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Finale, Berlin

   

It wasn’t the prettiest game but Les Bleus got the job done without any of the main players picking up a ban for the final, now they can really go for it and send Zidane out on the highest of highs.

The final has the makings of a great game if both teams come and play to their potential. I’d make Italy favourites, I was impressed with them after they beat Ghana in their opener and they were outstanding against Germany so France will need to get back to their quarterfinal form to have a chance.

The two have met four times in the World Cup before, Italy won in 1938 and 1978 and France knocked Italy out of the second round in 1986 and the quarterfinal in 1998. Add to that the final of Euro 2000 and Italy might have revenge high among their motivating factors.
They’ll be wearing their Azzurri blue as the home team in Berlin and France will be in their ‘lucky’ white strip so both team’s are peobably happy with that.

I guess one man who’s taking a lot of personal pleasure in France reaching the final is Raymond Domenech, who got a lot of criticism before the tournament, had to put up with stories about how the senior player’s picked the team and was given no chance of getting any success in this World Cup.
A lot more high profile, higher paid manager’s have got the early plane home but Domenech, who most of the world know’s little about, might turn out to be the biggest name in football management on Sunday night.


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  • Virginie

    Yep, I agree that Italy taking out Germany on their own field is very strong and that the last match we play was not that pretty. But if we remember how we won in 98, I don’t think it was prettier…golden goal and penalty kicks on the way through the final…it was tough.
    So Italians are probably predicted as winners (which can be easily understood), but that’s good. We’re always better when we’re not the favorites. Go figure :-)

  • http://www.ifunbet.com Tascien

    We just want to be the underdogs. We love it. Underdogs with superstars and World Cup/Euro winners on the roaster!!!

  • FORTE

    Its it true that Zidane is going around saying Thirry Henry looks like a monkey?

  • zidaneisking

    “FORTE | July 7th, 2006 at 12:02 am
    Its it true that Zidane is going around saying Thirry Henry looks like a monkey? ”

    Is it true that everyone says you’re a moron?

  • afo

    why would he do that?

    I think the teams are even going in, although france seems old.

  • CaliforniaKid

    Italy favorites??? Fine by me. France were rated the underdogs against Spain and Brazil. Look where they are now. Home. Italy will join them soon, sans a trophy, just a second runner up status. Never underestimate the French, especially this French team with Zidane leading his team for one last time.

  • matt

    man im almost full french and i have cheered for this team since the highs of 98 and the worst defending of a title ever in 02 but i dont care i luv this team… Les bleus are the underdogs but… wat happened against Brazil???? Vive le France

  • IC

    I can´t be in silence with the match on wednesday,because have so mutch traps in the game. I feel sorry, that who have Power, moves anything…France do not disarves go to the final game.

    Forza Italia
    Força Portugal

  • Haarf

    If it was the case, USA would already be champions, Brazil and Germany would play the final on sunday and Switzerland would never had finished before France.

    Try something else.

  • Cristian

    Dear “Frenchies” (with affection of course)

    I am an Ecuadorian who lives in NY. I had such thrills to see my Ecuador team emerge as a new power in the South American region. After we got eliminated my second favorite was Brazil but once France was being disregarded completely because of their players’ ages, etc. I just didn’t see it that way. I saw a team with experience and such great players that was getting better as the tournament advanced, and the amazing French victory over Spain and subsequently the win over Brazil (yes it made many Brazilians cry) made me want to cheer for France and hope that they win the World Cup. Italy was good but they got an early christmas present against Australia and the foul against Mc Bride was simply criminal. I think France is a team with a huge heart. A team that had to surmount many obstacles to get where they are now. I applaud them and I will be there cheering when they raise that world cup in victory. ALLEZ LES BLEUS! De todo corazon de un nuevo hincha sudamericano.

  • Tascien

    FORTE… masturbating while posting crap to the blog. go get a life…

    Thanks to the internet, people with little life like you are able to express themselves behind the computer screen while in reality, they are cowards!!!

