THE FINAL :- ITALIA WINS....ITALIA WINS....ITALIA WINS....
Zidane ...oh ....Zidane what were you thinking? What a way to end a career with a senseless head-butt to the chest of Italy defender Marco Materazzi. But what a day for the Azurries....they win the world championship for the fourth time. What a match...and Italians finally won a penalty shootout.
1) ITALY :- WORLD CHAMPIONS .......The Azzurries simply ROCK. What a performance from Italy. Despite the scandal going on back home the azzurries played some fantastic football. The defense was awesome with Buffon doing a really good job on the goal line. Cannarovo, Grosso, Zambrotta, Gatuso and Materazzi ....what a defensive line and Nesta was out injured. Totti, Lucatoni, Inzaghi and Del Piero led the attack supported by Gattuso and Pirlo who ruled the midfield. Hats off to the Azzurries.
2) GERMANY :- They had the advantage of having possibly the best the coach in the world cup in Juergen Klinnsmann. I wish he continues to stay as the coach. I was really impressed with the Germans.... they had a new flair in their game. The squad was balanced with young players like Podolski, Lahm, Odonkor and Schweinsteiger and with vetrans like Ballack, Klose, King Kahn and Lehman. I really fancy the Germans do well in Euro 2008 and the next world cup along with ofcourse the Azzurries.
3) FRANCE :- Zidane Zidane......what a sad way to end a illustrous carrer. I had not even picked France to advance to the quarter finals. Zinedine Zidane showed us why is considered as probably the best payer in past decade. Not that he had to..we already knew that, but he cast a shadow on that with the senseless butt on Materazzi. Altough I was totally blown away by Zidane I was not that impressed by France except for their game against Italy and Brazil. I am not sure how their future team looks with Zidnae, Makelele, Thuram retiring from the game. Barthez looked shaky in the goal. One player who stood out along with Zidane was Ribery. He was impressive with his speed and skills. Altough Henry got 3 goals I doubt he was at is best. I don't think France will do well in Euro 2008 but can regroup in 2010. The French need a new coach along with some younger players.
4) PORTUGAL :- The bad boys of the world cup with 24 yellow cards and 2 red cards. The portugese did really well under Scolari to reach the semi-finals. Ronaldo was impressive with his runs up the flanks but he needs support with a good center forward. Ricardo was great in the goal. This was also probably the last we saw of Figo in international football. If they can find a good center forward they can be a pretty good side for Euro 2008.
Rest later.
