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France vs. Italy
09/07/2006: The line up for the 2006 World Cup final is a clear example of just how wrong bookmakers and punters alike can be.
Both France and Italy were completely unfancied before a ball had been kicked at the tournament – and both looked just as unlikely to win it after the group stages.
It was only in the knock out stages of the competition that the two sides really seemed to come alive.
Italy were slammed for having a dearth of world class quality in their side, but the much criticised super star of Italian football Francesco Totti has overcome his poor World Cup record to finally shine on the world stage.
Of course, we all knew that the Italian defence was good – the nation is known for its love of the defensive side of the game – but no one seemed to bet on them being this good. The team have only conceded one goal so far in the tournament, and that was during their lacklustre display against the USA.
That fixture seems like a long time ago now and the team won't be thinking about it when they play in the final on July 9th.
Their captain Fabio Cannavaro has to be in the running for the best player in the tournament, as the Juventus star has looked assured at the centre of the Italian defence.
France will have to also be on the look out for Andrea Pirlo's passing, as the Italian midfielder has created impetus that has made Italy an attacking threat. They will surely score in the final.
Whereas Italy have been criticised for having too little talent, many thought that the French reliance on ageing superstars would mean Les Bleus would run out of steam at an early stage.
But who would bet against them picking up their second World Cup in three attempts now. After nearly going out of the tournament early, something happened to the French in the second half of their match against Spain.
They were then 1-0 down, but came back to run out convincing winners.
Since then, the old masters Zinedine Zidane and Lilian Thuram have looked back to their best and Claude Makelele, who is so defensively minded for his club side Chelsea, has even made attacking runs into the opposition's half of the pitch – don't bet on him scoring in the final though.
If Thierry Henry plays well, arguably the best player in the world today, all bets will be off. He has shown signs of brilliance but is yet to provide the competition with something really special.
It is hard to choose a winner between the sides, but if France score first it could be an open game as both sides didn't expect to reach this stage.
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Comments on: France vs. Italy
07/07/2006: France have beaten the big favourites, one of the most impressive teams (Spain), have the big match experience. Multitude of WC, Euro, EC winners. With the clear exception of Buffon, they're much better man for man and Henry is in a different league to Toni (or Gilardino). France have conceded 2 goals and 1 of them was a pen. Italy have scraped past a host team who overperformed from a very average bunch; were lucky to draw with 9 man USA and beat Australia. Only conceded 1 goal, but Klose, Viduka, McBride, Gyan etc are hardly in the Henry/Zidane league. 5/2 IS AN ENORMOUS PRICE - just wrong.
07/07/2006: A few people think France should win the WC based on who they have played. The tired excuse for Italy is they have not played anyone who is any good. I am not going to bother trying to say one team is better than another and using this as a reason for either team winning. The reason being that all a team can do is a win. So far both teams have done this so its 1.1 there.France are a good team at best. They rely far too much on idividual players. There attack is far too predicatable and basically just one Italian defender could cope with Henry. Zidane as playmaker aganst Gattusso and Pirlo he will be stifled (Ballack did not touch the ball it will be similar story for the once superb ZZ). In fact he will be a luxury player they cannot afford to have in their team though obviously he will have to play. Their defence is a good one not to be underestimated, all four have won respective titles in their countries. The best chance France have is from a set piece. Will France be able to sit back like they did against Portugal? No way. You could say they played within themselves but I'll say they played an inferior side with little confidence in scoring. hence the diving and falling over.Italy far more options. 10 different goal scorers, very fluid in attack with players swapping positions all the time. Wing backs that are capable of taking on players and beating them. Substitutions are a massive advantage. Players on bench that can come on and change game. More importantly is attitude with no superstars as such, just quality in every position. Confidence, determination and a will to win will see this team through to their fourth World Cup win.
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