaldo blasts the free-kick from 30 yards towards goal and Kahn has to make a save, punching the ball to safety. Good strike.
82 mins:Deco tries to go forward with the ball but he is fouled in the middle of the field.
80 mins:Schweinsteiger is replaced by Thomas Hitzlsperger.
79 mins:Schweinsteiger is booked for taking his top off while celebrating and is going to come off.
78 mins:GOAL – SCHWEINSTEIGER. He gets the ball wide, cuts inside and blasts one into the corner of the net. A better strike than his first, what a superb goal and performance.
77 mins:Figo and Maniche combine to set up Ronaldo who shoots and forces a save out of Kahn.
77 mins:It is defended well. Figo comes on for Pauleta.
76 mins:Portugal have a corner.
74 mins:Figo will come on shortly.
73 mins:Simao looks for Pauleta who peels off at the back post but it is just too high for him. To his credit, Pauleta makes some great runs.
72 mins:The German fans are in full voice now, they are loving this as their team knock the ball about with ease.
71 mins:Podolski gets a great ovation as he goes off. Voted the young player of the tournament, he finishes on three goals and no wonder the fans love him. Great talent.
70 mins:Podolski goes off to be replaced by Mike Hanke.
69 mins:Portugal have two centre forwards on the pitch now, why did they not show the same ambition against England or, more importantly, when they were down against France?
68 mins:Nuno Gomes comes on for Nuno Valente.
67 mins:Can Portugal find two goals? It looks unlikely but if they can get one the game will change.
66 mins:Nuno Gomes is getting ready to come on for Portugal and still there is no sign of Luis Figo, who will bow out of international football after this game.
65 mins:Germany look dangerous every time they go forward now, they have gained so much confidence from the goals.
63 mins:Klose makes way for Oliver Neuville. He finishes the tournament on five goals, will it be enough to finish top scorer?
62 mins:Ronaldo sets up Deco who shoots for goal and forces Kahn into a good save. Good strike by Deco but Kahn equal to it.
61 mins:OWN GOAL – PETIT. Schweinsteiger whips the free-kick into the box and it flies of the shin of Petit and it is 2-0 to Germany. Unfortunate for the substitute, but it was a terrific delivery by Schweinsteiger.
59 mins:Ferreira clips the heels of Podolski and it is a yellow card.
58 mins:Klose crosses to Lahm who is free on the edge of the box at an angle and he volleys the ball first time and it goes just over the bar. Great technique by the Bayern Munich man and that could have been goal of the tournament had that gone in.
57 mins:How will Portugal respond? They have had plenty of the ball, but are behind now. Will that give Germany the lift to go on and score a few goals?
56 mins:GOAL – SCHWEINSTEIGER. Brilliant play as he cuts inside, goes past two men and blasts towards goal from 25 yards out and it flies past Ricardo. A great strike but it was fairly central and the swerve seemed to elude Ricardo. The hosts have the lead.
54 mins:Can either side grab a goal here? It will go to extra-time and penalties if need be.
52 mins:Ronaldo plays Pauleta in through on goal but his touch is poor, he cuts inside but his left-foot shot is poor and is easy for Kahn. Another chance wasted by Pauleta. If Portugal had as good strikers as opponents Germany, they would be one of the world’s top sides.
50 mins:Simao goes for goal from the free-kick but once again a set-piece goes over the bar.
49 mins:Portugal have a free-kick just outside the box as Maniche is fouled by Jansen. A shooting chance.
48 mins:Jansen gets forward again and delivers a great ball, low across the penalty box, but Podolski doesn’t gamble and Ricardo slides out to avert the danger.
47 mins:Lahm tries to get forward on the other side but Petit tackles him well.
46 mins:Jansen is fouled by Ronaldo as the full-back races forward.
46 mins:Germany get the game restarted. Portugal have brought on Armando Petit for Costinha.
HT:The half-time whistle goes and it has been an entertaining game. Portugal have had more possession and have looked good, getting men forward and trying to create. Had they shown more ambition earlier on in the tournament, who knows what would have happened. Germany will want to improve in the second-half for the home crowd.