  • Laurent

    the media says italy will play with Euro2000 revenge on their minds…brazil played with WC 98 revenge on their mind…look where it got them ….France is playing for national pride…it a better motivator…..
    ALLEZ LES BLEUS

  • IC

    Let waiting for the game, next Saturday and the final World Cup on Sunday.

    You are Blue..
    I´m Red..

  • Rain

    From an Argentina fan.

    The first game I saw from your team was France vs. Brasil.

    Undoubtedly you showed class and still Zidane is the king (I hope he would continue playing). Fair play and high class. I can’t think of other adjectives.

    Against Portugal, the performance was not the same. Not so much shine. The PK was correct, in my opinion. But as much as critiziced was Portugal by diving, I saw some diving on the french side as well (specially by Henry). I also think Ribery is one of the best midfielders.

    So my best wishes for the final match. I like both Italy and France so I don’t root for any of them, but I expect to see a very good game!

  • Tascien
  • Scout

    Tascien, thanks for the incredible clip!!!

  • Feo

    I don’t think that France have any reason to be confident after last night’s game, to be honest. While I’m really hoping for a French win (and for Trezeguet to finally get some time in and to overcome his demons and score), I can’t see France beating Italy after the way Italy played against Germany on Tuesday. The Italians were truly everything that no other has been in this tournament: fast, solid defense, the world’s best keeper, exploit – with accuracy – any tiny chance they get, and fight to the very last second. The long and accurate forward passes are like no other team can manage. To be honest, it terrifies me.

    I really hope that the French team fight for every ball, every moment until the very last second. The only good news after last night is that the French team finally no longer has to worry about the yellow cards.

    Good luck to both on Sunday!

  • SERB

    To IC , I am really sick of you whiners .

    I like Portugal too but France is a better team .

    And you can’t blame anyone for the match on Wednesday . EVERY CALL was completely correct ! France outplayed you in first half and deservedly got the penalty opportunity on a deliberate trip .

    I saw NOTHING in the other replays to suggest that Portugal deserved to shoot a penalty . All I saw was the usual diving . So keep your conspiracy theories to yourself .

  • SERB

    To FEO ,

    The game didn’t look impressive that is true . But I think France played the game they WANTED to play .

    I am expecting more attacking and effort from France on the final . My prediction is that France will win .

  • Tascien

    I don’t care if France didn’t attack, as long as they finished the match with 1 YELLOW CARD to Saha, who is not a starter anyway!!!!

    That was the game plan. Get a goal, sit back, NO YELLOW CARD!!!

    Now VIERA, ZIZZU, RIBERY, THURAM and SAGNOL will face Italy!!!

    Smart play France!!!!

  • JoJo

    You have to remember that France had what 5 players with yellow cards. Among them are Zidane and Henry so I believe they didn’t want to play too agressive and be taking out of the finals. Plus the more energy they conserve the better since Italy was already waiting for them. Now I’m not saying they were not tired, may be so, but you cannot cancel that out to why France last game was not as aggressive. But you would think Portugel would have still won, but nope. So in the end France played the best they could have under the circumstances. Too bad for Portugal, you had your chance and it wasn’t good enough to win.

    Allez Les Bleus

  • Francois

    France has not shown its best form yet. The Portugal match was just a game to get them thru to the finals. So we can expect more from Zidane and team.

    Having said that, Italy played very well also. They earned their spot in the finals, without any doubt.

    Whoever wins the Cup on Sunday should be the one that gives all their best and serve up a classic game for all football fans to remember by.

    Otherwise neither team deserves to be in the finals.

    For based on the accounts of this tournament, both teams came through in the earlier phase with alot of luck on their sides

    France qualified the 2nd round with the help of Swiss (bailing them out); and Italy got a penalty against Australia.

    So whether you’re a Italian fan or French fan or neither, you should hope for nothing less than a classic game between the two teams. Only in that way does it do justice to the WC, for there are other teams out there who are equally deserving to be in the finals but lacked that little bit of fortune which France/Italy had when it mattered most.

  • Napolean

    My fellow countrymen, it’s been a great run….

    But alack, we’re doomed on Sunday!

    Le Tricolore will be flying at half-mast on Bastille Day.

    [weeping].

    Allez Les Blancs, en tout cas!

