LiveBlog: France vs. Italy

July 9th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

In an exciting final to the 2006 World Cup, Italy picks up its fourth title after defeating France in a penalty shoot out. It has been a long and wonderful trip. You can read the play-by-play below and leave your thoughts on the final and the World Cup.

Final: France 1-1 a.et. Italy
Italy 5-3 p.s.o

Italy penalty #5 Grusso for the World Cup title. He hits it in and Italy is champion of the world!!!!! 5-3 on penalty kicks.

France penalty #4 Sagnol punches it in. Italy 4-3.

Italy penalty #4 Del Piero calmly puts it in. Italy 4-2.

France penalty #3 Abidal with the left foot. He hits it in without a problem. Italy 3-2

Italy penalty #3 De Rossi hits it top shelf and in. Italy 3-1

France penalty #2 Trezeguet up for France. He hits the crossbar and it goes out. No goal. First miss. 2-1 Italy.

Italy penalty #2 Materazzi for Italy and he hits it into the corner past Barthez. 2-1 Italy

France penalty #1 Wiltord up first for Les Bleus. He hits it to the right and nails it. 1-1

Italy penalty #1 Pirlo taking the first kick for the Azzurri. He steps up and hit is in the middle for a goal.

Penalty shoot out history Italy has lost three time on penalty shoot outs in the World Cup including the 1994 final. France has won two of three World Cup penalty shoot outs, including against Italy in the quarterfinals of 1998.

End of Extra Time After two hours of football the 2006 World Cup will be decided by a penalty shoot out. Each team will have five shooters to start. The keeper match up is Buffon vs. Barthez. Who do you think will win?

119:12 Wiltord tracks one down and puts a shot off target. Buffon takes his time to get the golden ball back into play.

118:43 Both teams appear to be running in slow motion. This looks increasingly like it will be decided on spot kicks.

117:46 Italy pushes forward but Grosso doesn’t have the legs to track it down. I know the feeling. I am exhausted just watching this one.

116:37 France has been the more attacking team for the past 70 minutes or so but Italy can still come up with a winner with one right play.

114:49 Malouda takes a fall and Domenech kicks over a water bottle in disgust. Malouda looks to be out of legs.

113:34 This is turning out to be a crazy ending to a high paced and energetic game. France is still controlling the play even though they are down a man.

112:29 Who knows what Materazzi might have done, but that was a brain freeze by Zidane. We will see if Italy will make him pay for his sins.

111:03 France will play a man down for the final 10 minutes and they lose one of their best penalty kickers in Zidane.

109:40 The side official caught Zidane’s head butt and he is shown the red card. That is it for his career and it is a horrible way for him to go. The red is justified. He really hit Materazzi.

108:23 Del Piero goes down but is called for holding the ball. Meanwhile, Zidane takes Materazzi with a head butt. Wow, that was not a classy move at all. Materazzi is down in pain. Zidane might get away with this one.

107:07 Wiltord in for Henry. Not sure I would agree with that move if this one does head to penalty kicks.

105:57 De Rossi takes a hit to the head and that, friends, is called karma. He gets up and should be just fine.

105:01 15 more minutes to decide a winner or we will head to penalty shoot outs.

105:00 The first extra time comes to an end and it was all France. Zidane with the best opportunity but Buffon is determined to save the day for Italy.

104:03 The Italian keeper kept his country alive with that brilliant save on the Zidane header. This one has been a thriller.

103:12 Italy doesn’t even look interested in getting the ball. It is all France but they are unable to crack the Azzurri backline. Zidane with a header that is saved by Buffon. Great header and great save. Wow, just like 98 final except it is saved.

102:14 Bomb blasting noises happening outside our place in Berlin. Now would be the perfect time for Germany to invade France. Not that I am encouraging that. France continues to control the ball.

100:49 Trezequet was the one who scored the game winner against Italy in Euro 2000. Azzurri fans don’t need to be reminded of this fact.

99:58 Ribery with a great chance in the box and he shoots it just wide to the right. That was close. Ribery is subbed out and Trezeguet comes in.

98:43 France still with two subs to use but now sign of anyone coming off the bench.

97:35 France passing it around and then losing it before they reach the box. Italy has not shown the offensive initative thus far in extra time but here they come.

96:12 Gattusso has some dental work down on the sideline and he is back on the field looking as much like a bulldog as ever.

94:37 Malouda splits a couple defenders near the corner of the box and he takes to the air. Gattusso is the one down. He gets up and the players are happy for water.

93:45 As dramatic as it would be, I want this game to be decided before a penalty shoot out. That is just a cruel way to end a World Cup.

92:49 France with a corner kick. Zidane takes it from the left side and it is cleared away as a France player lets out an audible moan.

91:49 Two of the tournament’s older teams are being extended tonight with an extra 30 minutes. Italy jumped all over Germany in the beginning of the extra time in the semi, but France is rolling it around nicely in this one.

90:49 Italy went to extra time last game in the semifinals. France has not had to play extra time this tournament.

90:12 I wish I had trainers to work on my fingers like the players get their worked on before extra time. Both teams have expended a lot of energy in this match.

90:01 As Trapper pointed out in the comments, the 1966 final went to extra time with England winning. Will we see a winner tonight or will this one be decided by penalty shots? For those into stats, Italy has lost all three World Cup penalty shoot outs and France has won two out of three.

End of Regulation After 90 minutes of intense football, the World Cup final is headed to extra time. We’ll play two, 15-minute periods. If we are tied after that we will go to a penalty shoot out.

90 My very quick and possibly inaccurate reseach shows no final has ever been decided in extra time and only ‘94 went to penalty shoot out. EDIT: Duh, ‘66 final was. Thanks, Trapper! Two minutes added time.

88:49 Anyone out there know when a final was last decided in extra time? Italy of course lost on penalty kicks in ‘94 but when was the last final decided in extra time?

87:35 Ribery and Henry trying to play combination ball but the Azzurri defense is a wall in the back.

86:12 Corner kick for France but before it happens Cameranesi off and Del Piero on for Italy. Kick is swung in and then hit out to Makelele who pops it over the bar.

85:12 France taking a bit more of the initiative. Italy has had a couple of late game winners in this tournament and seemingly knows when to make the final push.

84:03 We are seeing two very evenly matched teams battle it out tonight. Some finals are decided early on but this one is coming down to the wire.

82:49 France attacking again and Zambrotta concedes a corner. French fans on their feet. Zidane strikes it and it is cleared away.

81:23 Zidane getting the magic spray and he is back on the pitch. His playing career goes on. Will he end on a winning note or will it end in heart break?

80:00 Zidane down on the turf with a sore shoulder. He does not look too happy about it. Cannavaro was all over him on the play. Will this be the end for Zizou?

78:34 France came out firing in the first part of this half but Italy has stood toe-to-toe since Lippi put in De Rossi and Iaquinta.

76:59 Yellow card shown to Diarra and Italy has its turn with a free kick from straight on and far out. He was booked for dissent. Pirlo takes the kick and it is just wide of the goal to the left. Bent it off target.

75:17 Camoranesi is not having a strong game tonight for Italy. He clips Abidal and France hgets a free kick from the side of the area. Zidane over the ball. How many times have we seen him in this position? He take it and it goes a little too high for Malouda.

73:48 Toni limps off and sprays some water on his leg. He should be back and in an offside position again soon.

72:43 Abidal body checks Camoranesi but he gets up without dramatics. Toni down holding his ankle like he needs it to be amputated. He did get a knock on the knee

70:30 Zidane’s free kick is punched away by Buffon. Can Zidane come up with some magic in his final football game?

70:00 Twenty more minutes for someone to be a hero. Ribery and Henry all over the pitch this half. Free kick to France from outside the area.

68:49 Both teams came into the game with a reputation for strong defense but we have seen plenty of attack tonight. Ribery with another long shot that goes high and wide.

67:23 This game has me nervous and I have absolutely no rooting interest. I can’t even imagine what it must be like in Italy and France right now.

66:02 Italy settling down after making the pair of subs and are more active in the attack.

64:49 France still with three substitutions and Italy with one left. Ribbery tries to find Henry but Cannavaro digs it out.

63:00 Henry one on one with Cannavaro and he fires a shot that is saved by Buffoon. End to end action in what is turning out to be an exciting final.

62:19 It looked to be Cannavaro who was a step or two offside, thus taking the Toni header off the scoreboard. That would have been demoralizing for a France team that has controlled the half.

61:22 Italy goal is waved offside. Luca Toni headed it home but Italy was step off. The right call.

60:18 De Rossi in, Perrotta out. Iaquinta in for Totti. Wow, Lippi is making a big gamble here. Totti hasn’t done much but he is the maestro. De Rossi hasn’t played in four matches.

59:59 Italy finally with some possession and a chance to settle the game down to a more favorable pace. Will we see a winner in the next half hour?

58:28 Whatever France eat at halftime I would like to have some. They have come to life this half while Italy has been unable to get anything going.

57:16 Zidane with a volley that is blocked away. France continues to attack this half as Italy is hanging by a thread in the back.

57:02 Tough break for France to lose Vieira who has been so valuable for them this game and tournament.

55:23 Vieira down with a tweaked hamstring. That might be it for the warrior as he hobbles off the pitch. Diarra looking to come on to replace him.

54:23 Malouda with a great turn and a cross in the box. He has come out with his game this half. France expending a lot of energy pushing forward.

53:09 Zambrotta takes down Malouda from behind in the box and he got leg first. No penalty called.

52:48 France the more aggressive of the two teams this half as they are throwing their weight forward and Henry has woken up.

52:06 Zidane not having his finest game in the middle of the field but still creating for his teammates. Henry in the box does not pull the trigger on the shot. Should have tried it first time.

50:13 Henry spins and splits the defenders and it is cleared away by Zambrotta in the box. Great effort from Henry to create for himself. Ribery with a blast over the bar.

49:02 Corner kick for Italy. They go short with it and Pirlo’s cross in the box is dangerously close. Offside is than blown on Pirlo.

48:12 Malouda gives a forearm to Zambrotta and the Italian player is none the better for it.

47:23 It will be interesting to see how willing each side is to push forward as the clock ticks on and one mistake could make the difference.

45:59 Henry breaks through the Italian defense and gets a soft shot that Buffon handles. Buffon puts his arm around Henry and the two exchange stock tips.

45:34 No changes from either side as the 22 men who entertained us in the first half are back on for an encore.

45:01 We’re back underway from Berlin where France and Italy are battling it out for the right to lift the World Cup trophy. Will this one be decided in the next 45 minutes of will we need some additional time to crown a champion? We’ll know that answer in due time. Thanks for joining me and for your comments. Keep the vibe good down there and let’s hope the next 45 minutes are a thrill.

Halftime stats Italy 58-42% possession, Italy 4-2 corner kicks, both teams 2 corner kicks and 2 shots on goal, France 11-10 fouls committed.

Halftime After 45 minutes, the World Cup Final in Berlin is tied at one. France got on the board first after being awarded a penalty kick, which was hit home by Zidane. Italy answered with a goal from Materazzi off of a corner kick. Not a bad first half for a championship game. I’m going to get another beer and to try to ignore the fact that this is all coming to an end. Your thoughts on the first half are welcome.

44:45 Abidal muffs a throw in. The gold ball is not all it is cracked up to be after all. Two minutes extra time.

44:04 Toni is clipped down by Vieria. Italy with a set play from far out. Totti hits it. Damn he is a good looking guy. I didn;t say that. It is cleared away by France.

42:57 Zidane showing that diving isn’t just for the young kids. He gets the call and then France gives it right back to Italy,

42:14 Pity the poor security guys who have to spend the whole game with their backs turned to the field. They aren’t part of the one billion tuned in for this match. The action has bogged down a bit after a frenetic start.

40:34 It has taken 40 minutes for the wave to rear its ugly head.

39:23 Neither team has been called offside tonight, amazing considering the amount of times Henry has been nailed this tournament and the Italian propensity for being offside.

38:28 This game is turning into a slugfest with two heavyweights battling each other throughout the pitch. Excellent pace thus far for a final.

37:23 French coach Raymond Domenech looks like a professor who gave me a bad grade in comparative literature. He was under fire before the World Cup but no one is questioning his moves now.

36:02 Italy looking dominant in the corner kicks. France has no answer in the air for their taller players.

35:27 Toni breaks free in the box and Thuram with a great tackle to prevent the shot on goal. Corner by Italy is headed off the crossbar by Toni. Wow, that was close.

33:21 Some more magic water and Perrotta is suddenly a new man. Is that Holy Water?

32:49 Perrotta down on the turf asking for his last will and testament. He could not possibly be hurt but he sure is trying to be. Magic spray ASAP.

31:12 Beckenbauer sighting. If he sat through the Ukraine and Tunisia match you knew he wouldn’t miss this one. Lucky bastard.

30:25 We’re looking at two very good teams tonight playing at a high level. A treat to see in a World Cup final. Henry passes it to Malouda who gets a soft shot that Buffon catches with ease.

29:05 Cameronesi gies down in the attacking third and the referee asks for world peace and calmness. Totti over the ball. Barthez looking nervous but it hits the French wall without harm.

27:34 Corner kick to Italy. Pirlo takes and Materazzi again gets his head on it but it is whistled dead.

25:57 Italy well ahead on ball possession but France is generating opportunities when they are on the attack.

24:01 Referee letting both teams bang it out. Italy looking to counter but Vieria breaks it up with his long legas.

22:38 The conventional wisdom before the match was that this would be a low scoring affair but so far that isn’t the case. I have the feeling we’ll see a goal or two more before this done. There. I just jinxed us all.

21:25 The chants of Italia are ringing out in the stadium and from the apartment below me. The game is opening up with both teams playing at a high pace.

20:23 Couldn’t ask for a much better start to a World Cup final with both teams on the board.

18:42 GOALLLLL!!! Italy corner kick is headed in by Marco Materazzi. He skied for that goal and headed it over home.

17:34 Lippi biting his fingernails on the Italian sideline. He probably isn’t the only Italian doing so after the start to this match.

16:12 Zambrotta is a lot of fun to watch. The Italian defender is fearless in the attack and always seems to be in position.

15:16 Referee trips over Zidane and he doesn’t give himself a yellow for diving.

15:01 France has only conceded two goals in this tournament and their backline is looking very well organized again tonight. They are facing an Italy side that has seen 10 players score.

13:47 Italy looking to put up an attack but thus far they haven’t been able to get close in. France called for a foul and a free kick from the side. Pirlo swings in it and Thuram heads it away.

11:12 Two players down as Grosso and Sagnol run into one another. Sagnol is booked for a yellow card.

9:59 That Zidane penalty shot sure was crafty. Buffon guessed to his right and Zidane just floated it high down the middle.

9:18 Corner kick for France after a bad clearance from Italy’s defense. It is cleared out by the Azzurri.

8:42 Italy is behind for the first time in this competition and that was the first goal they conceded that was not an own goal. Still haven’t given up a goal in the run of play.

7:35 This tournament will be remembered for the officiating and the final is no exception thus far. Great break for France and will force Italy to play a bit more offensive.

6:00 GOALLLL!!! Zidane chips in a soft penalty kick that hits the bar and goes just over the line. Wow, quick lead for France.

5:15 Malouda goes down in the box he is touched but he enhanced it with a dive. Regardless he is awarded a penalty.

4:45 Italy with a cross in the box and there is a collusion. Zambrotta clips Vieiera hard and gets the yellow card. Hard foul and deserving of a card.

3:56 Henry back in the game. That is a welcome sign. Don’t want to see the best players miss out on the final.

2:51 Henry getting the ice bag on the head. His head hit Cannavaro’s shoulder pretty hard. This could be a concussion but I don’t pretend to be a doctor.

1:25 Henry down on the ground after running into Cannavaro. The medical staff out to look at hime and there are a lot of concerned French players around him.

:034 The gold ball is on display for the first time this tournament and it already has distracted me. Italy starts out with the possession and is rilling it around to prove the ball is indeed round.

Kickoff: We’re underway from Berlin in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Italy. A champion will be crowned within the next couple of hours. I appreciate you joining me for the match. Your comments are very much welcome. Please keep them clean, have fun and get along like old friends. This is the end of the journey so let’s all work together to make it a good one.

4 Minute Countdown: All of France is singing about death, killing and all that good stuff. The players know the words by now and many of them are putting Shakira to shame with their singing skills.

6 Minute Countdown: We start with the anthem of Italy. Death, kill, and all that good stuff sung to a cheerful tune as the players are locked shoulder to shoulder.

8 Minute Countdown: The two teams are led out onto the pitch by the red-clad referee from Argentina. Berlin’s Olympic Stadium looks electric with cameras flashing throughout the stands. Even the kids escorting the players are fired up for this one.

10 Minute Countdown: The players are lined up in the tunnel and you can bet their hearts are about to explode out of their chests. I am nervous just watching them. Italy is clad in their traditional blue kits, while Les Bleus of France are in fact wearing white for the fourth straight game this World Cup. Zinedine Zidane has the captain’s armband on for France and Fabio Cannavaro has the honor for Italy. Now would be a good time to head to the restroom. You don’t want to miss a second of this game.

12 Minute Countdown: Reports from the stadium are that the cheapest tickets are going for 1,000 Euros. Not only do you get to see a World Cup final but you can watch Shakira shake it.

15 Minute Countdown: More than a billion people will watch this match and this painfully bad pregame concert. That number frightens me. When was the last time a billion people all did the same thing at the same time? Probably a month ago during the opening match. In honor of those one billion people and for the faithful folks following the liveblog tonight I am cracking open a clear hefeweizen that has become my favorite beverage of choice while in Germany. Cheers and good health to one and all. May we never see Il Divo and Toni Braxton together again.

20 Minute Countdown: Random fact time…Tonight’s final is the first since 1978 not to feature either Brazil or Germany…. It is the first since 1982 not to have a participant from South America… Horacio Elizondo will become the first Argentine official to referee a World Cup Final and only the third South American to have that duty…. Pele, Daniel Passarella, Cafu and Ronaldo are the only players to have won non-consecutive World Cups… 53 players have played in two World Cup Finals….this is my 31st liveblog of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

25 Minute Countdown: It has been a pleasantly warm summer day here in Berlin and with the sun beginning to set it is cooling down to a perfect temperature for football. Italy and France are no strangers to one another. The two teams met in the quarterfinals of the 1998 World Cup and the final of Euro 2000. France came out on top both times. Will they have Italy’s number again tonight? The oddsmakers have made Italy a slight favorite but this truly is either team’s game to win or lose. Yep, been at this liveblogging thing long enough that the clichés are just rolling off the fingers today.

30 Minute Countdown: Italy will once again likely be without Alessandro Nesta, who has been battling an injury. France will be missing reserve forward Louis Saha, who is serving a suspension for picking up two yellow cards. Daniele De Rossi is back for the Azzurri after sitting out four games for suspension but is unlikely to feature in the match. Here are the 22 men in shorts who will be the starters for the 2006 World Cup final. Both teams are going with the same lineups as in the semifinals.

France
16. Fabien Barthez, 3. Eric Abidal, 4. Patrick Vieira, 5. William Gallas, 6. Claude Makelele, 7. Florent Malouda, 10. Zinedine Zidane, 12. Thierry Henry, 15. Lilian Thuram, 19. Willy Sagnol, 22. Franck Ribery

Italy
1. Gianluigi Buffon, 3. Fabio Grosso, 5. Fabio Cannavaro, 8. Ivan Gennaro Gattuso, 9. Luca Toni, 10. Francesco Totti, 16. Mauro Camoranesi, 19. Gianluca Zambrotta, 20. Simone Perrotta, 21. Andrea Pirlo, 23. Marco Materazzi

40 Minute Countdown: Italy is aiming to add a fourth star to their uniforms with a win tonight. France is gunning for number two. It has been 24 years since the Azzurri last lifted the World Cup trophy and with a number of close calls in between then and today you can bet that fans in Italy are hungry for a victory. France won the whole enchilada back in 1998 and six players – Fabien Barthez, Lilian Thuram, Patrick Vieira, Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry – know exactly what it is like to hold sport’s most coveted prize. Italy’s last four Finals appearances have been separated by 12 years (1970, 82, 94 and 2006). Starting lineups on your way next.

50 Minute Countdown: The day is finally here. After all these months and all these games, tonight we will crown a new World Cup champion. Today in Berlin has been the longest day in recorded history. Time has inched by as the whole city waits for an 8pm kickoff between France and Italy. I did a bit of wandering around town and can say the place is packed with football fans from all over the world. I saw a lot more fans wearing Italy blue than I did wearing the blue of France, but inside the stadium there will probably be a fair number of both supporters and an even larger number of corporate types who got their hands on the hottest ticket in town. Starting lineups and other musings coming soon.

Who is going to lift the trophy after this match?

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http://www.worldcupblog.org/game-previews/france-vs-italy.html France vs. Italy – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] LIVEBLOG Follow the match highlights as they happen on the France vs. Italy LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match [...]
Sam Gioskos

Italy 2 france 1; 1:1 draw at fulltime, Italy scores the winner in extra time
Alex

Prediction: Henry scores the first one only for Toni to help Italy pull back in the first half. It’s 1-1, the second half, it’s a game full of rhythm. Domenech chooses to throw caution in the wind. He substitutes Malouda for Trezeguet. 74th minute. Zidane picks the ball from a superbly executed Vieira tackle. He blasts through the midfield, dribbles past Gattuso. French fans are on their toes. Zizou runs down the field, passes to Henry. Henry passes the ball back in front of him. It’s beautiful! Zidane makes a no look pass for Trezeguet just at the penalty spot. He turns, he shoots. Wait for it. Wait for it. He scores a cracker! Yes! Yes! Trezeguet! The last ten minutes are horrid, tackles flying everywhere, Italians doing the same thing. But the referee whistles the end of the game. FRANCE IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! Yeaaaaaaaaaah! To the Champs-Elysées! Zizou, Président! Zizou, Président
Alex

last prediction was taken straight from Nick Bidwell (espn)…but I think it’s pretty damn accurate!
http://canada lg

the only thing accurate about what you typed was your name (maybe)

ITALY 2- OVER THE HILL GANG 0
football fan

This is a battle between two defensive, tactical minded teams. Most likely, we will not see many goals. Team which scores first wins the game and one goal is probably sufficient for the winner.

I hope the Italians win this WC. Considering what happens to them now, they need this WC more than anyone else (including France). The way they went through all these problems to get to the final touches me somehow.

Zidane was, is a great player and will be remembered for a long time with or without winning his second WC.
Geraldine

Dear Alex,

Pls stop the predictions. I’m as french as you maybe, but I’m not blind. As a sane fan, i believe that the italians hv a far better game. I’m afraid the champs will be a bit like what we saw the evening of italy-germany.

its better u take back yr words and that we stop relying on one zizou!!! mais ça va pas di tout quoi!!!
italy

I think Italy will and should win..the better team deserves it

Italy- 1
France- 0

Italy’s defense is too good to let up any goals.
http://zainal.wordpress.com MooDy

Referee Markus Merk ? the jerk ?
if so … keep your eyes wide open …

im expecting a high tensed game …
Yellow cards Will Appear … dunno about the reds , its risky ..

Good luck Both Italy and France ..
Both Deserve the win , but only shall have it ;)

Forza Azzurri …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nns0qK9iK1I&search=italy
http://tsn.ca TSN

france 3 italy 0
Nostradamus

I predict that there will be a winner, and that he shall rejoice. There are Italians living at No 9 and French at No 4 in our street. Is 9 . 4 a good reult?
Ryan

Italy 2 France 0
Nostradamus has predicted it,
the Australians are dreading it,
but there is no stopping it
Ryan

As soon as I relised it was going to be an Italy France final I couldnt help but think if that Simpsons episode when Homer moves and gets a supervisor job working for Scorpio.
Scorpio – “Homer, what’s your second least favourite country, France or Italy”
Homer – “I dont know….Italy”
Scorpio – “hahaha…no one ever says France”
and Scorpio aims his missile at France.
Lookingat the blogs here it seems Scorpio was wrong, people are anti Italy……..
GO ITALY
http://tsn.ca TSN

france 5-1
Bobbio

Welcome to the World Cup finals everyone! In the likely event of the game having a slow start, why not amuse yourselves by joining me in a game of World cup Finals Celebrity Watch!

20 Points:
Sepp Blatter
Franz Beckenbauer
Pele
Maradona
Cruijff

10 Points:
Merkel
Prodi
Chirac

5 Points:
Wives and Girlfirends

2 Points:
Michael Schumacher
Boris Becker
Spike Lee
Ronan Keating
Mikhail Gorbachev
Ennio Morricone

1 Point:
Any other celebrity in the stands
Basil

Italy: 1-0

TSN: 5-1? Are you insane?
Joe

Let’s be honest here. This is not really France vs Italy, but France’s former colonies vs Italy. So, if Italy loses it will not be that France won, but that France used players that aren’t French, to win.
charlie

Buffon over Bartez
Cannavaro ,etc over Thuram, etc
Zidane,Ribery over Pirlo,Gattuso
Totti, Toni, DelPiero over Henry

Italy is too strong in the back and to versitile in the attack now that Lippi is using Iaquinta, Inzaghi and Del Peiro as additional weapons.
If the AZZURRI are on their game, this match will be over in the 1st half.

Predicted score
Italy 3
France 0
Lulu

I await this match with great excitement, but I must point out a terrible glaring lack in yesterday’s liveblog comments. I’m sorry but I must take you all to task, with deep and real disappointment. How could you all have done this? You missed a brilliant opportunity.

Not one of you put on your Captain Kirk suit, raised an eyebrow, expanded your chest with puffy righteousness, and tightened your abs to produce:

“Kaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!”

Do I have to give you all the dreaded Red Uniform of Death as punishment? Yes, if you were in the first scene of Star Trek wearing a red uniform, you were toast. Can you imagine what a bummer it must have been to arrive at the costume dispensers only to get:

The Red Uniform of Death. Over and out, here’s your day player money.

Don’t disappoint me again people. The uniform waits for you. Uncomfortable lies the red mantle on narrow shoulders. Not even Hamlet wants the R.U.D.

You have been warned. Time for your A-Games!

But remember to play nice. :-)

p.s. I predict Italy 3-1
squiggle

Joe,

It is one of France’s great strengths that – despite all difficulties and some negative opinions – it is a nation of immigrants (and has been since long before the post-colonial period. See Mazzarin, Lully et al.). The same goes for the UK.

I find it bewildering that someone posting from the USA, which prides itself on being a melting-pot, is unable to see that as a strength in another country.
Rajib

What ever will be the goal count , but its ITALIA going to WIN.

Cheers,
Raj. India.
http://www.sportsnews.com.au Michael

Whoever wins is now irrevelant – but lets hope France beats the syncronised diving team from Italy.

How Italy made the final is a world disgrace.

Hang your heads Azzuri – you’re kidding yourselves after cheating against Australia.

If you cant beat them fairly than how do expect to get past France ? – ohh, that’s right, a dive will get you a penalty kick with 60 seconds to and that ref from Spain – will make damn sure you win the match.

Go France.
Andreia & Alex

Hey everyone. Looking forward to the start

Glad to have you blogging again Bob, though I’m sure you rather be somewhere else right now…
http://fifaworldcup.sporati.com Milo Riano

I am running a poll on Italy vs France.

You might want to vote at http://fifaworldcup.sporati.com

it’s on the right side bar…
http://fifaworldcup.sporati.com/preview-finals-france-vs-italy.page FIFAworldcup.com – Passionate Fan on Fifa World Cup 2006

Preview (Finals): France vs Italy

One word for France—Zizou. Italy’s answer—Cannavaro.

Zidane’s performance against Brazil and Portugal proved his age together with Patrick Vieira is an unstoppable combination that brings experience, composure and leadership …
http://fifaworldcup.sporati.com Milo Riano

Gattuso doesn’t stand a chance in the midfield of France. They will have a lot of ball possession but not a lot of shots on goal…

http://fifaworldcup.sporati.com/preview-finals-france-vs-italy.page
malik

whos got a stream for me??? please…im on call and stuck at work today!!!!!!
Alessandro

nice playback by Shakira for the closing ceremony… SHOW US YOUR BOOBS!!!
Alessandro

damn… this closing ceremony is funny…
malik

what was the name of it..i think it was livefooty??? i need a stream people…PLEASE!!!
donkey kong

I love Shakira.
Michael

This is it! I was way to young in 1982 to really understand the joy that is about to be at hand. I have loved how La Squadra has attacked. arrivederci to the “catenaccio”. Attack and we will win. We are so close. I live in the Italian section of Chicago and everyone right now on Harlem Ave. are waving flags and honking. this place will exploded when we win!
Alessandro

HAAAAA I AM SO NERVOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Basil

Malik:

http://www.espn360.com

free streaming
Alessandro

Joe, keep your mouth shut, especialy if you intend to post that kind of nonsense comments…
malik

i cant find the game on that that espn 360 site…i cant even minimize the page or aanything
squiggle

Heh, Willy Sagnol looked like he was having fun with his child.
malik

Joe, you can say the same about USA’s sorry excuse for a team
Andreia & Alex

Can’t believe how excited we are over here…
Carlos

Bobbio!!

How many points for spotting Jacques Chirac in the stands?
Michael

Good luck to everyone.
Alessandro

gosh… they played the anthem so horrible
Andreia & Alex

Even seeing the replays I can’t really tell what happened
pawan

france 3:0 italy.
go france go.
squiggle

Didn’t someone say Winamp is streaming the games?
malik

whos got the live footy web adress….espn 360 isnt streaming the game
Alessandro

it s gonna be all about muscles
Vikingo

Hey Bobbio,

i see you still like dutch football by putting the asshole Cruijf in the top of your celebrity list. Wake up pall, that guy doesnt even make it in the list of celebrities in your own pityfull little country!
Comparing him to Beckenbauer, Pele and Maradona is an insult to these great footballplayers and above all great persons. Cruijff is an arrogant basterd who has only appeared in 1 worldcup and has been shouting for 30 years afterwards how great his football was. Dude, legends in football are made by their doings, not by their words!
pawan

yeah. its spot kick
Andreia & Alex

Wow, what an odd beginning to the game
Lulu

Ow! Ow! Ow!

I absolutely hate real injuries in any sport. Let’s hope, no matter who you want to win, that Henry is going to be o.k.
Vikingo

Italy 1 – France 0!!!!!
PTadept

looks like a dive
Michael

Diiiivie!!!
donkey kong

dude wasn’t touched.
PTadept

France doesnt dive? yeaaaaaaaah right!