45 mins:There will be one minute of injury time.
44 mins:Ronaldo goes past three men and tumbles on the edge of the box. No free-kick is given and once again he has done his reputation no good whatsoever. Antics like that, from him and from many others, have soured this World Cup.
43 mins:Portugal have a corner. They take it short and Deco cuts inside, creates space and goes for goal, but it is a super challenge by Christoph Metzelder.
42 mins:Frings has a shot blocked by Ricardo Costa after a quick break by the home side.
41 mins:Maniche looks for the crossfield pass but the ball goes out for a goal-kick.
39 mins:Portugal have, possibly surprisingly, the much better of the possession in this match but still it remains goalless.
38 mins:Lahm does the same on Germany’s right but the end result is the same and Ricardo has the ball.
37 mins:Simao beats Jansen to the by-line but his cross is collected by Kahn.
36 mins:This time it is better, Kahn is caught in no mans land, but neither Costinha, Ronaldo or Simao can make contact. If they had it would surely have been a goal.
35 mins:Portugal break and Simao wins a corner. Deco delivers, it is poor but he will get another chance.
34 mins:Germany come forward but Podolski can’t find Klose.
33mins:Frings tries this time from a free-kick but, again, it is high over the bar.
31 mins:Schweinsteiger plays in Kehl just outside the box but he can’t get to the ball as he is fouled by Costinha. He is given a yellow card for the foul.
30 mins:Nice passing again by Portugal which leads to Deco who gets space in the box, he turns and tries a curling shot but it is well over and is no threat to Oliver Kahn.
29 mins:Another shooting chance from a free-kick, this time on the other side from Podolski’s shot. Schneider goes for it but it is way over the bar.
28 mins:Schweinsteiger crosses but the danger is averted by the defence.
27 mins:Klose runs at Valente who makes a good challenge but the referee has given a free-kick. A poor decision. The free-kick is just outside the box on the right hand side near the touchline.
26 mins:The game has calmed down just a bit here, but it has been thoroughly entertaining so far.
24 mins:Podolski opts for power from the free-kick and forces Ricardo into a save. A good effort.
23 mins:Klose is away down the right-hand side but is fouled just outside the box by Ricardo Costa, and inevitably he is shown a yellow card.
22 mins:Schweinsteiger delivers a free-kick from deep but it goes all the way out for a goal-kick.
21 mins:Germany look to threaten through Klose who plays it to Podolski inside the box but he is forced wide and the chance is gone. A better ball and Podolski would have been on for a shot.
20 mins:Kehl does well to create space and tries a chip from the edge of the box which Ricardo makes a meal of and tips it over for a corner when he could have caught it easily. One for the cameras there.
18 mins:Portugal play some fantastic football at times, passing superbly well, but first Deco has a shot blocked then Ronaldo, that has summed their tournament, for me. Excellent up until the final third then they seem to lack imagination.
17 mins:Portugal are having the better of the game, Pauleta shows good skill but Frings challenges him and it is a throw in. The pressure is on, can they make it count?
16 mins:Pauleta is Portugal’s leading scorer of all-time, but he has been a major disappointment at this World Cup.
15 mins:Pauleta is played through one-on-one with Kahn, but his effort is feeble and Kahn saves. He was in a similar position to Del Piero against Germany but could not replicate the Italian.
14 mins:Ferreira storms forward on the right and lays the ball to Deco but just as he is about to shoot from 25 yards out he is tackled.
13 mins:Free-kick to Portugal almost at the corner flag to be taken by Deco. The ball comes in but Germany are awarded a free-kick of their own for pushing in the box.
12 mins:It has been a lively start here in Stuttgart. Both sides looking to get men forward and create chances.
10 mins:Ronaldo does superbly well, beats two men and gives the ball to Simao Sabrosa in space on the edge of the box, but he appears to get caught in two minds and his cross/shot goes well over the bar.
9 mins:Frings works space very well after a mistake by Paulo Ferreira and has a shot left-footed but he drags it wide.