  • Suzy

    i am portuguese and i fink that the french are DIVING PIGS, thiery henery dived in order to cheat and get a penalty. the portuguese didn’t dive, played fair and showed talent up until the last second. I hope the french lose because they shouldn’t b in the final at all, portugal should be there, and stop saying rubbish about portugal and making up lies and saying that they dive, the only divers are the french and french people should b ashamed of their cheating country.

    2008 and 2010 are portugals years

    *PORTUGUESE PRIDE*

    VIVA PORTUGAL
    PORTUGAL OLE PORTUGAL OLE.

    PARABEMS SELECAO NACIONAL

  • Vin (visiting from the Italy forum)

    Hey France supporters…

    I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you on making it to the final with gli Azzurri.

    I respect the French team a lot, and I am constantly amazed by Zidane. Is it true that a ghost told him to play for les bleus?

    Whatever the reason for him playing, the guy is amazing, as are many of the French players.

    Let’s hope for a nice, clean match, settled by real goals and not PKs. Nobody wants to win or lose like that. See you in Berlin!

    Andiamo Berlino! Forza Azzurri!

  • Tascien

    Francois, do you know how football in the WC works?

    “France qualified the 2nd round with the help of Swiss (bailing them out);”

    How? France would have qualified with a 2-0 score regardless of the result between Switzerland v. Korea…

    Inform yourself…

  • Haarf

    Suzy, take a look at the clip given by Tascien above, you will learn things (it seems that you followed the game on radio and not on TV)

    The match against Portugal was a trap at several levels. The last game will be very different (you can’t compare the two semi games as you can’t compare the two game of the 16, it doesn’t mean anything).

  • Jane

    Good luck France, I know you can do it. Please do not stoop to the Italian level and dive. Remember the ref is very aware of the people and countries that dive (Henry stay on your feet) take pride that you battle for every ball in a honest and competative fashion, stand tall let the Italians dive on their bellies and grovel at your feet. Just walk over them.

  • phenomial_kidz

    hey french fans!!!!
    i know still france is not able to show their game as they did against brasil, but they gonna prove tht… they r capable of winnin the world cup.. i can see tht rebary,henry n zizu gonna be the hero of tht game..
    italy on the other side is good butt not so good as france…
    hope france can reapeat 98 final in 06
    go france!!!!!

  • shuai

    IC, Suzy :

    How can you talk like taht after your “Ronaldo Diving Show”
    Don’t u have TV??? At least 5 dives so STFU please…

    Wc is over for u on saturday night… So what? Do u have ticket to sell for the final?? coz you don’t need it anymore!! hahahahahahahaha

  • Andrew

    Hey Suzy,

    Who said Portugal doesn’t have any great actors?

    I hope you took the time to watch the link from Tascien-it shows your country’s players for what they are. And well done to the French team for (mostly) not lowering themselves to your level.It’s a sad way to play football but at least I won’t have to watch your team play again.

    I think the Portuguese football team and Scolari should be banned from the next world cup.

    Here it is again… thanks Tascien!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E&feature=Discussed&page=1&t=t&f=b

  • Francois

    Tascien
    U should be the one to be informed. If not for the Swiss winning the last game in 1st round, France fate would have been very uncertain. The swiss game helped eased France into the 2nd round. Both the Swiss-Korea game and France-Togo game were played on same day. And so it matters down to the French, even down to the last goal difference for all the teams in that group (except Togo).

  • clement

    hey Suzy,

    Is it pride or blindness when you talk about the semi between france and Portugal.
    All the media said that you won the Academie award of diving.
    Dear suzy If you have 5 minutes just watch this and you will understand why C Ronaldo (and some others) don’t have anymore credit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E&feature=Discussed&page=1&t=t&f=b

    I am sorry for only one reason: they are really GOOD Football players and they don’t need to use tricks like they did, just fake.
    But I think you cannot be really objective so I forgive you.

  • Francois

    Tascien
    FYI. France had the opportunity to play “the way it wanted” because of the stupid foul caused by Portugal in the 33rd mins. This foul was controversial, but thats not my point. Without the penalty goal in the 1st half, do u think France can drop back and play safe? Sure, France did a good job defending, i agree. But again, without that goal and in the early part of the match, they would have had to work hard and the outcome of the game (and even bookings) would have been very different.