2 games 2 faked penalties. I hope this doesnt turn into a replay of France – Portugal now i want to see a good game :)
Alessandro

nice dive
pawan

goooaaaaaal.
Vikingo

The french are lucky once again. Its unbelievable. Lets hope Italy will once again show their excelence.
Lulu

El Floppo-Mundo gets the penalty.

And almost not a goal! Holy Mama Mia!

I’m gonna have a coronary, and we’re at seven minutes.
Jodido

I love Zidane and hope France wins, but not this way. How cheap.
http://AOL Marc

Zadine already scored, What happened to Italy’s vaunted defense? LOL
eclipse

it was not dive man come on…
and how about that penalty kick by zidane Wow…………..
Vic

No Foul!
Andreia & Alex

whoa…again what a way to score
Dan

The difference between the Portuguese and the French is, the French get away with dives.
Michael

remeber when Totti was red carded for diving against Korea and he was clearly taken down?? Now Italy gets hosed once again. Let them play!!!!
Andreia & Alex

Okay maybe it is my tv but it looked like the france guy didn’t even think about falling until the other guy was on the ground
Sergio

the french can only win dirty: penalty kick on a dive at 5th minute,4 minutes after thierry’s tried too
Brice

If France wins the final, that will be 3 games in the finals in which France walks away with a win because of a dive and resulting free/penalty kick.

Spain, Portugal, Italy.. totally ridiculous.
chandan

Can Italy play any more offensive?
Andreia & Alex

YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jodido

That flop-goal is payback for the Aussies!
donkey kong

GOOOOOOOOOOOAAALLLLLL. No diving involved.
Lulu

A & A, you’re right that it looked that way, but that was just a nasty knee whacking. I’ve had those, and you really do a slow down-for-the-count hop hop hop. If you’re lucky it’s a ’stinger’ and not long lasting. Proper irony that the fouler got the ouch!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

First time both teams have scored in a final since 1986.

About effin time.
eclipse

it is not a god damn diving.
are u all blind the guy touched his foot and then he fell…
maybe he could have countinued but he chose to try his luck and bingo he got it …. so what ???? learn to live with it
Jake

France disgusts me – even that Henry incident was a dive – how many forwards at this level “accidentally” run full speed into a fairly stationary defender?
Sergio

Take this.
PTadept

GGGOOOOOOOAAAAAL
Andreia & Alex

Now it should get good!
eclipse

the score is 1-1 and stop crying now…
squiggle

Oh, God, not that idiot Materazzi.
pwnawannab

back to 0:0
Sergio

the red card for Cannavaro is coming,see if I’m wrong
Jodido

Materazzi looks like Harland Williams.
Vikingo

GOAL Italy!!! Yes, kick those stinking french asses!
malik

someone give me a stream,,, i beg of u please
pwnawannab

Get yo swin=mming trunks ready
PTadept

eclipse that dive was as clear as the ones from Ronaldo and its difficult to dive so badly like him! ^^
Michael

Now thats a goal!!!!!!!!
Andreia & Alex

Lulu, thanks…It was just odd because since the shot was far away it was like….wow, why is he falling. I was hoping they would show a close up but I’m sure they had better things to show
http://xanga.com/he_stole_ma_heart Noriega

whos ur fav?
parban

Nice goal italy,
Lulu

Beautiful Italy goal. France just got punished on a dive call involving Henry. I think the slate is clean and even now, as is the score. Let’s hear it for the good stuff!
Brice

Italy scores the legitimate goal. Thats how football should be played.
eclipse

this match is going to get very interesting now…
teams playing some good foot ball!!!!
parban

I am neither in fav our of Italy or france. I want Zidane to win his last world cup. Zidane rocks!!!!
PTadept

Dives:
France 1 – 0 Italy

Goals
France 0 – 1 Italy

gogo italyyy! :D
Lulu

A & A,

Yer welcome! As for better things to show, how about a montage of all the ripped pecs and abs we’ve been shown these last few days?

Oh dear, that would tag me as a terrible shallow woman drooling at the yummy athletes. Hey, I appreciate their skills too! LOL ;-)
Sandra

WHY.. is it when France scores it always has to be with a penalty kick… can’t they just win with a normal goal???…
Aussie expat

Italy supporters, you should not be getting on your high horse about diving, it is not as if Italy has gone through the world cup without diving.
Sergio

foul on camoranesi by viera…NOT?!
Noel

Henry is out of it now after that knock! Pity he’s one class player. Looks like Italy might squeeze a win
manun

italians have had their fair share of diving
Sandra

The only way France can win this is by cheating just like they did in the game against Portugal !!!!!!! GOOOOO Italy…
PTadept

faked injury now
Lulu

I wish they would put a subtitle on the crowd shots. I know I was supposed to care about the old guy…
Basil

Disgusting French playing.
PTadept

wanna rest and block an attack? take a fake injury!
squiggle

Thuram is mighty.
Sergio

great move by tony
pwnawannab

saved by the woodwerk!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lulu

It’s a miracle! My leg is just fine! Magic liquid cured me!

God they need to have retroactive penalties on that stuff, I don’t care what team.

Woah! Yet another fabulous set-piece by Italy! Wow!
parban

France is just…. hanging in.
Sergio

pass this TRIVIA to the Usa reporters: cannavaro is the president of italy
pawan

italy looks good at corner kick. think they have practiced it specially for this match.
TK

Viva la France!!!!
BROOK

18TH AVE BENSONHURST BROOKLYN NY
GO ITALIA!!!
http://video.tinypic.com/player.php?v=1zf607b
P Diddy

Hey ABC’s crappy job of showing the game asked a trivia question of, “Four different players scored one goal or more in two different final cup matches, Zidane is one of them, who are the other 3…?” ABC failed to show the answer… do ya’ll know?
paddy

What a cracking game!! Worthy of the final.

France definitely need to score again soon if they’re to keep Italia under control.
Trapper

I agree with Lulu’s comment from before :

“France just got punished on a dive call involving Henry. I think the slate is clean and even now, as is the score.”

Henry was through on goal, Zambrotta fell over as a result of contact every bit as minor as in the penalty decision.

And the referee IS supposed to favour the attacking side.

That evens things out as far as the refereeing goes.
squiggle

OMG who was that French supporter? I need her name. We’re going to get married.
Billy

Zidane is not usually known for diving but is it just me or does he seem to be falling down a lot more than usual?
parban

Posession 68% Italy
32% France.
Sergio

here is something the blogger doesn’t know: there’s far more italian fans than french ones,both in the stadium and in germany
http://Liveblog Shewa

Go Italy kick frances ass!
PTadept

another dive…. from Zidane.

Is it a… ZIDIVE?? AHAH.
Jonny Iselin

interesting comment by ABC that the Italian coach (was that correct?) had no scorpios and only 2 leos on his team?

With the stakes of a world cup, isn’t that incredibly stupid and wouldn’t the Italian governing body or whomever his boss is step in and interfere if there was some reaally good scorpio who wasn’t called in to play?
Billy

I mean in his entire career, when Zidane falls its not just a fall. He isn’t really a weak guy he is a big guy out there. And PTadept, dude you are from Portugal, they dive so much they wear goggles and swim trunks under their shorts.
TONY MONTANA

GO ITALY MY MONEY IS RIDING ON YOU
Sandra

Portugal deve ter ganhado o mundial mas desde que eles não poderiam eu espero que a Itália o ganhe porque os franceses nao sabem como jogar o futebol
P Diddy

Hey ABC’s crappy job of showing the game asked a trivia question of, “Four different players scored one goal or more in two different final cup matches, Zidane is one of them, who are the other 3…?” ABC failed to show the answer… do ya’ll know?
squiggle

Are some people only here to say ‘dive’ whenever anyone falls?
PTadept

Not to forget that Zidane was warned by the referee for diving against Portugal. But that no one notices right ^^
PTadept

thats what they do when Portugal plays… though France dives as much, judging from this game and the last two. Anyway Italy rocks :)
Craig

Você ache, Sandra? Parece que os franceses sabem jogar.
Andreia & Alex

Jonny, ABC is pathetic…they just blab on about the craziest things. UNIVISION ALL THE WAY
TONY MONTANA

DRUNK GIRLS WHERE
Sergio

Jonny

just to make you understand what low the ABC commenters have reached,the only time I have ever heard of the zodiacal signs thing in weeks of 24h world cup coverage,here in italy,is during a comedy radio show,said by a drunk girl…
Really

GO Materzzi!!!! Incredible man! another goal with his gold head!!!!

Ragazzi, ma vi immaginate se ci fosse stato Pizzul a fare la telecronaca?

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!
Sergio

GO LIONS!!!
Billy

Portugal and Italy dive so much there is a special button on my PS2 controller when I play as them on FIFA 06.
Lulu

My half-time prediction:

Italy wins, they are just too offensively strong (and young) and persistent — their fast break when it works is fabulous. And Barthez is just, well, shall I say erratic? Entertaining though!

Of course, my mum would tell you I’ve been wrong before. ;-)

I loved this first period! Fun and lots of fight from both teams. And thank heavens the ref is letting the boys whack each other to a certain degree. I’ve no interest in vicious play, but physical is fine.

This is real footy, and what a pleasure. Kudos to all.
Craig

I’m torn. I want France the team to win, but I’d like Italy the country to have the Cup. I’m not so fond of Italy the team, but hey.
Trapper

Jonny Iselin:

I’m pretty sure I heard before the WC that the French coach (not the Italian one) has a thing against Scorpios. I think that might be a reason why Ludovic Giuly of Barcelona was left out of the French squad.

Although only Domenech knows for sure.
PTadept

you even look at ABC? thats wasting time. even a 10 year hold kid in Europe knows more about football than them.
Jonny Iselin

i keep anticipating the half times with anxiousness because i wonder if those awesome adidas commercials with jose and that other kid and those famous soccer players will feature a new episode or a conclusion to their soccer game? Is anyone else with me?
parban

P_Diddy – I think it was Pele, Maradona and maybe beckenbauer ?
squiggle

Vava (58, 62) and Pele (58, 70) of Brazil, and Paul Breitner (74, 82) of West Germany.

This is the firsttime since 1986 that both teams have scored.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Goal#1
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41866000/jpg/_41866962_penno416.jpg
Luis

Billy – Right, we didn’t see any French diving this first half. It’s everywhere.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Goal#2
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41866000/jpg/_41866996_razzigl416.jpg
aaeoni

Italy rocks, I didn’t pay much attention to soccer until the Italians played Germany last week… That was an awesome game which got me hooked… Italy will win it.
Jonny Iselin

you know since this blog might be my last chance to ask a question and get such instant feedback, i want to ask one other question.

there was an own goal scored in paraguay vs england and another scored in us vs italy but since i never saw either of those games, i was just wondering, what happened in those games exactly? Does Own goal mean someone just turned around and kicked it in their own net to spite their team? cause that’s what they make it sound like, i’m sure it just means it bounced off some defender before it hit the net, in which case the person who kicked it before that person, should still get credit for it.

While we’re at it, it seems like statistics on assists are unevenly distributed. In Adriano’s goal against Ghana, for example, there were 3 people (Ronaldhino, Cafu) who I felt assisted the goal, not just one, although they limit it to one. I noticed that fifa lists Riquelme (who’s been involved in a lot of goals and the stats aren’t generous to) as 4 assists and cnnsi.com has him at 3. There are also differing figures for Schweitzinger’s assist count
zizoo’s fan

zizoo ( for the people that don’t know that’s Zidane) that’s a champ out there and he’s guna take france to the world cup victory. ZIZOO I LOVE U!! :))
Luis

Billy – on your zidane comment. What difference does size make in this case? What, only weak players dive?
Trapper

Just checked Wikipedia, and I don’t think Giuly (b. July 10 1976) is a Scorpio so scrap my earlier comment.

I know nothing about Astrology, but I did hear that Domenech is superstitious about Scorpios.
http://AOL Marc

Go France
PTadept

I think this game would be more entertaining with Spain, Brasil, or even Portugal. That Domenech is a lucky ignorant dude, he still doesnt know how he reached this far :) France’s validation expired a while ago :P

I just cant stand Domenech doing those “diving” gestures against Portugal, when they get two penalties in a row with diving plus some nice ones from the old Zidane. How ridiculous can one get? But of course no one notice s this afterall this is the mighty France. And only portuguese players dive. BAH!
minhoca

the french coach looks like an existentialist writer
Sandra

i agree….Ptadept
mike

The ref paid off? That was not a penalty but a given point for France!!! Who agrees??? Italy will still win this in liu of the ref’s BS call.
http://LiveBlog Geoff

Great Match….Why cannot The FIFA World Cup be held annually????
Sandra

i agree with mike
http://sportsnob.wordpress.com Prashanth

Johny:

Yeah that is generally the norm. Well, it should remain this way. People like Lampard and Joe Cole get a LOT of deflected goals for Chelsea and those goals they get credit for :)
Rina

did anyone see that play acting to get the penalty kick???? does anyone still say the french r clean????

shove this up ur arse u french piece of s***

may the better team win, and the better team IS italy. for those u cant see too well ur blind or ur a bloody f*** face french!
Rooney

I don’t really know who to root for, I hate both sides. But I might as well go for the French since Saha, Evra, and Silvestre play on Man U.
Rabbi Leon

I like the fact that France has to fall over so they can make their only goal and all their penalties on Italy. The ref should do a better job not calling these dives in Frances favor, I guess it’s sortof hard considering that the French can’t win thier Wars either unless led by a woman.
Alessandro

Hey PTadept… Give us a break… your game was yesterday… and ur comments about diving are getting tedious, especialy coming from Portugal as your team had a fair chance to show talents in this discipline
Sergio

Jonny Iselin: in crowded action,it may happen that the ball bounces on a player’s foot who’s trying something and enters the net…but it’s not treason ^_^’
Jodido

Bad play by Materazzi, just like it was a bad play by Neill that led to the Italian win.
Sergio

Geoff: FIFA is like a f*cking logo corporation,it’s not that the sport of football is their own property
Lulu

Thank you Trapper for supporting my clean slate idea.

Of course, I lived in Oz for a while, so I am favorably inclined to you folk giving me props!

The second half is a new world. Andiamo! Allez! Whee!
Trapper

Jonny Iselin: The own goal in ENG-PAR was a free kick taken by Beckham from a long way out that sent a “wall” of guys rushing to get to it. In the chaos of the scramble the ball just glanced off one of the Paraguayan defenders to beat the keeper.

The one in the US-Italy game the Italian defender got his head to the ball, but it didn’t go where he wanted it to, to say the least.

Assists are a statistical term brought in from US sports. I can’t say that I agree with their usage. I mean Argentina’s 2nd goal v Serbia & Montenegro could be argued to have included 24 assists.

You may as well count the brushstrokes in the Mona Lisa, or the notes in a symphony.
Poppy

Nearly back from half-time…just time to thank everyone for making this site so good …what’s all this about astrology…surely not!
As a Scorpio I protest – zut alors!
Thanks everyone – it’s going to be a great second half.
http://aol Denis

Maybe if teh Italians had not put a body block on Tierry Henry in the first minute, the ref may have been less likely to call a penalty. But when you play rough expect to pay the consequences. And everybody knows Italy likes to play rough… Anyway, it was apenalty call because, even if only if it was a slight bump, he was on his way to the goal with no other defender in his path…
Sergio

bad shot by henry
PTadept

Alessandro, thats what im saying, our team as talents at that, but France has definitely NOT less. And all i said is true, pure reality. Now the French penalty, thats another story. :)

Rooney you hate both sides? Which side you guys dont hate? ^^ Cmon you cant just root for the referee :P

And by the way Alessandro, about my game being yesterday, it was (at least the first half) way better than this one. Well maybe because it wasnt so important but still, more attacks and stuff like that. Hope it gets better in the second half now! :)
Coco

I agree with Minhoca! I keep looking at him, waiting for him to say something profound, strange, and absolutely unrelated to the game . . .
Sergio

omigod,look at inzaghi’s face on the italian bench!!! He’s the only one Lippi didn’t tell to prepare. Heavy depression!
Rooney

Obviously I like England you bloke Portuguese
aaeoni

I agree France got a free point but thats all good.. Italy showed them hoe it’s really done.
http://planet Gizzo

The Italian team should be suspended from football for LIFE. They are trying to make it out that only the owners were the ones fixing the games, but it takes players to CHEAT.
PTadept

Ok im off to watch it, ill leave my tip: one more penalty is coming. :P

And an interesting fact, they already got more fouls than in the whole Portugal – Netherlands game (25). Never thought that would be possible. :P

French and Italian dudes, relax, you will win! :)
Sergio

the action is dangerous on both sides + great zambrotta
squiggle

Henry is looking dangerous.
Trapper

Lulu:

You’re welcome. I hope we see another equaliser in the 2nd half.

By my reckoning this is the first Final since ‘86 when both teams have scored so I’m hoping for a few more goals for both sides.
http://planet Gizzo

The Italian team is filled with dirty players that should not honor the pitch. The fans how do not understand the rules of the game should go to the FIFA web site and read the rules. The ref has given more to Italy then to the French.
Vico

Jonny Islein,

Actually I beleive tat in the Us vs Ital game, the defender tried to kick it away but he just caught the very edge of the ball and ended up going backwards and into the net instead of into the field
Amanda

my brother and i are trying to decide who will win. i think france because they go at it even when they italians are going at them. i think my brother wants italy to win because he likes the different moves they do.(he used to play a lot of soccer) i still hope that france will win!
Vico

Good call , ref didn’t buy that dive
Sergio

Gizzo:

you tell when and where then we can discuss,but cheap shots like these are almost racist
paddy

Payback on the penalty.
Rooney

Is it bad to hope Henry gets hurt very badly and cannot play this next season for those Islington blokes?
Trapper

Zambrotta got the ball there.

Great defending, and good call by the ref to not penalise it.
Jodido

There’s the make up no call for Malouda.

Are you happy Italy?
parban

Thanks Squiggle.
Raybron

Well that non-call makes up for the questionable first half call. Just saw the replay and that was a TOTAL foul in the box.
Vico

Feance keep prssing on. They’ve already had 3 great chances this half.
Coco

Is anyone else mostly watching bcs these guys are so freakin’ HOT???!!!!!
Liliana

Hola a todos!
I’m for France today.
Viva Serge Gainsbourg!
(*wink* to Squiggle)
LiverpoolFC

It wasn’t a dive, there was no ball, it was all leg yet again CLEAR PENALTY, way more obvious than the previous one. You can often tell by the defenders face and Zambrotta had GUILTY written all over his face. France was very unlucky.
Trapper

Vico, I stand corrected.
squiggle

Our commentators thought that was a foul. The sky is beautiful.
TONY MONTANA

FRANCE SUCKS
PTadept

By the way if you hate every national team except England, then youd rather pick an actually GOOD team to root for, as that way you wont see much ^^

Aw Vieira out, not Henry. Rooney you missed ^^
squiggle

:)
LiverpoolFC

ITALY ARE CHEATS
Sergio

Composition: Australia would have won the World Cup for sure if that penalty shot wasn’t given to Totti. And Germany too,if Friggs was playing.
How to use: If the previous conditions are not met,complain for life.
squiggle

Damn, I’m sorry for the French team and for Vieira. He’s been superb.
Liliana

This final is much more exciting than I expected. I almost missed the first half assuming the game started an hour later (like all the semifinals). I wonder how many people just tuned in for the last half.
http://www.cybernepal.com.np/models/zenisha/index.php pawan

french are looking good now.
Griff

all u americans know, here comes mr elbow
Alessandro

ZIDANE IS GOD
donna

liverpoolfc get over it u lost!
Rooney

PTadept, since we have won a World Cup and beat you to get there in 66 I think you are the one that should rethink your team. We would have been there had my once only likable Portuguese player Ronaldo not screwed us.
RICARDO CISCO

ITALY shall win it all despite all the controversy!!!!
Sergio

Note to the blogger: Totti simply doesn’t work,outside the walls of Rome…poor pupone
Vico

By the way Trapper,
I did read you comment about Cricket last Tuesday, and yes, I would like to know more about it to understand who the great ones in that sport are. It is always nice to know that in any sport.
PTadept

For England supporters every team cheats except their own. Sadly for them, every team also WINS, except their own. Dudes, why dont you just watch the football instead of trying to find every little cheat they make?

Its been a nice game so far and i noticed only two small cheats, like if one should care about that. Pfft.

Anyway, that should have been penalty for France. When there isnt, there is, when there is, there isnt. ^^
Trav

In a cruel twiat of fate I’m now at work. Thanks for being here Bob! Go France!
squiggle

More Del Piero, please.
Vico

GOAAAAL!!!…. what???…. no score???? wow!
PTadept

Rooney, the referee today is the same as from England-Portugal, i guess his decisions were right. So remember me, how did exactly Ronaldo screwed you? He scored a penalty thats right
TONY MONTANA

ALESSANDRO IS STUPID AND FRANCE STILL SUCKS
http://USA Vic

good call
Lulu

Oh rats, injury. I just like everyone to be healthy. And Vierra is really important. We’ll see about his sub.

Some fun attacking going on right now. Excellent Italy defense. But they need to attack too. Oh I do like this match!

It amazes me to see divers still working it when it is so clear the ref is trying to ignore such acts. I just love the hand motion the ref gives to raise the fallen from the pitch.

OFFSIDE!!!

Oh my goodness. Like I said. Attack!
Allez France

This cup has worn me out. Now, I want what Zidane had during half time. What is it?
Jonny Iselin

so to Trapper, i think Beckham wasn’t that much of a failure in the world cup seeing as he got the game winning goal in not one but 2 games. he clearly should be credited for the Paraguay goal based on your description, IMO
Liliana

Oh! That was scary! I don’t have much faith in Barthez, the Rob Halford of goalkeepers.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this is such a dramatic final…its going to be talked about for years!
Sergio

agree,offside…and yet!
Rooney

That was a terrible card on Wayne, it was in the heat of the game don’t send him off for tough play. I mean it is crazy that a player is sent off for trying to play hard and then it is acceptable for the entire Portuguese team to act like they are playing around the swimming pool.
Vico

Trav,

Well that sucks! Couldn’t you fake an injury and go home??? :-)
PTadept

Sooo Rooney, how did Ronaldo screwed you up? There is no answer in your post.
Sergio

mohan: the beauty of italy-germany is the total absence of referee interferences
Jodido

Luca Toni kinda sucks. He does not deserve to be called one of the best forwards of the Cup.
Trav

No, I’m the boss. Sigh…..

I will however get very little work done in the next half-hour :-)
Liliana

Lulu, always such a pleasure to read your comments. Do you write anywhere else?
Also, before all of this is over, props to all the women who post on these blogs.
Rooney

Oh please, a fair player doesn’t plead to the ref about trying to send another player off, especially one of his club teammates. I wish Roon would have decked Ronaldo in the teeth. And then the wink, come on what a gel haired bloke.
PTadept

And Rooney, a dive or two are simply not so bad as what Rooney did. At least they wont prevent someone from having a son in a near future. Anyway im still waiting for your answer :) Shoot! :P

ELIZONDO IS A GREAT REFEREEE WOHO
Vico

“Lulu, always such a pleasure to read your comments. Do you write anywhere else?
Also, before all of this is over, props to all the women who post on these blogs”

I agree. Thanks to all you you ladies!
Firas

Zidane is very good. Henry is wasting the ball, but he is atleast running for it

Pulling out Totti is probably the biggest mistake Italy has made so far He is their best playa :-x
Lulu

I know how everyone is dissing the ABC coverage, but I love how the ABC guy is spot on today about “He sold it good” when it comes to diving. Methinks the man knows whereof he speaks ;-)
PTadept

AGAIN, it wasnt Ronaldo fault on the red card. And as far as i remember, Rooney didnt decked Ronaldo but he DID pushed him. How nice eh? He is definitely a nice man.
Henna

Liliana, so did I … husband (who has never been any sort of sports fan & has had rather a shock these last weeks, finding out just what he married) tuned in Univision at 2:30pm just to get ready & found the match already at 1-1. Also found just how fast I could drop everything & bolt across room. Am an idiot for not checking. For that he gets the last beer in the fridge, more than fair.
donna

marco? lots of crying since it started but not by italians!!! and pawan? its HANDBALLS
Firas

i like the themne of this world cup. Its fun to see Rooney completly ignoring it

Remember “Say No to racism”
PTadept

Riberi is kind of a joke isnt he? Buffon is great.
Liliana

Henna, yeah my boyfriend went out to get food for breakfast (we’re on the West Coast) and I had to call him to rush him home. He was quite sad to miss his beloved Shakira.
Rooney

Its not racism at all, it is the truth. That is the truth about how Ronaldo decided to get the Portuguese a win.
Sofia

Ah, I don’t know who to root for anymore.
Firas

Wow Clinton and Shriak are here how extiting I never knew they cared
http://aol Marco

Italians are good actors there always crying. About something GO FRANCE !!!
http://www.cybernepal.com.np/models/zenisha/index.php pawan

italian are good at handle balls.
PTadept

Another faked injury as an excuse for the hand-ball ^^ With so many injuries, if they were for real, they would be dead at the end of the match.
Henna

Think that was just a water break for all — no way he could have hit his shin at all hard.
Sergio

Learn something new about football: simulation is when you try and have the other guy expelled by mimicking a foul,not just expressing pain for the sake of it IF NOBODY IS GOING TO BE PUNISHED BECAUSE OF IT
Trapper

Vico:

I like your attitude :)

If you want to know about Cricket greats, go to Wikipedia and type in Donald Bradman, or Garfield Sobers.

But please wait till this absorbing game is over before you do ;)
Rooney

Yeah like the magical recovery time of Carvalho and his seemingly crushed family raisins.
PTadept

Rooney, remember the escuse in Euro 2004? Beckham missed the penalty… and blamed the grass. You guys worked a bit more on the excuse of this one, but its still ridiculous. Lets wait for 2008 one.

About the game, Zidiv… er… Zizou is about to score.
Vico

Thanks Trapper, I will. There is a park close to my house where I take my kids and sometimes there are people there playin makeshift cricket games, (all white outfits and all) and it has been interesting to wathc the few times I have.
Craig

it’s not the play that got Rooney the card. It was the pushing afterwards.
donna

marco? lots of crying since early june not by italians tho.. and pawan? its handballs
Rooney

What excuse? Portugal didn’t think they could beat the Three Lions with an equal amount of players on the pitch so Ronaldo did something to give the Portuguese an advantage.
Sergio

close call,but barthez was on it anyway
pwnawannab

Someone was saying GER/POR was the match to watch – now I disagree… :)
Jodido

Man of the Match: Cannavaro!
donna

no rooney, rooney did something to give england a disadvantage.
donna

rooney? AMAZING how what u just wrote SOLELY pertains to the rooney incident but the rest of the soccer world are held to higher standards!!!
Rooney

How? Did he do it on purpose? Have you watched the replays of that? I am guessing you have never played football and tried to win a ball in play that you only focused on getting the ball back.
Liliana

Nasty tackle on Zizou!
Poppy

Ribery a joke? No way – if Zizou can stay on it’ll be Ribery who feeds him a goal – the guy never gives up.
squiggle

Yes. Ribery’s a terrier.
Jodido

What’s with the talk of ENG-POR?

You’re both out! Get over it! There’s an awesome game on!
Sergio

zidane looking like rambo…but ringhio gattuso would have put that arm to right with a bite
Trapper

Del Piero coming on. I can’t understand why, he’s basically been invisible in this tournament.
Rooney

Then watch it and leave us alone
Sofia

Jodido – Agreed, I don’t get the holding on either.
Liliana

The commentator on Univision is really overboard sometimes with player name puns. He must practice them before the games.
squiggle

Del Piero’s coming on! More Del Piero, less Materazzi.
Vico

I’d like to see this game go to overtime and then have a bunch of goals then!! No matter who wins. Let’s just see a high scoring and hoepfull close final.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

if it goes into extra time, Italy will have the advantage
Vico

Can Del Piero put it away????
Jodido

Oh, no more samurai power from Camoranesi.
Henna

Mohan, I’d have said so until this half — France doesn’t seem to be running out of energy, though.
Ray Lopez

Two minute warning! Are you ready for some football!!! GOALLLL!!!!
AJ

Approx. how much time is left in game?
Lulu

Whoops! Got sidetracked from the Cup!

Liliana and Vico,

Wow, I am blushing. You both made my week. I actually have pretentions towards writing for money, but have not yet made it happen.

And as for us ladies checking out and yapping about these sports, we are delighted to contribute Vico! Not only can I give wisdom as to the actual match in question (I know cricket, skating, tennis, lacrosse, swimming, (water)diving, football of all kinds, I forgot some), I can also give sartorial advice (believe it or not, I have a degree in fashion design).

Which means I am about to bitch about Mr. Wanna-Be Samurai.

Yup, that would be Signor Camoranesie who has the funky pony tail bump thing going on. Sorry. Doesn’t do bupkus for me. You either commit to long hair or you don’t. Head bands are o.k. Braids and pony tails are o.k.

Retro-ish samurai bumps are just, well, not right. Just please never ever get a mullet…

And now Signore C. out. My sartorial angel sighs softly and relaxes.

Oh dear. Overtime. El Crap.
Really

Cross the fingers guys, Italy Revenge is coming…I hope :)
Alessandro

great game, SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!
Trapper

Bob, the ‘66 Final was decided in extra-time.
Andy

Also, the 1978 final (Argentina 3-1 Holland) was decided in extra time.
Allez France

France plays very exciting football. Italia does not, but that was to be expected.
Tom

Itlay looked much the way it did against Germany in the 2nd half. Let’s see if they come back with a similar fire in this OT.
Trav

I CAN’T BELIVE I AM MISSING THIS!
Ray Lopez

Bob does a great blog!!! Third time here, Bob is the DJ SPorts Freak de jure! Way to go Bob! what a host and talent you are.

Makes the screen come to life, Bob does. Cheers for Bob our sports DJ blogger.
http://www.stephenduncanjr.com Stephen Duncan Jr

‘34, ‘66′ & ‘78 decided in overtime, apparently, plus of course ‘98 in PK’s: http://www.soccerhall.org/history/World_Cup_History.htm
Liliana

“Yup, that would be Signor Camoranesie who has the funky pony tail bump thing going on. Sorry. Doesn’t do bupkus for me. You either commit to long hair or you don’t. Head bands are o.k. Braids and pony tails are o.k.”

Lulu, I don’t know…the head band thing doesn’t do it for me either.
I wonder how many folks call Camoranesie “Samurai”?

Oh and you really should be writing professionally. Do you have a blog?
DB Smith

Now I know what the F’s stand for in FIFA — Farce Francaise
Vico

Lulu,

Go for it! You have what it takes! Have a great way with words. Your very last entry…that I am replying to now is waaaaay cool! :-)
paddy

Whichever side you’re supporting, the one thing this game has in spades, is tension, class, skill, goals and excitment.