8 mins:Germany break quickly, Schweinsteiger plays in Klose but his shot from the angle goes wide from about 20 yards out. Portugal were caught out at the back there.
6 mins:The first yellow card of the game goes to Torsten Frings for a challenge from behind on Deco.
5 mins:Marcell Jansen looks for World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose but it is just too long.
4 mins:The free-kick is delivered and the ball falls to Sebastian Kehl and his shot is deflected inches wide, but the Germans claim handball against Nuno Valente, it looks like a good shout.
3 mins:Philip Lahm, playing right-back tonight is fouled and it’s a free-kick on the right hand side just outside the box.
2 mins:Maniche looks for Pauleta but Jens Nowotny heads clear.
1 mins:Portugal have some early possession and Ronaldo is fouled by Schweinsteiger. It was indeed a foul.
1 mins:Portugal get this 3rd-4th play-off match underway here in Stuttgart. Despite both sides wishing they were in tomorrow’s final, they will want to win this game, which is a sell-out.
Pre-match: Huth has injured himself during the warm-up so Jens Nowotny comes in. Pre-match:Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann makes way for long-time rival Oliver Kahn as Germany prepare to take on Portugal in the third-place play-off match in Stuttgart. The Bayern Munich stopper is one of five changes from Tuesday’s heart-breaking 2-0 extra-time semi-final defeat to Italy. Marcell Jansen earns his World Cup debut at right-back, joining future Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth in defence. Bastian Schweinsteiger replaces the injured Michael Ballack (knee) in the starting XI, while Torsten Frings also returns from a one-game ban. Luiz Felipe Scolari fields Chelsea’s Paulo Ferreira for injured right-back Miguel, Ricardo Costa replaces the suspended Ricardo Carvalho in central defence, while Simao Sabrosa comes in for Luis Figo.
| Teams | |
| Germany | Portugal |
| 12 Oliver Kahn (G) | (G) Alexandre Ricardo 1 |
| 2 Marcell Jansen (D) | (D) Fernando Meira 5 |
| 16 Philip Lahm (D) | (D) Jorge Nuno Valente 14 |
| 21 Christoph Metzelder (D) | (D) Renato Paulo Ferreira 2 |
| 6 Jens Nowotny (D) | (D) Miguel Ricardo Costa 4 |
| 8 Torsten Frings (M) | (M) Francisco Costinha 6 |
| 5 Sebastian Kehl (M) | (M) Anderson Deco 20 |
| 19 Bernd Schneider (M) | (M) Nuno Maniche 18 |
| 7 Bastian Schweinsteiger (M) | (S) Pedro Pauleta 9 |
| 11 Miroslav Klose (S) | (S) Cristiano Ronaldo 17 |
| 20 Lukas Podolski (S) | (S) Sabrosa Simao 11 |
| Substitutes | |
| 23 Timo Hildebrand (G) | (G) Jorge Paulo Santos 22 |
| 1 Jens Lehmann (G) | (G) Silva Quim 12 |
| 3 Arne Friedrich (D) | (D) Marco Caneira 3 |
| 4 Robert Huth (D) | (D) Luis Miguel 13 |
| 17 Per Mertesacker (D) | (M) Luis Figo 7 |
| 13 Michael Ballack (M) | (M) Armando Petit 8 |
| 18 Tim Borowski (M) | (M) Cardoso Tiago 19 |
| 15 Thomas Hitzlsperger (M) | (M) Hugo Viana 10 |
| 22 David Odonkor (M) | (S) Luis Boa Morte 15 |
| 14 Gerald Asamoah (S) | (S) Miguel Nuno Gomes 21 |
| 9 Mike Hanke (S) | (S) Helder Postiga 23 |
| 10 Oliver Neuville (S) | |
| Substitutions | |
| O Neuville for M Klose (64) | A Petit for F Costinha (45) |
| M Hanke for L Podolski (71) | M Nuno Gomes for J Nuno Valente (69) |
| T Hitzlsperger for B Schweinsteiger (79) | L Figo for P Pauleta (77) |
| Yellow Cards | |
| Torsten Frings (7) | Miguel Ricardo Costa (24) |
| Bastian Schweinsteiger (79) | Francisco Costinha (33) |
| Renato Paulo Ferreira (61) | |
German Dreams Died
German dreams of reaching the FIFA World Cup Final on home soil died in Dortmund as goals deep into extra time from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero secured a 2-0 win for Italy.
