Down to the Final Two
After almost a month of frenetic football, it boils down to the final two teams to battle it out on Sunday for the title of World Champions. France and Italy have surprised everyone by making it to the finals and in my opinion, is the dullest possible combination to end this World Cup. Mind you, both teams are deserving of their place in the finals and have peaked at the right time.
The France-Portugal semifinal was a boring affair and we didn’t see the flashes of brilliance from Zidane that crushed Brazil. The other semifinal, Germany-Italy was hard fought and only the brilliant goal at the fag end of the second half of overtime helped avoid the dreaded penalty shootout. As if that wasn’t enough, Italy managed to pump in another goal within a minute just to drive the last nail in Germany’s coffin. But Germany could hardly be blamed as they put every man on the frontline to put in an improbable equalizer. Portugal tried a similar stunt when even Ricardo, the Portugese goalkeeper joined his teammates to score a desperate equalizer. Alas, Scolari’s record victory streak was destined to end today.
I don’t have a favorite for the Sunday final but if hard pressed to choose, I would pick France just because they have Zidane. The Italians will take their dramebaazi to new levels in hope of getting free kicks. I hope the ref sees through their devilish ways and give his whistle a rest. Heck they even train for it. Don’t believe me? Check out their training video.
“Down to the Final Two” [Short URL: http://www.ipatrix.com/?p=1494] was published Wednesday, July 5th, 2006 at 10:01 pm by Patrix, filed under Sports, and tagged as Sports. Both comments and linkbacks are closed.
Related Posts
I hope I am wrong – but I have a feeling that both teams might try to fight it out defensively. Score one goal and defend might be the policy. :-(
France seemed exhausted from their Brazil game yesterday. Hopefully, both teams will have enough time to recover and play good, attacking football come Sunday.
I would have to favor the Azzuri’s over the les Blues. Italy seems to have a better attacking third and are more creative both in the midfield and upfront. France only has Zidane – Henry won’t move his lazy ass except for some more diving/clutching the face when hit on the chest kind of acting. Don’t forget how strong the Italian defense is.
It may come down to how well Ribery plays and how much support he will get.
I cannot believe I am saying this – but I am gradually warming up to the Italians.
4 years ago replyAs Bongo said, Italty clearly seems to be the better team. Buffon is great in the goal and their defense has been very strong. Even while attacking against Germany, they had better chances.
If they don’t concentrate too much on diving,I talians should be the winners. I want Zidane to go out in glory but the better team must win.
4 years ago replyBongo, I am surprised you are supporting Italy now. But I guess, more suprising things have happened in this WC.
4 years ago replyConfused, et tu? Anyways, I guess I wouldn’t mind too much if either team won. At least with Portugal it would have been a first-time win.
I didn’t say I was supporting them – I guess I am flip-flopping a bit ;-)
Like you – I dont mind if either wins, like confused, I think Italy will win, but I would like France to win (the last bow for Zidane).
As I mention in today’s blog-post – I am hoping for 3-2 in favor of France :-D
But it is more likely to be 2-0 Italy. Overall, just hoping for a good game.
4 years ago replyBongo, frankly yeah I’ll settle for a good game of football not just pure defensive stuff that Italians are likely to dish out.
4 years ago reply