What a joy to watch with sweaty palms on both sides.

Don’t want it to end.
PTadept

This game is a joke. Nothing else than Mister Blatter’s Final, last night game or any semi final game was way better. And where is Zidane? Another joke. But of course, Mister Blatter already said it would be nice to give him the prize for best player. “Nice”? Thats bloody unbelievable. That pretty much sums up what FIFA represents. He WAS a great player, but in this WC he played ONLY one great game, and was absent in the others. Besides he also dived three times tonight ^^ Lets see if it gets any better now.
http://US dan

OOOh what a game so far, i’ve enjoyed every second of it.
I can’t regret calling in work to go later
Jodido

Yay! Barthez caught it!
Jonny Iselin

Remember in ‘98 when Del Piero was like the most hyped up player ever and dissapointed with no goals?

At least he has a goal in this tournament, but i wonder if they made a mistake putting him in or if perhaps this will be his big redemption, scoring a game winner in a world cup final, that’d be cool
Stefan

I bet France wishes that they had Saha on the bench. He would be a great option for PK. Henry has to play all 120 minutes which is a change since he has only played usually 80 minutes in previous games.
http://unitedstates jj

Another penalty kick for France??? Italy screwed twice (penalty and offside goal). TRAVESTY!!
Vico

Trav!!! For the love of God…go home to wathc the rest of the game! You are the boss!!! Close up! :-)
Liliana

Henna:
Just got a call from my brother saying he missed the whole first half. I bet tons of people turned their TVs on an hour later and were like “WTF?”

We’ve been enjoying the game so much we’re happy it’s gone overtime. It also gives us a good excuse to move from drinking coffee to beer.
http://LiveBlog Geoff

It has been a marvelous game,thus far….Now we will see what the overtime sessions bring….
It might be an idea to let the people of the USA know how many people from the USA are actually watching this World Cup Final…A game that the World all comes together and plays for the coveted one and only World Trophy…The true World Champions of Football.
ervin

this ref sucks… he seems to be favoring the italians on every foul…
not good.
Vico

“We’ve been enjoying the game so much we’re happy it’s gone overtime. It also gives us a good excuse to move from drinking coffee to beer.”

LOL. Yeah, that’s how it’s working out in the West Coast…
Trav

Oh Vico, If it were only that easy. I work in Government, my absence would be noted almost immediately.
Vico

Trav, where ther’s a will there is a way… ‘even in government’ LOL!
matt

this is a poor world cup final
Trapper

Too Right, Ray Lopez.

Bob has really added to my experience of this WC, and I’m grateful for his work, even it has led to an early onset of Arthritis for the poor fellow.

You’ll soon have four years to soak your fingers in warm water Bob.

But I know you’d rather be blogging.
Liliana

Vico, Are you on the west coast too? 2002 World Cup was brutal, trying to celebrate the Brazilian championship at 5am just didn’t work.
Alessandro

we re out of gas
squiggle

For those who watch the World Rally Championship – doesn’t Willy Sagnol look like Marcus Gronholm? Ballack looks like a threatening Sebastien Loeb.
Henna

Lulu: Agreed, you should be writing professionally. And for more bad WC hair: http://foxsports.foxnews.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=5720692&pageNumber=1&slideShow=true
Jodido

AAAAHHHHH!!!

Wanna see Ribery get the game winner!
Liliana

How many subs does France have left?
oooohhhh…nice try form Ribery.
Lulu

Oh man you guys are, well, awfully nice. For you, herewith the:

World Cup Final Haiku:

No more samurai
Now it’s field hack mastery
I dream of good hair
——

Italy and France
The Tour is on, why not watch?
Oh, yes, Les Bleus Play
——-

Live Blog catches me
I am not watching the tube
Stupid stupid me

Anyone else?

UPDATE!

Yikes! Ribery missed
I love that energizer
now France is so screwed
Sofia

Ribery has played super well this Cup.
yolanda

I can’t believe that Italy caught up with France in the same time almost a couple of minutes apart.
Liliana

Thanks Bob!
Vico

Liliana,

Yes I am in the West Coast too. In Pasadena. Yes 2002 was tough, but celebrating the 1994 Brazil win in ‘94 was SWEEEET! :-).
Trav

Ribery! Not Ribery. Keep him in.
silver_blaise

amazing game so far… end to end play ! GO AZZURI! i think Italy should just end it right now and be done with it
Trapper

What a SAVE by Buffon from Zidane’s header!!!
squiggle

Oh, God, Zidane!

No-one will ever have hair as bad as Bobby Charlton.
Trav

“Bomb blasting noises happening outside our place in Berlin. Now would be the perfect time for Germany to invade France. Not that I am encouraging that.”

LOL! I thought we weren’t supposed to mention that….
silver_blaise

BRILLIANT BRILLIANNT SAVE by Buffon :)
Vico

Lulu,

the “World Cup Final Haiku” is GREAT, definitely a keeper!!

you’re good…

Wow! What a save by Buffon!!
Liliana

Vico, I’m down the freeway from you in Highland Park.
I was there in ‘94 too! Celebrating with the Brazilians in Old Town was one of the best times of my life, seriously! I just remember lots of beer, samba and tons of people making out in the streets.
squiggle

Exquisite haiku.
http://Aol.com marion

Viva Italia
We will prevail
Alessandro

I am SO DAMN STRAINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trapper

LOL

World Cup Final haiku should become a tradition.
http://US dan

My heart goes out to Zizzou
http://www.myspace.com/angl3 Haydee

I think this game is going pretty good so far!! Zidane is a great player….France deserves to win this year!.. =D..

GO fRaNcE!

T@Ni@ H@Yd-E
Rooney

This would be a better final if both teams were full of great players.
Liliana

Nice haikus Lulu!
Coincidentally, I just entered a Haiku contest to win a box set of Strangers with Candy, I didn’t win.
Sorry for all the non-WC chatter.
Michael

If it goes down to penalties Italia has the better tender in Buffon. What a save he made on Zidane. Zidane put the perfect touch on it but Buffon was perfect! I cannot take it much longer!
http://US dan

yes, Haydee go France
http://www.myspace.com/angl3 Haydee

I don’t want this game to end on shootouts…cuz that’s just luck %%- boo…
Henna

Almost no fingernails left.
Liliana

Henna, it’s going to get worse if it goes to penalties.
Larks

If it goes to PK’s….France will win
Chance

France does not deserve to win this year, they barely even got into the KO round, Italy is most deserving, they only allowed 2 goals the whole tournamenet, the only reason France is still is this World Cup is Zidane and cheap penatly kicks
http://www.stephenduncanjr.com Stephen Duncan Jr

Wow, Zidane, with a really unclassy move in his last match…
Liliana

Ok Lulu, we need a nickname here…
Zizou the Ram?
Rooney

France will lose if this goes to PKs, HA WHAT A HEADER BY ZIZOU!
American Woman

Go Italy, Go~! Woo Hoo~!
Michael

if it goes to peanalty kicks i will go to the hospital
Andreia & Alex

Oh my goodness….See I’ll never take a bathroom break again
squiggle

What the hell was Zidane thinking?
Sofia

Wow, what just took over Zidane?
Sergio

headbutt by Zidane and the referee is blind???
Jodido

Wow, Zidane. That was ugly, ese. Noooooot good.
http://www.myspace.com/angl3 Haydee

hi ! vico what’s up…lol…who do u go for?!
Cynthia

what is up with the italian players? Are they trying to kill the french players? With their pushes and all whacking!
Craig

ok, that was f’d up.
Trav

Henry? WTF. You’ve got to be kidding. Is Zidane next????
Jodido

What’s with the old guys doing headbutts. First Figo, then Zidane.

Materazzi must have really pissed him off.
Henna

Shootouts, feh.

Zidane on the replay — one serious headbutt. Uh-oh, there’s the red.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

what a shame for Zidane !!!
http://US dan

I think Italy always tend to lucky and strike unexpectedly
squiggle

Jesus Christ. The correct decision.
http://www.myspace.com/angl3 Haydee

hi hellz ya zan!! france!!
http://www.cybernepal.com.np/models/zenisha/index.php pawan

what the hell zidane is trying to head man
Sergio

kiss your ass goodbye,zinedine!
fine way to end a career
Craig

wow. out on a red card.
what was Zidane thinking?
Trav

I guess Zidane is next. What a putz.
Larks

Man…what the F%$! was Zidane thinking!!!!
Luis

There’s a new bad boy in town. Alright Zidane, nice headbutt.

You are all cynics!
Vico

Red card!!! I can’t beleive he did that???? WTF??
Liliana

Wow, that was incredibly stupid!
Jodido

I predict France falls apart now. Bad move, Zizou.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this is incredible…such a foul and that too against Italy !!!!
Dan

Classy way to exit, Zidane. Maybe now everyone can stop focusing on the Portuguese for playing “dirty.” THat was much worse than the Figo incident. WOw. I’m shocked.
Larks

That was almost Wayne Rooneyish!! lol
Trapper

Zidane has just ruined his chance at joining Maradona and Pele. What was he thinking?
http://US dan

OOh men i can’t believe this>>>>>>>
Lulu

Why are all the US fans on the west coast? Me east coast. Wahhhh!

C’mon guys, haiku me. Here’s more:

Stretcher comes out. Lies
My magic spray healed me. Wow
I now kick your ass
——–
Ref is in another world
not mine, the bastard
Dive dive dive, no luck
——–
Getting ugly now
people should be nice RED CARD
What the bloody hell?
——–
Zidane goofed bit time
Nasty foul, red card, too right
I am so sadness
——–
Sofia

There goes my respect for Zidane.
Vico

If France loses that headbutt will be talked over for years. What a horrible way to end a great career!!!
Craig

so, this is how it ends for Zidane, and possibly France.
Inexcusable.

On the other hand, this takes the heat off of Rooney for Inexplicable Hothead Award 2006.
Trav

“Zidane has just ruined his chance at joining Maradona and Pele. What was he thinking?”

How true Trapper. What a dissapointment this is.
Lenny

Great headbutt by zidane just goes to show the usual classless acts of the french
Rooney

No way he just did what we all wish we could do to italians everywhere
Chance

Theres no chance for France now, GO ITALIA!!!
pwnawannab

Why th f he did it??????????/?
http://aol.com Benny

Zidane goes out as a classless thug! Viva Italiano!
http://US dan

Advantage Italy?
mason yost

THAT HEAD BUTT WAS F*IN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andreia & Alex

dang, even if you’re frustrated or mad or think the other guy got away with something..hold it together better than that
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Zidane had a great header earlier…but this on Materazzi’s chest was amazing!!
Jodido

With Zizou off, Italy still sucks. France still attacking.
Bobbio

Doubleyew. Tee. Eff.
Liliana

Zizou just destroyed his image and career in front of a billion people. He probably won’t sleep for days.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

now this amazing final will go down in history for that most cynical foul by a player considered as one of the greatest
Lyle

something racist was probably said to him
Jocelyn

Stupid referee! That italian dude should have gotten the red card, he shoved his arm in front that other guy. Italians SUCK!!!!
Michael

enough about how much a class act Zidane is. that was terrible.
Sofia

Lulu – Great haiku hah – and hooray for the east coast.
Craig

wow. so if it comes down to kicks at teh end, they won’t have sure-fire Zidane?

what did Zidane hear that made him do that?
Rooney

Awesome header, now Zizou has my respect that was sweet. Materazzi couldnt dive on that one, possibly the only real fall for an italian in the whole tournament.
Larks

What a game huh
Moe

i guess thats it for France….
Craig

forget Player of the Tournament…how about winning this game?
mason yost

I WANT TO BUTT RAIL ZIDANE NOW!
silver_blaise

Diarra s a moron. And Zidane has really lost all hope of becoming Player Of the Tournament.. what an idiotic move!!!
Vico

“Zizou just destroyed his image and career in front of a billion people. He probably won’t sleep for days.”

Maybe weeks…
Tom

Italy is a man up and still France is the attacking squad…does Italy actually want to win? They seem to be totally gassed.
Alexander

I do not think zizou’s reputation has been ruined yet. If france can still win this match, he will reign supreme, regardless of this incident.
Rooney

I bet you would mason yost
Lyle

italians can be fascist and bigotted (no non-italian has ever played for them yet). i bet materazzi said something cruel.
Trapper

I think the Zidane incident will rattle France if it goes to penalties.

Not that Barthez would inspire great confindence in the first-place if I was French.
Jodido

Here’s my guess: Materazzi said something racially provocative.

Or maybe he said: “Dude, your momma was sooooo good last night!”
squiggle

Gattuso’s great. No nonsense.
Craig

I don’t think so, Alexander.
As his last act on field, it will live in infamy even if France manages to win.
Larks

France is down a man…not to mention their best overall player, and they have Italy on their heals. Italy sux…France will win this game!
Poppy

Must have been one hell of a provocation for Z to do that. Seems to have taken the wind out of everyone’s sails. Gattuso excellent – France needs Ribery when they’re near the Italian goal – looks like PKs. Speaking of which, why aren’t they taken before the game – that’d make for better matches, no?
Del Piero dive – no end to these simulations???
Damn and blast, PKs.
http://USA Vic

If France gets away with this there is no justice!
Liliana

“i bet materazzi said something cruel.”

Everyone watching the game with me is saying the same thing.
Henna

Looked like Materazzi had reached around Zidane a moment before & plucked at his jersey, something like that, & they had Words — time for anger management counseling along with Rooney.
Tom

Here comes the Italy bashing.
pwnawannab

Your women don’t shave ???
http://aol.com Benny

If France loses, they kick Zidane out of the country and he’ll never be the legend he would have been. Good!
Bobbio

Why Zidane.. why?? I.. I loved you!
Bobby

Those f**king italians!!! CHEATERS!!! That stupid argentina referee SUCKS!!!
squiggle

Materazzi is a vicious nut but to headbutt him… *shakes head and sniffs*
Larks

Viva France!!!
Ray Lopez

What language do the players speak down on the field? english, the language of diplomacy?

Posting from Athens, greece
Vico

Guess we’re heading to penalties…. That’s no way to end a Final!
diego

what in the world was Zidane thinking??
Bobbio

Not to me! I think the Italians are sexy bitches!
Chris

Still can’t believe Zidane … is that any way to end a career, not to mention WC final
Larks

If the Italians win this game their is no justice!!
Liliana

It sounds like the crowd doesn’t understand why Zizou was sent off. Lots of cheers for France.
Lyle

materazzi clearly said something really offensive to zidane. that’s why he head butted him.
Tom

Man, Italy just looks dead tired.

Well, if it goes to PKs, Buffon is, by far, the better keeper. But keepers tend to mean little if the other squad has solid PKers.
Larks

France has controlled this whole game…they deserve the win
http://aol.com Benny

On the contrary, if the Italians win it’s the old “cosmic justice”
Rooney

Funny how people say football players are all panzees but when they do something you would find common in an American football game they are terrible people who should be kicked out of their countries.
Lyle

personally, i think headbutts or punches for really racist words are legitimate
Jodido

Dude, somebody’s already updated Zidane’s Wikipedia entry to include the headbutt.
squiggle

For those who doubt Materazzi is capable of trying pretty much anything to try to disrupt an opponent:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJPKM5aJGW8&search=materazzi

But that’s still no excuse. Sigh.
Larks

It aint about the keeper as much as it is the kicker!
Alexander

one incient will not taint his entire career… that’s ridiculous to think.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

nobody imagined Zidane’s last game would end like this!
Lyle

especially when it is a frenchman (henry) doing the end racism in football thing
Craig

Controlling the game is winning the game. Deserving to win is managing to do so.
maria

Ohhh how sad that Zidane will end his career like this, after being such a wonderful player.
http://www.myspace.com/angl3 Haydee

FUcK PeNaLtIeS!
alice

Anyone know if a clip of the head butt has been posted yet? I too chose an AWFUL time to pee.
Vico

“one incient will not taint his entire career… that’s ridiculous to think”

I agree, but it’s a shame to have your last game be remembered for that. Sad.
http://www.cybernepal.com.np/models/zenisha/index.php pawan

here goes the drama of spot kick.
Bobbio

The World Cup Final has been a total letdown.
Firas

I believe that materazzi said something bad to Zidane in order for zidane to have headbutted him

i mean would you give up a chance to lead your country to victory because you feel like headbutting someone, I mean come on it had to be Ultra offensive
Alessandro

MAMA MIA
PTadept

I repeat myself:

“This game is a joke. Nothing else than Mister Blatter’s Final, last night game or any semi final game was way better. And Zidane? Another joke. But of course, Mister Blatter already said it would be nice to give him the prize for best player. “Nice”? Thats bloody unbelievable. That pretty much sums up what FIFA represents. He WAS a great player, but in this WC he played ONLY one great game, and was absent in the others. Besides he also dived three times tonight ^^ Lets see if it gets any better now.”

Looks like he got one more nice attitude to add to those dives :) ZIDANE RULES!!!
Dan

A bad incident usually doesn’t taint your career, however, if it’s in the dying minutes of your last game, and your team loses a world cup because of it..trust me, people will remember.
Rooney

I bet you that damn itie said something about Henry being black, yeah thats it. Zidane was defending his black teammate.

Zizou=good man and one of the few frenchman I like and respect
Mark

Unfair to end the Final with the penalties a bloody roulette…..
Larks

Yea Craig…..but if u ever played the game u kno lucky s$#@ happens too…even if u control the game.
Craig

Alexander: Of course it won’t ruin his career. He’s a great player — possibly the greatest, if you ask me — but as his last act on the field it will be a little asterix that will forever be stuck to the story of his career.
Vikingo

Zidane deserved to be expelled. It doesnt matter what the Italian said. It was very unprofessional of Zidane, and it was not his first time either. Glad that he is out. The racists are the French. Hope that ITaly wins the penalties!
Dan

Whoah Liverpool, don’t get ahead of yourself. How come people weren’t calling the Netherlands racist when Figo tapped the head of that Holland player??!
Allez France

Zidane, wrong meds? What was that? He could have ruined it for his team.
Craig

Larks: Absolutely.
http://aol.com Benny

First none here knows what if anything Maz said to Zidane and even if he did, jezz, it’s only words in a World Cup Championship!?!
But we DID see what Zidanes did, the hell with him and I’d say the same thing if it was the other way around.
silver_blaise

it seems the stars were desperately trying to align for Italy but the fact was that they just didn’t step upto the plate in the end. WHY WHY WHY!!!
Vico

BEFORE THIS IS OVER, I’D LIKE TO SAY THANKS…

While this Cup didn’t have as many great matches as we had all expected, all you bloggers here have made it truly special and entertaining.

It was been great, over the past month, to welcome familiar names from game to game like Trapper, Sergio, mohan, Bella, Liiana, Henna, Ze, Tom, dw, Jodido, deSaladin and everyone else that was made this Cup feel like a true World -wide event!

Thank you Lulu for the colorful commentary.

Thanks Bob for your great blogging!

Peace to all and the best to you!

Go U.S.A., go Mexico, in 2010!!!

THANKS!

Vico

p.s. the world is a great place to be!
Chance

It was one person who said it that doesn’t mean Italia is racist, if anything the people who are saying they are, are the racist people, your just jelous because you know that without Zidane, France is NOTHING, Italy WILL win
maroon

stupid move from Zidane ….
I know its something big that Materazzi has done. if France lost . Zidane will be blamed for that
Trav

The World Cup is almost over.

Say it ain’t so Bob, say it ain’t so.

All the best too everyone! -Travis
rohit

not nerve wracking tough lets c who wins now i say italy abt 70 %
eclipse

man why cant he just respond with a fuking goal instead of a headbutt……
those racists got what they wanted naw… they all happy
Johnny L. Fashkha

frankly, i don’t think if some poeple think that “zidane” is superman, or he changed the way football is played……
but what he did tonight is an utter discrace in the history of football, a DISCRACE…….even if france wins, he will not be able to lift the WC as a captain….what a classy way to end ones career in sports.
SHAME, SHAME, SHAME……..
Luis

Well it’s PKs again. Lets see we saw lots of running, plenty of fouls and, dear I say it, dives, and one great headbutt from the “the great one” Zidane. Oh, and somewhere in there we also watched some great end-to-end attacking football – nice long final.

Should be clear that diving, fouling, time wasting, and violence are not the exclusive to one or two teams. The headbutt aside, it’s part of the game.

Off to PKs, lets hope for some dramatic saves.
Lulu

Liliana, I am , I fear, sadly out of nick names. Sunday is a rest day after all.

I am so incredibly disappointed in Zidane doing the head butt dance, which makes me just plain sad, no matter who wins. You all have noticed that I have shown no preference?

O.k., I’m trying (imagine thinking cap put on, which was sold on the thought that it would drown out of the hisses and boos on the video feed). Trying. Not doing well. At all.

Zi-zou the F&$% You?

No, that one sucks.

OT over! Penalty kicks. El Crap revisits.

Zina-dine Done Bad?
Zizou screws you?
Zina-zina-ding-dong?

Really, I’m brain dead. Many apologies. OIdly enough, Haiku still seems to come.

Zidane red card jerk
France is now completely screwed
Unless Italy fails
——–

Zidane nailed poor dolt
That was just not right Mr. Zidane!
Dolt gets last laugh HA!

——–
Larks

Zidane lost it when he knew better. U cant do that sh## when sumthin this big is on the line. If France loses this game…Zidane will take it the hardest…trust me.
Sonny

I agree with Firas! Zidane usually keeps his temper and believe I know. Why would he risk having the chance to play tillt he last minute if that stupid italian didn’t provoke him?
Craig

Larks: I agree. Well, here goes…
Liliana

Before it gets too crazy, just wanted to thank all of you for your entertaining comments. Cheers to everyone!
Lulu please let me know if you decide to write professionally.
Here’s my BF’s blog, I sometimes help out with:
http://www.chanfles.com/blog
http://USA Vic

At least the two goalies are good sports!
Ray Lopez

Who’se playing now? I don’t have a TV. Is this a soccer sudden death? Who’s on first? I think something like only 20% of penalty shots are missed, so the chances of missing 1 out of five is …20%
PTadept

THAT WASNT A HEADBUTT! It was a freaking AGGRESSION. We can see often small headbutts in emotional games, when game is stopped and many players gather to fight over something that happened. But this my friends, was something else. The game was running and the dude did nothing else to him, only some words: a man with class like Zidane shouldnt go THAT low as the italian dude, who needs to answer that? Imo an aggression like that can kill a guy.
Jodido

All right! I have supreme confidence in Barthez!

….cough…
Rooney

come on barthez you worthless piece
FiNi

go Elizondo go!!!!!
E-LI-ZON-DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MP

Well, I was hoping France to win, but right now, I’d like Italy to. At least they did score an actaul goal, not a PK, and Zidane got nasty. Or not is it the italian’s player fault he got headbutted? Oh, wait, it was Ronaldo’s fault Rooney kick another player on his groin. Mind control. Italians and protuguese are experts on it. This world cup really turned out to be a joke.
Sofia

Oh man.
Vico

Lulu!

I can’t beleive how QUICK and good you are to write. You’re on a roll tonight. Thanks again :-)
Rooney

Zidane won’t be the reason for this loss it will be Barthez who is like 50 years old and terrible
Trapper

Agreed Vico,

For the most part this site has been like a small part of being there.

I’d also like to mention A&A & Trish, who were virtually ever-present.

Trezeguet misses!

2:1 Italy.
Liliana

Thanks Vico! Keep in touch (see the blog above).

Oh no, damn the crossbar!
Rooney

SINCE ROONEY OBVIOUSLY KICKED HIM IN THE GROIN! you half wit bloke wayne was taking a step and carvalho slid in
Larks

Why use power Trezeguet!!! Placement u scared piece of crap
Lulu

Final Haiku:

Penalty kicks suck
But better than Golden Goal
Best team won? Maybe.
——-
oh, o.k, maybe not final haiku.

Lulu prediction wrong
Not three to one, but one one
Lucky lulu doesn”t bet
Vico

Thanks Liliana,

Blog has been noted, and yes, I will keep in touch. I can’t believe it is almost over. I know that I am going to experience World Cup withdrawal…
http://blog.chrisheath.us/2006/07/09/110 Heathbar’s Crunch » World Cup 2006 Decided on penalty kicks

[...] read more | digg story Share and Enjoy:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
Jodido

Wow, Italy wins a Final on PKs. Classy player Zidane out on classless act.

What alternate universe am I in?
Larks

If Italy wins this game its a travesty. To win like this n e ways to me doesnt really count as a loss. I played lots of games in my career and losing by PK’s is a BS way to win.
Tom

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo
Vico

With one more Italy kick to go…I still don’t know who I want to win… honeslty
Andreia & Alex

aaaarrrgghgh the tension!!
Liliana

i hope he does a baggio!
Henna

Oh Barthez please …
Vico

Congrats Italy!!!!!
Andreia & Alex

GGOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL
MP

Sure, Rooney is a nice friendly person. Ronaldo is a very bad bad boy. Oh, nearly forgot Figo headbutting – sort of, or not, the dutch guy. But I suppose Zidane did a nicer move…
Can you understand irone (and I’m not a bloke, bloke)
Jodido

Grosso the hero!
Sonny

Agreed with sonny!!! IF the stupid italians win!! I gonna kill someone! THOSE F***ING cheaters!
Craig

and it’s oh-vah
Sergio

WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!
MP

Italy won, sort of cosmic justice, non?
Henna

Oh Barthez no.
Trav

I’ll miss you all!

Till 2008 then…..
Liliana

Noooooo! You can hear the Australians cursing up a storm!
http://www.myspace.com/angl3 Haydee

NO!!N ITALIA WON STUPID BITCHES!
Troglodyte

Man of the Match: Gianluigi Buffon
Jodido

Was it just me, or did both Barthez and Buffon suck in that shootout?
Chance

You can’t blame the game on anybody but Zidane, stop calling Italia racist dogs!!!
squiggle

Congratulations to the Italian team!
Andreia & Alex

Blogger Bob you were as excellent as always! Thanks for helping my son and I to have a great 1st World Cup experience (cause ABC sure wasn’t giving it to us)
laprimavera

Sissy, cheating and fouling divers win. What a sad day.
Craig

Man.

I would *not* want to be Barthez or Zidane right now for all the money in the world.
http://aol.com Benny

Like I said …. cosmic justice

Maybe the Italians will hoist Zidane upon their shoulders!
http://www.cybernepal.com.np/models/zenisha/index.php pawan

And Its Italy.
Vico

Happy for the italians, sad for the French.

wow….

The 24 years rule stands….
Larks

a TRAVESTY
Craig

I wouldn’t mind being Grosso for a few seconds, though.
Alexander

I hope zidanne doesn’t kill himself.
Tom

Jodido,

Well, I guess they were both kind of bad? PKs are all about the kicker, so if the kicker is good the Gk is irrelevant.
Sandra

Congrats Italy!!!!
silver_blaise

THE AZZURI ARE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLDDDDD>>>>>>>>>> :D :D :D
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

utter disgrace for France
Italy deserved to win !
Sergio

TRIVIA: “grosso” means “big”,in a slightly rough way

:x
Ray Lopez

Who won? Hasta la vista! Posting from Athens, GR (Plaka district)
Andreia & Alex

Congratulations Italy!
Rooney

I never said anything about Ronaldo you portuguese
Jodido

Give Italy their due. When the refs don’t fall for their theatrics, the Italians play very attractive football.

Congratulations!
Matt

You guys r being too hard on Zidane. He was obviously provoked and everyone one of u would have done the ame thing.
silver_blaise

Liverpool Fc please calm down and dont tell the world u support liverpool -its so embarassing.
Goalkeeper

Aw, what a sad day for France. Congratulations Italy.
Troglodyte

People talking about the lack of non-Italians on the national team need to take a visit to the country sometime. There’s a reason the French have a lot of African players…It’s called colonialism. The Italians were never that much into it. Maybe they should have been…so ignorant people could call them racists for their lack of “diversity.”
rett

Never has such an undeserving team won the trophy
Rooney

And the 2006 World Cup goes to the diving board-esque Italia team. Proving that diving is a very useful part of winning football championships.
Vico

Chance,

Please don’t even waste your time answering to all those racists! There is never room for that anywhere. Let’s not fall into their stupid game.
Andreia & Alex

I do hope we find out a bit more about that Z incident. I would have liked to see him go out without being remembered for that headbutt
Jodido

Tom,

PK’s are not always about the kicker. Remember Ricardo’s incredible display against England?
Larks

Most undeserving World Cup champs of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt

Every single one of you.
Tom

Matt,

No we wouldn’t. As a martial artist, I’ve had *plenty* of chances where I’ve been provoked verbally and I could have reacted with force.

Doing so not only is stupi dit’s a good way to get sued/jailed.
Chance

LiverpoolFC, how can you say Italy did not deserve the world cup, how can you only allow 2 goals the how time and not deserve a world cup!!!!Italy is the better team, you have to admit that if it wasn’t for luck and PK’s France would not be in the Finals,I am 100% behind Italia!!! GO ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liliana

It was a great game but Zidane’s headbutt was a sad, unfortunate surprise.
Lulu! The samurai cut his hair!
FiNi

rEALLY, PK is not the best way of winning
anyway congrats iTALY!!!!
MP

Congratulations Italia! LiverpoolFC – no, actually the most undeserved italian title was the one in 1938. Compared to that one, this was very well deserved
http://AOL Marc

A pity Zadine ended his career on such a sour note. So Italy wins on Penalty kicks, Viva la France
Tom

Jodido,

Yeah that’s the first thing I thought of, too…but Ricardo either guessed well or the kickers gave themselves away.

Or maybe Ricardo is a better penalty keeper than Buffon or Barthez…
Craig

Thank you Bob, for fingers of steel.
Larks

How can u call them deservinhg when they won on PK’s???? When I played i didnt even respect the wins when we won the shootouts.
silver_blaise

Thank you troglodyte :)
Ray Lopez

What a game! And I did not see any of it (blackout on the web here in Athens, GR). But I had some great moonshine (xhiporo) shots–better than ouzo!
Liliana

I’m very interested to hear Zidane’s side of the story. No matter what was said to him, he is a professional and a role model for his team, he shouldn’t have lost his cool.
squiggle

Troglodyte,

the Italians were very much into colonialism. It’s just that their country didn’t exist until much of the world was taken, and its colonies were later taken away from it.
MP

I know, Rooney, but I wasn’t talking to you anyway, just commenting on the irony of the portuguese beieng called cheaters, headbutters and divers all along, while everybody (and I mean everybody) does it. Is portuguese an insult now?
Tom

Larks,

Well, that’s because you are a terrible sportsman.
Trapper

It just had to be Grosso to score the winning PK, didn’t it?