    So pls dont assume that France deserves every right to be the finals. Like every team (repeat every team) in this WC, a little luck helped them.

  • Julian

    U all, mark my words: France did exaclty what they were supposed to do against portugal. If you need more proof check outhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E&feature=Discussed&page=1&t=t&f=b, with the yellow cards on most of our major players, it was the only way to play this game, not pretty but Portugal got caught in their own cunning plan. Experience was the key (which neither holland, nor England had) Italy played against germany, but honestly idf you play football you’ll agree that germany was overated, especially Ballack who was a liabiliaty to his team. Agreed Italy looks nice, they are trained to defend from a very young age, it’s their second nature. But they haven’t played a team with the defensive skills and experience France has. Besides there’s no more ‘Misses the next game’ threat for Viera, Zidane or sagnol. We’re going to see a very tactical game, my guess is that France will take the cup because they played a very simliar game against portugal as Italy did against australia, only australia is nowhere near portugal. Let the best team win!

  • shuai

    Francois : FRA 2-0 TOGO
    With this score, France was sure to get second round…no KOR-SWI dependance……

  • roger

    Julian, you’re favouratism towards France is clouding your judgment. You are so subjective in your opinions: “Agreed Italy looks nice, they are trained to defend from a very young age, it’s their second nature. But they haven’t played a team with the defensive skills and experience France has.” The same can be said about French players, except they haven’t trained to defend from a very young age, and France has yet to play against the team with the best defensive skills in the tournement. France has only managed to defeat Brazil 1-0 from a free-kick where the Brazilian defence was pitiful for a team in the World Cup, 3 defenders against 5 French players is indefensible (excuse the pun). Against Portugal, France only won from a penalty, wow! Italy is a far more complete team playing better football and the results speak for themselves. France will meet a team on Sunday where it will need more than one Zidane.

  • patrick

    So many similarities between France and Italy. Both have great midfield generals in Zidane and Pirlo, both have, um, you know, that player who tends to fall if the wind changes direction, especially in the penalty area, that is Grosso and Henry. So, the winner will depend on the referee, Horacio Elizondo. Will he be as blind as his colleagues?

  • marco

    No matter if france win or lose Raymond Domenech wil lstill be a bad coach .. any caoch who has players on his team who hate him means hes no good .. and just like with holland and brazil and other nations, he lefts some good players at home .. i think france played very very good against spain, but then beat a crap brazil (which i said before the WC was never that good) and did just enough to beat portugal (who were some what unlucky not to score them selves) so non the less france have done well to get to the final but i still think there coach is no good .. hat being said i hope italy win!! FORZA ITALIA

  • marco

    oh and one more point .. no one has scored agaisnts Italy so far (except for an own goal which does not really count) .. so just thought id like to remind you all ..

  • rihas

    this game, i hope trazeguet can play along side henry because zidane are unable to connect wth henry. this hopefully will be an all out battle, no holding back from domenech n zidane.

  • http://www.eflog.net/manganime ricardo

    Le Portugal a joué très meilleur qui la France, l’arbitre était du côté de la France était injuste avec le Portugal, I comprend que le Portugal est pauvre et la France est riche, la France devoir-dans la pénalité deux, au moins le haut-parleur dit qu’une boule touchée dans un joueur français et le fils du puta de l’arbitre n’a pas compté, seulement fait manque de nous et elles étaient arrivées derrière au jeu ne sont pas simplement, et nous il n’en avons eu aucun, qui n’était pas pénalité, gay du Français d’entraîneur et un joueur dit que nous dissimulated le tir si le sol, avons dit la vérité, mais de ce temps pas nous dissimulate France imiter-dans, et l’arbitre était dans le cantiga de eux, le fils du puta du joueur français dans seulement offensant leur et l’âne dit qu’il n’aime pas qu’un entraîneur de l’autre équipe parle du son équipe, identifie que la France n’a joué rien, seulement était valide qu’un golo avec peu d’effort, le poison mis français d’entraîneur seulement au papier sablé, que l’Italie gagne, force du Portugal est de son côté. Il a seulement plus une certaine chose une des joueurs et de l’entraîneur craints ou a critiqué que nous il me tire au sol, puis doit critiquer quand nous jouons avec la France, j’ajoutent toujours volé, il doit avoir un pacte entre la France et l’arbitre.

