Germany had and used much more inteligence in their PK series. They knew where every player was likely to hit and passed notes (literaly) to the goaly. I am not sure if other teams did that. One would think they did, but Germany really had it down.....
I was talking about PKs. By the way, in Univision one of the comentators was Chilavert who has played at this level before. He was saying that he would usually talk #### to the players. Or at tlease tell them that if they hit a certain side he would stop it. ANything to get them out of concentration. That is not allowed by FIFA, but he said you canget away with some of that stuff. who knows....
I think Zindane was frustrated and tired...that is all. The French then tried a clean up..racial slur. Yeah right. Algerian...what was he called..towel head?
No. The second half the Itals changed to defence...not my choice because it looked like they could have easily out scored the French on offense. They backed up and gave alot of room to Zindane and all he could do was play with the ball and tire himself, which he did. Frustration with not being allowed any good chances(only his header which he #### up)and he knew it was his last game so why not take himself and Materazi out with him. Only surprise was Matterazi got back in.
Shot to the heart area like that could have been deadly! Do not discount that. It was assault and battery not bad sportsmanship. Now he will always be remembered by this...rightly so. French soccer has been disgraced because all they could do is rationalize this. They were lucky the score was not 2-0 which it should have been. Well..result the same anyway.
Spot on mate. I totally agree with you. Listening to posters justify ZZ's behavior is sad and pathetic. All over this site with the other FSC journos there are knuckleheads condoning ZZ's butt.
As far as Buffon guessing wrong everytime, who cares Barthez didn't stop any and by the way who on the pitch has practiced more PK's with Buffon than any player in the world? Most likely the one who missed, his teammate at Juve, David Trezeguet.
In the end Italy was the better team, end of story.
I love watching my team defend!
I like to see players dive and act injured when they lose the ball or are counter attacted.
I can justify anything like the Dragged Leg of God
(remember the Australia match).
I feel spitting on opposing players is part of the game.
Match fixing is fine.
Elbowing apposing players in the face is also a part of the game.
Playing for a tie is exciting futbol.
Our road to the WC finals was toughest.
Zidane should be wiped from soccer history.
I am Shameless!
I am, an Azzurri Fan!!
The French lost because they refused to commit numbers foward. They played in fear of the counter attack that the Italians have been known for for years. You cannot unbolt the deadbolt with three or four players.
Also, Lippi changed players and strategy at the half. Why? The ref! The bad call...which is arguably the worst in the cup.Some thought Grosso dive against Aussie was bad but at least there was contact!The offsides call too. Even means on sides! No one has a ruler there.I seen even side get goals all the time, France included! Was it against Brazil?
Lippi knew something was wrong,the ref! Toni was being dragged down by the arm many times with no calls. Liipi knew there was trouble.So go to defense. The Freanch afraid to attck in numbers so they just played with the ball at mid field because the Itals dropped back.
Intant replay would have madea more exciting game. Bad reffing taken out of the game and Italy would have continued like the first half. Only real good attempts in the whole game were Toni bar header and great defense gainsta Toni shot in the box. Zinadne header looked good but was at a distance for a header and ging Buffone time. Looked good but any world cup gaolee would have done the same.
Think Lehrman was the tourney best goalle, or the Port. one,amazing reaction time. Buffone was solid but just did not come out much and stop the offence before the shots like Lehrman did.Buffon was not really tested in any match I seen.
Also, Zindane should be cahrged.(jail time) A shot like that could have been death! Materazi`s chest caved in on the replay. Would not surprise me at all if he has heart damage regardless if he got up. I do not understand how he did.
Zindane should not get away with this because he is Zindane.
Anna there’s no need to feel superior. Regardless on how he spelled Zidane’s name, W’s comment are dead on. Anyways, by now, we all know the butthead who head butted Materazzi. All that has to be said is..."Z"
@ Odin
I disagree. France played the more attractive football. From the last 15 minutes in regular time on the Italian game got weaker and weaker, but they were still able to defend and that was enough to win against in PK.
Oliver, it seem to me that you cannot give credit to the Italian team. Throughout the knockout stages you always gave Italy a loss and you were wrong all the way to the final. The Italian team showed resiliance, great tactics and all around good soccer. We are criticized about the "catenaccio" and we always attacked with both defenders creating chances and goals. I understand if you wished for other teams to win the title, but now that the Italians ARE the winners (4th time) the least you could do is congratulate them. FORZA AZZURRI
your sorry #### can't accpept the fact that ONE GREAT PLAYER has stolen the limlight away from a stupid, corrupt, pizza eating nation of yours. Oh by the way you won the world cup somehow and nobody seems to care. The media is focused on zidane and they all seem to be compassionate towards him...hell MM is singing his praises.
I am not French but I am a huge soccer fan. He (ZIDANE) will be remembered as a great player while Marco Materazzi and his team and the corrupt country that he plays for won't be so fortunate. The Italians played dirty through out the tournament. It's a shame that they won.
As I mentioned many times before (also right after the Italian win over Germany) the deserved to win. So I don't understand your comment. After after the WC win there are things to talk about. In my point of view this has nothing to do with me wanting another team to have won it. Forza Azzurri.
Glad to hear that Oliver, I must have missed that. More power to you.
As for cabzaa...Wow! your comments say a lot about what you know, who you are and what you stand for. I wish you all the best. CHAMPIONS!!! (4th Title).
In Germany, I am a rock star, however for the next 31 days I will become the 'Mannschaft'. A finely tuned piece of engineering. Come and listen to my engine purr.