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FT: The most thrilling match of the World Cup finals so far is now over and Italy will go on to contest the final on Sunday after this truly remarkable 2-0 victory over Germany in Dortmund. Just when everyone thought a penalty shoot-out was on the cards, Grosso struck with a fabulous goal worthy of winning any game and then moments later Del Piero finished off the host nation once and for all with a lovely finish of his own. There will be no fairytale ending for Germany but they can be proud of themselves after playing such a magnificent part in not only this evening’s incredible match but also arguably the best World Cup of all time. Their fans have been excellent right the way through the tournament and now they hold back the tears and salute their brave heroes while waving their national flags with pride.
120+1 mins: GOAL DEL PIERO – A scintillating break away from the Italians leads to Del Piero being but clean through inside the area and the substitute curls a precise shot into the top corner to finish this semi-final in style.
120 mins: It was a truly wonderful goal to cap off this breathtaking semi-final but it has broken German hearts all over this host nation.
119 mins: GOAL GROSSO – After the corner is only cleared as far as Pirlo, the midfielder slides a pass sideways for Grosso, who curls an incredible shot from the edge of the area into the far corner, giving Lehmann no chance.
118 mins: Italy come forward again and Pirlo’s powerful effort from 25 yards is parried round the post by Lehmann.
117 mins: Penalties are drawing ever closer in this semi-final and you would have to expect the Germans to prevail once again.
116 mins: Odonkor edges forward through the middle before unleashing a fierce shot wide of the post.
115 mins: It’s unreal that this game remains goalless and for the past 115 minutes it’s been wave after wave of attack with no decisive finish.
114 mins: The initial cross is cleared away but the Azzurri aren’t finished yet and after Lehmann decides to go walkabouts, Del Piero drills a firm shot from the edge of the area wide of the post.
113 mins: From there, Germany come forward extremely quickly on the break but Podolski’s cracking drive from just inside the area is tipped over the bar in spectacular fashion by Buffon. The resulting corner is cleared away and now Italy can break. This is an enthralling contest now as the Azzurri win a corner.
112 mins: Del Piero has the ball at his feet inside the area but he takes too long to shoot and Lehmann can palm it away.
111 mins: Germany make their final change with Klose coming off for Oliver Neuville.
110 mins: After Odonkor’s cross on the right finds its way to Lahm just outside the area, the defender tries to curl his shot into the far corner but instead it drifts over the bar.
109 mins: The cross is floated into the area but Lehmann makes another comfortable catch and distributes the ball well to spark a German attack.
108 mins: Iaquinta tries to weave his way down the left but Odonkor tracks back to make a fine challenge which leads to an Italian corner.
107 mins: Germany are on the front foot immediately and win a corner down the right but it comes to nothing and Italy can mount a counter attack.
106 mins: Italy get the second period of extra-time underway.
ET HT: The referee blows his whistle and after that golden opportunity is wasted, both sides end the first period of extra-time level at 0-0.
105+1 mins: Once more Odonkor sprints down the right and this time his cross finds Podolski but the Polish-born striker plants his header wide.
105 mins: Odonkor bursts down the right wing but his cross is wayward and Italy can break back, but their pressure comes to nothing.
104 mins: The first period of extra-time is drawing to a close with Italy in possession, but after a long ball fails to find it’s target, Germany come forward on the break.
103 mins: Italy bring Alessandro Del Piero into the game to replace Perrotta.
102 mins: Ballack seems to make a mess of a defensive header but after an accidental collision with Iaquinta, the referee blows his whistle to stop play.
101 mins: Italy push forward but Pirlo’s ambitious drive from outside the area flies well over the bar.