    P.S. : sur le jeu de l’Angleterre, Ronaldo n’a pas exigé avec le árbito que le roney était banit, le roney est qu’il l’a poussé, et a pris la carte rouge. kiss

  • http://www.ifunbet.com Tascien

    Francois,

    What you said tells me that you don’t know much about the WC competition, so, I will not continue to discuss… All I can tell to you, like Shuai said, 2-0 vs. Togo was enough to send France through. Regardless of Swiss v. Korea match. so, do the math before talking….

    “France does not deserve to be in the final”

    Whatever man. We are playing sunday in Berlin when Portugal, Brazil, England, Argentina, Germany & Spain will be watching on TV…

    Allez les blues…

  • Portuguese out

    Portuguese…

    Your team lost, it is over. Please refrain from coming here and insulting the French team. You are not welcome….have some class.

  • Pallavi Barua

    The World Cup 2006 goes to France. All my best wishes to Zidane!

  • Jay
  • Pallavi Barua

    I was amazed to see the “Do or Die” attitude of the Frenchmen of African origin, when playing for their adopted homeland. Indeed, Patriotism lies in the heart and not on the skin.

  • geri

    .Portugal_frança, that if passes? The arbitrator was drunk, would have to be banishes from the Fifa to go for the unemployment, coitado has penalty of it, it must be some fool, it did not make nothing, only made lacks for we (Portugal) and we he did not deserve me in such a way, the France that deserved some lacks and it did not make nothing, I decide it was of the side of France and against us, this is a shame, must have shame in the face its prostitute, according to speaker of the television, one of the French players during the game touched in the ball and he was not penalty? that the Uruguayan is this must be apanhado of the climate, only must be crazy of the cornos but soon what if it has to make, seems that it does not like us was a game an unjust one and of legs for air, that we are to see stars of as much parvoíce. The arbitrator did not leave to escape one we and to the Frenchmen he escaped much thing, he passed the hands to it, he was friend of them, I find that he has love gay between arbitrator and the French trainer, therefore the boys French (players) asked for for I decide it to have penalty of the French players, and for we age penalty the player did not become confused and the prostitute of the French trainer therefore poison to be penalty, the Uruguayan pardon-in the ones of one penalty and to the French player who went to give a yellow card to it did not pardon. good bye

  • canada out

    dude you are Portugal donkey does not insult France, France insults Portugal.

    kiss dude Pallavi Barua

  • Jay

    Hey Geri you’d better stop using automatic translators and move on to the swimmimg pool for training with your national team. Moron.

  • http://franck-ribery-swicki.eurekster.com/ tiiiit

    Pour Ribéry : “c’est énorme !!!”
    http://franckyribery.blogspot.com/2006/07/cest-norme.html

  • Tascien

    Geri,

    do your parents know that you are using the internet right now?

    It’s not safe for kids to browse the internet this late!!!

  • rsl

    Can anyone tell me what the name of the song the people sing repeatedly in this, and most, of the celebration videos I’ve seen? —
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY9O_nwqZBw&search=world%20cup%20celebration%20france
    (sounds like “Oly opee da, Oly opee da” to me)

    I’d like to find the lyrics for my daugthers who study French so they can sing it when France wins the Final, Sunday.

  • Sharon

    i love FRANCE….!!! n i love ZIDANE!!!! Zizou rules man… so does thuram, gallas, vieira, trezeguet, n all the other french squad…u guyz are the best in the world…Zidane will alwayz be my all time favourite!! FRANCE RULES!!

  • rfree

    Can anyone tell me what the name of the song the people sing repeatedly in this, and most, of the celebration videos I’ve seen? —
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY9O_nwqZBw&search=world%20cup%20celebration%20france
    (sounds like “Oly opee da, Oly opee da” to me)

    I’d like to find the lyrics for my daugthers who study French so they can sing it when France wins the Final, Sunday.

