I am very sad to see Germany lose. Italy is not one of my favorites, but they did better when it really mattered. They had two gorgious goals that I will give them credit for. I can only hope for France to win the Porgual game, Portugal not being one of my favorites. We'll see???
I hope everyone sees now that Italy belongs in the elite of the world cup. That was a great game and when it mattered most the Italians came through. I myself was very worried going to pk's but my beloved team did not let me down. I do not care who wins between France and Portugal, just as long as the final turns out to be a great game with you know who on top.
I wouldnt bet against Portugal. They gave up one goal in the whole tournament (to Mexico). Thats impressive when you consider that they also played England and Holland. They are very organized and they dont lose their patience. Plus, they seem to get the whistle when they need it.
Another factoid, the Ref is going to be Larionda from Uruguay, who did the USA v Italty match. (how can he still be in the WC?) He is absolutely dreadful and yellow card happy.
Portugal in finals??? It can happen, but I would rather see them playing against Germany for third place (and lose). They are a good team, no doubt, but they act more than play.
you favorite is of no concern, and Italy was clearly at its best and can defeat badly anyone in the world at this point. I've never seen such team talent. You can't respect that then don't comment at all!
Italy versus anybody it does not matter they cannot be beat at all by anyone in the world nor by any combination of anyone in the world. They are just too too good!!!
soccergoddess, Germany's loss to Italy though not surprising was one for the ages. The events of the last 2 1/2 minutes were riveting to say the least. There was an air of despondency on the faces of the German fans as they could see that their team was about to lose. Italy equipped themselves accordingly in gaining victory over one of their arch rivals. Should they meet France in the Final as I do believe the French will prevail over Portugal. The Final's itself should prove to be a thrilling game.
A victory for France would be welcomed as they've been very consistent throughout the tournament.
France has not been consistant! The played like absolute rubbish until the spain game when they finally took their heads out of their bums! Either way, it doesn't matter who faces Italia in the final because Italia will win. If I could choose though, I would like to see Portugal go on. I think France VS Germany would be fun to watch, but then again any match-up would be fun to watch at this point.
socal, Portugal won't win it all ! They've not been consistent enough, as they've only fleetingly shown any sign of brilliance. Players , Deco and Ronaldo will have to step up the game if they're to beat the French who now must be the clear favorites to win the tournament.
Italy VS France - Congrats on France getting second place tophatal! :D They played well, it will be horrible for you to see them get whipped by Italy on sunday but at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing they got to the finals.
Portugal VS Germany, that will be interesting to say the least. I have to admit, I would laugh my #### off if Germany didn't even place. It would suck and I would feel bad for them once I saw them crying, but that would be hilarious
shontih, France will prevail. Vive la France ! Alles Les Francaise !!!
Odin, Your Prayers weren't meant to be answered on this day. I'm so sorry !
Socal, Are you listening to the bells you hear tolling, as they are the final death knell for the Portuguese. They were never the equal of 'Les Tricoleurs'. Nor will they ever be!
Interesting tophatal, you have yet to predict a French game incorrectly and I have yet to predict an Italian game incorrectly. Each of us thinks our team will win the Cup... I wonder which of us will be right?
tophatal: you're clueless, like all the French.
France learned how to play soccer (among too many other things to mention) from Italy, and a bit too well for our taste, I must admit, but that doesn't mean Italy doesn't keep on learning, too.
A wink to you, and may all your devilries bedevil you! Who's praying?
La France n'en a plus, c'etait beaux, mais ils sont finis. Finito, basta. Chiaro?
C'est clair mon Zizou? Oui, oui, oui, oui.
Parigi! Non abbiamo vinto la nostra SECONDA COPPA MONDIALE a Parigi?
For the English Only Crowd:
Italy won her SECOND WC in Paris.
France's run ends here.
Wow, you speak french. I only know some French. Its a good language to learn, I suppose. I always wanted to learn Russian... Anyway, France should be happy to get second. Stop being greedy tophatal! :D
I used to be quite good with Greek when I had a boyfriend from Santorini but I have lost it all completely. I bet if I were to talk to a Greek I could remember some of it but its been several years and I haven't had any practice. It's a shame because Greek is a fantastic language.
It's really quite beautiful and musical.
I remember the first time I heard it spoken.
I said to myself: what is this? It sounds like Italian, but I can't understand a word they're saying!