He has been the catalyst at the end of three matches out Italy’s last four.

Penalties will always be anti-climactic, though. With no other fixtures coming up WC Finals should be played for as long as it takes IMHO. If you drop from exhaustion so be it.
Jodido

Tom,

I think so…some keepers are just good at PKs. I think it’s really a mind game, and Ricardo was just mentally stronger than many keepers in that situation.

Other than the shootout, though, Buffon was a rock. Were it not for Cannavaro, he should get the Golden Ball trophy.
Vico

So….the U.S. (even if it was by luck) becomes the only team Italy did not beat this tournament. Happy, happy, joy, joy :-)
http://aol.com Benny

Just reported……. Zidane has hanged himself in the dressing room?
Rooney

I don’t like the fact that italy won yet another world cup but look at it this way, at least Portugal and Argentina didn’t win
Joe

We just saw why soccer is STUPID! 90 minutes, 2 overtimes, and then 12 yard kicks to win….STUPID, STUPID, STUPID. Bring on the NFL and College so we can watch REAL Football!!!!!!!
Larks

No..Tom
Obviously u never played or u would kno what I was talkin about. Nuthin to do with sportsmanship
Chance

Larks, France has won on regular time PK’s all tournamenet long. you have to admit they were a lot more deserving than the French
matt

awful game

best player in the last 20 years sent off

and more

a very sad way to end the world cup
Dallas

That was the worst ending to any game I’ve ever seen. Both goalies sucked in the PK shootout. And even better, my team lost.
Orfeo

For those who say Italia doesn’t have non-italian players in their team, Camoranesi is argentinian.
Andreia & Alex

Yeah but I’m not that happy about the U.S. score after all heck we needed them to score for us
Andreia & Alex

not really something I’m bragging about
http://aol.com Benny

Damn Liverpool, you must have been down there and heard everything said.how did you do that?
Jake

Congrats Italy -well-deserved win – gutsy effort to pull even and then win on PKs in spite of another blown offsides call. France – O goals from the field in their last two games – if the ref doesn’t buy their dives, they’re hopeless!
http://kaal.lostmysmile.org/ Kaal

Zidane will always be the best player to have ever played football, and i appluad his head butt!!!
Vico

Trapper,

I agree. They should just play on, and on , and on to settle it…
Matt

Every single one of u would have done what zidane did.
Vikingo

Italy won, great. France did not deserve to be in the second round of this worldcup after their first 3 awefull games. Italy was lucky against Australia but for the rest they played well. Italia campione!!!
squiggle

Lulu,

You should join Substanza.com (I’m santori there :) )
Ray Lopez

Zidane was not fighting racism you twits! They don’t even speak a common language on the field! He was just frustrated and head butted the guy. Quit making up stuff y’all. And bring on Monday Night Football…American style!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!!!
DATADATA TA TA TA TA TA!
http://www.myspace.com Young Miss.

Joe, football sucks. Get over it.
Chance

Zidane WAS a legend, now all he is is a HARD ASS
Tom

Larks,

Sure I have and I know exactly what you’re talking about. However, saying that losing on PKs isn’t a real loss is just ridiculous. It might be an extra-sour loss, but it’s still a loss.
sigh

whew worst cup tourny ever
Mark

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!

to LiverpoolFC :

Shut your face! SHUSH!!!! you sad git!!
Larks

All I’m saying is…is that they need to come up with a different way to decide games instead of PK’s. A Golden Goal finish would have been way better. All I’m sayin is…is if u watched the game all the extra periods and u think the way the game finished made Italy a deservable champ?????? C’mon man…even after watchin the game I still dont kno who the better team is!!!
http://USA Vic

Admit it folks – pks are a stupid way to end it. Can you imagine the World Series ending with a home run derby. Soccer, Futbol, whatever you want to call it will never win in USA because of:
1. too much ref power
2. diving prima donnas
3. pk endings
paddy

Congrats Italia.
Double congrats to Bob for a magnificent marathon performance and you have been hereby awarded the golden fingers award by unanimous decision.
Vikingo

Kaal, you are the racist for aplauding an act of violence in a professional game.
http://aol.com Benny

Matt another guy who apparently has supernatural hearing?
Troglodyte

Squiggle,
If you are seriously claiming that the Italian colonial project in Africa is equivalent to the French you are freaking nuts.
corey

why would you headbutt someone in the chest?? there are better options at the same price.
Rooney

Yes MP, Portuguese is looked at as an insult to the rest of the world. If someone is called a Portuguese they are expected to find the closest piece of rope and wring themselves up
http://www.3kilos.co.uk James

Zidane is an idiot, plain and simple!
Tom

Zidane’s rep would have been in far better condition had France won. I don’t think this will completely tarnish years of great play, but his reputation, as someone stated previously, will have an asterisk…
http://www.leadernewspapers.net Jim Merklinghaus

Check out all the action at
LeaderNewspapers.net
http://www.leadernewspapers.net Jim Merklinghaus

Great Thought
Chance

Zidane will go down in history for one thing now, his temper and nasty Headbutt istead of a great player, sucks for him
corey

James | July 9th, 2006 at 10:51 pm

Zidane is an idiot, plain and simple!
Andreia & Alex

No MP, Not everyone thinks of Portugese as an insult very far from it
Tom

Liverpool, I’m Italian, so I must be racist.
Vikingo

Vic,
thats because you gringos dont understand the sport Football
And please change the name of your american football, because it is not even played with the feet.
Henna

Tremendous thanks to Bob & everyone on here — your commentary made the days I was stuck at work during matches MUCH easier.

Four years … arrgh!
Jake

Liverpool- did you catch that replay showing Ronaldo in the stands signaling to the ref to send Zidane off? What poor sportsmanship!
ORLANDO

WHAT A DUMB WAY TO GO OUT FOR ZIDANE, AND NFL WILL NEVER COMPARE TO THE WORLD CUP. WHO EVER SAYS IT IS BETTER DOESNT KNOW A THING ABOUT SOCCER
Larks

If u think him losin his head a little today will tarnish Zidane u r crazy. # time Footballer of the Year award!! Nuff said.
Rooney

Don’t be fooled by the yank, yes in fact portuguese is an insult.
MP

That’s just it: personally, I don’t care if we won or not. Actually, I believe we fared pretty well, won and lost well. And you know what? I was rooting for France (until Zidane’s move – nasty), who beat us, and was glad for Germany’s win against us. Fair play. I don’t get my kicks out of wishing other teams to lose. Whatt’s your problem with Portugal and Argentina, Rooney? The Falklands? The Peninsular wars? I don’t get it…
Vico

I can’t believe it’s over…

so, I feel complled to say it again:

I’D LIKE TO SAY THANKS…

While this Cup didn’t have as many great matches as we had all expected, all you bloggers here have made it truly special and entertaining.

It was been great, over the past month, to welcome familiar names from game to game like Trapper, Sergio, mohan, Bella, Liiana, Henna, Ze, Tom, dw, Jodido, deSaladin and everyone else that was made this Cup feel like a true World -wide event!

Thank you Lulu for the colorful commentary.

Thanks Bob for your great blogging!

Peace to all and the best to you!

Go U.S.A., go Mexico, in 2010!!!

THANKS!

Vico

p.s. the world is a great place to be!
Larks

3 time sorry
squiggle

Troglodyte,

No, I said it wasn’t. But many Italian politicians would have liked it to have been.
Lulu

Haiku roll!

Pseudo Samurai wins
Hairdressers cry and ask why
Because France lost
———-

Five kilos of gold
In Italian hands all warm
You get fake trophy
———-

Italian players
Happy now, indicted home
Relegation now!
———-

ABC goes golf
Who cares give me gold trophy
five kilos of gold
———-

Italians sing
Wear blue dive good, where mascot?
Pantless bear needed
———

Pantless bear beloved
Beloved by few smart people
Creepy fuzzy beast
———

Thank you, thank you my public. I will never forget you.

Seriously — fun and thanks to all including our leading blogger.

Now all of you go and love the Tour de France!
http://www.myspace.com Young Miss.

Vikingo, go learn to spell you freaking italian lover.
Matt

James | July 9th, 2006 at 10:51 pm

Zidane is an idiot, plain and simple!

U would have done the same thing that he did. He was obviously provoked and it was that italian guy’s fault. Zidane deserved a red card, but so did the guy who provoked him.
Chance

Liverpool you are the only racist one here, how dare you call ALL italians racist when it was one guy and he probably didn’t even make any racist comments, get the facts straight and don’t stereotype aka don’t be a “racist dog” yourself just because your jelous that without Zidane the French are nothing, you cannot deny it
Ray Lopez

Too bad WC only happens every four years, but for you futbol fans, there’s a Euro championship every other year (or is it every year?) the Olympics, and a half dozen other worthless nationalist tournaments for this poor excuse of a spectator sport (great sport to play, and for kids, however).

Hats off to the 2004 Euro champs: Greece!
Posting from Plaka district, Athens, GR (ask for a chiporo shot, not an ouzo shot, next time you’re here)

Good night and good fight!

RL
http://www.soccercityusa.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl Hermes

great job Bob! we’ll see you back in Portland. Italy will never beat the Timbers.
minky

It’s kind of funny that no one is questioning the intent of the ” head butt ” , obviously the italian player said something overtly rude or demeaning.
Tom

Matt,

That’s like saying if I call you a jerk and you punch me out we both deserve to go to jail. Illogical.
Liliana

Squiggle, I checked out the link too.
Earlier one of the Univision commentators exclaimed “Who said poetry can only be written with a pen?” during some Brazilian ‘Jogo Bonito’ in the first round.
Have you read Eduardo Galeano’s ‘Soccer in Sun and Shadow’?
http://malta-da-rua.blogspot.com/ malta

Thinking about criticism on Scolari and C.Ronaldo uh check Domenech complaining about the ref all the time and kicking the water bottle and Zidane knockin out the other guy… funny, when things don’t run well with our game we just show what goes inside our heart. After all, we’ll all the same… humans.
Dave Hamilton

I toldcha all
Barthez was dogpoop!!!

And what about ZIZOU delivering the Mother of All Head
Butts???

A few notes before the S-Bahn:

Gattuso is a TACKLING MACHINE.

Cannavaro could be the MVP as a defender. He was that
good.

Thuram was solid throughout.

Corners were adventurous for France with Big Mat in
the stratosphere. He also had last laugh on Zizou.

Ribery..that boy needs to learn to FINISH!

It wasn’t high-scoring, but that shootout was still a
shootout and France had to not want that. Italy’s
defenders are hardball PK dudes.

Zizou made Buffon look sily on that PK early, but
again last laugh goes to…
AZZURRI!!!!

Well, maybe they deserve it after losing on PKs to
Brasil in ‘94.:)

I might wrap this up tomorrow, but am just glad it’s
done now.

Dave
matt

a truly awful game

ending in a sad way with booing on call

argentina and brazil why didnt you get to the final
Dan

Rooney, you racist jerk, how dare you speak that way about the Portuguese. You can say what you want about our team, but don’t insult our country as a whole. You’re making yourself look bad.
Rooney

You must not be a real true football fan MP if you don’t know the history between England and Argentina, does the Hand of God and the 86 World Cup ring a bell to you. I don’t like Portugal because you are worthless pieces who dive every chance you get.
MP

Rooney, get a reality check. You need a huge dose of self-estim, and self-respect. Got plenty of it and am willing to share.
Andreia & Alex: thanks.
Sandra

Rooney, you racist jerk, how dare you speak that way about the Portuguese. You can say what you want about our team, but don’t insult our country as a whole. You’re making yourself look bad
corey

Matt | July 9th, 2006 at 10:55 pm

James | July 9th, 2006 at 10:51 pm

Zidane is an idiot, plain and simple!

U would have done the same thing that he did. He was obviously provoked and it was that italian guy’s fault. Zidane deserved a red card, but so did the guy who provoked him.

NO. WHY WOULD YOU HEADBUTT SOMEONE IN THE CHEST?? WHY NOT JUST PUNCH HIM IF YOURE GOING TO STOOP THAT LOW IN THE FIRST PLACE. EVERYONE ON THAT FIELD HAS BEEN PROVOKED AT SOME POINT IN TIME….THEY DIDNT HEADBUTT ANYONE IN THE CHEST. ZIDANE IS AN IDIOT…HANDS DOWN. 10 MINUTES LEFT IN YOUR CAREER…AND YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THE WORLD CUP…AND YOU DO THAT….get a fucking clue.
Sergio

waaaaaaa,zidane was hurt in his feelings so he headbutted the bad italian player :O
Matt

No, Tom. It is like being a bad driver to get in a car crash so they can get some insuarance money.
Vikingo

Its clear that the yanks dont understand anything of the sport. But hey, they’ve got their own games. Stick to that please, and come back in 4 years when you learned the rules!
Carlos

MP, ignore Rooney …not worth your breath or typing
Young Miss.

okay the NFL is retarded.
so shutup.
Tom

No, Matt, it’s not. It’s like one person saying something to another, and the receiving person attacking back with force.

The fact you think the verbally assaulting player deserves the same punishment as the physically assaulting player is absurd.
Trapper

“Pantless bear beloved
Beloved by few smart people
Creepy fuzzy beast”

Now, now, Lulu, that is just WEIRD.

And you’re right Le-Tour will be the best way to wean myself of the WC.

4 years! 4 bloody years till it comes again!! :(
Jodido

Hey, if Zidane was provoked then I don’t think it was really that bad to retaliate – but I do think it was stupid.

I’ve been in that situation before, and I retaliated, except I got away with it. It felt good to see somebody get something they deserved, but it’s far better to just outclass them on the field.

Bad move, Zizou.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

What’s the haiku syllables count in english?
Vico

Lulu,

Please let us know when you get published. Start with all these ‘World Cup Blog poetry’. FIFA might show interest, maybe?

Consider blogging in 2010, perhaps?

Good job and good luck to you.
Chance

Both France and ZIDANE suck face it Liverpool, don’t take it out on the other team
Matt

Zidane was classless, but the one who provoked him was shameful.
Rooney

Oh well I don’t bother myself with worrying about Portugal. They might compete in ‘08 Euros but not ‘10, too old to do that.
Aussie expat

Everyone ignore LiverpoolFC, some Italians are racists, yes, but so are some Australians, Americans, English, Germans etc.
Leave it be.
CHARETTE

Italy beats Africa in world cup final.
Vikingo

Am glad we dont have to see that ugly face of Zidane anymore. Viva Barcelona. Viva Italia!
matt

worst team to ever win a world cup

very sad
Chance

AMEN AUSSIE EXPAT
Matt

Ze, i think is is 5,7,5
richard

the french have small penises…

…..
Trapper

Roll on our respective Continental Championships.

(And I’m also a fan of the much-derided Confederations Cup).

A world in which every day was Christmas would get boring.

The WC only comes around 1 month in 48.

Doesn’t help me at the moment, though. I’m so sad it’s over.
http://tomasrosicky.org Rory

GOOD WIN for Italy
After the Headbutt for Zidane’, I honestly felt they here didnt deserve to win….
corey

You don’t know what was said to zidane to provoke him….so to call it shameful is a bit naive.

those guys talk shit ALL match long in hopes that idiots like zidane will react
Ray Lopez

Italian soccer thrives on dives and complaining to the ref–for those of you that don’t live here and don’t know. Just part of the game, like in the NBA fouls are.

The better team won today, but I would have liked to see Germany and France. It’s a shame they red carded the German player–that cost the Germans the game.

It’s true that FIFA refs have too much power since they need more refs on the field and…dare I say it, American style “instant replay”.

RL (posting from Athens, GR, where I live and make a living as an ugly American–and the people here like me! U.S.A!!! George Dubya Bush! CIA! HAHAHA They love me here–a caricature of the ugly American!)
Liliana

Not much cheering for the Italians in the stadium,eh? Must be that silly hat they put on the cup.
Could Zizou come out for the medal or is he hiding?
alex

Headbutting someone in the chest is not a vicious act. it’s a red card. it’s stupid. it probably cost france the world cup. only zidane can explain why he did it (if he even can). he’s from the streets, he’s got a temper (so do i) and he was provoked. bad move, but he’s human like everyone else out there. france played better but couldn’t stick the second goal and in pk’s the rebound went the wrong side of the line for Trezeguet. C’est la vie.
Tom

Liliana, Red card = sent off the field. No medal for Zidane.
http://malta-da-rua.blogspot.com/ malta

Rooney and MP: Liverpool and Man United were trashed by a uh portuguese team, Benfica, best english coach you have their it’s uh portuguese Mourinho, best players at premiership are french or other Nation, England was trashed everytime it plays with Portugal. Finally, check brits in Algarve drinking their holidays 24 hours a day… those kind of citizens we could care less… english people should get more fair-play, learn to loose, get some education and get some football classes with portuguese players and coach. Last good players you had were Brian Robson and Glenn Hoddle and was quite some time ago.
squiggle

Liliana, I haven’t, but I think I might (I just looked it up on another screen). Thanks. :)
MP

I was ironizing about the Falklands, Rooney…
Continuing to ironize: England always loses out of everybody else’s fault, doesn’t it? What a sad fate you have.
Besides, I already said way up there this WC is a joke.
Oh, and you don’t like Portugal because of such intelectual, well thought off and intelligent reasons my mind is agast and I cannot think of an answer to give you. I salute your large pairs of brain lobes.
Chance

I believe France should not have made it even into the KO round, how can you say they were better then a team that only allowed 2 goals the entire tournament and won all their games except a tie with the USA, How am I racist you SOB liverpool
Rooney

Hey sergio now that the World Cup is over who will you watch? Is there a national fund used to help set up matches?
Matt

Rory | July 9th, 2006 at 11:03 pm

GOOD WIN for Italy
After the Headbutt for Zidane’, I honestly felt they here didnt deserve to win….

Posted from Jamaica

Zidane was classless, but the one who provoked him was shameful.
Carlos

I agree Ausie, believe me there are NO countries where racism is absent and there is not one country that has a MONOPOLY on it.
Liliana

Stadium looks beautiful with the exception of those holding the cup.
Matt

some people
FRED

WOWWWWWWWWWWW

BUNCH OF FUCKING RACIST HERE …..
PTadept

Even the cup delivery was a joke.
max

zidanne is my hero, even if he got kicked off, at least someone finally gave those dumb italians a reason to f_ing dive for once
Matt

its a shame
Liliana

Thanks, Tom!
And Squiggle, come by and say hello every once in awhile. I’ll send you my bootleg Serge DVD.
Troglodyte

RL (posting from Athens, GR…)

Posted from United States

orly?
Serg

I have more connection to Italy than France. The problem is that not one commentator on ABC pointed out the bad behaviour of Materazzi. He was clearly being an asshole throughout the game. Our US media is frightened to look at both sides of the issue. We are so concerned about setting the bad guy on a pedestal. Zidane’s action was not right, but the only thing we saw on ABC was the “evil” ram in the chest. It’s not fair! I thought Zidane was chill the hole time. Something must have been there to set him off…Agree?
fan

Well, it was a lousy final, typical of modern tactical soccer. Only about winning, no splendor or greatness.
Matt

Portuguese speak english ??
tony

It’s not a surprise that France looses the WC. With a team of mercenary and rude players (like Zidane) and the number of goals marked with penalty, they don’t merit it.
MP

Thanks for the info, Malta, but I already knew all that. Can’t say the same about the other part.
Dallas

I agree PKs are a bad way to decide a win. And in the IR on ABC it showed Zidane was going to leave the argument, but Materazzi said something else so he turned around and headbutted him.
Mary

To Rory,

Just because Zidane did a stupid thing doesn’t mean his team doesn’t deserve to win. pk’s are a terrible way to decide in my opinion.
Vico

“Stadium looks beautiful with the exception of those holding the cup”

That’s funny Liliana.

but, hey, give them a break :-)
Aussie expat

I have looked into my crystal ball and yes I see it. 2010 An Australia – Germany final.
Rooney

The best players in the Premiership are from other nations? Yeah you are right because Lampard, Rooney, J.Cole, and Gerrard are just dirt terrible. And was Benfica in the UEFA Champions League finals? No a premiership team was.
Tom

Matt,

I speak Italian and Spanish…and I’m from the US. *shrug* Many members of my family in Italy speak English.
PTadept

The words of malta…

“Rooney and MP: Liverpool and Man United were trashed by a uh portuguese team, Benfica, best english coach you have their it’s uh portuguese Mourinho, best players at premiership are french or other Nation, England was trashed everytime it plays with Portugal. Finally, check brits in Algarve drinking their holidays 24 hours a day… those kind of citizens we could care less… english people should get more fair-play, learn to loose, get some education and get some football classes with portuguese players and coach. Last good players you had were Brian Robson and Glenn Hoddle and was quite some time ago.”

… are a true anthem. AMEN! English go play cricket, football is NOT for that kind of bad losers. :) And if Portugal team is too old in 2010, i guess the English one is younger? LOL. Bloody kid.
Michele

Do we know what provoked Zidane?
squiggle

Liliana,

Come by where?
http://malta-da-rua.blogspot.com/ malta

Rooney, You mean «Arsenel»?
France

Zidane, why did you do that? You did NOT have to? Control man, self control!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://canada mufc

wow! what a nutting! way to go zidane,man id like to see him do that against some portugese players! this guy doesnt lose his cool too easily, some really nasty comments must have been said!!!
olli

Spain and Portugal have been vindicated!!!

I will forever be in awe over what Zidane did. completly jaw dropping.
so dissapointing.
Really

Vive la Italie!!!! ahahahahahahahahahaha haahahahahahaahahahahah…

guys, your bla bla bla deseve a “shut up”!!!!!

Forza ITALIA, siamo er meioooooooooo !!!!!!!!
Liliana

Vico, I know I’m a sore loser. Every team I was going for in the later rounds lost.
Where do Italians celebrate in LA? That’s the only ethnic area we are missing, we have no Little Italy.
Troglodyte

Zidane is one of the greatest players ever, with class on and off the field, but some of you people with your accusations of racism really need to re-examine your own behaviour.

Your reflex action was to ASSUME that the dirty “wop” had done something to deserve being head-butted to the ground.

Yeah, who are the racists?
Jefferson

Congratulations Italians! Still in shock at the Zidane incident (they just showed it again) Seeing him walk to the locker room was just the saddest look but he deserved the red card, no question about that

Still shaking my head at those who come to the board solely to degrade must be one empty life. Going out to read mine. About to read the blog and head out
PTadept

A premiership team was in the final? So what? LOL. You are patheticc, a reflection of the mentality in your country. You are the center of the world all right! And who cares about a premiership team in the final? Once more, you didnt won. English football is so great that you get KO with Portugal in the quarters, and your league is owned by a Portuguese. I would be ashamed if i was you, with such a great football over there! And to make us laugh even more, your excuses are patheticc. You guys seriously dont notice the ridicuolous you get? LOL i laugh at your attitude my friend.
Zizou4life

Zizou 4 life, the greatest player since Pele. We love you with all our hearts. Thanks 4 da great mastery of soccer that you’ve displayed and allowed us to enjoy!
Tikia

Bravo Italy ! It was exactly what I expected : they cheated when they won againt Austalians who were much better players than Italians and the referee who sucked when Swiss won againt South Korea!
It is really a lousy World Cup I’ve ever seen!
Italians definitely have referees in their pocket.
After all, it is not even surprising to see what’s happening in Italy : all trials going on againt the bribes and so on.
Ray Lopez

From wikipedia:

# Zidane is one of the football icons of his generation and is known to be modest, quiet and admittedly shy. However, Zidane has occasionally shown a quick temper on the pitch. One such display occurred in a 2000/2001 Champions League match between Juventus Turin and Hamburger SV, in which Zidane headbutted Jochen Kientz; he received a red card for this action. He also received a red card in the 1998 World Cup for stamping on a Saudi player.
Really

Tikia, ma vammorì ammazzato, cretino!!!!
Liliana

Sorry Squiggle, I gave my boyfriend’s blog url a few posts ago (I help him out once in awhile). http://www.chanfles.com/blog

“Kapow! Bang! Pop! Whizzzz!”
squiggle

Thanks, I will. :)
Vico

Liliana,

I was just teasing you. I think it’s okay whaat you said. It was funny. And that is what rivalry is all about. It’s all fun and part of the game.

What I hate is when you get these racist biggots calling names when they don’t see things going their way.. Yeah I don’t know where italians go to celebrate. It is interesting there is no Litle Italy in LA given that there is a lot of Italina restaurants all over, thus showing there is a great appreaciation for italin things and a lot of italians in LA.

Had France won, where would you have gone to celebrate??
Chance

Zidane exit ruined the whole world cup, no France has an excuse to losing, to bad Italy couldn’t have destroyed them like they did against Germany
Tikia

What Zidane did was surprising but we have to wait to see what really happened. Zidane is a good person and to react like that, there must have been something serious behind all this.
I am sure that Italian provoked him on purpose.
Amanda

its a shame what zidane did.. he is an amazing player and a great inspiration. its disappointing that that is how he left the soccer field. no one will think of his last goal or his last big play. they will first remember the vicious foul he committed. its a disappointment to many.

CONGRATS ITALY!! well done buffon.. great save off zidane’s header!
TiaLovesColdplay

Poor Zidane! I wonder what Mat..said to him, it mustve been bad for Zidane to bash him with his beautiful bald head! You guys know after playing for a month, in the final, 110th min, you start losin it, especially if your opponent verbally attacks you…I beleive if that didnt happenb we wouldve seen a sudden death…Either way both teams are leaving with medals that’s more than you can say about most teams who played…
ALL THE BEST TO ZIDANE, COME TO HAWAII AND CHILL, NO ONE IN THE ISLANDS WILL CARE ABOUT YOUR HEAD BUTT EXIT ;)
Really

Tikia, go to France: you deserve to stay there, bad loser!!!
Dallas

Zidane is an amazing player and had an amazing game, the foul was provoked and MAterazzi probably deserved it.
nx

Winning in typical Italian style as per usual, provoking Zidane to a red card just exactly kinda thing I expected to happen.
Aqvamare

italia is the wrong champion, basta
Liliana

Vico, we went to the Football Club on Melrose for the France v Spain game and they were lots of French youths celebrating in the street. There’s also a French cafe right across the street.
Besides that, I’m not sure. I think most Frenchies live on the Westside.
There use to be a large Italian community in Lincoln Heights that eventually move on to Alhambra but there not around anymore.
My friend says the Italians are celebrating at the Spaghetti Factory and Pizza Hut. I told you we were sore losers. :)
Coco

Liliana,
Lots of honking andItalian flags waving in the Valley . . .
Aussie expat

Even if Zidane was provaked he is a professional and he knows what happens when we does something like that. In the end he is responsable, shame though.
http://canada mufc

no doubt the italian deserved it,zidane may regret that he did it on the field, but hey,at least he doesnt do things halfway!!
ITALY!!!

Vive la Italie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aaahhhaa wow and what a stupid way to end your career–Zidane. I have lost all my respect for you. what a really stupid thing to do.
ITALY ITALY ITALY!!!!!!!
Lulu

Hey there all, (thanks are offered yet again, and with sincerity for your nice feedback)

Ze, it is indeed 5-7-5 (thanks Matt) I confess that I do not use Haiku for deep thoughts (oh, ya think?) and actually sit next to the keyboard with my left hand out, I count the sylables. I mean, I am hoping to impress people like Liliana and Vico!

And of course, it can depend on how you say a word. After all, a word spelled ‘Chomondley’ (I think I spelled that wrong) is pronouced ‘Chum-ley’ in England!

Embrace the 5-7-5 and you will have a really useful tool in spports commentary! Like this:

Words fail me. This time
Italy won Cup, France failed
Pinched butts in Berlin
Alessandro

As the french team put it: “we live together, we die together” Zidane was taken off the field, the team collapsed
Vico

Liliana,

Funny again.

mmmmh… maybe I’ll swing by the Old Spaghetti Fac. in honor of Italy…and have my meal with French wine!. I really didn’t know who I wanted to win in the end. I like both countiries. My great grandparents were french, so I guess root-siw I should’ve favored France all the way, but somehow I also like the Azurri quite a bit.
Really

nx, somewhere I read In Russian Federation is usual to use the Kalashnikov if a player has provoked, isn’t it? Are you agree? I don’t think it!!! Don’t write BIG LIES if you don’t know nothing about “italian style”. shut up!!!
tony

Frenchies out, it’s a chance for the World Cup. The reputation of les Bleus is over with the nasty attitude of Zidane, the missing penalty of Trezeguet and their lousy performance overall.
Tikia

What a shame such a lousy cheating players won the Cup.
You know guys Italians have a lot of talent in football but they’d better play in movies. Their cheating performance is excellent with all their simulated pain and all.
Mary

Really,

Congrats to Italy. I love Italy and I love France (I lived there for 2 years. I wanted France to win but I congrat Italy. There are bad losers and bad winners. Which one are you?
Jean Barsons

What a bizarre ending to the game! What happend to Zidane? Why wasn’t he there to get his second place medal.
I love the French team.
Vive Les Bleus!!!
Liliana

Ooops, too much beer=bad grammar!
Dallas

Zidane is a professional and he knew he’d get thrown out, but if the insult was bad enough, I’d have done the same thing.
Johnny L. Fashkha

1 Billion people watched the final…and 1 Billion people saw the headbutt zidane did, SHAME, and what a classy way to end ones career
Pietro

Hey Tikie here’ smy address

1524 sw 4th ave apt 3
gainesville florida 32601

come over we’ll talk about how ital won the cup…b/c france didn’t play defensive crap soccer against brazil and portugal, hahah alaughable man

the best team won and you can’t handle it….there’s only two types of people on the world. Italians and people who want t o be italian

ciao ciao time to celebrate!!!!
Jodido

If you’re bugged by folks giving Zidane the benefit of the doubt by saying he was provoked (and most assume it was racially provoked), fine – but don’t get your panties in a bunch, ok? Zizou is a classy player, although he has a quick temper it seems, and most would rather believe that only the worst imaginable provocation could have caused him to respond like that.

We’re not jumping to the conclusion of Italians=racists, at least I’m not. Just trying to wrap my head around what would cause one of the most admired players of the world to do this.

Regardless, congrats to Italy, who although I think were mostly outplayed today, definitely played solidly throughout the whole tournament. Cannavaro needs to receive the Golden Ball trophy.
Ulli G

Racist Italian! The whole French team should have walked in solidarity.
Tikia

Has anyone pointed out the torn T-shirt of Trezeguay ?
How can you explain that ?
Zidane is the captain and it is normal for him to defend his team members againt Italians who give kicks on French players here and there.
Liliana

Coco, the Valley? I had no idea there is an Italian community there. LA is too big.
Z

It was a calling. The world will never know why he did what he did.
Really

Mary, Italians did nothing to be “bad winners” with France. They were tired and played with all their power.

