Ultimate Glory Beckons
Italy and France are set to fight it out for the World Cup in the final at Berlin on Sunday. Italy overcame a fighting Germany while the French needed a penalty to kill off Portugal's challenge.
Azzuris' fiery spirit
The Italians, rocked by the match-fixing scandal back home, have showed tremendous spirit and will-power to progress into the final. After a tremendous display in their opening game against Ghana, they were rocked by the red card to Rossi and were held by a determined 9-men USA. Italy overcame Czech Republic and Nedved's one-man show, thanks to Buffon's excellent saves.
In the knock-out round, a last-second penalty helped a tiring 10-men Italy to overcome the resolute Aussies. In the quarters, Ukraine were brushed aside thanks to Toni's brace and even though injury kept out defender Nesta, Italy still had an inspiring defender and captain in Cannavaro who has by far been the best defender in this World Cup.
Beating the Germans proved tough as the Italians were held goalless until the last minute of extra-time when they attacked with full vigour, partially out of fear for penalty shootouts in which their record is as poor as England's. Italy deservingly won the game as Grosso and Del Piero scored right at the end of extra-time.
Strengths
Italians as always have been tremendous at defending and have not conceded a goal apart from an own-goal against USA. Buffon has been the best goalkeeper in this tournament, Cannavaro - the best defender, and Pirlo and Gattuso are among the best players in midfield.
Weaknesses
The strikers haven't scored many and Totti though has been very important, has not been at his very best, mainly due to his recovery from injury. Italians are known to not play attacking football but just defend, especially after they score a goal. Coach Marcello Lippi has however seen to it that Italy play attacking football even after scoring.
Les Blues march on
France started on a low-note after draws against the Swiss and S.Korea but regained confidence with a win against Togo. Zidane, after a disastrous season at Real Madrid, has improved as France progressed. The win against Spain and Brazil gave them self-belief and a penalty against Portugal has given them a place in the finals.
Strengths
Peaking at the right time has been their advantage, starting with the win against Spain. Zidane has inspired them in the knockout rounds and has been ably supported by the old warhorses such as Makelele and Viera, and rising stars such as Ribery. Henry has also played his part by scoring vital goals. Thuram and Gallas have let in just a couple of goals in this tournament.
Weaknesses
Barthez in goal still looks shaky. The oldies - Zidane, Maka, Thuram were expected to tire out as the tournament progressed but they have been able to keep their strength and have played important roles in taking France to the final. The French manager Ray Domenech, still opts for one-man up-front and this might not help the French trying to break down the stubborn Italian defence.
Two deserving teams have made it to the final. Past records against each other will make no difference to the teams' fate. The players will fight it out and give their all. It might just be a solitary goal that might separate the victors from the losers. Just 90 more minutes (or perhaps, extra-time...no penalties please!) to achieve ultimate glory!
My Nominees for Player of the Tournament
Goalkeeper - Buffon
Golden Ball - Buffon, Cannavaro, Zidane, Pirlo, Gattuso, Klose
Coach - Marcello Lippi
Best XI
Buffon
Zambrotta Cannavaro Gallas Lahm
Ronaldo Gattuso Pirlo Zidane
Klose Podolski
Bench: Ricardo, Riquelme, Makelele, Viera, Figo, Miguel, Rodriguez
Worst Players
Lampard, Ibrahimovic, Brazil!
Best Moments
Argentina's 24-pass goal
Australia's comeback win over Japan
10-men Trinidad holding Sweden to a draw
Worst Moments
The card melee in the Portugal-Holland match
England's penalties disaster
De Rossi's red card for elbowing McBride
Swiss crashing out without conceding a goal and without scoring a penalty
The players' brawl after the Germany-Argentina game
Top 3 goals
1. 24-pass goal by Argentina
2. Maxi Rodriguez's stunner against Mexico in extra time
3. Joe Cole's stunning volley against Sweden
Azzuris' fiery spirit
The Italians, rocked by the match-fixing scandal back home, have showed tremendous spirit and will-power to progress into the final. After a tremendous display in their opening game against Ghana, they were rocked by the red card to Rossi and were held by a determined 9-men USA. Italy overcame Czech Republic and Nedved's one-man show, thanks to Buffon's excellent saves.