  • rfree

    sorry for the dup – thought it didn’t like the first one.

  • Fiffers

    Hi rfree
    They sings “On est en finale, on est en finale” means “We are in final, we are in final”

    Hope it helps.

    Cheers

  • Fiffers

    And, if France wins on Sunday, your Daughters could sing : “On a gagné, on a gagné”. (”We won, we won”)

  • Jay

    If france wins, she will rather heard “on est les champions ! on est les champions ! on est, on est, on est les champions !”
    That’s what we hope :)

  • NoMoPizza

    Suzy, the French are diving pigs? This coming from a Portugeese? Too funny. I am surprised the Portugal team doesn’t apply for jobs at Seaworld San Diego. The would make the dolphins green with envy. Allez, France!

  • dada

    “I will survive” a gloria gaynor remix would be good

  • dada

    or you can try this one in french.
    a lot of songs. some rap to

  • dada
  • dada
  • John

    France’s Defense:

    France’s defense of its third is very similar to Germany’s, which obviously gave Italy trouble until the very end when Germany was just plain out of gas. The problem is Barthez. He looked very shaky against Portugal a couple of times. If Italy breaks down France’s last line, they’re just too deadly from close range. They’ll eat Barthez alive. So I think France’s last line of defense is the entire key to this match. They MUST hold, at all cost. And they must try not to give up many corners, because Italy is very good with their heads on corners and Barthez isn’t so hot at defending them. Keep the action moving on the field (limit corners and free kicks in your own third). Keep the Italian offense bottled up in your own middle when they threaten, so you can collapse and get physical (France’s strong suit on defense). Don’t let their strikers get wide where they can take it down and get lots of corners or make easy crosses into the box. Italy has only an average offense when teams bottle them up into a collapsing middle.

    France Offense:

    Italy is awesome in their own third too, so nothing will be easy. Germany had a couple of good scoring chances in the box against Italy, and both were set up by first playing the ball wide, then making a pinpoint pass to a striker or winger coming across from the other side. Schneider just blew his shot, plain and simple. He had both the last line and Buffon beat, but he sailed the shot. I’d love to see Zidane use the same attack strategy when they get the ball deep on Italy. Pass it out wide to Ribery, who should then try to laser a ball back to Zidane or in to someone else sneaking across from the opposite side. I’ve noticed a slight tendency for Italy’s last line to break down if there are two very good, quick passes to opposite sides or from one side to the middle inside the top box. But the key is that first touch on both passes. They have to be perfect. If either pass gets even mildly flubbed on the first touch, it gives Italy time to adjust. If France can put two fast passes together that are handled perfectly each time, they’ll get a good look I bet. Germany did it, and France is every bit as good at first touches.

    The Midfield:

    The midfield is a strength of both teams, but I think a strong case can be made that France has an edge here. They dominated Brazil and have been strong there really in every game (although they had a lapse against Spain for a good portion of that match). It’s an old saw in football, but winning the midfield keeps an opponent on defense, even when they don’t want to be. I really think France can be in this match if they make it a priority to win balls in the middle at every chance.

    Recap:

    France needs to continue their very strong last line defense. They need to push the ball into Italy’s third a lot more than other teams have done, then look for quick outside-inside passes, handle them well, and be ready to fire off the first touch. And finally, France must work hard to win more than their share of midfield chances in order to keep Italy on defense and to give themselves the maximum number of offensive chances. Buffon won’t be easily beat, but if you take 10 shots on goal (the number I think France needs to win), one of them probably will go in. And one goal may well win this one.

  • IC

    Dear SERB and shuai,
    I´m sick, too of your criticizes. I´m just enter to this blog, to tell you the truth you won´t see. There´s so much lies and hypocritism in some commentaries that are display in this space by French fans. And a little thing, there ´s some many portuguese in your country, working and contribute for your health´s Economy. So, don´t you ignore this fact.
    Oh…and good luck on sunday!!

  • Napolean

    sacre merde, what was Ricardo saying? was that spanish???? does he know that this is the french site??? be cool, amigo. seulement slang american, si vous plait!!!!