100 mins: The players are unsurprisingly looking tired as this game wares on and a penalty shoot-out is looking a distinct possibility.
99 mins: Moments later Podolski is fouled on the left wing but Schweinsteiger’s delivery is poor and Italy clear the danger.
98 mins: Germany continue to knock the ball around in midfield with ease but struggle to get it forward for Podolski or Klose.
97 mins: After that frantic start to this extra-time period, the pace has died down somewhat and it’s all rather cagey now.
96 mins: Schweinsteiger’s cross into the area is blocked by the one-man wall behind for a corner, which is wasted and Italy survive.
95 mins: Germany win a free-kick down the left when Lahm is brought to ground by Zambrotta and this is promising.
94 mins: Italy are doing all the attacking now but after winning a corner down the right, Cannavaro’s header drifts wide.
93 mins: But moments later the Azzurri come even closer when Zambrotta’s belting drive from the edge of the area smashing against the crossbar.
92 mins: Within a minute of the restart, Gilardino cuts inside from the right side of the area and drills his shot from 6 yards past Lehmann but against the post. That was the closest we’ve come to a goal for sure.
91 mins: Germany get the first period of extra-time underway inside a nervous Westfalen Stadion in Dortmund. Italy make one change with Vincenzo Iaquinta coming on for Camoranesi.
FT: The full-time whistle sounds and we will have extra-time as Germany and Italy remain locked at 0-0 in this absorbing World Cup semi-final in Dortmund which neither side deserve to lose.
90+2 mins: Both sides are looking content to play for extra-time although Odonkor does whip a cross into the box which Italy are forced to deal with.
90+1 mins: The cross comes into the area but from Italy’s point of view it comes to no harm who are then able to regain possession.
90 mins: Germany win a dangerous free-kick on the left wing after another silly foul by Camoranesi. There will be three minutes of added on time.
89 mins: Camoranesi is shown the yellow card after a frustrated challenge on Kehl in midfield and now Germany can come forward.
88 mins: Neither side deserve to lose this tie at such a late stage and just when Italy thought they were in, Lahm gets back well to make an important tackle on the edge of his own area.
87 mins: Germany power through the middle but Schweinsteiger’s pass for Podolski is cut out by the impressive Materazzi who brings the ball away for Italy.
86 mins: Odonkor blasts out of the blocks down the right wing but his cross into the area is cleared away and with time ticking away, will anyone snatch the win at the death?
85 mins: Totti dinks a delicate pass into the area for Perrotta but Lehmann is alert and throws himself at the ball to make a valuable clearance.
84 mins: Extra-time now looks to be a nailed on certainty but it would be a huge shame if this goes all the way to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
83 mins: Germany makes a change with one of the fastest men in world football, David Odonkor, coming on for Schneider.
82 mins: Ballack takes a one step run up but blasts his rising effort way over the bar and into the stands behind.
81 mins: Germany are awarded a promising free-kick right on the edge of the area after Cannavaro’s foul on Podolski but replays clearly show this took place inside the box.
80 mins: Italy now break on the counter but Perrotta’s cross is poor and the hosts can regain both the ball and their composure as they launch a succession of cross field passes.
79 mins: Germany now advance down the left but when Ballack loses control of the ball, he fouls Gattuso and the danger is over.
78 mins: The blue shirts of Italy are enjoying a decent spell of possession at the moment but the most recent move ends in a long range effort from Pirlo which bounces into Lehmann’s arms.
77 mins: Italy win a corner down the left after another threatening attack but Totti’s delivery is well held by Lehmann.
76 mins: The Azzurri may well have come in for some criticism for their negative play earlier in the tournament but tonight they have been extremely entertaining to watch.
75 mins: Italy slowly edge forward with a patient build-up but just as Perrotta strikes one from distance, the offside flag is raised.
74 mins: Sure enough Gilardino comes on with Toni, who has given his all tonight, making way to the bench.
73 mins: It appears Italy are also preparing a change with Alberto Gilardino warming up on the touchline.