In the knock-out round, a last-second penalty helped a tiring 10-men Italy to overcome the resolute Aussies. In the quarters, Ukraine were brushed aside thanks to Toni's brace and even though injury kept out defender Nesta, Italy still had an inspiring defender and captain in Cannavaro who has by far been the best defender in this World Cup.
Beating the Germans proved tough as the Italians were held goalless until the last minute of extra-time when they attacked with full vigour, partially out of fear for penalty shootouts in which their record is as poor as England's. Italy deservingly won the game as Grosso and Del Piero scored right at the end of extra-time.
Strengths
Italians as always have been tremendous at defending and have not conceded a goal apart from an own-goal against USA. Buffon has been the best goalkeeper in this tournament, Cannavaro - the best defender, and Pirlo and Gattuso are among the best players in midfield.
Weaknesses
The strikers haven't scored many and Totti though has been very important, has not been at his very best, mainly due to his recovery from injury. Italians are known to not play attacking football but just defend, especially after they score a goal. Coach Marcello Lippi has however seen to it that Italy play attacking football even after scoring.
Les Blues march on
France started on a low-note after draws against the Swiss and S.Korea but regained confidence with a win against Togo. Zidane, after a disastrous season at Real Madrid, has improved as France progressed. The win against Spain and Brazil gave them self-belief and a penalty against Portugal has given them a place in the finals.
Strengths
Peaking at the right time has been their advantage, starting with the win against Spain. Zidane has inspired them in the knockout rounds and has been ably supported by the old warhorses such as Makelele and Viera, and rising stars such as Ribery. Henry has also played his part by scoring vital goals. Thuram and Gallas have let in just a couple of goals in this tournament.
Weaknesses
Barthez in goal still looks shaky. The oldies - Zidane, Maka, Thuram were expected to tire out as the tournament progressed but they have been able to keep their strength and have played important roles in taking France to the final. The French manager Ray Domenech, still opts for one-man up-front and this might not help the French trying to break down the stubborn Italian defence.
Two deserving teams have made it to the final. Past records against each other will make no difference to the teams' fate. The players will fight it out and give their all. It might just be a solitary goal that might separate the victors from the losers. Just 90 more minutes (or perhaps, extra-time...no penalties please!) to achieve ultimate glory!
My Nominees for Player of the Tournament
Goalkeeper - Buffon
Golden Ball - Buffon, Cannavaro, Zidane, Pirlo, Gattuso, Klose
Coach - Marcello Lippi
Best XI
Buffon
Zambrotta Cannavaro Gallas Lahm
Ronaldo Gattuso Pirlo Zidane
Klose Podolski
Bench: Ricardo, Riquelme, Makelele, Viera, Figo, Miguel, Rodriguez
Worst Players
Lampard, Ibrahimovic, Brazil!
Best Moments
Argentina's 24-pass goal
Australia's comeback win over Japan
10-men Trinidad holding Sweden to a draw
Worst Moments
The card melee in the Portugal-Holland match
England's penalties disaster
De Rossi's red card for elbowing McBride
Swiss crashing out without conceding a goal and without scoring a penalty
The players' brawl after the Germany-Argentina game
Top 3 goals
1. 24-pass goal by Argentina
2. Maxi Rodriguez's stunner against Mexico in extra time
3. Joe Cole's stunning volley against Sweden
posted by Lucas @ 9:55 AM
4 Comments:
Dude u have missed out a 11th player in ur 11, i think.
Ghana s wins especiall the win over the Czechs are also worthy of the BEST MOMENTS.
sorry! forgot to add Podolski there.
yeah....Ghana beating Czech was worthy of best moments simply because we were all stunned by the attacking display of the African team against a good European side.
My best moment for the World Cup's the record Ronaldo goal. Being pretty subtled in the WC, that's one moment to remember. One stepover and it's all history...
Looks like you favoured the Azzurris to win. A pretty sensible choice, considering the fact that the only on-form player in the French squad is Zidane. Furthermore, Cannavaro was solid in the past month and should continue that in Berlin. Certainly a forerunner in the Golden Ball competition. (my other choice is Klose) ;)
Looks like Ronaldo has quit Manu.Good for the English game.He is a bloody disgrace to the game.
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