First half kick-off; Italian attacks; German free kick; German first goals; second half Italy attacks; Italy first goal; further play; fans invade pitch at end.




Initials GL/V/BOB/ES


SPORT: SOCCER

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Two opportunist goals by inside-forward Luigi Riva save Italy from defeat in yesterday's (29 March) World Cup qualifying soccer match with the German Democratic Republic in East Berlin's Walter-Ulbricht Stadium. Riva forced a 2-2 draw after the Italians had twice been behind in a tense game.

Italy, who had beaten Wales in their other match in group three by one goal to nil, were the more impressive in attack, but their defenders were constantly troubled by the big East German forwards. Luigi Riva, Alessandro Mazzola and Pierino Prati led the Italian attack, and were well served by Facchetti, but their approach work was spoilt by poor finishing.

Most of East Germany's attacks were sparked off by outside-left Eberhard Vogel, whose probing runs split the Italian defence. It was Vogel who shot East Germany's first goal in the 27th minute from a centre by outside-right Loewe. East Germany was still one-up at half-time.

In the second half Riva snapped up an equaliser for Italy after a slip-up by the German defence, in the 55th minute.

Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff gave East Germany the chance to go ahead again 20 minutes later when he failed to hold a long shot from defender Otto Fraesdorf, and Hans Kreische tapped the ball into the open net.

Riva stole Italy's second goal with seven minutes to go when he ran in with perfect timing to slam in a centre from the right.

Italy in blue shirts and white pants, East Germany in white shirts and blue pants.