  • Napolean

    sheeet-uh!

  • Jonathan

    Any1 who says, France does not deserve to be in the finals, needs to have their brain checked…they beat Brazil! They not only deserve to be in the finals, they deserve to win!

    WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

    Good luck from usa!!!

  • roger

    Come off it, Jonathan, just because France beat Brazil it deserves to be in the final and to also win it! In this WC Brazil were – and I am being very kind – simply ordinary. A team cannot expect to be feared and glorified because of past great players who made some great Brazilian squads. France just beat Brazil 1-0 due to the latter’s abysmal defence and was lucky to defeat Portugal, also 1-0, but from a penalty. The dice has rolled with France. The final will be a new game against a far better opponent.

  • Vive La France

    Italy has not beaten France in 28 years. Italy are seasoned chokers and will lose on Sunday. This French side could be the greatest team in history.

  • shuai

    Ic,

    Impossible, you’re too biaised… Look at the game again.

    For da PK, There is foul, no doubt. Your defender told it. It’s a fact. So what? Is he a lier?

    Concerning diving, you deserved at least 5 yellows cards. Again, look at the video. 2 players Dove with no defender close to them…. shame! how can you open your mouth after that. unbelievable.
    Ref was blind?? He just manage to give you a chance to finish the game with 11 players.

    Even my portuguese friends watchin the game with me were shamed. Coz That’s not Portugal.

    Last point, about portuguese living in france. We are talking about football. If I disagree with you that not means I don’t like portuguese…
    Unfortunaltly, we can see on this worldcup blog a lot of racism, untolerance, hateness (hatred?)and antifrench!
    That kind of man who can’t make the difference between football and real life. That kind of man who don’t PLAY football.

  • Marcus

    France got to the finals by getting Henry to dive…..HENRY is HORRIBLE PLAYER …

    I’m sure France would have lost the semi-final had it not been for that penalty (which was not a penalty)…..Henry dived and France wins….

    If france wins of Sunday it would mean Henry dived again…

    BOO France …shame…shame….

  • BERMUDA OUT!

    Oh MARCUS!

    So you go to every forum and post your same weak-ass little kid comment?

    That really shows maturity.

    Go cry to your mama you sissy ass girly.

    France are in the finals!!! You hate that don’t you? :)

    I thought so.

    TOo bad…

  • Jenny

    Hi everyone ! :)

    Nevermind what people say about the French team with bad faith… I just would like to say that I’m French and my origin is chinese.
    And when I see in the street, in France, how much the french players make us happy and united, whatever our skin color, i’m just proud of them. Their path was not easy for them and they never give up ! Whatever it will happen in final, we’ll still be proud.

    And I’d like to underline something… :) Zidane is not only a good player, he also has great qualities as an humain : high class, fair, generous and much humility.

    Thanks Zizou for all the pleasure you give us.

    ( And sorry for my english.. :( lol )

    Take care of you all !

    Jenny

  • Jonathan

    It’s true there was some diving from France, but not nearly as much from Italy!

  • Good Luck

    Hey everyone. I am a big HOlland fan but my loyalty will be with the french on Sunday. I cheered you guys on in 2000 when you pulled off that amazing victory against Italy. Hopefully tomorrow it will not be as tight but I wish you the best. GOOOD LUCK.

    P.S the Italians in my city have already planned a parade for tomorrow. Sounds like cocky to me.

  • Good Luck

    Hey Marcus.

    The shame award goes to Portugal. IF in fact you beleive Henry dived then it was sweet sweet Karma.

  • Jane

    Hi Guys, I am A England supporter but would like to wish you Good luck tonight (probably won’t need it) may the Best Team Win.

    Stay safe, play well and be happy.

  • micha

    I don’t see any reason for Italy being favoured tommorow, except the Buffon vs. Barthez situation. I mean Barthez is just awful and will single-handedly cost you the game.
    Somebody needs to lock Domenech in a closet or something and start Coupet.
    I believe France has better offence than Italy but Buffon and an 8 man defence will be tough to break, best chances will be on counter attack. I think France can win but are really handicaped by Barthez.

