It's been a long month of late nights, leastways in this part of the globe. Despite India not having a horse in the race, metaphorically speaking, hordes of football aficionados and new fans watched most matches with as much gusto as a die-hard Gunner or Azzurri fan.
Speaking of which, the finals were tense and exciting in more ways than one. Whether it was Zidane's unceremonious send-off or players going down like bowling pins as they danced around their field of dreams, there was rarely a dull moment. The French seemed to be focusing on a defensive strategy, allowing their strikers like Zidane and the diminuitive Ribery to be marooned in a sea of blue while they guarded their 'little Gaulish village'. Zizou's penalty kick gave them early hopes which were held at bay by Materazzi's header soon afterwards. The Italian victory in the penalty shootout might or might not have been averted by Zizou's continued presence, but it must be said the 2006 World Cup finals were fought tooth and nail.
The question still remains - why did Italy win? Their initial grouping saw them take down Ghana 2-0, and draw with the USA 1-1. The knockout stage did not see them go up against any of the top-seeded teams until the semi-finals, and the hair's-breadth victory in the last few minutes of extra time over Germany in the semis gave them some hope.
If one looks at the French progression through the tournament, it is evident the Oriflamme did not fly with gusto for the team. They entered the tables with 14-1 odds, that slipped to 25-1 after their initial draws with Switzerland (1-1) and South Korea (0-0). Had South Korea not lost to Switzerland 2-0, they might even have gone home early. In the knockout stage, they slipped past Spain (3-1) in a match that was similar to the finals, with the French having possession of the ball only 39% of the time, and Zidane scoring the clinching goal. Their defeat of Brazil stopped many hearts, again thanks to the artistry of Zidane. The semi-finals were quite unspectacular, and displayed the trademark French approach of staying behind with the Camembert while a few explorers attempted colonization of enemy territory.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Why Italy Won: Defense.
The only goals scored against during the entire contest were self-inflicted and a penalty shot.
What on earth did Materazzi? A world axiously waits.
2 - tommyd
Materazzi scored his goal on a header while he was blatantly fouling the French defender. How Materazzi was able to wrap his arm around the Frenchman and push him down while heading in the ball and never get called for the foul is quite an amazing feat. Maybe Materazzi is friendly with the referees. I hear many Italian players are friendly with referees in Italy's leagues.
3 - Douglas Mays
The call on the Italian leading to the French penalty kick was quite questeionable. tommyd, OK, you think Materazzi fouled Thuram (god, his defense in the '98 world cup was amazing) on the header? I didn't see a penalty, Materazzi just had the height and the ability.
Anyway, I didn't see any penalty (just like there was no penalty against Italy even though one was called). I'll keep an eye for that watching the hi-lite films.
4 - The Big Cheese
Why Italy won?
Because they are the best.
5 - Marry
we won cuzz italy is the best team and no one can bet france like italians
6 - Aaman
free pizza?
7 - Douglas Mays
Well, no reason to start a war over it or anything. The result was about right. The French have been getting their goals on penalty kicks. The Italians score on a set play. That is a bit tougher.
Zidane sure pulls a weird one. Karma killed the French.
The match could have gone either way. But judging by the drama of events, it came out how it was suppossed to.
8 - BBCSPORTS
Why Italy won?
Because they got lucky!
and because they paid the Ref.
italy won was because they're the BIGGEST fakers alive! They must practice it as they're best strategie, hopeing for a free kick, penalty, or red card. for example Materazzi- you must be italian to have the nerve to tell zidane what he had said. what kind of a sick mind can you have? and dont you italian fans worry, something big is gunna happen to italy's reputation because of this. and i am writing italy in lowercase letters because they dont deserve to be capitolized!
9 - pat
maybe noone will read this but you now what whoever here is saying we paid the refs is because your all JEALOUS!!!!!
SOON IT WILL MAKE 1 YEAR SIAM CAMPIONI DEL MONDO.SIAM CAMPIONI DEL MONDO!!!!!!!!POPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPO!!!!
ZIDANE ZIDANE VAFANGULOOO!!!!