Have you seen Zidane’s Fair play? ok, maybe he has been provoked what a way to solve the “problem” into a sport competiotion!!!

Italians? GOOD WINNERS!!!!
Pietro

no want to kno who a classy player is…Roberto Baggio, that guy has NEVER retaliated, unlike the great Zizou
Liliana

Vico, I’ll be drinking my Spanish wine tonight in remembrance of all the honorable losers who should have made it through.

Lulu, I should have asked you for a winning haiku. I agree, the World Cup Haiku’s should become a tradition.
Billy Joe Bob

I’m sorry.. italians and classy don’t mix… unlike your face and my foot (when i come down and kick your face in)
Italy sucks the big one

Wow what the hell r u guys thinking. FRANCE dominated the whole second half and extra time. It was only cause of Buffon that Italy stayed alive and not too mention the fact that Barthez sucks. France played much better soccer and deserved to win.
Bell

Why did the French coach take Ribery out? He seemed to be playing best late in the game. Italy’s goalkeeper is outstanding. It was fun to watch until Zindae lost it. That was sad. What a sad way to end his career.
skillz

L.A. has nothing on Toronto when it comes to world cup craziness. Not only itialians going insane here, all communities go insane here for world cup.
Cezary

With all the corruption scandals in Italian football hapeening through the courts this week,FIFA should have banned Italy from playing in WC.
T.Chin

I am very concerned about the partiality of the referee in this the final of the World Cup. This is the same ref who did the England Vs Portugal game, he is an awful referee. In this match when the Italian captain willfully stepped into the ankle of Mackalele after he was beaten he never got a yellow, the number of hand balls that the Italians did was not admonished. The amount of fouls on Zindane that went uncalled, if you should look at the game again notice that 70% of the times the Italians went down they got a penalty. The refereeing of the Germany vs Portugal game was tremendously done, considering the reputation of the Portuguese team. The refs were totally impartialand did a fabulous job. Why were they or someone of thier calibre chosen for the finals. It really stinks.Imagine Australia beat Italy and were cheated by a referee and now the Italians are the Champions, WOW!!!I guess cheating pays.
ITALY RULES

BRAZIL SUCKS :o a much better stronger team has prevaled
Lulu

I forgot to respond!

It is probably too late to catch Trapper in Oz here, but gee whiz whats wrong with thinking that the mascot of this Cup is a creepy furry thing? Because it really is. Plus that talking ball takes the cake.

This is my first experience with a negative review. Very emotional. Heart palpitations. But I soldier on, knowing that in his heart, Trapper really thinks I’m o.k.

Sniff. I am able to send love to you all, but only barely. Call the stretcher. Please please I need the magic spray. Coach, will I live? Procreate? Yes, yes, I am feelling…

Ever so better!!!

Smiles to all :-)
skillz

I saw that foul on mackelele, I also thoght it was a yellow card offence.
Bell

Zidane, not Zindae. Sorry, too much wine today I guess.
Mary

Really,

I am not defending Zidane – he should not have reacted the way he did. I am just wondering why we (fans) can’t just congrat the winning team, drink a toast and look forward to the next world cup! Let bygones be bygones, you know what I mean?

Like I said, I wanted France to win but I congrat Italy for a job well done!
John Klopfer

Roy (Rob?) L.,

They’re most decidedly not speaking English on the field. I did see some of the French speaking French—a good number of the Italians probably learned French in school: it’s a very popular second language in Italy.

Others,

Speaking in defense of Materazzi, even if he did spit out something terrible—and we won’t know for a while—provocation, right or wrong, is huge in soccer, especially Italian soccer. It doesn’t have to be heartfelt to be effective, and with two teams so exceedingly defensive, it’s one of the few ways to get an edge up. What language did he say it in? Hmm…

Also, no matter what Materazzi said, that kind of hit doesn’t fly. PT is right: as all athletes in contact sports know, a hard spike on the tip of the sternum is a kill shot. When blackbelts are taught that, they’re made to register themselves as lethal weapons. I would say Mr. Zidane aimed quite well, for all the other options he had. And he knew damn well he was out when the referee walked up. No complaints… not a râleur at all.

I went into this game expecting some foul play from Italy, but I saw much more from France—much more direct, intentional, and off-the-ball—and the player I thought would be most vicious was the most docile: Gattuso. Even the commentatiors on TV5 (FR) remarked upon the change.

Great commentators, too, if terrible singers.

Did anybody else catch the FR fans dressed up as Asterix and Obelix?
Liliana

Skillz, unless Mexico or Brazil wins a game, World Cup celebrations are pretty tame here. I’m sure most cities are better than Los Angeles.
New York and San Francisco must be pretty fun right about now.
ITALY RULES

T.Chin you right refing was horible but did u see the dive that almost costed italy another penalty
http://www.worldcupblog.org/liveblog/liveblog-france-vs-italy.html Cristiane

I wonder what is Josh thinking right now. The Italian blogger wrote that a PK final is worth only half. Now be a man and deal with this, Josh. What do you have to say now?

“Brazil can have the physical cup for the 94 final (unlike their third cup, see note at bottom) but they’ll always have, at most, a 1/2 star for 1994 in my book.”

http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/italy-45-brazil-45.html
Kevin

SUBJECT: ZIZOU going off.

Something very serious and insulting caused a player of Zidane’s stature and class to “freak,” & lose it like that. Sure Zidane’s roots come from the streets and barrios of Algeria and he was quite possibly thrown back to those times in a fit of rage after getting clipped at from behind & from above the whole game, but I would be willing to bet that Materazzi said something racial – YES, RACIAL – to him. Here in the following is the bio on tattoos-up-down-his-arms, thug Materazzi from a fairly reputable UK football magzine in it’s pre-coverage of the ‘06 Cup: “Marco Materazzi – the bad boy of Italian football has a tendency to take the man & not the ball. That is 1 reason why all Italians hope Nesta and Cannavaro remain fit during the finals. Not up to the standard of previous central defensive reserves.” Keep in mind, also, that he was sent off against the USofA earlier in the Cup for some buffoonery. Look at the tapes. After all the slamming away by FIFA to cut down on the racism, and “no against racism,” I would not dought he called Zizou some sort of “North African or Algerian monkey.” How we’d love to know. Will Zidane ever disclose to the press ? Quite doughtful, also ? Did it matter in the outcome of the game ? Hard to say, but it did effect it in some way (The penalties). Quite an unfortunate ending to an otherwise pretty good Cup. Despite this, Italy is to be commended. They had the most balanced side overall, Materazzi not included (look also at his idiocy during the trophy presentation. He obviously has a brain the size of a pea) Send him to the wrestling ring w/ some of the other Neo-Facists.
ITALY RULES

Zindane is a bloddy idiot. Who the hell endes there carrer headbutting someone. Foolish
skillz

Does anyone think we’ll ever know what the italian said to zidane zidane
Jerry

What I don’t understand is how people can be so vindictive against Zidane but wipe clean the player who provoced him? If you’re concerned about good sportsmanship, then don’t ignore the bad behavior which lead to the bad response by Zidane.

If you want to take jabs at Zidane, then feel free. But don’t hide behind the mantle of good sportsmanship, because it was bad moves by BOTH players that lead to this incident.
ITALY RULES

No i have to say in the replays i never saw the itailian player acting like an ZiZOu
T.Chin

Zindane my heart bleeds for you, Imanine an Argentinian did you in.
Liliana

Lulu, don’t despair! What could be more strange than ‘Goleo’? They might as well go and ask art students to think of mascots ’cause those corporate types are coming up with some whacked out sh*t!
http://www.ss.com sdjdj ssm

I HATE FRENCH. I HATE ZIDANE. THE WORST PLAYER IN HISTORY. FRANCE WAS LUCKY TO GET OUT OF FIRST ROUND. GOT LUCKY TO WIN 98 CUP. THEY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED. ZIDANE AND THE DIVING MASTER HENRY SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL
ITALY RULES

ZiZuo was out of hand. Now as a real madrid fan I am now happy to know someone with that low sportsmenship is retiring :)
CE Gonzales

Frankly,Zidane’s behavior in today’s match doesn’t bother me one bit. I can only imagine he was extremely tired of all the bs he was hearing and seeing from the Italians.

What I DO have a problem with is physically big international level soccer player being knocked to the GROUND by a head butt in the upper chest. PLEASE!!! With a flop like that, the guy should have been playing for the greatest actors of all time — Portugal.
Vico

Lulu,

I don’t think Trappers comment was negative,.. he just found that part of the poem Weird. And weird can be good… sorta like those independent movies by David Lynch.
John Klopfer

By the way, I’m sniffing some hypocrisy. France should have won because Zidane is a great player, but Italy doesn’t deserve a win for the endless heroics of Buffon?

In any case, most people don’t give much credit to the Great Man theories anymore.
Aqvamare

we will see, now the report will publiced in italy, who was hold back for the tourment.

after this we know how involved the italian player in the scandal.

perhabs after this, it will the first time in history that a team must give back the trophy
T.Chin

How does one contact FIFA?
skillz

All I can say is that if zidane did something like that in the world cup final. then i think that italian must have said something really nasty.
Serg

Both teams did an excellent job! However, if anyone finds out about what Materazzi actually said to Z from other media sources please post it here. I really want to know what happened. I thought France played an elegant game. Henry played gracefully. It was cool how the Italian players just kept bouncing off Henry, and most of the time no fouls were called. I thought Italian’s defense was remarkable. They were like a brick wall. But they kept creeping too much from the back and tangling in opposing team’s feet.
ITALY RULES

LOL sdjdj ssm- I HATE FRENCH. I HATE ZIDANE. THE WORST PLAYER IN HISTORY. FRANCE WAS LUCKY TO GET OUT OF FIRST ROUND. GOT LUCKY TO WIN 98 CUP. THEY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED. ZIDANE AND THE DIVING MASTER HENRY SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL

Chill out racist
Red Devil Fan

p.s. Zidane, is a hero to the sport and it’s “FANS”. He should keep his head up. Something was done to antagonize his actions…….good officiating could have stopped all of this!
Pietro

Sure Billy Jow Bob come down after it’s over we’ll watch the game again… The pk that never was and the italian goal that was disallowed, and the cross bar that we hit. So yeah we didn’t deserve to win.. I know it must suck not being Italian and i feel your pain but it’s our turn to shine now and we deserve and so does materazzi and not zizou maybe god didn’t tell zizou in his dream not to headbutt anyone…stonato
http://canada mufc

i dont think zidane actually lost his temper, he turned nailed the sucker,waited for the card,said nothing and then left the field without further incident, i say he out in style..sort of.
Greg Gunerius

It did not matter to me which team won; I just wanted the match to go to overtime. I got that. Beyond that, I do not like a final to finish with penalty kicks. The game should play on after overtime with the winner determined by a “golden goal”. Let us see who has put the best team together as substitutes replace the worn. Nevertheless, congratulations to the Italians. They played a mostly non – aggressive World Cup final waiting for a French physical or emotional breakdown. The Italians got both. The French attacking game plan lost steam as French players went down to trauma and an emotional bypass of reason and good sportsmanship. In the end, with the French missing three starters, one amongst the best at this specialty, the Italians showed the world cognitive and biomechanical gems as solid as diamonds. Diamond one: make a decisions and go through with it – do not studder step your way there and hope for an over – committing goalie; diamond two: keep your head down and drive the ball by following through with the foot and keeping your head down after the ball leaves your foot. Finally, thank you World Cup for helping bring us closer together.
Liliana

Well, I have to admit it’s over now.
Goodbye and thanks to all! Cheers to the World Cup bloggers all over the world!
Que Viva Mexico, WC 2010!
TiaLovesColdplay

My man, Zidane is alright, he didnt give the ref sh*t or make a scene when he got kicked out…He made a bad move, but he sacrficed that for a reason Matazurri or whatever his name said something totally wrong, the ITaLiaNs, (hot as they may be) will have bad karma for provoking someone to the point of dismissal to win the game…KARMA is a Biyatch!
John Klopfer

Well, actually, if it hadn’t been a soccer match Zidane would have been sent to jail. But that’s neither here nor there.
ITALY RULES

Man who cares the true winners prevaled!!!!!!!!!:) GO italy!!!!!
YES!!!!!!!!
I also had fun watching france cry! lol
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Go italy
Vico

“How does one contact FIFA?”

My guess is through their web site..
Vico

Bye Liliana,

It’s been fun!!!
skillz

I just read an article about what was said to zidane. too hatefull to repeat here.
ITALY RULES

:( iam really upset that the world cup is over i had a blast no i have to wait till 2010. It is realy upsetting
Vico

skillz,

Si it was something totally racist, huh??
yep !

Congrat to the Italian.
Zidane going out like this, it’s so sad… he is a professional player damn it! Why would he do such a thing, I mean… even if it’s a racial provocation, come on man! what the f… did happen! Damn you! Rooney now looks like a girlyman… This is the ugliest move I have seen during the whole WC! You ow a f!@#ing apology to the french people and all your fans around the world. Did you see what you did? damn you!
You were wrong, wrong, wrong. I am waiting for an apology, now! and no bull crap!
You are no Pélé now man, no, nope, what a f!@$ing way to end your career…
TiaLovesColdplay

BOO!! I love football, but I hate racists!
http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/italy-45-brazil-45.html Cristiane

I would like to hear from Josh now!!!

http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/italy-45-brazil-45.html

Ita Rules should read that too, he he he.
ITALY RULES

i love u buffon
Really

Mary, I understand you :) Scuse me but there are a lot of jealous racists/italian haters that don’t know nothing about Italy, a prosperous and wonderful country in which people reflect this aspect enjoing the life!!!

Proud to be Italian!!!
yep !

skillz, where did you see it?
skillz

congratulations goes out to Ukraine, Ghana, and Ecuador for some new flavour.
Sergio

My final words on the match:

1-45mins) Strong emotions for Italy did not stop the team but we did not play as good as we did with Germany. Totti did not exist.

46-90mins+extra) The french totally owned us. We were suffering very evidently. Great Cannavaro,but the french saw all of our actions from a mile. Yet,we were the ones who came in goal – an offside,yes,but don’t give it away as if nothing.

Rigori Lottery) Buffon was subpar and rigori are always an ugly way to end a match.

So I agree that we were never a beautiful team,but I refuse seeing anything so out of this world in the french if they were not able to submit we-the-ugly. Don’t think italians will be easy on the many team’s faults after the mandatory celebration times. That would have only been true with France. The ones you will see in the streets are just happy people with no gaullism-hate nor superior-race habit,and now let’s enjoy the party
ITALY RULES

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http://thebiglead.com/?p=626 The Big Lead » blog » A Tarnished Legacy

[...] Italy-France LiveBlog (World Cup Blog) Zidane Sent off in Extra time for Headbutt (Washington Post) [...]
TiaLovesColdplay

Wait…I thought the Italians were racists , aww forget it they’re alll over the friggin place
http://www.ss.com sdjdj ssm

I HATE FRENCH. I HATE ZIDANE. THE WORST PLAYER IN HISTORY. FRANCE WAS LUCKY TO GET OUT OF FIRST ROUND. GOT LUCKY TO WIN 98 CUP. THEY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED. ZIDANE AND THE DIVING MASTER HENRY SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL.
French are big cheaters. they got the penalty by cheating. That stupid diving french when there was no contact. hendry did the same thing against spain to get a free kick. french can never win a game on thier own. They need DIVERS and pretenders. Ther are absolute idiots. They have players from all other countries. The team itself is not original. ZIDANE and HENRY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SOCCER FOR DIVING/PRETENDING. ZIDATE SHOULD BE SEND TO JAIL FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.
Vico

Congratulatios Sergio!
tony

Headbutt the guy who makes a goal against your team is a terrorist way that deserves your reputation and your team (in which you’re the captain).
Definitely, we spectators we are the most stupid to spend a lot of money and time to support those players that don’t respect any thing except themselves.
skillz

Did you see the italians grabbing and ripping the come from each other, can we all just share.
Troglodyte

“John Klopfer wrote: When blackbelts are taught that, they’re made to register themselves as lethal weapons.”

Oh please….Do people still believe this nonsense? Black belts should register themselves as pathetic LARPers who’d get beaten down by the average high school wrestler.
ITALY RULES

I agree with all of that sdjdj ssm except for . ZIDANE and HENRY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SOCCER FOR DIVING/PRETENDING. ZIDATE SHOULD BE SEND TO JAIL FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

I HATE FRENCH. I HATE ZIDANE. THE WORST PLAYER IN HISTORY. FRANCE WAS LUCKY TO GET OUT OF FIRST ROUND. GOT LUCKY TO WIN 98 CUP. THEY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED. ZIDANE AND THE DIVING MASTER HENRY SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL.
A little weird but sure France is lame :O
Serg

skillz, what article, where?
T.Chin

I will give theItalians the record for acting the one in theAustralian match should get an Oscar. For anyone to say the Italians played well, should note the amount of time the French possessed the ball vs Italy. This should tell you how impartial you really are.
http://www.ss.com sdjdj ssm

I HATE FRENCH. I HATE ZIDANE. THE WORST PLAYER IN HISTORY. FRANCE WAS LUCKY TO GET OUT OF FIRST ROUND. GOT LUCKY TO WIN 98 CUP. THEY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED. ZIDANE AND THE DIVING MASTER HENRY SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL.
French are big cheaters. they got the penalty by cheating. That stupid diving french when there was no contact. hendry did the same thing against spain to get a free kick. french can never win a game on thier own. They need DIVERS and pretenders. Ther are absolute idiots. They have players from all other countries. The team itself is not original. ZIDANE and HENRY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SOCCER FOR DIVING/PRETENDING. ZIDATE SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.
ITALY RULES

skillz-
Are u smoking crack?
Sabina-Canda / US

Congratulations Italia!! Great to see them win the world cup!
skillz

no, no, I am smoking some nice chronic though.
italialover

Breaking News :

Zidane has been jailed for 3 months for headbutting. Zidane / donkey ..won the Wc for france now he has lost it for them …lol …what a donkey…Zidane…lol..french can now cryyyyy …hohohohoh

Go iTaliaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Bell

Skillz is making stuff up. If not,print the link so we all can see.
Bell

Skillz is making stuff up. If not,print the link so we all can see!
http://canada mufc

1 still think that was the classiest foul ever!! it wasnt done to gain an unfair advantage,it was a calling from the soccer gods!!
Judy

Hurrah Italy! I’m Italian-American, so if the US didn’t win, I’m glad Italy did. Go Italy. They really know how to live!
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS

When Rooney pushed Ronaldo and got red carded… the English blamed Ronaldo for their Loss.

When Zidane head-butted Materazzi and got red carded…The French blamed Zidane Himself.
That shows true sportmanship and i’m glad you guys aren’t like the English Losers.

If Rooney was the one who head butted Ronaldo…The English would definitely have blamed Ronaldo and say something like “he played MIND GAMES with ROONEY to HEAD Butt him. ”

You english are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO PATHETIC.
skillz

i wouldnt feel right
DJR

The complaints about Italian theatrics are *so* tiresome. Imagine the level of whining we’d hear if the Italians had scored their first goal in the manner of the French. Yes, the French dominated possession after the first half, but Italy had a goal questionably called back for offsides and hit the crossbar once as well. France’s only good chance was Zidane’s header, amazingly well-saved by Buffon.

How people can watch this match, see the dive to produce a PK for France and Zidane’s head-butt and STILL blame *Italy* for being a classless act is UTTERLY beyond me. People are clearly just prejudiced.
Florn Smelnick

It’s shame that such a mediocre team won the cup. And I thought we were going to start the game with another Italia own goal.

heh
Tikia

Hey Italians, how do you think Italians get to final without the diving againt Australia ?
Frankly before blaming others, see what happened in ur team!
Be objective!
I used to love Italy and I supported Italia in 1994.
But when you see what they ended up being, I don’t think I will support them anymore.
And all others the French teams have beaten to get to final compared to Italians, there is no doubt who is better.
Come on, France beat Brazil!
It is not nothin.
ITALY RULES

Im ENGLISH.I blame others for my loss- URDUMB

That is ur opion numbnuts that doesnt mean everyone would say that. If roony would of done that it would of been the same senario.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

i dont see why italians here are bashing the french when they won..

and marterozzi said “zidane, if you headbutt me ill give you a quarter”

poor france..

allez les bleus.. en 2010
ITALY RULES

Im ENGLISH. change ur name to dumbass
vinlondon

Italia!!! in penalty shoot outs! I LOVE IT!!!!
Vico

And so, it comes to the end. Bye everyone. CHEERS!!!
http://dfgdg.com ronker

zidane head-butt:
http://www.zizizdane.ytmnd.com
http://canada mufc

whats with the anti-english person who pretends to be english so he/she can slag off english people/fans, and why is he/she even on the subject! p.s, zidane for fifa president!! who seconds the motion!!
http://canada mufc

man, i could watch that clip all day!! zidane for president!!!
Red Devil Fan

I 2nd it!
Bell

Ronker I am laughing hard now. He probably said Euro, not quarter.
John Klopfer

Trog—

The law is the law. If you’ve got a blackbelt and you kill somebody in a bar fight, the sentencing guidelines are the same as those for murder with a handgun. Also, look up Thai boxing or something, would you? Do you know what it is to break a ribcage or shatter a brainpan? You won’t see that in karate matches because restraint has the greater honour.

This is again beside the point: Zidane well knew he was risking murder, and temporary insanity would be no defense in court. He won’t end up in a courtroom, and I don’t think he should, but he gave away the moral high ground the moment he stepped in front of Materazzi to halt him.
http://www.ss.com sdjdj ssm

For all those stupid idiots talking of possession go to bbc and see who had the overall lead in possesion. italy 51% and France 49%. French scored only by deception. The famos french DIVE. The referee didn’t see it. No contact. That foal from zidane was alos lucky. Hit the crossbar but still went it. FRANCE. THE BIGGEST LOOSERS ON THIS PLANET. I’M SOOOOOOO HAPPY, THEY GOT SCREWED. THEY ARE CHEAP AND BIG DIVERS. IT DIDN’T WORK THIS TIME

I HATE FRENCH. I HATE ZIDANE. THE WORST PLAYER IN HISTORY. FRANCE WAS LUCKY TO GET OUT OF FIRST ROUND. GOT LUCKY TO WIN 98 CUP. THEY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED. ZIDANE AND THE DIVING MASTER HENRY SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL.
French are big cheaters. they got the penalty by cheating. That stupid diving french when there was no contact. hendry did the same thing against spain to get a free kick. french can never win a game on thier own. They need DIVERS and pretenders. Ther are absolute idiots. They have players from all other countries. The team itself is not original. ZIDANE and HENRY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SOCCER FOR DIVING/PRETENDING. ZIDATE SHOULD BE SEND TO JAIL FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

Hey ITALY rules.

ARE YA HAPPY NOW.

MWAHAHAHAH

Hey Im english and im a dumbass.

I blame other people for my loss..

I’m glad the French are not “dumbasses” and don’t blame OTHER for their LOSS..
Lulu

I have a large gladiola in my hand as I wave farewell (see Dame Edna). You have been great. Generally intelligent, and…

Just plain fab. When we look back on this Cup, we will of course remember bad refs, worse dives, but most of all, I will take away what looked to be a marvelous love-fest in Germany. Really. Happy stuff in an unhappy world. Would that we could solve the world’s problems with screaming at refs and loving fair play.

Four years is long, but it has to be. At least for footy (too many countries, teams, competitions, blah blah but annoyingly true), ’cause I now say phooey to you and I’m off to watch the Tour de France! Every year!

Cheers to you lovers and intelligent folk, and no cheers to hate filled people.

That pitch looked so green, beautiful, I can only wish to ever saunter out there, just to smell and feel it. Lovely.

I’m smiling now, and I thank you for being a part of that.
——-

World Cup Blog vital
Good folk meet and discuss dives
The world isn’t so bad
John Klopfer

Oh, and, come on people: the Australians played like an offseason American Football team plays lacrosse. In high school.
Matt

What can I say; I loved every minute of it. Perhaps not the Italy I would have liked to see but they sure pulled it out – congrats
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

To

Jake | July 9th, 2006 at 10:53 pm e

Liverpool- did you catch that replay showing Ronaldo in the stands signaling to the ref to send Zidane off? What poor sportsmanship!

AHAHAHA omg i totally saw that too. THAT RONALDO. oh man. he’s got SOOOOOOOO MUCH POWER over the REFEREES. wowowwww
Dib

http://usa.worldcupblog.org/group-e/secret-italian-training-video.html
rew

Ronaldo is a little sh(*&&t .. I hope someone just gives him a F(^&%$%^$ cick to the head that puts him in a coma….
Red Devil Fan

To the idiot who said “the big French divers”, there isn’t a team out there that doesn’t flail around like gunshot victim. It is a virus in the otherwise beautiful sport. NO team is innocent!
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

HEy guys. I think MATERAZZI said something to Zidane which provoked him to do IT. He wanted Zidane to get red carded.

Damn he’s awesome. He and Ronaldo have the same strategies. you know how he got Rooney Red cardeD? yaehhhhhh

omg im such a dumbasss
Red Devil Fan

Hey I’m English, your a tool!
mamikakaza

What did Mazzarati say to Zidane??? Obviously, it was something VERY RUDE that Zidane went beserck.
tchia

If Maradona can lay claim to the “hand of God”, then Zidane deserves the “head of the devil”.

The one player who carries an under-achieving team to the final is the one who loses his head and blows it. How ironic that it was the Italian Roberto Baggio in ‘94, and now Zidane in ‘06. Against who? The Italians. The soccer gods are laughing.
http://canada mufc

zidane did not go berzerk! study it!
http://hhs French

FRENCH, THE BIGGEST LOOSERS. I LOVE THE FACT THAT THE SUBSTANDARD TEAM LOST.

For all those stupid idiots talking of possession go to bbc and see who had the overall lead in possesion. italy 51% and France 49%. French scored only by deception. The famos french DIVE. The referee didn’t see it. No contact. That goal from zidane was also lucky. Hit the crossbar but still went in. FRANCE. THE BIGGEST LOOSERS ON THIS PLANET. I’M SOOOOOOO HAPPY, THEY GOT SCREWED. THEY ARE CHEAP AND BIG DIVERS. IT DIDN’T WORK THIS TIME

I HATE FRENCH. I HATE ZIDANE. THE WORST PLAYER IN HISTORY. FRANCE WAS LUCKY TO GET OUT OF FIRST ROUND. GOT LUCKY TO WIN 98 CUP. THEY GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED. ZIDANE AND THE DIVING MASTER HENRY SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL.
French are big cheaters. they got the penalty by cheating. That stupid diving french when there was no contact. hendry did the same thing against spain to get a free kick. french can never win a game on thier own. They need DIVERS and pretenders. Ther are absolute idiots. They have players from all other countries. The team itself is not original. ZIDANE and HENRY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SOCCER FOR DIVING/PRETENDING. ZIDATE SHOULD BE SENT TO JAIL FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.
Roy

They need to go back to the Golden Goal instead of shootout. Incredibly stupid move by Zidane but there’s no way the better team won today.
Red Devil Fan

That possesion ratio really tells the story…..solid arguement! Uh huh!
Dib

http://voxefx.blogspot.com/2006/07/zidanes-head-butt-video.html
http://www.3kilos.co.uk James

The better won overall, Italy had a better world cup than France, yes France edged it on the but you win as a team and loose as a team and for the french their captain got sent off and blew frances chances.

Zidane is an idiot, plain and simply!
skillz

Yeah, I guess italy won, but somehow they didnt seem like that great of a team this year. They just play really boring football.
Roy

Hey French, you should go to jail for your spelling!
nan

yeah i think it was a “head of the devil” moment!!!
http://canada mufc

i bet mazza the rat accused him of playing portugese, the ultimate insult.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

i made a .gif msn emoticon with that pic, loving it
kailtyn

who was the MVP of the game?
Jake

I’m surprised the French got as far as they did. They had one good game against Brazil. They have a good D, but it’s like they have disability when it comes to finishing scoring chances. The French couldn’t put it in the net when the Italians D backed off them as to not to give them an opportunity to dive and they actually had to try to create something themselves. I thought both teams were tentative in close in the second half, trying to force an extra touch or pass, instead of firing immediately or after a move to create a shooting lane. Some of the comments regarding the Zidane incident are a joke. The benefit of the doubt goes to the player that did nothing wrong until there is at least some evidence that he did something wrong. As of now there is zero evidence for any racist comments. “he must of said something racist because some Italian fans made racist comments and Zidane is a classy player” is not evidence but a load of Zidane cheerleading and racist nonsense. Unlike France, Italy has a good D AND can finish its scoring chances/PKs when it needs to, and that’s why they are the rightful champions. I thought the way Italy converted all the penalty kicks they took with all that pressure on the players (especially with them having unfavourable history like which made England players bottle their PKs) made it a much more emphatic win then most PK situations. Team England should use it as a training video.
Tikia

James,

You should be proud of Rooney, the worsest football guy I’ve ever seen.
You don’t need to blame Ronaldo. Rooney did deserve the red card for what he did.
nx

“It’s sad, it’s a pity. He [Materazzi] really put on a great show when he fell down – we know how these things work.”
skillz

Only an italian would consider that “attemted murder”
Yenny

Italy shouldn’t be a champion. They hurt Henry, Viare, and Zidan. Everybody know who is the real Champion.
footbal-fan

Mazerati must have said something bad to Zidane. I know Italians and their tactics very well, he was probably on Zidane all match, saying most likely racist things. That’s how Italy wins their games :(

Shame, this is not a footbal. Footbal was killed today…
nicko

is anyone out there watching tele in france, has zizou been interviewed?
skillz

The end of the road is in sight for Zinedine Zidane and has any player signed off a fabulous career in such a way.
Congratulations to Italy!

I’m not surprise that North Africa…I mean, France couldn’t beat the Italians. They could only score (not counting penalty kicks) against a pathetic Brazilian team playing European-style football.
footbal-fan

I am waiting for Zidane to explain, I am pretty sure Mazerati was provoking him whole match. Italians suck!

France is real champion, they deserve it. Italians are cheaters
PETERBBB

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
kailtyn

Someone please help us settle a big bet. Who was the MVP of the game??????
Red Devil Fan

The above makes almost no sense!
skillz

dont reply to racsist remarks from “Congratulations to Italy!”
Troglodyte

John Klopfer | July 10th, 2006 at 12:12 am

Klopfer,
There is not, and never has been, any registering of black belt holders as “deadly weapons” in the US, ever. You’re living deep inside your own dojo fantasy.