72 mins: Germany make their first substitution with Borowski coming on for Bastian Schweinsteiger.
71 mins: The game comes to a halt due to a brief drinks break which all the players richely deserve.
70 mins: The passing from both sides tonight has quite simply been outstanding but so have the defences in this classic match up.
69 mins: There just seems to be a lack of a killer touch in the forward positions and this is ultimately why neither side has broken the deadlock.
68 mins: Friedrich runs into the area as he tries to latch onto a pass but Italy defend well and still the game remains goalless.
67 mins: The home fans are still in full voice as they continue to urge their side on in this incredibly tight contest.
66 mins: Borowski raids down the left after Ballack’s pass but the eventual cross into the area, with Podolski waiting, is cleared away.
65 mins: Germany pass the ball around crisply in midfield but when Podolski looks like he may be able to break away, he loses his footing and Italy can now come forward.
64 mins: Pirlo breaks forward through the middle and has options both left and right but the Germans close down well and win back possession.
63 mins: Jurgen Klinsmann and Marcelo Lippi both look anxious figures on the touchline as this match remains delicately balanced.
62 mins: Germany are seemingly back in full flow but chances are at a premium when the likes of Cannavaro are in such good form.
61 mins: Podolski turns and shoots inside the area from a narrow angle but Buffon makes the save and Arne Friedrich slashes his follow up well over the bar.
60 mins: Germany are trying to build some pressure in forward positions but Italy are equal to everything and prevent any shots on goal.
59 mins: Italy look sharp in possession but Totti’s throughball for Toni runs through to Lehmann, which will be a relief to the home fans.
58 mins: As the game goes on you just sense a little bit of caution seeping into both sides’ mentality but don’t rule out a goal yet.
57 mins: Although both sides have attacking intentions, extra-time is beginning to look more and more inevitable.
56 mins: Christoph Metzelder is booked for a poor challenge on Toni in midfield but Italy waste the free-kick and Germany have possession once more.
55 mins: Borowski picks up the ball around 30 yards and sees no better option than to shoot…but his effort is sliced woefully wide.
54 mins: Totti floats the cross into the area but Lehmann leaps high to make a comfortable catch.
53 mins: Italy win a corner down the left after Perrotta works hard to chase a lost cause.
52 mins: It’s impossible to say where this one’s heading, with both sides taking it in turns to venture forward down the wings. It’s enthralling to watch, but just too difficult to predict.
51 mins: At the other end of the field a wonderful pass from Pirlo gives Grosso a one-on-one opportunity with Lehmann, but the offside flag is raised.
50 mins: Klose races away into the area after shaking off several defenders, but his shot from close range is smothered by Buffon.
49 mins: Germany advance down the left with Borowski but his cross towards Podolski drifts out of play.
48 mins: Both sides have started this second half as they ended the first but at the moment it’s the Germans who are looking more menacing.
47 mins: Germany start on the front foot and, after a neat build up, Kehl’s acrobatic attempt from the edge of the area is watched wide by Gianluigi Buffon.
46 mins: Italy get this intensely competitive match underway again but will they be able to shock the hosts and secure a place in the World Cup final on Sunday?
HT: The referee blows his whistle and the sides head into the break with the score still goalless but there has been no shortage of excitement in this semi-final. Both Italy and Germany have been at full throttle in search of the opening goal but so far neither have made the breakthrough and the longer this goes on, the more tense the night will become.
45 mins: There will be one minute of stoppage-time at the end of this pulsating half of football.
44 mins: Klose tries to work an opening 30 yards from goal but Gattuso is strong in the tackle and wins back possession.
43 mins: The hosts launch one last push for a goal before half-time but stubborn defending from Italy prevent that idea from working out.
42 mins: Germany now push forward but a couple of stray passes from Sebastian Kehl and Borowski loses the momentum.
41 mins: Italy win a free-kick on the right and Camoranesi flicks his header over the bar from Pirlo’s ball into the area.
40 mins: Despite some liberal refereeing throughout, the first yellow card of the evening is shown towards Borowski when he hacks down Totti in midfield.