Odin , As for me being clueless the proof is in the pudding. Having spent a number of years living in France and learning the language I know of what I speak. All I'm looking for as far as the game is concerned is that it's an entertaining spectacle for those who choose to witness the game. Beyond that, one can't ask for anything more. Whatever the outcome it'll be great for the game of soccer and who knows it might gaint more of a foothold here in the US. If MLS is really serious about gettting the sport to be accepted it should start by looking at its league and the lack of quality therein. The likes of Twellman,Donovan and Beasley aren't gonna cut it.
Yes, greek is just so beautiful. It is better when men speak greek, rather than women. Somehow, its more lyrical. Of course I am biased. I have a love-hate relationship with greeks. They are the masters of seduction. Grecian men, unless well traveled and educated, are chauvinists and complete cads with foreign women. Utterly charming and absolutely gorgeous but are good for nothing more than one great fling.
I have a fantastic idea... MLS should get cannavaro from juventus. Not just fabio though, they should get everyone from juventus and preferrably put them on a team on the west coast ;D I mean, they either need to start sending their players to europe or getting their players from europe. I personally would rather the latter happen. Oh, but I would probably never go back to Italia if they brought Cannavaro here haha. Really though, it would be fantastic if we had european players here. Then maybe MLS wouldn't bore/aggravate me to the point of tears.
tophatal: you confirmed what I said, you are clueless just like the French, and you having lived in France and speaking the language is the proof in the pudding. France is second-tier having won one measly WC on homesoil, no better than England, and it'll stay that way for a very long time. The French have no respect for anyone else and that's why everybody else hates them, even the Americans can't stand them, and they are friends!
On the other hand, I love France in spite of the French, I love the language, the comic books, the sense of humor, croissants, even their inability to communicate, and of course, I love their women. I am an incurable xenophile.
That is both my curse and my blessing.
The MLS would need to bleed mucho dinero to get Euros to play in the US.
Shontih, do not discount the value o####reat fling, some of us are happy to get what they can.
I know, we all look for love, the great love that will make us complete and so on. I am beginning to think that it is the proverbial needle in the haystack. Love is a glint in the eye on a balmy summer day.
I have yet to go to France and to be honest, I know few French people but those I do know I like very much. I can't form an opinion though of French people in general though, so I will just pretend I agree with whoever is saying whatever when it comes to french people not on the futbol team.
Oh, I am in no hurry to find that "great love". I am enjoying being young and free. Still, it is a shame that basically all greeks are good for nothing more than some fun. Potential ruined by sexism... Very sad, indeed.
Potential to a great guy.If they had not been taught to think nothing of women, they would be damn near perfect to not only have fun with but to actually like. I love greeks and have a great deal of fun with them but I can't bring myself to respect or like any of them because they don't respect or like me. It just seems like a waste. It would be like finding out that Cannavaro is ####, it's just not fair lol
Odin, Yes I lived in France , but the phrase 'the proof is in the pudding ' is old collquial English term. England was after all the land of my birth. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one subject but I do hope that you enjoy the game. I bare you no ill will as I respect your opinions and candid arguments. That's what this forum allows us to do. Thanks ......and regards Top !!
what germany was favoured in the quarter final against argentina so whats the point of being sad!they have no strong defence though they tried in midfiled
tophatal: you sound like a gentleman, a treat to behold. My beef was (I went to the Buddhist Center, meditated, realized the emptiness of all things, became enlightened and came back and now the beef is mostly gone) with the French and not with you at all. Here's to you, mate!
Shontih, I understand now, you cannot have respect for someone who has no respect for you
that's why it's so darn hard for me to like the French! lol
I really want the Azzurri to win this WC, and if in so doing we'll have to teach the little you know what a bitter lesson, so much the better! I promise I'll be gracious in victory.:)
I can't promise any such thing. As such, I apologize in advance, tophatal. I'm going to be extremely irritating when we win the cup. Hell, I couldn't even keep from acting poorly after the Germany - Italia match, trying to be a gracious winner after the finals is going to be impossible. Oh well, the French deserve it after all the times they beat Italia. It is our time now.
Haha, That's is where I have difficulty with a lot of french fans as well.
Exactly, I don't see how anyone can. Respect is key in all relationships.
I am from Colorado. The best state of all! Soccer is my life. My parents were both pro-soccer referees. My mom was a FIFA. My dad for a reason unknown to almost anyone you ask,including himself, did not become one. For me I have been around soccer my whole life! And I love every second of it. The first time I went to a soccer game, I was three days old, watching the USA vs. Uru####, with my dad running the line, so my parents say. I don't remember. But, how much better could it get? Since I was old enough to watch I have been watching and attepting to play. Now I play all the time and enjoy every minute.
My favorite team to win the World Cup is probably Germany! Other than that I like Arsenal and ManU.
Joga Bonito,
Soccergoddess 100