As for breaking ribcages or shattering brainpans…Please stop the posing. No more e-resumes of bad-assitude. The only brainpan your karate black belt is going to be smashing is his own when he gets taken out because he actually belives the crap he’s been taught.
PETERBBB

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw check it out – its awesome
PETERBBB

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw lovely way to end a career

SHAME
Orfeo

kailtyn
FIFA says the (Budweiser) man of the match was Pirlo.
IMO the best was Canavaro.
http://www.gnatoll.com Miad

No matter what that guy said, Zidane deserved to be sent off for what he did!

And so would be his name among the legends of Football…

Long live Zizou
PETERBBB

Zidane headbutt to heavy metal soundtrack

video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
Tikia

TO Congratulations to Italy!

I think Mazerati something like you said : north africa ?!!
I probably must have done the samething to you : headbutting!
It might put things right in your little brain.
skillz

LONG LIVE ZIDANE ZIDANE
Red Devil Fan

Amen Miad!!!!!!!!
http://canada mufc

can somebody put ac/dc to that clip!
Welsh

Congrats to Italy for whatever it’s worth. We all know the dirty tactics Italians usually use against great players and Zidane of all people should’ve known better.

I can’r believe what I am hearing in this blog, all this racist comments. My god, all this hatred for the french team because of the black and north African players. It only reinforces what we already know, and that’s how shallow these recists are.
PETERBBB

awesome violent zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
PETERBBB

muf c – which song?

bon scott or brian?

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
footbal-fan

Well done Zidane!

I almost did the same with one Italian in the bar here :)
skillz

I agree with Welsch, too many racsists here, a frenchman is a frenchman.
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

HEY GUSYSS..

REMEMBER WHEN FIGO HEADBUTTED THAT DUTCH GUY. and it took him 5 minutes to FALL DOWN PRETENDING THAT HE GOT HURT.

AT LEAST MATTERAZZI FELL DOWN RIGHT AWAY. IF he was acting …it doesnt matter. at least he’s a great actor. NO ONE ..i repeat. NO ONE. heat butts an ITALIAN without getting RED CARDED. you motherfu-renchiess!
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

I LOVE ITALIA!!!

YAYAYAYA ITALYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Orfeo

kailtyn

I don’t know if you already solve your bet, but here’s a link to FIFA’s site:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/match/template.html?id=64

The “MVP” (or Man of the Match) apears at the right side of the screen.
PETERBBB

americans dont know anything about soccer so dont listen to them
PETERBBB

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw yeah
Dib

Hey peterbbb shouldnt your posting say china instead of hongkong………..you dont have even a country of your own so shut your trap
skillz

Ukraine was the only country to give buffon a run for his money. four shots off crassbar and posts.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

oh the hate, cant we just all get along

die you italian bitches

just kidding

but not really

lol jk
PETERBBB

the italy goalie is very good and that fabio cannavoro

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
footbal-fan

Argentina, Italy and Portugal – they dont play footbal, they play anti-footbal
Ale Nesta

dear football fan, if there was a better team then our, why didn’t they beat us?
kaiser

zidane is zidane is zidane.
professional football can’t be played by normal people..
anyway he’s the best. always played fair. no diving, no whining. best thing about him: he just shut ap and played, which can’t be said of some italian players.
Rob

Yankee don’t speak about Football…don’t speak about anything!American Idiot!
skillz

yesterdays game, way better
skillz

I wonder if Canada will ever make it to world cup.
mf

I’m really happy for ITALY!!! Zidane nearly disgraced the hole show.

Regards from Berlin.
nx

Rob you talk like one
PETERBBB

hey lots of people from hong kong here

take a shower and go to work lol I will do so too!

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

footbal-fan | July 10th, 2006 at 12:47 am

Argentina, Italy and Portugal – they dont play footbal, they play anti-footbal

Argentina, Italy and Portugal PLAY fUTBOL. get it right you IDIOT.
footbal-fan

Ale Nesta — simple, because in footbal best team does not win necessarily. You should know this well, when was italy best? In 1982??? Or in 2006?
All you know well guys is cheating, not footbal
PETERBBB

americans in general dont care about soccer because their team sux and can never win

LOL

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
nx

Dont defend Zidane for his reaction, though hate the other racist f***er
Tikia

Kaiser,
You know what ?
To make Italians shut up, you tie up their hands. They can not speak without their hands…
achrafoss

hey all

i believe zidane was fully conscious of what he was doing by hitting the italian defender. zidane as a professional player do not care much of his Maghribin origins i think he just placed his vanity to winning a world cup. for zidane, dignity is far more important than lets say winning a world cup that is the arab mind set. its like that and that is why we will prevail soon…..
http://dfgdg.com ronker

OH i have something to SAY!!

if only the italian keeper didnt do that save on zidane’s header, he woulda had the best end-of-career ever.. LETS BLAME THE ITALIAN KEEPER
rina

shut up all of u!!! the french play acted to get the penalty kick and then zidane head buttss!!!! stop it u french f*** double standard b***!

u deserved to get thrown out in the qualifications!!! glad that finally real men did it!!
skillz

lamest teams of world cup

ENGLAND
SPAIN
BRAZIL
CZECH
kaiser

hey skillz.
i love canada. but canada will never make it to world cup, halas..
unless the world cup takes place in canada..
Tikia

Nothing to say about the Italian keeper. He was top notch !
Fortunately Italians have got him as keeper.
http://canada mufc

peterbbb, any ac/dc would work, maybe “thunderstruck”..zidane rocks!!
skillz

Hey Kaiser, believe it or not we were there in ‘86. no goals though.
HABIBI

ZIDANE IS THE BEST..TOO BAD HE MISSED THE ENDING..=(((((((( HE SHOULDNT HAVE LOST HIS TEMPER CUZ IF HE HAD STAYED HE WOULD’VE DEFINITELY SCORED..BUT I HAVE TO SAY HIS HEADBUTT WAS HOTTTTT!!!! WUT THE HECK’S WRONG W/THE STUPID ITALIAN MESSING WITH ZIDANE? DIDNT HE KNOW HES GONNA GET A BEATING? HA! ZIDANE ZIDANEEE THE BEST AND WILL ALWAYS BE….I LOVE HIM!! AHHH!! HES SO CUTEEE AND NICEEE
Rob

Kaiser,
You know what ?
To make Italians shut up, you tie up their hands. They can not speak without their hands…

Ah ah ah!Crepa!
Eppure quando c’era Mussolini…w il Duce!w l’Italia!
Tikia

Habibi!
You are right.
Zidane is a great man!
He is so generous and good-looking!
PETERBBB

good idea @ thunderstruck

heatseeker is another one

bad boy boogie

But I think TNT is awesome

think about it

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
PETERBBB

habibi is in love with zidane

when is the marriage

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
http://dfgdg.com ronker

hear hear habibi, its a tragedy, im sure he’ll unretire and win 2010 south africa though
Raybron

A pretty bad final all-around though France played well but Zidane’s headbutt will mar it. It is inexcusable but I’m still interested to know if we will hear what prompted it. Oh well, there were enough good games in the tournament to give it a solid C-.
Rob

FORZA ITALIA!!! Congratulations!! i was in a bar in barcelona with lots of italians near and i was happy for them and also for me! i like italy!! and i wanted them to win!!!
And zidane has no excuse, he can’t do that, if he heard something so hard to act like that he should have get silence and then tell that words to the public… it is not the first time that zidane acts very aggresively… of course he is great as player, but he can’t do those things!!!

FRATELLO SPAGNOLO!
susana

FORZA ITALIA!!! Congratulations!! i was in a bar in barcelona with lots of italians near and i was happy for them and also for me! i like italy!! and i wanted them to win!!!
And zidane has no excuse, he can’t do that, if he heard something so hard to act like that he should have get silence and then tell that words to the public… it is not the first time that zidane acts very aggresively… of course he is great as player, but he can’t do those things!!!
http://dfgdg.com ronker

NO ZIDANE IS MINE!
skillz

new reports out of france concerning zidane zidane.
Kendall

maybe the Italians paid Zidane to get himself thrown out at the most critical point of the game… given their recent history…
PETERBBB

The italian guy told Zidane that he was RAUL’s boyfriend

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
http://Argentina Cresp

Thanx a lot for the entire World Cup Blog … I supported Argentina but I guess they were unlucky not to be here in Berlin. Anywayz, thanx a lot for ur coverage … have fun guys
Joseph from Malta

Great VICTORY for Italy…..Zidane head butt (shame, Zidane!!!) is beyond the point….

Maybe England, Australia, & the US should go to Italy to learn how to play FAIR & how to play great football…..
the Aussies have to learn how to keep their big mouth shut, though….they’ll look more intelligent that way!
Raybron

What can you say? If I were an Italy fan I wouldn’t be very proud of the Finals performance (overall performance is a different thing). After the Portugal game, as a France fan, I didn’t feel pride at the performance just relief. They slightly outplayed France and we got the win because they committed a sloppy foul in the box. This was even worse. Italy probably won because Zidane did something silly. HOOOOO-RAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! This is why football sucks sometimes.
iloveRonaldo

Hey ZIZOU!! Bullfights it’s here in Portugal or Spain not in Germany!

Ironic!!

Some French Players and their coach have accused Portuguese players not having Fair-Play!
The Last to laugh, Laugh better!!

That Final would be great if we saw ITALYvsPORTUGAL.

What would you prefer?
The Ronaldo Dives and Figo Magic or ZIZOU header!!

The Most entertainer Team was Portugal and will be always!!

see you EURO2008

Força Portugal
Looking for good, fair football.

An argentine ref (who is probably of italian decent- a huge italian majority there). Football (or soccer) “the beautiful”, but corrupt game.

——————————————————————
Those f**king italians!!! CHEATERS!!! That stupid argentina referee SUCKS!!!
——————————————————————

Does italy never win without cheating?? A penalty kick, the french SHOULD have had, just about every position call(nearly 70%)went the italian way.

Does italy never win fair(usa,austrailia,ghana and now the french too)and win one with 11 aside??

What a farce…..the corrupt italian win!! But, forget about HOW they got there or that serie A is total mafia – the league is nothing but corrupt.

I guess we are suppose to overlook this now that FIFA has gift-wrapped the title to the italians, months ago.

And YES, italians are very racist – i know….. I’ve grown up with them and round them.

Will FIFA ever give a FAIR chance to a country outside of europe or S. america (meaning brazil or argentina??…..and no the korean don’t count,like the italians – they cheat!!!

The refereeing in this tournament was MOSTLY biased and heavily favored those two continents, when FIFA could choose.

To everybody: FIFA is a good, olde boys club and pink cards to the divers!!
Raybron

I hope those reports coming out of Italy about all the match-fixers getting off the hook if they won the WC aren’t true. That would be a true disgrace.
Proud American

Raybron,
You better believe it that’s exactly what will happen.
Ulli G

Zidane played in Serie A long enough to know … The whole French team schould have walked in solidarity.
Raybron

“The Most entertainer Team was Portugal and will be always!!

see you EURO2008

Força Portugal ”

Most entertainer? The only thing the entire world knows Portugal for is Ronaldo’s crying. FIFA even kept the award away from him for his diving and crying. Maybe if “entertainer” means “tons of ineffective diving.” Go back crying to your mom like Ronaldo. Portugal always has been and always will be a choker team that will never win anything of significance and cry all along the way.
Helen

Finally,the world cup is over.
This only prize goes to Italians.
I’m glad with the result of the final match,but not the process.
For teams I support,such as England, Spain,all got out so early.
skillz

what teams dive least?
kaiser

the news is out:
materazzi told zidane that his chest was itching. zidane wanted to relieve him by scrathing him with his stubby head. unfortunaltely m. ran into zidane and this is one of the greatest misunderstandungs of football history.
iloveRonaldo

The Referee was the best in this WC.

ZIZOU deserved not RED but all colours Card we can imagine!!

Referee has given one Penalty to France, don’t tell me you want more!!
skillz

Hey guys, if you’re going to try and make a joke as to why zidane did it. at least make it funny.
Joseph from Malta

Kendall….what a bad english supporting LOSEr you are….maybe your father apid your mother before you were born….?

Italy won the World Cup deservedly, fielding 21 players in the matches they played, scoring 12 goals by 10 different players….that’s a record by itself.
rocky

Zidane is the best. What a pity he lost it. The whole thing was carefully orchestrated by the italians. They set him up. Australia sucked by the way, so did england. World cup should go to france. Yaybron..WHAT GAME WERE U WATCHING…ITALY DID NOT OUTPLAY FRANCE…
PETERBBB

americans and canadians are morons regarding soccer – best not take any of their comments seriously.

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
face it..england suck

Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

How old are you??? Really??

Cause you are the biggest geek on this bored. Rooney derserved the red card and England once again can not face the fact they suck!! The wolrd knows they suck except you English fans.

You have NEVER showed your skill. All you do along with your country and fans is bitch and bitch. You will NEVER, EVER win another World Cup.

England, the fans, the media and the team have no respect from other countries or teams.

In stead of Blaming others look within yourselves!!

Bring it on!!!

Italy, Germany, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina proved they are an will always be ther power houses.
skillz

Do any italian players play outside of Italy in leagues
Proud American

Are you kidding me, momas boys can’t play outside. The ones that did, never had success.
PETERBBB

is zindane a muslim?

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
http://dfgdg.com ronker

is marterozzi ok?
cuz I DONT CARE
he ruined zizou’s final game
PETERBBB

the italian league is the best of the best – if you play there, you’re in the besy place

who wants to go play in belgium ?

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
skillz

I dont think portugal is one of those power houses in which you speak, they’re a moderate team
iloveRonaldo

“Raybron”

About Crying!!

Lampard, David something Bec.. and others.

But these ones never will be compared with Ronaldo
He is 21 Years Old!
Just wait, OK

Be patient!!
Joseph from Malta

foe “Looking for good, fair football”

Were you always a nutcase, or maybe you were abused a s a child so you see conspiracies everywhere, even in your conception??!?

LOKK & LEARN marvelous football….look to italy, the team that not only won the Worls Cup, bit also committed the least fouls during the first phase…conceded only 2 goals, & fielded 21 players in its matches…

Look, learn & be jealous, Australia, England & the Americas (including Canada, it seems)
skillz

i think thats why the italians play such boring football, because there players dont play in diverse places. its all very static.
PETERBBB

c. ronaldo, cannavaro, zidane are the best players of this cup

most impact on games and chests

ballack sux so much – why are people praising him????

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
UweS

Zedane played in Serie A long enough to know… the whole French team schould have walked in solidarity.
PETERBBB

skillz – italian national soccer has always been based on tight defense and counter

for 30 years

its a style that seems to work

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
http://dfgdg.com ronker

i hope one of the italian team members has mono so it can be given to all others that kissed the world cup

LOL

no, i dont hope so

but really
Judy

Peterebb,
We’re not all morons. Just because your team didn’t win doesn’t mean Canadians and Americans are morons. Grow up!
skillz

Yeah, but there not winning over any fans with thta kind of lack luster play it would seem.
Raybron

One great thing to come out of this is that we won’t have to hear Italians whining about losing to Brazil on PKs now. I remember several Italian fans on here saying that if they won this the only difference between them and Brazil would be PKs, saying that a PK win in the final was not legitimate.

Well, applying that Italian way of thinking:

Congratulations on the illegitimate win Italy.
http://canada mufc

joe from malta we know how small the gene pool is on your island, thats the only excuse for you and your comments!
Joao

Raybron, if Cristiano is a diver, his instructor was Malouda.
skillz

teams that dive the least

USA
KOREA
UKRAINE
SWEDEN
IVORY COAST
PETERBBB

i just see the comments from the americans and canadians here and its obvious they have no clue about soccer + they obviously started watching soccer like…last year or sumthing
kaiser

@ ronker:
they even kissed it before it was given to them. serious lack of style. but we shouldn’t look too hard for classiness in the football world. canavarro may be a moron, but he played a great tournament. AND: zidane is the best. the world will forgive him
http://dfgdg.com ronker

i played soccer for 11 years im just joking around, and the first thing about not knowing about soccer is calling it soccer, its FOOTBALL DAMNIT
iloveRonaldo

The Campaign that British press was done about Ronaldo/Rooney story, was the most disgusting act I ever see!!

Ronaldo Dives as Much as all great players!!

RONALDO IT IS THE BEST, THE PORTUGUESE ONE!!
PETERBBB

so what is that sport called with the helmets and the shoulder pads and the black stripe make up under the eyes? is that soccer then?

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
Joao

Forza Italia
skillz

well i guess we are not experts like the football powerhouse hong kong
http://lucatonihotmail.com luca toni

FORZAAAAAAAA ITALIAAAAAAAA

luca toni can dribble past the entire english squad on a wheelchair!! hahaha

the cup is coming home!
Judy

good one.
Hannah

As an Italian fan, I am happy that they won but this was not the way I wanted them to win.

I am not a hypocrite. I hated the Penalty kick final of 1994 and I do today too.

Penalty kicks are not the way a team game should be decided or else the whole game would be played that way (which would be pathetic).

They should just keep on playing tied games like they do in hockey. And if it takes until the early morning hours than so be it.

And as for Zinedine, it was shocking the way he lost his cool. He should have more sense than that!

Plus as an Italian fan, you want to beat France WITH Zinedine in the lineup.

Overall I am happy that Italy won but as a soccer fan today’s game was NOT a classic.

If Italy deserved the win, it was for their play in the whole tournament, especially against Germany which for me was the real final.
Natz

A great and dramatic finish to a magic tournament.
Well done to Italy!
And I am still stunned that a legend like Zi-Zou finished his career on such a sour note.
As an Aussie fan, I will never forget the many magic moments we experienced, on and off the field.
Thankfully, while in Germany, I met many fun and friendly fans – including Italian ones – who joined in the spirit of the World Cup.
Fortunately, I didn’t come across morons like Joseph from Malalaka, sorry Malta, and Marco from Italy, who respresent the those with big chips and small penises.
The Cup is bigger than small minded mental munchkins who spend too long on their computers.
Raybron

Hannah-

Agree 100%. Brilliant post. Congrats to your team on a very good tournament.
kaiser

best divers of all times:
klinsmann and voeller.
but at least they did it with a certain dignity and vituosity
Joao

Italy made justice. Congratulations.
Did anyone see a Portuguese player making a foul just like Beralouz made on Cristiano Ronaldo? Rooney on Carvalho? Zidane on Materazzi?
Cristiano aksed for red card to Rooney? Please, get real and spare us. Did Buffon asked for a red card to Zidane?
Yeah, English are just great alright. Great loosers.
PETERBBB

well i just live in HK – I am from a European country – dummy

why dont you and judge judy go do some meths in the trailer

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
mara1ona

Pirlo – man of the match

Glad to hear it. This guy has come of age.

What a shame for Zidane. No matter, i will not remember him for that. Legend.

Italy are the deserved winners in my eyes. Germany were 2nd best. Best team to watch anyway.

Klose – respect.

In a tournament where goals were obviously hard to come by – well done.

Thats it for another 4 years. Quality.

And goodnight.
skillz

Dont take it so seriously, you seem to get angry quite easily.
http://lucatonihotmail.com luca toni

FORZAAA ITALIAAAAAAAAA

english and french football is as effective as a cat flap in an elephant house.

hahahah did you see how LUCA TONI danced pass those french clowns?? hahahaha
http://dfgdg.com ronker

i’ve done a bit of research and it appears to be zizou’s second time giving a “coup de boule” at a player..
http://360.yahoo.com/star_spangled_horrors PETERBBB

very best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
iloveRonaldo

Compare the career end of these two great Players:

FIGO – A Cross to Nuno Gomes Header Goal. Nice One Figo.

ZIZOU – A Bullfight Header across Chest Italian. Nice one ZIZOU.
footbal-fan

Hannah – Zidane behavior was shocking to you??? Common you are Italian, you should know what these motherf…ers were telling Zidane and henry During the game.

Congrats to italy, on their “legitimate” win :)
Disgusting team, disgusting footbal…
Joao

French Fair Play

Hilarious, monsieur Domenech wanted to win on the desk what he lost on the field.

Pour Raymond Domenech, l’arbitre a exclu Zinédine Zidane, dimanche, sur la foi d’images vidéos visionnées par le quatrième arbitre, ce que le règlement ne prévoit pas. “On vient d’instaurer l’arbitrage vidéo parce que c’est le quatrième arbitre qui est venu le dire. L’arbitre de touche n’a rien vu. C’est une nouvelle règle qui est mise en place, vive la vidéo dans le football!”, a amèrement ironisé Domenech après la finale de la Coupe du monde, perdue par la France aux tirs au but. La Fifa (Fédération internationale de football) s’oppose pourtant vigoureusement à l’utilisation de la vidéo pour l’arbitrage.
http://360.yahoo.com/star_spangled_horrors PETERBBB

ronker – zidane pulled lots of these stunts in real madrid – he has periods of mental instability
PETERBBB

i better go to work

best zidane headbutt video here with judas priest >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
skillz

dont forget about figos head butt to the face
Dib

peterbbb is eurotrash who gets f**ked by chinese (hongkong)…..he writes like one, ignorant fool.
tirusew

The World Cup is over in horrific way. Italians scared like a cat and played defense all night and through in perhaps some ugly racist perhaps some Islamophobic word because his background is from Algerian Islamic ancestry. I don’t believe for one minute Zinedine would risk the whole thing for nothing. My opinion is that if racist fascist Italian or any hate filled person throw something at anybody that person can and should act what he thinks is right regardless of what the outcome might be. No fascist would tell me in this forum that Zidane was simply hot headed for head butting violently just like that. If I was a player I would not play for any country that espoused fascism or any bad-isms unless and until the leaders of Europeans come together condemned this menace in one voice as it is wrong! The fans booed the Italians for right reason after the expulsion of Zidane and for playing cowardly. From now on Italians will be the second hated team in my least. I am so disappointed in this world cup because it had to end this way.
Raybron

“FIGO – A Cross to Nuno Gomes Header Goal. Nice One Figo.”

FIGO- A LOSS to France in the World Cup semi.

Zidane- A TIE to Italy in the World Cup Final.

Of course it’s not surprising you care so little about results, since your team has never won anything of importance. All useless flashiness, ineffective flopping, and crying.

Oh the crying.
Gian Luca

Can’t believe Zidane makes $560,000 a month for that crap. He’s pathetic.

Italy the winner in any case, with Zidane or without. They made the ONLY goal with a moving ball in the game.

I think Lippi should have kept the same line-up of the ending minutes of Germany-Italy. It would have been more exciting.
newyorker

I am still stunned and very sad for Zidane. It will take him a very long time to recover after this. Italy deserved to win in the end for taking the penalties so well, but France should still be very proud (maybe it will take a week or two)
iloveRonaldo

Skillz

You can’t compare!!
Figo Just touch the Other guy Head!

That Game was unreal, because referee was very, very bad!!

If the Dutch Player who injured Ronaldo was sent out, that game would be totally different!!
Raybron

“Skillz

You can’t compare!!
Figo Just touch the Other guy Head!

That Game was unreal, because referee was very, very bad!!

If the Dutch Player who injured Ronaldo was sent out, that game would be totally different!! ”

PS learn to beat GREECE on your home soil and then you can talk.

Greece.

Cry.

You will never win anything of note in football; at least you have something in common with the US. Maybe you should join CONCACAF.
Nola

Forever Zidane.
charlie

TIRUSEW,

Dont make accusations until you know the facts. The only facts we really know is that Zidane has been a hothead his entire career….
Stop being a liberal pinhead and wait for the stories to come out in the press over the next few days.
iloveRonaldo

Hey Raybron,

About soccer, USA will win NEVER!!

France reach to Final, but was Portugal who played football!

See the stats!!

Euro2008 Will I see you there, because then we talk!!
skillz

LONG LIVE ZIDANE ZIDANE!
iloveRonaldo

Am I wasting my time with an American guy talking about soccer!!

No way!
Raybron

“About soccer, USA will win NEVER!!”

Right, just like Portugal. Come to CONCACAF; you might actually win that, because you certainly won’t ever win the Euro Cup (GREECE? IN PORTUGAL? GREECE?). Of course you’re saying see you in 2008, because the most noteworthy thing Portugal has ever done was lose to Greece in the Euro Cup final.

PS I’m not American, if you really insist on singling out nationalities and being prejudiced.
jeff

a team that struggled to tie with the U.S. (with one less man) should not have won the world cup
http://tsn.ca TSN

LOL CROATIA #1

italy never bet croatia

CROATIA R CHAMPIONS BICTHESsss
crayZfacekilla

Ronaldo is such a whiner dude
iloveRonaldo

Raybron
Portugal has European and World titles in Sub11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21

The Big guys doesn’t won because there are extra Football factors, that you will never understand!!
skillz

how can i go back to hockey after watching world cup.
Joao

Ei Rayborn, when some country organizes a World Championship of some sport, they usally invite other countries to play in it.
Go see you «World Series» and leave football alone.
crayZfacekilla

Chris. Ronaldo is such a whiner -I hope he has to stay at United for a while
Gian Luca

tirusew you are pathetic, just as much as Zidane.

Zidane is a millionaire, an example to many people including children, he is representing “his” country (even though he never sings the national anthem). There are other ways of resolving conflics.

Maybe he needed to feel pressure on his head to remember he had one. But he must have been disappointed to find out it’s empty.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

Gian Luca – from all of us: SHUT UP! you clearly have never seen another game in which zidane has played

zidane magic is renown and for a good reason, whatever it is marterozzi said im sure it deserved a few broken ribs because zidane didnt look sorry for him or himself..

the ending ceremony was a pain to watch

penalty shots is the worst way to finish a game as it does not determine at all the skills of the team. i would be sure the vatican team would win once out of twice against the brazilians in penalty shots
soccerdude

Chris. Ronaldo is such a whiner -I hope Fergie makes him stay at United for a long while
skillz

eoropeans know whats up. the only sport in north america that comes close to the excitement of football is hockey. baseball and american football are so god damn bad compared to futball.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

just btw zidane is from algerian descendance, hence why he probably doesent sing the french anthem
iloveRonaldo

Hey Raybron

My Last post!!

Portugal Has 10Million People!

Tell me a country with same Size and Population who can beat us!!

Greece was a disaster, but every nation has one of those.

No more, no more, no more, no more. What a nice song!!
jeff

Chris Ronaldo is such a whiner – I hope Fergie makes him stay at United for a long while..
Hartmut

What a sad day for non-italian soccer fans world wide! Once more destruction beat creativity, defense beat offense, boring non inspriring football beat the rest!

A sad day!
http://dfgdg.com ronker

iloveronaldo:

portugal is a good team and no country with same Size and population can beat you =P

i dont even know why portugal and usa is involved in this, from what i hear france and italy made it to the finals, unless i am misinformed..
Gian Luca

ronker, I hate to tell you but this is an open forum.

You sound kind of ignorant.
PY

The first penalty was dubious but to make up France was not awarded a legit one in the second half. But for a couple of French aerial mistakes, France outplayed Italy for the last 70 minutes but Henri and Ribery could not finish their chances and Buffon kept Italy from being knocked out by Zidane’s header in OT. Zidane’s sending off came with 10 minutes to go and cost them only because France looked the only side capable of scoring in OT. Bet you Materazzi ran his mouth real nasty for Zidane to do what he did. On the day, France were better, but Italy and France were the 2 best teams and PK’s are a lottery. Italy’s cup was quite a saga from the dive over Australia, thru some excellent football thru the semis and taunting/goalkeeping in the final.
Sheppards

It’s all over,friends.
Italy on the top of the world fourth time.
Undefeated.
World best goalkeeper.
World best defender.
Ten different scorers.
Four killers from penalty.
Two goals against: an owngoal and a penalty.
A match against destiny,past and present.
A great victory.

UNDEFEATED

Zidane has been a great player. His performance against Brazil in quarters is the last of a brilliant career.
He’s gone. Badly.

Trezeguet punished Italy in final Euro200. Not this time.

DEFEATED

We are the champions. Every other word is useless.
jeff

I hope Fergie makes Ronaldo stay at United for a long time – serves him right.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

what did you not understand:

shut up
MuNk33MaN

oh yes italy the overall better team. the team that won based on penalty kicks. definitly the better team. pft. please in their game with australia in the round of 16 they were so close to loosing. they were getting beat by a team (aussies) that had not played in the world cup in over 30 yrs. the aussies had more shots made than italy had more possession of the ball and were obviously bound to make a shot at one point. had it not been for that ridiculous foul they called that gave italy a penalty kick in the 95th minute!italy would be no where near the finals. we would all be saying italy who? italy got lucky and just breezed their way through the world cup playing with countries like ukraine that allowed them to make it as far as the semi-finals. if thierry henry had not been called to be replaced by a substitute and zidane had not made the stupid mistake of receiving a red card. this game would’ve ended differently.
FRED

GIVE CREDIT TO ZIDANE, HE IS THE ONLY PLAYER DURING THE ALL WORLD CUP TO MAKE AN ITALIAN TO DIVE FOR REAL :-)
http://dfgdg.com ronker

py: lol

sheppards: you forgot

World best divers

lol =P
ararat4zizou

I am a die hard football fan and have been watching the world cup since 1966.
All we want to see is a great game specially, the final…
My heart goes for ZiZou and the French team… They lost playing football, Italy won by conning and cheating the game…
I can’t bealive this is happening yet again, the fourth time…
I can not salute Italy…
I salute
France, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Ghana sorry not Italy…
It was disgrace and pure luck.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

py: lol

sheppards: you forgot

World best divers

lol =P
iloveRonaldo

I am going to do a film to every one see who are the best Divers in Football.

Be Prepared for lot of surprises from France, England, Spain and others…

Everyone Dives, but we are the Champions, even doing that we are great!!
skillz

hey MuNk33MaN, ukraine was the only team to give bouffon a run for his money 4 shots hit the crossbar and posts.
vive la france

The italian deserved the headbutt. I hear his rib cage fractured.
http://lucatonihotmail.com luca toni

italy has a great football tradition! their best player was schillachi by far and now it is LUCA TONI!

such beautiful football..their passing game and vision is inspiring
Gian Luca

I also have to compliment Lippi. Many other coaches were on their feet every five minutes disputing their game’s referee’s decision.