  • Chelios

    I hope that France win today. France have so many good players Zidane, Thuram, Vieira, Gallas, Ribery…

    France rulez

  • Chelios

    I hope that France win today. France have so many good players Zidane, Thuram, Vieira, Gallas, Ribery…

    France is the best.

  • Francois

    tascien,
    1) Pls call Fifa and ask them to do the calculation for u. I said again so that u can understand : The swiss-korea match and the france-togo match was played on the same day and during the same time. There’s no way France knew that it was “going thru” no matter what the outcome of the other match results. I’m not gonna let u have an easy time and give u the answer straight away. Call Fifa and ask them to tell u the possibilities and outcomes.

    2) Secondly i didnt intend to pick a dialogue with u. Yr’ one the one who started it. Keep yr opinion to yrself and on the blog. Dont single out ppl and u wont get this rebuttal.

  • James

    im english but france is going to win this Zidane is still amazing no matter what people say he schooled the brazilians and they also got frank ribery whos still quite young and if he plays like he played against spain and brazil france has got this
    ZIDANE IS GOD

  • James

    in that one match against portugal henry was caught no doubt it was a terrible tackle henry might have exagerated it a bit to get the refs attention but it deffinatly was a foul.

    Portugese people can not complain about that the portugese team is the gayest team ever they dive all the time 9 out of 10 times when Ronaldo goes down and they show the replay in slowmo he doesnt even get touched fuk the portugese

  • Zidane is a disgrace

    on the highest of highs? yes i think he was too high (on pot)

  • IC

    Shuai, yes , you was right I dont´n play football but i know what is wrong and not.
    And I’m not racist, besides I have family in France. What I mean´t was that French fans in this blogue, do not private do criticize and push Portugal to the mud. Touch us.. and a person who likes your country, don´t like to read or ear this.The final game, teel me that french players didn´t divings, there is worse, the penalty that Zidane didn´t fail, was just!!
    I´m not happy with the out of Zidane, wasn´t necessary to attack italian player. He deservs a big out of World Cup.
    Congratulations for 2nd. place (it´s good too)

  • James

    Even though Zidane hasnt said excatly what was said “2 reliable sourses” from some newzpaper said the whole game the italiens were trying to provoke him to doing stuff, since Zidane is Muslim people on the italian team were reported to calling him a “dirty terrorist” that is downright racism if i was zidane ide of lost my cool 2.

    Doing in the finals in extra time made it worst he was the french captain and he let his team down.

    Zidane was brought up in a poorer neighbourghood where there was a bit more violence as Thierry Henry said “You can take the man out of the rough neighborhood, but you can’t take the rough neighborhood out of the man”

  • Dan

    U gotta check out this little movie of an italian soccer camp it’s pretty sweet lol

    http://www.break.com/index/italian_football_training_program.html

  • http://WORLDCUP ITALIA RITA

    ZIDANE I WILL LET YOU DO ME ALL NIGHT………..
    I’M SORRY GUYS BUT ZIDANE I LOVE YOU ALL NIGHT

  • Pallavi Barua

    Italian players have already broken the World Cup Trophy. Seems the Abstract Force called ‘God’ has given His Verdict.
    More than the Champions, the Award for best fair play in World Cup 2006 (won by Brazil and Spain) is more prestigious. Italy might have won, but the Italian Team know in their heart of hearts that they don’t deserve the Golden Ball.

  • Kruman

    Football fields will cry with Zidane no more to bring grace and elegance to the sport
    Football fields cried when foul words were the crowning glory of the champions

    So reads the epitaph of the “Beautiful Game” which was laid to rest in Berlin on July 9th, 2006

  • Pallavi Barua

    Kruman, thats very true !

    By resorting to the trickery of Provocation, an undeserving soccer team from Italy won the WC Trophy. Sunday, July 9, 2006 will go down as the Black Day for World Cup Soccer.

  • bob

    go france not ! i would rather berlin win

  • bob

    hay its was a joke france is heps cool i am glad they one this game gggggggggoooooooooooooo FFFFFFFFFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! replay if you have a problem to: bobby@yahoo.com

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