39 mins: The German fans roar their side forward but despite a succession runs from Schneider and Lahm down both wings, the Italians hold out well.
38 mins: Pirlo floats the ball into the area but Germany defend well and Italy are unable to create a chance.
37 mins: Italy though fight back and have another corner when Mertesacker deflects Totti’s cross behind. Although this is wasted, shortly afterwards Ballack concedes a needless free-kick on the right wing and this could be promising.
36 mins: Germany are now well on top but this time Borowski’s dangerous cross into the area can’t be reached by Schneider.
35 mins: That was easily the best opportunity so far and the German fans must be gutted to see that one go begging.
34 mins: Germany come the closest to opening the scoring when Klose and Podolski combine to set up Schneider inside the area, but he blasts his effort over the bar.
33 mins: Moments later, with Germany struggling to see any of the ball, Italy win a third successive corner but this time Lehmann is able to make a commanding catch.
32 mins: Although Totti’s delivery into the box is cleared away, the Italians keep up the pressure and manage to win yet another corner…but this is also wasted.
31 mins: Fabio Grosso bursts down the left wing but his low cross into the area for Toni is put behind by Mertesacker for a corner.
30 mins: It’s a wonder why this game remains 0-0 with both sides really firing on all cylinders. It deserves a goal and we may just get one with Italy on the attack…
29 mins: The intelligent Pirlo gently rolls the ball into the area but Totti’s shot is blocked and the Germans survive.
28 mins: Italy are enjoying a long period of possession and win a dangerous free-kick on the right wing when Lahm brings down Camoranesi.
27 mins: Schneider charges forward to the edge of the area but his shot is blocked and he really should have done better.
26 mins: Italy are on the move through the middle with Camoranesi who clips a ball forward but Mertesacker controls it well before calming clearing.
25 mins: It’s all go here in Dortmund with neither side adhering to their historic stereotypes. There is so much desire on show as both sets of players continue to hold nothing back.
24 mins: Italy win a free-kick on the right side of midfield but Materazzi’s downward header from Pirlo’s delivery bounces over the bar.
23 mins: Totti tries to thread a clever through pass for Luca Toni but the German defence read the situation well and snuff out the threat.
22 mins: This semi-final is now being played at a frenetic pace and this time Gattuso bursts through the middle before tamely striking his shot wide of the post.
21 mins: Germany advance down the left with Klose who drills in a fierce cross which Podolski fires over the bar on the volley.
20 mins: Bernd Schneider lobs a long pass into the area for Podolski to chase but the outstanding Fabio Cannavaro is there to head the ball away.
19 mins: Both sides are making their intentions quite clear as they look eager to break the deadlock but so far there has only been one great chance.
18 mins: It’s now Germany’s turn to make forward running and they manage to win a corner when Tim Borowski’s shot is deflected wide…but it comes to nothing.
17 mins: The Italians keep attacking but the pressure ends when Totti’s long range shot hits a German player and loops up into Lehman’s arms.
16 mins: Almost immediately Italy come forward on the counter attack and out of the blue Perrotta is clean through on goal but his weak shot is saved by Lehmann.
15 mins: A long ball into the area is headed by Klose into the path of Podolski but Gianluca Zambrotta gets there first to clear.
14 mins: So far it’s been a slow start in terms of chances but both sides are certainly showing willingness to get forward.
13 mins: Germany probe forward through the middle but Podolski’s turn and shot from the edge of the area is blocked.
12 mins: Although Lehmann slips over when the resulting cross comes into the box, Germany are able to clear the danger.
11 mins: A lovely pass from Totti down the left wing sparks off an Italy attack but the low cross into the area is cleared away by Philip Lahm. But the Italians keep pressing and win a corner when Per Mertesacker puts the ball behind.
10 mins: Mauro Camoranesi tries to chip a pass into the path of Simone Perrotta but Lehmann comes out quickly to make the claim.
9 mins: Ballack attempts an audacious shot from 25 yards but he slices the ball well wide and over.