Lippi showed the respect they deserve. Thank you, Marcello.
Nice001

MuNk33MaN

would u please insert one or two more “if”

u re very funny… what about if FIFA abolish offsides?
MuNk33MaN

yes but does that make urkraine a good team. if they played well they would’ve won the game and made one of those four shots. so italy won not because they were a better team but because ukraine was a worse team which is why italy even made it this far.
MuNk33MaN

there i go again with the if’s
Anthony

Soccor is so damn boring. Adult males diving on the ground at the slightest touch, rolling around on the ground crying for a penalty.No shame. Of course instant replays would end stupid calls but why would you want that? I found myself watching the grass grow on the field. You can see it if you really look!I’ll stick with the NFL.
PY

What do you think that pasta-slurping mofo told Zidane?
http://dfgdg.com ronker

i agree with ararat
skillz

well they made it to the world cup quarter finals so yes that does make them a good team.
MuNk33MaN

nice001 in my first post i only put if once when i mentioned thierry henry being replaced and in my second post i said it had ukraine played well which they didn’t so i do not know where you are getting the impression that i am using the word IF a lot.
massimo

@ ararat4zizou

your chosen name says it all, basically who you support and your comment is full of one-eyed opinions. All you wanted to see was not a “great game specifically”, you wanted France to win. And your heart goes out to ZiZou for a dangerous foul of headbutting? And you also call yourself zizou, my oh my, no bias there, right? And you say “Italy won by conning and cheating the game”. Have a look at France’s only goal, a clear dive, THAT’S cheating, but we must not count that, because France is allowed to cheat. Italy may not have played to the satisfaction of many football supporters, but some should have a non-bias look at the way their team has played before throwing mud.
Deisler

Thinking about the ways Italy lost world cups between 82 and now.

86: platini
90: penalties
94: penalties
98: penalties
2002: moreno

undoubtedly everyone could beat this lucky team all pizza and divers..these poor morons with their 4 cups..

..much better USA..

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA!!
http://dfgdg.com ronker

im not sure what he said but it woulda have been something he pre-meditated on and planned on saying, since he doesent speak french and zizou doesent speak italian.. so he might have learned the words to insult him.. might be a planned insult to make zidane headbutt him… or maybe im just paranoid

surely something racial
MuNk33MaN

yes skillz but i am talking specifically in the game against italy. the point is that ukraine played bad in that game not that italy played good which is why i am saying that italy was able to advance so far by playing with teams like that of ukraine
footbal-fan

Italy deserved what Materazzi got. All of them except Buffon and Lipi. Bunch of cheaters. Today is said day for a footbal. Cheaters won again, like they did in 1992, and 1982. I am sure they won the same way in 1934…
http://dfgdg.com ronker

massimo, thats odd coming from you, seeing you are australian, did you not see australia vs italy?
Hannah

footbal-fan, I hope that it was not a racist comment that provoked Zinedine to do a head butt :(

Any racist comments from anybody no matter where they are from is beyond DISGUSTING!

But supposedly this is not new to football whether it is on the field or on these blogs :( pathetic!

This is not what the game is about!

But still, even if it was a provocation on the part of Materazzi, Zinedine should have kept his cool (that is what I meant by shocking). But supposedly this is not the first time that Zinedine has done such a thing when things were not going his way.

Again I felt sorry for Zinedine. I would not blame him for being frustrated especially since it seemed like France was relying on him to win the tournament by himself! You have to respect such a good player. If weren’t for him, there is no way that France would have even made the final. Maybe it is fitting that they ended up losing without him in the lineup.

I am Italian but I am also objective. Today’s game was not a good one and I hate when it ends on such controversy.

Italy won today and they should celebrate their win but I would still show some humility because they didn’t exactly blow out France to win the Cup!

Again for me, if Italy are this year’s champions it is because of their game against Germany and for such players like Grosso, Cannavaro and Buffon!
Gian Luca

Typical: Just in from the French press, interviewed, Domenech says, “We deserved to win, we played better.”

Well, you didn’t. And I don’t have respect for someone who even in the face of a clear mishap blames the referee.

Take it home and eat it out.

Oh, and Ronker? Why is it I cannot find the Canadian soccer blog?
Caron

losers complaints are always pathetic,but here we have some very funny ones
skillz

im not a huge italy fan but listen, they didnt lose a single game, they are world champs, any team that lost against italy deserved to lose. im not saying ukraine desreved to beat italy what i am saying is that ukraine was the only team to penetrate their defence.
Caron

canadians and Usa speaking of football..good God!!
http://dfgdg.com ronker

maybe because canada has 11 months of winter, how do you expect us to train for soccer =P

i am not saying my country is good at soccer, it is terrible in fact, but thats not my point

Domenech was a pro-soccer player, if you dont have the positiveness that you are better, theres no way you can advance.. and to be totally objective, france did play better than italy

i totally agree with the ref red carding zizou but the fact that it was proven only by video is what domenech disapproved on, fifa doesent approve with the use of video for decision making
http://dfgdg.com ronker

caron: even if we suck at football or soccer, doesent mean we dont know the rules and dont know what we are talking about =P
massimo

@ ronker

Yes, I’m Australian, and I am being objective and commented only on the final. My opinion of the Aust-Italy match stands: Grosso dived. But my point is that given half the chance many, if not all, players dive, so I get annoyed when bloggers make comments that their team is so squeaky clean when one is just as bad as the other. It’s only when a team losers that some supporters show how one-eyed they truly are.
Gian Luca

Zidane speaks very good Italian. He played in Juventus until 2001.

But sometimes when you think you know a language, you may misinterpret what people tell you… and you headbutt!
http://dfgdg.com ronker

i didnt know that gian luca, i give you the permission to speak =P
skillz

hey im from toronto and i can tell you that theres only 6 months of winter, and what about teams like sweden and ukraine who have even harsher winters. they made it in and are good teams. canada sucks at soccer cause all of our focus is on hockey.
Gian Luca

OK, ronker, peace.

Guys I am getting off.
http://lucatonihotmail.com luca toni

news just in

zidane headbutted the guy because he said his mum eats snails for breakfast.
Hannah

I agree with you Gian Luca, but maybe Domenech is trying to shift blame from himself???

But sorry as for your Canadian comments you are WRONG.

Canadians ARE knowledgeable in soccer. Maybe we don’t have a team ourselves but everyone here follows the game in Europe.

Alot of the people here are from other countries (Italy, Portugal, England etc…).

Plus the games are easily accesible to us! We can watch most premier league games. For example we can watch most of the Italian league games on basic cable (not pay channels). And every saturday they have an English league game on TSN (that is our ESPN). Soccer here is given priority right along the other sports which is NOT the case in the USA!

and the final today was on a national network channel in Canada – this was not the case in the US either!

So yes we know what we are talking about!
skillz

stop making jokes about that incedent that arent funny
Nice001

footbal-fan

would u please explain us what kind of cheat happened in 1992? lol
Boyd Lalo

Hey Futbol Fan:

How dare you call Italia cheaters? Were you watching the same game everyone else was???

Did you not see Zinedine head butt the chest of Materrazzi????

YOU NEVER, EVER loose your cool like that, especially at this level of play.

Italia won because they had a lot of heart. They matched France play for play, man for man.

As for the French, Zizou’s place in futbol history will forever be tainted because of that ugly act. :(

Whatever happened to good sportsmanship?? :(
Bell

Baseball does suck.
Who is Judge Judy ?
MuNk33MaN

skillz wouldn’t one also consider france as being able to penetrate italy’s defense. afterall they made the one sole goal after italy had had a streak of not allowing a goal from an opposing team. yes it was a penalty kick but isn’t the goalie also part of the defense. so i would think that france would be considered like ukraine to have penetrated their defense.
skillz

canada sucks at soccer cause all of our focus is on hockey.
Souf

Wish we knew what was said to Zidane. I could forgive him for what he did based on that.
Deisler

Yes yes: Italians are all divers and racists.
They pass all time cheating and eating pizza and spaghetti.
They are a bunch of morons with their mandolino and catenaccio.
Their soccer is the worst ever seen.
Their victories are nothing but a result of luck and combination of cosmical events.

You realize they’re world champions,don’t you?
WORLD CHAMPIONS…i’s clear enough?
Thierry

To all who think cannavaro and materrazi are great !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpG4AHlZrL4&mode=related&search=materazzi
skillz

i think four shots hitting the crossbar is different from a dive in the penalty area. check and mate.
Bell

Canada may suck at soccer but your prescription drug prices are so much better than ours. It’s worth the drive.
Thierry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJPKM5aJGW8&mode=related&search=materazzi
Deisler

‘Til 2010 they are CHAMPIONS.
Repeat with me.
MuNk33MaN

how would you consider zidane’s headbutting cheating especially when it wasn’t during the game because the whistle had been blown already and also it’s not like neither one of them had the ball so its not like the headbutting would have an effect on the actual game unless materazzi was injured which was not the case. talk about good sportsmanship? as far as we know we do not know what went on down there. for all we know materazzi could have said a real offensive comment to zidane and if that is the case i would not consider materazzi’s actions “good sportsmanship”.
Deisler

The game is over.
Italy has won.
World Champion
Farewell,morons. 2010 is so far.
Hannah

Ironically soccer is the most participated sport in Canada. They said on the news a while back that there are over one million registered soccer players in Canada, which is even more than hockey.

Almost everyone I know (and I live in an Italian area in Canada) played in some soccer league when they were young.

But I guess hockey is where the money is so many athletes don’t pursue a career in soccer here. They’ll choose hockey instead, the way an American athlete would choose football, baseball or basketball.

There is no incentive to go into soccer here because we don’t have any premier soccer leagues here or in North American in fact, the way Europe does.

Maybe that’s why Owen Hargreaves plays for England ;) He is a good player and Canadian!
MuNk33MaN

yes skillz but i am not comparing four shots hitting the cross bar with a dive in the penalty area i am comparing four shots hitting the cross bar with the shot zidane made not the diving that occured before it.
http://lucatonihotmail.com luca toni

i think zidane was a goat in a past life
Caron

..you are hilarious!!..

pleez keep on guys!!
Thierry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gyu8W1g2co&search=materazzi%20sorin
http://canada mufc

i still love watching that headbutt, and i still nominate zidane for next fifa president..also usa and canada made up of all nations so no point making racist comments about us, and we get to see soccer from all over the world all the time!
skillz

hey Hannah, we are actually finally getting a pro team in toronto to play in the MLS. they’re building the stadium right now at the CNE.
Thierry

What cannavaro wasn’t sanctionned by fifa???http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EjsYGkuX1g&search=Cannavaro%20doping
Thierry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EjsYGkuX1g&search=Cannavaro%20doping
http://canada mufc

toronto football club!
santana

I think we should give a great and very talented player Zidane the benefit of doubts. We don’t know what triggered his act it could be something offenssive the other player said. I think for the quality french team exhibited they should have won the worldcup.
Jerry

Until 2010 they’re champions under controversy. Yes, it’s a long 4 years before the world gets to see if they can win with skill in football and not skill in fouls, acting and slurs.

Not everyone loves Italy so much that we’ll whitewash them of their misdeeds.
Bell

Hey Skillz, when are you getting a team? MLS should expand to Canada and maybe even Mexico if it wants to promote itself better.
C.

Thierry,

that video only proves that there are plenty of players who are not as stupid as Zidane.

Salut
paskat kisat

“Whatever happened to good sportsmanship??”

Italian style of football. Better known as “divin’n'whinin”.
skillz

Toronto FC starts their season in 2007.
Andrea

Jerry,

“Until 2010 they’re champions under controversy”

Says who????

rosica rosica…
http://USA ararat4zizou

materazzi??, sportsmanship??
Are you jocking?
He is a beast, not a sportsman.
Yes, Italian football is a cheating football and they do it the best…
Salute to cheating chempions!!!
Viva cheateria…
Materazzi

keep on talking, loosers.

How can’t you feel ashamed after faking the first penalty and headbutting somebody in front of millions of people???

Shame on you.
pdt

Im glad Italy won. I promised in an earlier blog I would kill myself if france win. Anyway, talking about cheating…Hmmm…The only reason France were in these finals is because of a dive from Henry agaisnt Portugal. The only reason why the final even went into overtime was because of a dive from one of the French players.

NO ONE touched him and he fair. I dont care about the doping tapes. I bet 90% of all professional sportsman in all sports do it. Its sickening, yes, but thats what happens when you pay people millions and sports become so competitve.
Jerry

When I use the word champions, I use it to mean someone who is the best at something. Whether Italy are champions of football or champions of something else (it has been all been listed enough) is still open to controversy. Come 2010 they can try to show the world they are champions of football.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

it was no fake f00l
even if italy won, noone that watched the game could say they were the true champions
Ai Lin

Agree with many of you that Italy won the WC through DEVIOUS means ALL THE WAY!! Shame Italy!! Won’t be surprised if Materazzi said something VERY offensive to provoke such a reaction from Zidane. The referee should have taken into account what was said. The Germany vs Portugal game was a game won fairly but not the final.
skillz

Ai Lin, I think that that kind of nonsense has no place on these blogs and I think you should apoligize.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

anyone know how italy beat australia?

‘nough said
rajiv

it was the best world cup of all times with Zidane acquiring the all time high. Surely he’d be rated amongst the top three players in football. Maradona, Pele and Zidane.
MuNk33MaN

yes some penalty shots are a bit controversal yet the real ones go unnoticed watch today’s game again around the 51st -53rd minute and you will clearly see a DEFINITE penalty shot that was not called which made up for one that shouldn’t have been called. so in all fairity they were bound to get a penalty shot.
http://dfgdg.com ronker

the ref didnt call it because he knew he made a mistake earlier, so he decided to balance it out, other refs would have called penalty shot anyways
MuNk33MaN

exactly so there should be no complaint about penalty shots that were fake when there are clearly definite ones that don’t get called.
http://worldcupblog.org gagate

I wonder what Materazzi told Zidane to trigger his violent reaction, I can’t wait to find out.
Even though Zidane’s reaction was not justified, I can’t wait to read the interviews when the truth comes out…
anybody read anything yet?
http://worldcupblog.org gagate

winning a game to penalty shots is no victory anyway…
Spunkster

Italia rules! Gattuso, my amore, Cannavaro, my amore #2, the team worked hard and deserved to win. Doesn’t matter what was said to cry baby Zidane, he is a professional that should be able to keep his emotions in check. He is overrated and I am so glad he got the reject card, he IS a reject. Besides, Italians are better looking!!!

cia- from an American-Italian
hmveeee

Both teams were undefeatable!!!
Troglodyte

This guy who keeps posting videos of Cannavaro “doping”…It’s fricking creatine phosphate.
http://USA ararat4zizou

Hey materazzi,
You sound like a loosing champion.
We all have seen how Italy got to the final, the only good game they played was aginst Germany.
France solidly beat Spain and Brazil, capisci?
pdt, if you want to kill yourself, do it boy, don’t make any excuses.
Nice001

Ai Lin
“The referee should have taken into account what was said”

lol u are absolutely a scientist… ok i understand your anger but try to know the rules before firing such as nonsenses.

I am from Italy and i would definitively certify that the 5th minute penalty kik was legal.. Materazzi striked the french player on his support feet before withdraw the other leg.. legal penalty.
On the contrary the contact around 50′ was not a penalty for all people that have a decent understanding of football.
So stop with this diving legends…

Of course i would have preferred to win in a different way but this is football.

The game was from 5′ (after french goal )to 60′ (after italian offside goal) an Italian superiority… the rest is a French game with Italians on defence…
France didn’t change their superiority in goal.
Then the penalty kiks… u know…
This is the game and not other stories of diving, doping or other trash
Dan

Ha…I just saw that Adidas commercial and noticed Zidane in it…they should modify it:

Music:”If you don’t give my football back, I’m gonna hit my head on you.”

Zidane+10

hahaha
Tram

I was for France. Yay France!

I had a blast today watching the game at a sports bar.

I wouldn’t say a penalty-kicks win is not a ‘real’ win.

Italy won it in PK’s and that’s fine. I’m just glad the game was close and that France did well. They seemed to hold their own just fine the whole way through, if not actually dominated the actual regular-time and overtime parts of the game, as far as possessions and attempts.

It was a loss for France, but not a bad one in any way, shape, form, or fashion. It certainly wasn’t some blow-out which made you wonder what they were doing there (in the final) in the first place.

I love the French team. Especially Thierry Henry :)
Gian Luca

One last comment:

Italians are such bad sportswomen and men, aren’t they?

But why is it that the list of medals at the Olympics is always dotted of Italian names?

They really must know how to cheat…

Italy won. Period.
Subh

Hey guys,

Italy does not deserve the title as they struggled thru’out the tournament,on the other hand France really showed some good play.

ITS A BLACK DAY THAT ITLAY WON THE TITLE.

WHAT FOOTBALL HAS COME TO!!!
Football fan

ararat4zizou,

France beat Spain? France 2nd goal was caused by a freekick which was obtained from DIVING!!!!

I am so glad that France lost today. For those who could not take it, here it is “F U all”
Renee

Zidane should have kept his sang-froid. The coach should ensure that all players, even star players, have the ability to resist taunts, racist remarks and provocative insults/slurs, for they are well-orchestrated from the Italian team with the goal (no pun intended) of having a top player ejected. I’m sorry to say that Italians are very artful at denigrating others and that ‘talent’ is enhanced during soccer matches. All smiling good boys camouflaging a great narrow mindness of spirit. I know from esperienza.
Sorry Zidane- on t’aime toujours.
Happy that France LOST!!

France football team sucks. You guys lost… FACE IT!! Come back in 2010 and surprise the WORLD! Dont whine like bunch of unpaid BITCHES!!!
statenitaly

gli azzuri worked there buts off and deserved the win.. im really curious how many of those french players are really french anyway? besides, france probly would have won if ZIdane didnt attack materazzi.. it doesnt matter what he said… word are words,, he suppossed to be a professional, but he didnt act that way… French people such,, FOrza Azzuri, 2010
skillz

All the french players are FRENCH.
bernard sim

Italy has not been given the credits it deserved. The long tradition of playing very good football and their tenacity have given them the edge in the game. Remember the time Rossi struck twice or few times Brazil and won. The headbut was funny .
http://USA ararat4zizou

Renee,
I totally agree, unfortunately that’s the part of the game, the ugly part which everyone sees and hates.
italia undeserving

italy play such a Boring style they are a scratch on the face of the beautiful game. France deserved better nfrom this one – the only squad actually going forward and attempting to find goals. Zizou a champion and top drawer player no matter what anyone thinks. now if only there were another world cup NEXT YEAR! my life will be empty as of tomorrow.

GO NEDERLANDS Euro 08!
geoff taylor

Typical french – Zidane, you and your country are a disgrace! It serves you and your POS country and countrymen right – in front of 1B viewers throughout the world. Via La Disgrace!!!

Our best,

USA
l’italiano

now you know why everybody hates the frenchies. not only did they loose soundly ” penalty was not there total invention from the ref, tony’s goal was not offiside, cross bar by tony again” now they inventing excuses how they shoul they have won the game
and how is Materazzi ’s fault for getting headbutted from Zidane. They suck….and for the other guy that posted that iTALY ONLY PLAYED WELL AGAINST GERMANY AND SO ON. YOU DAMNED FRENCH COULDN’T EVEN BEAT cOREA , AND YOU ONLY QUALIFIED TO THE NEXT ROUND BECAUSE SWITZERLAND BEAT UKRAINE. SO SHUT THE HELL UP AND GO TAKE A SHOWER ONCE IN THE WHILE BECAUSE YOU STINK VIVA L’ITALIA. WE ARE WORLD CHAMP FOR THE FOURTH TIME AND I HATE THE FRENCH EVEN MORE NOW
rohit

the better team wins ultimately, maybe exceptions were the Dutch losses circa 74&78
kenneth

Both teams well done,but very very upset to seeing Zidane go retirement along the red card in his final World Cup….What made him lost the contorl?
Geo

Good game till the end! both teams played good enough to not to lose…but one team had to win & France takes 2nd place which also translates into 1st loser. Good job Zidaine! going out like a sore loser insterad of a legendary respectable player.
rohit

surely a Racial slur , but at this level the assitant coaches must have warned the predominantly colored French team to be aware of just this , stupid is all i can say ,Italians are past masters at instigating players as they are at a lot of positives in soccer, one weak link in French team was Abidal , seemed as if suffering from some degenerative brain disease starting the semi’s , the coach should have seen it , if i could sitting in India. Italy was class thru nd thru…Italia Forza. ok 2010 Dutch are going to make a mark with the wingers nd centreforward(hunteelar?)Italy and england…
andreacastellano

Perhaps Geoff Taylor needs some lessons in grammar- his petty and juvenile insult is obviously the result of bathing his soft brain in some cheap American brew. Try the NFL, Geoff; you may find like-minded chauvinists in that brute arena. And please remember that the U.S. is not one big ignorant family of small-mindedness, so don’t ever presume to speak for me when you snidely wish “our best” to France, one of the great countries in Western Civilization (not a subject I imagine you know much about), along with Italy, Germany, England, etc.

Tanti auguri,

Andrea
Thierry

Ordinary there is a deep respect behind frenchs and italians. Can see It is not the case here. May be because this blog is plenty of guys
who think to be “italian” without
the proud and the honor europeans italians use to have. “Star and strip” italians are you sure you are really italians??
http://Argentina Cresp

Mat said racial things and Zidane said nothing? How convenient?????
Fact is Zidane headbutted Mat. Got sent off. Get a life will ya!!!
Mack

What a perfect way for Zidane to affect the game out come with out appearing to do so.
http://Argentina Bono Jogito

Both teams did not play to their potential. France got a penalty kick out of a dubious decision. Zidane got kicked out.
And France were cheated??? I’m not sure I quite understand this!
John

I am from the USA, and I am proud of that. I learned to play soccer while I lived in Panama, from many Latin American Internationals. I have a “Un-American” appreciation of the game. But as I read some of the comments of my fellow Americans I can only say hy don’t you stick with the NFL and the WWE where, mentally, you belong
BK

Too many good teams lost by PK, shouldn’t FIFA figure some other alternates? Think about if NBA or NHL were to be decided by penalty shots, how disgusting would that be, FIFA is really dumb, not to find alternate solutions.
Ms. Catenaccio

I agree with Thierry – don’t take these “l’italiano” coming out of woods under stars and stripes as real italians. “YOU DAMNED FRENCH COULDN’T EVEN BEAT cOREA”?? You mean that Korea you losted to 4 years ago and then fired the Korean striker who belonged Perugia for scoring the winning goal against italy? BTW Swiss played Ukraine after advancing and that didn’t affect France, get your facts straight and do you contrymen a favor and don’t go out telling people you are “l’italiano”. che vergona…
Gian Luca

I guess you can tell a champion also from how you don’t loose your cool.

I saw the Italian players, even as the referee was trying to find out what happened to Materazzi, who were trying to quiet down the situation with the French, showing they didn’t have any hard feelings.

At the beginning of the game, Cannavaro, one of the greatest players of this World Cup, was smiling and shaking hands with the refs and the other players.

Zidane didn’t even lift up his eyes to look at him.

Zidane, in my book, is a loser.

I don’t care if people think he is this big hero.

Oh, by the way, that there is racism in Italy, I am sure there is. As in all other countries (including Brasil, I lived there). But for an Italian player to make a racist remark during a World Cup game… hmm.

Take a look at videos of pre-game footage with Ghana: The Italians are the ones who are chatting and smiling with the Ghanans.

Body language says a lot. I bet you most Italian players don’t even know Zidane is Algerian.
jak

PK is no winning I don’t know why Italians are jumping around like they won a regular game!! to me France did great job with one man down.
Ms. Catenaccio

BTW has bbc blamed Cristiano Ronaldo yet for saying something to make Zidane so mad? Maybe he winked telepathically?
wi ku mu

i saw the game, did not see much beauty from italian’s, except for their Pirlo’s corner for big Materazzi’s header….
watch the ugly Cannavaro’s brilliant “accidental” collision with Henry in the very first minute of the game; what a beautiful way to put down the best and only striker France have on the field..
losing on penalty kicks is not losing on the field of play… it is a lottery a technicality…. i do not respect italy more than france… both won their way to the top and deserved to be in the final…arrive derci zizou
Gian Luca

jak, how many minutes did France play with 10 players? Ten?

The rules are the rules. If after the two 15 minutes half there are penalties, and Italy won… Italy won!

Period. Stop whining. People are happy.
Ms. Catenaccio

I agree with Gian Luca. Cannavaro is a classy guy and a cutie. I’d say no thank you to a dozen Totti but check out Canna:

http://members.lycos.nl/wiekebaart/Fabio%20Cannavaro_15.jpg
rohit

Gian Luca hmm maybe i stand corrected ok so maybe something else 1. old man ? 2.?
football

Why i severone saying that Matrix provoked Zidane ? What’s the proof ? Did he really provoke Zidane ? That was not the first time Zidane got a red card in world cup (remember WC 98 in his own backyard). Another question : why Zidane did not play against Togo ? This guy Zidane has really serious disciplinary problems.
Trapper

Lulu:

It’s unlikely that you will read this, but I wasn’t disparaging your haiku.

I just didn’t have the brains to realise it was about Goleo. (Mascots figure very little in my perception of the WC).

I loved your posts. This is one Aussie who’ll, like you, be watching Le Tour to try to fill the hole left by the WC ending.
massimo

Complaints, complaints and more complaints because Italy won on penalties. Give me a break! Did we complain when Italy lost on penalties in the 1990 WC semi-final to Argentina, or the 1994 WC final to Brazil, or the quarter-final to France. So eventually Italy won on penalties. Looking at the past unlucky record, it was time that someone else was the unlucky one. I hate the penalty shootout, but that’s FIFA’s ruling. I prefer the teams to play until a goal is scored, even if takes all day and night.
http://www.highwayhome.com HH

Yeah, whatever – both teams played like crap and neither deserved to win. Basically, Italy won by default.

I wonder if Italy would have played the entire 2nd half and extra time with 8 or 9 guys in their penalty area if the game was sudden death? Penalty kicks give FIFA better control over fixing the outcome – that’s why they don’t change this stupidity.

I’m just happy this joke of a tournament only takes place once every four years. No longer have to deal with a bunch of wackjobs driving around with flags sticking out of their cars, making senseless noise and tying up traffic.
fan of the game

I was rewatching the highlights and there were good examples of sportsmanship.

There were lots of examples of Italian players getting along with the French ones.

Buffon was there to console Zinedine when he was called off.

Then Buffon and Barthez even hugged before the penalty kicks probably wishing each other good luck.

If the players who have the most to lose/win can get along what about everybody else? Why do fans have to start stupid arguments about who is better or worse?!
Patricia

I’m extremely happy Italy won their 4th title in the WC. It’s a very beautiful feelings to have witnessed their victory myself, with my own eyes, not by what history tells me. I will remember this as one of the happiest moments of my life.

The penalty in the 7th minute, in my opinion, shouldn’t be, but it was decided by the ref and I knew Italy will strike back and they did with an unstoppable header by Materazzi.

But of course, not everybody shared the same feelings with me. Like always, many sides hate to see the Italian won and negative talks will be spread all over the world to disagree their winning. Topics like penalty given & not given, the defensive playing, the divings and even their past winning against Australia will eventually flourish their new title.
One topic that’d be memorable in this WC final was when Zidane got his red-card for his weird act. Weird because he shouldn’t have done such thing, what good it has for him? Well anyway, even in such situation Italy was blamed for what had happened to Zidane. People easily accused Materazzi for provocating Zidane and got him to loose his temper. But, this is Zidane we’re talking about, the best soccer artist world ever have, he had come on and off many big tournaments, and he’s no Rooney, he was more experienced and as big player as he was/is we would hope that he has a big heart as well to overcome what ever is said and done to him, but too bad that he couldn’t handle it as brighlty as he did the ball. Football really never ran out of surprises.

And in the pk, Italy made a surprise by finally broke their badluck with penalty-kicks, and handled all 5 attemps behind Barthez. They won it and they really worth it.
The French wouldn’t like if were they won the match and being called that the victory by penalty kicks wasn’t 100% victory, and so would the Italian.

I don’t intent to write this much but this is what I felt. I’m not an Italian but I supported them like my own nation team ever since the first time I like football. They are the team who had overcome every obstacles and whatever is served in front of them. They came to Germany with burden of scandall in their nation’s league on each of their shoulders but they had managed to transform it to strengthen them and unify them. That’s my version of a real champion. FORZA ITALIA!!
footbal-fan

Italy did not deserve to win, they play destructive footbal.

France is real champion to anyone who understand the beaty of footbal. Not for Italians obviously.

Materazzi is famous for aggressive play:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJPKM5aJGW8&search=materazzi

The only normal player in Italy is Buffon.
footbal-fan

Gian Luca??? Are you in idiot? Of course Italians would try to calm down French. For 110 these low lifes were abusing Zidane and henry, trying to provoke them. But I guess it is usual for Italy, Zidane should have known this, he played in Juve, and Henry too.

Anyway, congrats with the win. I hope you are happy, but footbal is dead. Footbal is dead, every time team like Italy or Argentina take WC.

Gian Luca | July 10th, 2006 at 6:46 am

I guess you can tell a champion also from how you don’t loose your cool.

I saw the Italian players, even as the referee was trying to find out what happened to Materazzi, who were trying to quiet down the situation with the French, showing they didn’t have any hard feelings.

At the beginning of the game, Cannavaro, one of the greatest players of this World Cup, was smiling and shaking hands with the refs and the other players.

Zidane didn’t even lift up his eyes to look at him.

Zidane, in my book, is a loser.

I don’t care if people think he is this big hero.

Oh, by the way, that there is racism in Italy, I am sure there is. As in all other countries (including Brasil, I lived there). But for an Italian player to make a racist remark during a World Cup game… hmm.

Take a look at videos of pre-game footage with Ghana: The Italians are the ones who are chatting and smiling with the Ghanans.

