Sunday, July 09, 2006
♥ 9:37 pm
The Final: Italy vs France2000 GMT, Olympiastadion, BerlinITALY:Italy go into the match having only conceded one goal in this tournament, that being Zaccardo's own goal against the US. Their defence will be hard to break down, well-marshalled by Cannavaro and Buffon. Offensively wise, they aren't the best, with main striker Luca Toni not really having his scoring boots on. But u can also count on the talent of Totti, Pirlo and Del Piero off the bench.STRENGTHS: Their defence, without doubt. Best in the world, well organized and with possible Ballon d'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro leading the defence, it will take either a moment of brillance or a stupid mistake to beat this defence.WEAKNESSES: Not many, but possibily Cannavaro's partner at the back Materazzi. Not the quickest and suspect to late tackles. Could be exploited by the pace of Henry. Their not-so-on-form striker Toni might also be caught out by the French defence.PROBABLE TEAM: (4-4-2) Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Grosso, Gattuso, Pirlo, Perrotta, Camuronaesi, Totti, Toni.FRANCE:With Zidane having a few points to prove, and the team clicking at the right time, this is a strong France team, both strong in defence and potent up-front. Wingers Ribery and Malouda need to exploit the flanks with speed so as to put balls in for Henry.STRENGTHS: Zidane. WIth his wide range of passing and skills, the Italians will have to mark him tightly and deprive him of the ball. Their defence is as good as Italy's with Thuram and Gallas in insipred form. Wingers Malouda and Ribery wlll be the key. Can they get behind the Italian defence?WEAKNESSES: Barthez, genius or clown? He will have to step up one gear for this one. PROBABLE TEAM: (4-2-3-1) Barthez, Abidal, Thuram, Gallas, Sagnol, Makelele, Vieria, Malouda, Zidane, Ribery, Henry.Prediction: it will be tight, and i fancy it to go into extra time. 1-1 after 90, with Italy winning it in extra time.