8 mins: The tournament’s leading scorer is back on his feet and will be OK to carry on as he seeks to add to his account.
7 mins: Germany are beginning to work their way into this clash slowly but Miroslav Klose has gone down clutching his leg after being fouled by Marco Materazzi.
6 mins: Michael Ballack skips round Andrea Pirlo in midfield but he’s subsequently chopped down by the Italian and Germany have a free-kick 30 yards from goal. However, they fail to make good use of it and Italy win back possession.
5 mins: The Germans are struggling to get the ball out of their own half at the moment as Italy dominate the early exchanges.
4 mins: Italy win a free-kick a long way out but Francesco Totti fancies his chances and smashes a powerful shot into the arms of Jens Lehmann.
3 mins: Gennaro Gattuso brings Lukas Podolski down with a vicious challenge in midfield but the referee keeps his cards in his pocket.
2 mins: History is on Italy’s side tonight having never lost a competitive fixture to the Germans but the host nation do have an incredible unbeaten record in Dortmund. The Italians come forward to a chorus of whistles from the German fans and in the end they’re caught offside.
1 mins: Germany get this World Cup semi-final underway inside a bouncing Westfalen Stadion in Dortmund. The atmosphere here tonight is absolutely fantastic and hopefully the German players can live up to the hype and fulfill the dreams of their nation. But nobody should underestimate the Azzurri – they have been slick and efficient all the way through this tournament and will take some beating tonight.
Pre-match: Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann makes two changes to the team that beat Argentina on penalties for the World Cup semi-final showdown with Italy. Sebastien Kehl replaces suspended midfielder Torsten Frings, while Tim Borowski earns a place in the team with Bastian Schweinsteiger was dropping to the bench for tactical reasons. Italy coach Marcello Lippi keeps faith with all but one of the side that crushed Ukraine 3-0 in the previous round, the only change seeing Marco Materazzi returning from suspension to take his place at the heart of Italy’s defence. Luca Toni again operates as a lone striker, with playmaker Francesco Totti playing behind him in a 4-4-1-1 formation.
| Teams | |
| Germany | Italy |
| 1 Jens Lehmann | Gianluigi Buffon 1 |
| 3 Arne Friedrich | Fabio Cannavaro 5 |
| 16 Philip Lahm | Fabio Grosso 3 |
| 17 Per Mertesacker | Marco Materazzi 23 |
| 21 Christoph Metzelder | Gianluca Zambrotta 19 |
| 13 Michael Ballack | Mauro German Camoranesi 16 |
| 18 Tim Borowski | Gennaro Gattuso 8 |
| 5 Sebastian Kehl | Simone Perrotta 20 |
| 19 Bernd Schneider | Andrea Pirlo 21 |
| 11 Miroslav Klose | Francesco Totti 10 |
| 20 Lukas Podolski | Luca Toni 9 |
| Substitutes | |
| 23 Timo Hildebrand | Marco Amelia 14 |
| 12 Oliver Kahn | Angelo Peruzzi 12 |
| 4 Robert Huth | Andrea Barzagli 6 |
| 2 Marcell Jansen | Alessandro Nesta 13 |
| 6 Jens Nowotny | Massimo Oddo 22 |
| 15 Thomas Hitzlsperger | Cristian Zaccardo 2 |
| 22 David Odonkor | Simone Barone 17 |
| 7 Bastian Schweinsteiger | Alessandro Del Piero 7 |
| 14 Gerald Asamoah | Alberto Gilardino 11 |
| 9 Mike Hanke | Vincenzo Iaquinta 15 |
| 10 Oliver Neuville | Filippo Inzaghi 18 |
| Substitutions | |
| B Schweinsteiger for T Borowski (72) | A Gilardino for L Toni (74) |
| D Odonkor for B Schneider (83) | V Iaquinta for M Camoranesi (90) |
| O Neuville for M Klose (111) | A Del Piero for S Perrotta (104) |
| Yellow Cards | |
| Tim Borowski (40) | Mauro German Camoranesi (90) |
| Christoph Metzelder (56) | |
NOZ 