Italian and German fans descended on Dortmund, with both hoping their side would make it through to the final of the World Cup.

With their semi-final match not kicking off till 2100, there was plenty of time to fill on a scorching hot afternoon.

The black, red and gold of Germany spread from flags to every conceivable surface.

The vast majority of Italian supporters were men. One of the few women said: "We have a song called 'Why do you leave me at home on Sunday, you go to watch the football'."

The public viewing area in town was so packed that fans craned their neck to see from the most unpromising positions.

Through a tense game German fans became increasingly nervous, especially as Italy hit the goal frame twice in quick succession.

When the breakthrough came, with only minutes of extra time left, Italian fans erupted while Germans held their heads in horror.

Italians were overjoyed, and universally predicted they would go on to win the final.

Many Germans could not believe their World Cup dreams had been shattered.

But others, like Mareke Bauer and Laura Klaue, said they were proud of the German team and would party on regardless.