Body language says a lot. I bet you most Italian players don’t even know Zidane is Algerian
master

I heard that the Italian players payed out the french players so they could win.
roger

@ master

Yes, master, and the tooth fairy had lunch with Santa yesterday.
Welsh

Gian Luca,
I don’t understand the point in when you said the Italians were chatting with the Ghanians, what is that suppose to mean. Is that the Italians were humble enough to talk and smile to the blacks from Ghana? Get a life will ya! Did it ever occured to you that the Ghanians were the humble ones trying to talk to the Italians. Whenever a racist is caught in the act always makes these damn excuses, things like “I have black friends” “I am being friendly” weak and unimaginative comments shows only how ignorant racists are. And I am not only talking about Italians being racists also Ghanians or other for that matter. Why can’t we discuss things in a civilised and inteligent manner instead of stuttering.
This blog is for football, LETS TALK FOOTBALL. Win or lose at the end of the day it’s only a game!
http://www.southafricalogue.com/features/stars-aligned-for-africa-at-world-cup.html Stars Aligned for Africa at World Cup – Features – 2010 World Cup, Amelie Mauresmo, Berlin – South Africa Logue

[...] LiveBlog: Africa (OK, France) vs. Italy [...]
julia

Congrats
to both teams :)
PETERBBB

Best Zidane headbutt video here with judas priest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
WCB_Administrator

I can’t delete those post… i’m a bad administrator.
PETERBBB

Americans have no clue about soccer – dont take their comments too seriously

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw
Left-Winger

England deserved to win, not Italy or France. Why? Sure they played far below potential and were only a ghostly shadow of any decent premiere showing, BUT, I wanted them to win and that’s good enough reason for me. Sorry for the irrelevance and where is Baggio when you need him.
Anyway, breathless fun all the way and congrats to Italy and France both.
PETERBBB

Best Zidane headbutt video here with judas priest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Rc8fnS_rw yeah!
PETERBBB

BTW has bbc blamed Cristiano Ronaldo yet for saying something to make Zidane so mad? Maybe he winked telepathically?

Posted from United States

HAHAHA
Marcolino

No time for losers.
Joseph from Malta

GREAT WIN for italy….classy football & a lesson in sportsmanship to the world….

…L@@k & learn, Australia, USA & England….you could learn a thing or two about football!
Left-Winger

Marcolino, where’s the dignity in victory for you, have some grace, it wears really well on a victor. …And re-read my compliments to Italy after my original England ‘joke’.
nx

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world-cup-2006/speculation-rife-over-what-enraged-zidane/2006/07/10/1152383666505.html
aler

From a country of cheating racists?
Yenny

The moral of this game ( France – Italy ) are Every Single Player must don’t obey the FIFA rules like
hurt your opponent’s top players until he/they left the game. If they still can stand until the last game, insult him ( Zidane-France Player) until he get the red card.
This is the way if you ( Italy ) want to win the world cup 2006. what a shame.
Mercury

France had a lot of opportunities to put the game away but failed to do so. They clearly outplayed Italy but nothing counts untill you shake the net.

My fear going into this match was the apparent weakness of Abidal managing the left flank. He could never stop a play from developing. He was always sucked into the middle and couldn’t pace and position himself to contest a ball when the point of attack switched to his side. His reaction was always late and it lead to many dangerous situations for France. Frankly, his poor defensive play resulted in the corner kick that earned Italy the goal that cost France the victory.

I was not in favour of the one man attack strategy featuring Henry. I think France could have been more potent in their attack had they used more than one principal attacker. Against Italy, a constant barrage of shots at goal could have cracked their save.

Italy played the way they have always played…dull, boring collision derby football with all the uncomplimentary attachments. The irony is that they won and took home the trophy. I grudgingly salute them for that. Winning is every thing and losing is for the birds.
rohirrim

Hey Deisler, I like your remark! LOL! and agree with you
Sergio

aler:

and since when italian are racists? Actually we are target of discrimination: they call us macaroni,pizza eater,mafioso; they don’t consider us white enough; Italy is not a powerhouse like France so we can be bullied. So don’t play the racism card with us and look into the hearts of your noble country of the proud W.A.S.P.
Victoria

You losers, now is Materazzi’s fault?!? What about Zidane? He ruined the game with a stupid reaction! Poor boy , he is the victim …
Italy played well the first half, better then France. 2nd half and over time the great players of France played a good game. But Italy won.
So stop crying and WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS …WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! ITALIA ITALIA
Foobar

Italians like anyone can be racist. Didn’t one of your players recently give the fascist salute?

Anyway, you are right that it is pure speculation about what happened. Maybe he sais something about Zidane’s mother. Maybe he said nothing at all and Zidane is becoming paranoid schizophrenic. The possibilities are endless. Let’s wait and see what he has to say. The Italian player refused to speak to the media about it, so clearly he is hiding something.
Joseph from Malta

Yenny, what a SHAMEFUL poor loser you are….you know NOTHING about football….& you come here to teach us about fair play….as if that head butt was fair play, or the French player diving in Italy’s box to get that inexistent penalty is “fair play”….

Get a life….& get over it, you risk choking from your own venom!

Congratulations Italy for providing a true spectacle of Football & sportsmanship!
Joseph from Malta

hah-ha…LOL….a real cheeky person you are, Foobar….posting from SOUTH KOREA!

The country that during the last World Cup in 2002,shocked the world with blatant, disgusting, fake referees….

Look what happened to S.Korea this year, without help from $$$ & their corrupt federation: a big flop.

Italy won so derservedly, they are the WORLD CHAMPIONS
Foobar

I don’t know what difference it makes, but I’m not Korean. I’m in Seoul on business posting from the Westin Chosun hotel. But I’ve come to love the Korean people as well. They are extremely nice and helpful to foreigners.
aler

Thats why I put a question mark.
(It was a remark in response to Marcolino.)No offence to all italians.
Looking for good, fair football.

The italians were hacking Zidane and Henry all day and still no calls.
Joseph from Malta

Best quote I’ve seen re. Zidane:

“in 1998 he used his head & won….

this time he used it again & lost”

….& I’ll add to that:
“…lost all dignity & pride”
Victoria

@FOOBAR
South korea won all the games in the 2002 world cup paying the referees . All the the world knows it and you still are talking about football…please learn about countries like Brasil , Italy , Germany, France , England ,Argentina that have made the history of this game.
Foobar

Non sequitur, Victoria. I’m not Korean. Just here on business. You don’t know what color I am. Please stop feeling sorry for yourselves. Nothing worse than a sore winner.
Joseph from Malta

Foobar……what a sore racist loser you are….you pretend to be “not interested” yet find the time to bash Italy & the Italians…

That’s racism at it’s finest, Foobar.

Now go home & watch the replay of the match: l@@k & learn, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about classy football & sportsmanship (not from Zidane!)
Sergio

Foobar:

italians can be wrong as anybody else,but we don’t have the physique du role to pretend to be any superior white man. The racism-against-arab card is being played because it’s what is going to sound louder on these days of terrorism and iraq. But the only truth so far is that Zidane committed a foul,like any player can,the rest are suppositions
kat

what nasty, disgusting comment or remark was made to make such a remarkable player go off like that, a foul yes, but every ones human. Italians never should have been in the world cup, it was given to them. Australia won that game…. And for me ZIDANE the best, Use to love the ital. team until this world cup, but the display of sportsmanship and play were disappointing…….
Sergio

kat:

no,you were never an italian supporter and we don’t want people like you among us. The “I was a fan and you let me down” is a typical rethoric stance to put the blame on others. What Zidane did is so big that nobody but people who are biased against italy beyond remedy would be able to forgive
Elisa

Listen guys,
It is ,What it is!
Ive never seen so poor sportsmanship than i did in these World Cup Games!
Zidane is suppose to be a professional and even if the Italian did say something to him, What a pathetic move and selfish act to let your team down and country too! The Italian kept their cool and won!
Viva Italia!!!!!!!
Thierry

It was interesting to see how video had been used for the first time in this competition. The three referee on the pitch hadn’t seen anything and under italians’ bank pressure the fourth referee tell the others what he had seen. In theory, this was not a lawful expulsion if video stil not admitted. What did this referee do if malouda just stay on the box ater”the zambrotta ’s tackle” he said pk, hum, and when cannavaro attacked henry or zidane(injuried him), on the viera goal, video too? Hope there will be rules made about video, even if i know it couldn’t be the only solution.
Ai Lin

Jerry, you are right that Italy is the 2006 champion under controversy.
skillz and nice001, sorry, I don’t agree with you. Like you, I live in a democracy and I happen to have a different opinion to you but the same opinion as Jerry. OK, not all the Italian players cheat but I think 2 of them do i.e. Materazzi (against France) and Grosso (against Australia). Like some English fans have said in another blog, it is better to lose with dignity than win without dignity.
Materzazzi

WOW! I thought that this Materazzi guy was simply an instigator, turns out he is quite violent and mean guy on the pitch… don’t trust me? Don’t trust the newspapers? See for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq6HosVlskQ&search=materazzi
Sergio

http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=7131

Materazzi holds Zidane during a cross. Zidane complains but Materazzi goes “no-no-no,I just touched you” (materazzi bullshit alert). I can’t read lips but the quick turn of the head in Materazzi’s final line underlines something,either another negation or an insult to dismiss Zidane. Zidane must think Materazzi wasted a good chance for him,so he waits and gets his revenge.

This is not something about race,politics or religion: the guy was just mad because of Materazzi’s hold and probably thought he would have got away with the headbutt since the action was focused on the ball,far away. And he was about to,indeed
Judy

I agree with Sergio, Italians have been discriminated against.
The result is the result. Get over it. They Won!
aler

The result is the result?? its more about football
kat

sergio,
please dont tell me who I support and who I don’t, I have never been bais against anyone maybe that your insecurities???? who knows… allI’m saying is Zidane should of kept his cool and I believe the out come would have been different, is he a great player one of the best and I can say the same for the Italian goalie one of the best I ever seen.( he was great)so bias I dont think so……
Sam

By the way, this video has the best replays of events leading up to the first French penalty, including an angle from behind that I haven’t seen in the last clips.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=a8u5CfM__l8

Personally. I don’t see any contact there that’s remotely worthy of a direct free kick. Materazzi goes in with his leg, but then draws it back at the last moment so as not to make a foul. There was some contact, but nothing remotely resembling a direct-free-kick foul.
http://www.highwayhome.com HH

FIFA is the most corrupt sports organization in the world, even more so than any boxing organization. From the groupings, to the fixing of games, to the paying off of teams, to the paying off of refs, this sport stinks of corruption. Most of the fanatics are just too wrapped up in nationalistic BS to take notice. Let’s face it, nobody wants to admit to being taken for an idiot.

It is only fitting and predictable that a crooked soccer country like Italy wins the World Cup. This diverts public attention away from all the scandals and makes everything nice again.

Gee, what a coicidence that in 1982 Italy also won the cup while their country was knee deep in another soccer scandal. If it worked the first time, why not try it again?

http://www.reason.com/links/links060106.shtml

FIFA soccer is just another version of Hollywood, where the plots, scripts and stories are all pre-written so the powers at be can maximize their financial profits. The only difference is that the people in Hollywood actually know how to act.
Sergio

HH:
you are pretty when you are envious.
http://u.s.a. phillypete

congrats italy.i feel for zidane but he must be held accountable for his actions.for those who say italy didn’t deserve to be there,i disagree.france needed help from another team just to get out of the first group.played brilliantly after that though.but buffon deserved the gold ball.gave up 2 goals all tournament,1 own goal,and a pk.he made the game winning save against zidanes great header.that would have been the end for italy.VIVA ITALIA
Red Devil Fan

Bravo Italia, somemone had to win……..that being said, we are about to lose the game entirely. Unless the diving is stopped by all teams, the game will become lazy. Less about talent, and more about acting and accusations. I love the game, hate the road it’s on.
Poline

Victoria,
seeing your comment on Korea I can see why Trezeguet could not score the PK. Maybe he was afraid of being fired by Juventus like they did to Korean player Ahn who scored against Italy therefore winning. come se dice “sore losers” in italiano?
Winky

HH
FIFA is so corrupt that they don’t want to see Canada at the world cup?
Don’t be that stupid. People like you was saying before even the opening game that FIFA has arranged the game to end up with the final being Brazil Vs Germany but surprisingly, we saw two anonymus team came forward to this final.
This was one of the greatest final in the world cup history.
Im ENGLISH. I blame others for my LOSS. I’m a dumbass

Ms. Catenaccio | July 10th, 2006 at 6:47 am e

BTW has bbc blamed Cristiano Ronaldo yet for saying something to make Zidane so mad? Maybe he winked telepathically?

Posted from United States

YEAH! they did!!!!!! So now the English are blaming Ronaldo again for THEIR LOSS. THE ENGLISH ARE SOOOOOO PATHETIC.
http://www.highwayhome.com HH

Sergio,

Now that we have established my profile, here are some questions pertaining to the issue:

1) Why is the grouping system in the World Cup totally subjective? Why not just have a lottery system that places teams randomly in groups?

2) Why does one person (referee) have the only say in regards to decisions on the field?

3) Why are games decided by penalty kicks and not sudden death overtime?

4) How many times has a North or South American team won a World Cup in Europe?

5) How many times has a European team won the World Cup in the Americas?

6) How do you explain host teams Japan and South Korea unprecedented success at the World Cup in 2002?

7) What is the true purpose of the World Cup? To make money or determine the best team? Sorry, you can’t have both.

Here’s a hint to answer the questions: contolling the game.
http://www.highwayhome.com HH

Winky,

“we saw two anonymus team came forward to this final.”

Historically, Italy and France are two football powerhouses – I would hardly call them anonymous.

So prior to the tournament, if the predictions were for Brazil vs. Germany for the final, which two teams was most of the money bet on? You got it – Brazil and Germany!

By fixing it for France and Italy, the bookmakers win and most of the bettors lose. It’s all about the money. Use your head as a thinking device, not a battering ram (sorry Zinsane, you deserved that one).

Finally, I don’t give a damn about Canada being in the World Cup. We are kings in hockey up here, a sport that is played by some of the toughest athletes in the biz and is not easily fixed.
Sergio

HH
you might find my answers brutal,but here are they. Matches can be bought and scandals of such kind can indeed arise. Because where there are men there always problems. No organization in the world is safe against them. Fifa did not invent the single referee: it is really a newbie’s talk to argue wheter or not the rules of football are OK or not. Football has a tradition,it’s a classic,you don’t change its rules so easily if they made it the best sport in the world. If north americans suck at football,maybe they should play it more and talk less about “soccer being a third world sport” (a recurring tune on USA comments on youtube). Take south americans as an example: they play great football,make their viewers happy and gather a lot of money without introducing new rules to futbol. Don’t you think that all conspiracy theories would fall if the USA and Canada would start producing athletes as big as Ronaldo?
sw

Has anyone heard or read exactly what happened between M and Z to provoque that reaction? In my view, both teams are winners, they played great! Sadly, their sportmanship did not quite measure up.
ITALY!!!

VIVA ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Italians won, and they deffinetly deserved it. France played a great game. I am very dissapointed in Zidane. He not only let himself down, but he let his team down as well. Being the captain of your team, those actions are not appropriate, especially if you’re Zinedine Zidane. He’s a class act and a great player. I have lost all of my respect for him, he did not have to go so far to intentionally hurt another player, under any circumstances. It was very uncalled for. Anyways, I wanted Italy to win, so congrats to them. I campioni del mondo!!!!
JC

Zinedine Zidane is awarded with the Golden Ball? That’s a joke. He did not impress me at all throughout this World Cup. Just because he’s retiring doesn’t mean he deserved it. Canavaro, on the other hand, deffinetly deserves it. He played well in every single game. Until the final, why weren’t the Italians scored on? (besides an own goal) Because of their defense. Canavaro held them together, and without him, their defense would not have been the same.
Vitali

OK, here is an update on Zidane:

Materazzi apparently called him ‘dirty terrorist’. See it here:
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldFootballNews&storyID=2006-07-10T163843Z_01_L10406204_RTRIDST_0_SPORT-SOCCER-WORLD-FRANCE-ZIDANE.XML

Just for being an Arab. Now, all of you can you justify this???? And on the top, it seems that Materazzi added his sister is a prostitute. How about that????

Whatever you think about Zidane’s behavior, I am with him. It is the matter of honor and honor is more important than awards.

Filthy Italian soccer (NB: I am talking about soccer, not the people per ce). Diving, cheating, hitting and insulting from behind, simulating.

You got your world cup. Choke with it.
footbal-fan

JC – you are moron! Canvaro and Italy play destructive game, Zidane and Henry constructuve and artistic. Materazzi deserved what he got! You got the cup, now choke with it!
Ms. Catenaccio

what? Cannavaro destructive? Henry constructive? What next are you going to say – Buffon king of offsides? What double standards – when Zidane headbutts it’s constructive when Figo headbutts it’s a foul. All teams had members diving and fouling but you only hate italia and portugal because they are better in the looks department.
Marc

After a whole worldcup dedicated to a racism free worl, one of the greatest players of all times exit the way he did… No possible way to ecuse this, but… Clearly Materazzi is stupid (he declares to the press he does not know what “terrorist” means!) Where are you living? Probably Sicily (Omerta) which suits the “campioni” well, corruption, bribery, game fixing… Business as usual! Nobody will ever believe that this team should have won this way! If Berlusconi was still around at least he would have paid Zidane off for dropping the game! There was no need for racism. Forza Italia? Forza Viagra!
http://canada lg

vitaly it is very convenient that a group based out of paris would make that comment.

france is a dirty team stats from this world cup and past tournaments prove it and who knows if matterazi said that then it is poor sportsmanship,but the way raging bull zidane reacted makes me think was he defending what was true, but that still does not make what matterzi said right

but still italy was the far better team
Soccer Joe

“Here is your chance to look at human garbage called Materazzi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq6HosVlskQ&search=materazzi ”

It appears that Materazzi has no class and looks for trouble…
massimo

@ JC

Don’t worry about Zidane being awarded the golden ball, rather than Cannavaro. I think Cannavaro would be far, far happier to have lifted the WC trophy high above his head, than to be awarded the golden ball and be on the losing team, and to have been disgracefully sent off for headbutting an opponent.
Serves Mothrfckerazzi right

If the a..hole called Zidane a terrorist, completely understand the reaction; 10 minutes left and running on empty, the game clearly headed for PK’s, he saw the need to stand up to that sort of skulduggery. Six months from now, the only thing we’ll remember of this game is Zidane teaching this scumbag a lesson with the Dive Team’s win on PK’s a statistic.
donna

serves? u are a poor excuse for a human being.
donna

vitali? so u get ur information from a newspaper? how naive are u? the days of fine responsible reporting are gone and burried. personally, doesnt mean a rats ass what was said to him, thats a violent assault!!!
Thierry

Donna you’re a kind of girl aren’t you??
http://www.highwayhome.com HH

“It is absolutely not true, I did not call him a terrorist. I’m ignorant. I don’t even know what the word means,” the Italian news agency Ansa quoted Materazzi as saying after the Italian team returned to Rome.

He doesn’t know what the word (terrorist) means? What planet is this guy living on? The guy is a total liar, which pretty much tells you that he did say something to that effect. In that case, the Italian dude deserved a head butt in the face, not the chest.

It is becoming more and more evident that the Italians strategy was to verbally provoke the French with alleged racial slurs. This is the sign of a team that is inferior and cannot win without resorting to dirty lowlife tactics. The scandal in the Italian League tells you exactly what the Italian team is all about: ZERO credibility.

Yeah Sergio, more “conspiracy theories” from a North American. Why can’t you argue the issue without resorting to nationalistic BS?
donna

nothing gets past u thierry!
Thierry

Lol That was not so evident. Are you proud of the Squadra Azzura??
donna

absolutely! no stars, yet bound by sheer heart. great to see them win it all.
Thierry

In fact they don’t really win 1-1 it’s a draw.
donna

they hold and own the cup for four years darling. u come off as being smarter than that but at any rate thats a win. if u want to compare apples and oranges by saying ties account over penalty kicks, jesus i THINK this would be italys fifth win!! but its all good i love u anyway.
Materzazzi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq6HosVlskQ&search=materazzi
Materazzi

Materazzi, Fair play award… did he call Zidane a dirty Terrorist? Was he whispering racial slurs at him all game?

Incriminating evidence… BAN THE ITALIANS FROM THE WORLD CUP! GIVE THE TROPHY TO FRANCE!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq6HosVlskQ&search=materazzi
Sergio

No official comments have yet to be released by the teams,so everything you read so far is basically bullshit. News companies like the Guardian, Reuters and Drudge Report have done nothing but report rumors they found on the internet: not exactly a brilliant example of journalism. Ask yourself if somebody is not actually playing you like a violin,when you spring into violents insults against italians at the mere suggestions that there is some sort of “jihad” against Zidane.

In the evening Materazzi was questioned about the incident and he told reporters that he is just an ignorant and “terrorist” is beyond his vocabulary. http://www.repubblica.it/2006/07/speciale/mondiali/servizi/zidane-domenech/polemiche/polemiche.html
Brazilian lip-readers (who are supposed to know italian? I hope so) think that Materazzi insulted Zidane’s sister. Realistically it could have been something like “tua sorella è una puttana!”: literally,”your sister is a bitch!”. Italian has much more colorfoul (and heavy) insults than this one,this is typical street thug language.
Thierry

What a lovely thought! Zidane is a pretty good boy, isn’t he?
Joe Soccer

“Here is your chance to look at rat called Materazzi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq6HosVlskQ&search=materazzi ”

This guy is the bad guy…like a “goon” in hockey.
Sergio

Joe Soccer
let me update you on the facts: it was Zidane who headbutted Materazzi,not the contrary. Materazzi is famed a butcher for dangerous entries in defense,but Zidane is known for sudden lunatic attacks. Basic knowledge of football is not required to post in here,but it helps
Serves Mothrfckerazzi right

FY you sanctimonious trash, how could Zisane,blah..blah…blah. A lowlife like Mothrfckerazzi surrounded by fakers and divers (Totti in the semis was a clown, diving away) there’s a great team role model for aspiring kids. The one half-way decent guy, Grosso, he wasn’t above it either when threatened with a man disadvantage over 30 OT minutes against Australia. And this is the team that scores over the head-butting Zidane in role modelling. Get a f..king brain.
http://canada mufc

materazzi,no doubt got what he deserves,zidane did not smear italy, a problem was taken care of.
neutral

It is true that it was a rough and perhaps even controversial game between france and italy, but both teams worked really hard for that trophy and sometimes nerves get the best of the players…
I still respect Zidane despite his violent outburst because I am sure that what Materazzi said to him must have been truly disgusting. BUT LET’S NOT FORGET THAT WE DO NOT KNOW THAT FOR SURE, it is all specualtion (even if it is in the news already) Only Materazzi and Zidane know exactly what was said. Also, Materazzi was not the only one to do the talking, Zidane was saying something to him too, after walking away from him. No matter what Materazzi said to Zidane, as the team captain he should have kept his cool and if he really wanted to put Materazzi in his place, he should have done it by staying in the game and beating the Italians.
Very few people are willing to admit that the Italians have played well throughout the tournament (everyone remember the 2 beautiful goals against Germany? Probably not because no one remembers the good deeds, only focuses on the negative), whereas the goals scored by the French throughout the tournament have mostly been penalty kicks by Zidane. So I guess that the French team is nothing without Zidane then and that is why everyone is upset at the Italian team, who supposedly “cheated” their way to the trophy by provoking France’s best player.
What if one of the Italians headbutted a French player, then people would just say “those dirty Italians,” but because it was Zidane it is alright? He broke the rules of soccer by headbutting a player who did not even have the possession of the ball. Does he not deserve the red card then? At least a yellow!
Let’s face it, both teams were rough on each other but Italy won, so just deal with it already!
http://canada mufc

yeah,you sound neutral.
Joe Soccer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq6HosVlskQ&search=materazzi ”

If Materazzi played hockey he would be in the hospital by now. Someone was due to go after him..too bad it had to be Zidane in the World Cup Final. I am not a fan of either team but I feel Zidane and France outplayed Italy in the game…but the score says otherwise.
neutral

to mufc….
actually I am neutral. I respect Zidane (being that I have similar background as him culturally) but I also respect Italy’s victory over France. I am just stating the obvious fact that most people have a serious problem against the Italian team and seem more willing to cut Zidane a break despite of what he did (he has a history of violent outbursts, just as much as Materazzi does…sometimes that is Soccer unfortunately). I am sure that throughout the tournament very ugly words have been exchanged between most teams, but everyone has to make a big deal out of what Materazzi said. Materazzi is guilty of verbal abuse while Zidane is guilty of physical. I do not respect Materazzi as a player as I do Zidane, but am nonetheless content with Italy’s victory.
http://canada mufc

ok, you have clarified your point, im neutral also, im english my wife is italian, and i agree zidane is ten times the player materazzi is.
patrick

@ neutral

Completely agree with you.

This is what I wrote on the post about Zidane receiving the Golden Ball. “I have always admired the football skills of Zidane, but he does not deserve the Golden Ball. I believe that once a player committs a foul such as that committed by Zidane, the he automatically disqualifies himself from being considered as “the most outstanding player of the tournament”. Also, this is not the first time Zidane has done something like this in a World Cup. In 1998, during France’s second match of the first round, he received a red card and a two-game suspension in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia for stomping on Saudi Arabia’s team captain Fuad Amin for no apparent reason. Reports from people close to Zidane state that Amin had provoked him verbally. Sound’s familiar? An “outstanding player” should not only be judged on his football skills, but also on his mental capacity to control his temper and to think of his team before himself. In this final Zidane let down his team, his country and himself, that’s why he cried walking into the dressing room.
neutral

thank you patrick.
I would like to add….
It is just upsetting to see people, maybe not on this blog, but on others calling Italians all sorts of names because of one Italian man’s actions. If people are condemning Materazzi for his “racial slur” directed at Zidane, should they not blame themselves for condemning the entire Italian team as unworthy winners and calling them everything from b…..s to dirty whops. Those who do this are just as bad as Materazzi then! The Italian team has been dealing with all those soccer scandals and they had a lot of pressure on them, yet they won despite it all…that takes heart. They deserve to bask in their victory, which should not be overshadowed by what happened between Materazzi and Zidane (but then again people love scandals!). I have a feeling everyone will continue to blame Materazzi for France’s loss, but perhaps they should blame Zidane’s moment of blind rage and his inability to overcome a verbal insult on a soccer field where men’s egos can be bigger than their soccer skills.
Piere

i hope next WC , FIFA would punish hard to whom played un-fair, rude and negative act etc etc.
Ayse

Zidane is GOD!
Pierluca

For everyone who thinks Italy sucks, I’ll tell you that they don’t. Who believes that Italy’s 7 game undefeated streak, doesn’t deserve the cup, must be insane. This is why they should have won:

1) Italy’s defense scored, and you guys are jealous that your team’s defense couldn’t do that. We have the best defense in the league. Every time France got into the box, there would be 2 white shirts and 8 blue. Don’t blame the defense; France had no attackers.

2) If Italy dived, they would have called it, but they didn’t. Comment that “Italy are divers” = Prejudice. Whatever scandal happened within the country, had nothing to do with World Cup 2006, because that is nationally, not inter-national. Comment that, “They paid the ref off” = very racist.

3) Sure maybe Matterazzi said something to Zidane, but Zidane should have calmed down. He deserved that red card, just like Figo should have, in his match. It would have been a greater scandal if Zidane had not been sent off…

4) Buffon was the best goalie of the tournament, that’s why he got the goalie trophy.

5) With the scandal going on, they came to the World Cup, to prove not that they are innocent, but to prove they can win a world cup without cheating. So, whatever happened in the matches is not Italy’s fault, but the ref’s for not calling stuff during the games.

6) Remember that France played a draw against both Switzerland and Korea. The only reason USA tied was own goal by Italy; otherwise, USA wouldn’t have even gotten a point. I call that lucky for USA. And don’t get me started with Australia. Australia played well, and deserved to win, but so did Italy. Don’t blame Italy for that controversial call, but blame the ref instead.

7) Wow, all I’ve read is plenty of rubbish from non-Italian supporters. If Italy are the worst team to have won world cup, then how bad are the teams who didn’t win it? That’s because Italy have been the best team this tournament.

Facts

1) Half of the French players play in Italy, and they were involved in scandal too. So don’t blame Italy, you have to blame everyone involved. Including other players on other teams and the GM’s of each team involved. In that case, France didn’t deserve to be there also.

2) Just because the scandal happened in Italy, doesn’t mean it has anything to do with the ways refs made their calls. Calls we based on how they played, and France was rougher.

3) Fifa made the refs call pretty much everything. Then after the Portugal game, which was the worst of the match, Fifa complained about how many cards were given, and that the refs needed to calm down. So its Fifa’s fault in the end, how the outcome came. Cause it would have been a better game if Fifa let the refs just do their job.

4) People’s points are based on an assumption that Matterazzi made a racist comment. a) You have no proof whatsoever that it is true and b) even if it’s true, how that makes ITALY the worst team, I have no clue.

5) There was no video checking at the game. FIFA made that clear. The fourth official alerted the ref, but he has no video access. The 5th official has access to video but not to ref or fourth ref, and he never spoke to either of them.
Dan

After reading the british and the french press, I supposed that the agressive players were the portuguese. But, as far as I know, Zidane and Rooney are not portuguese players…
Soccer Junkie

Great WC, watched alot of great soccer. Congrats to Italy and also to the French-African team for doing so well. Maybe next WC, France will send Frenchmen to represent their country. I believe that is the intent of the WC, which nation has the best soccer team not “who you can get to play for their country.” But thats the FRENCH for ya!!!!
Luca

SIAMO NOI!!! SIAMO NOI!! I CAMPIONI DEL MONDIALE SIAMO NOI!!! SIAMO NOI!! SIAMO NOI!! I CAMPIONI DEL MONDO SIAMO NOI!!!!!!

ITALIA – GERMANIA = 2- 0 A CASAAAA!!!

ITALIA – FRANCIA = 6 – 4 AAA CASAAAA|!!!!
Luca

francesi!!! baguet con crauti!!!! yesssaaa!!! FRANCE….BUAHAHAHAHAH
CANNAVARO IS A GOD OF SOCCER!!!CANNAVARO THE CAPTAIN!!!
Red Devil Fan

Rooeney was not tossed for stepping on the player, he was tossed after the whinny bitch Ronaldo came up to the Nazi ref. I would’ve pushed him as well……..they are Red Devils, that was low class by Ronaldo! It’s not over with them!!
Olivia

@ Neutral

Thank you…thank you…thank you….for the extremely eloquent statement. You have given a very fair and lucid analysis of the situation. It took un unbiased viewer to see that!!!
BestPlayer

luca, not many people are cheering for italy. That is so sad.
Catherine

I agree with neutral and patrick. Thank you so much for your comments!

“I respect Zidane (being that I have similar background as him culturally) but I also respect Italy’s victory over France. I am just stating the obvious fact that most people have a serious problem against the Italian team and seem more willing to cut Zidane a break despite of what he did (he has a history of violent outbursts, just as much as Materazzi does…sometimes that is Soccer unfortunately). I am sure that throughout the tournament very ugly words have been exchanged between most teams, but everyone has to make a big deal out of what Materazzi said. Materazzi is guilty of verbal abuse while Zidane is guilty of physical. I do not respect Materazzi as a player as I do Zidane, but am nonetheless content with Italy’s victory.”

“This is what I wrote on the post about Zidane receiving the Golden Ball. “I have always admired the football skills of Zidane, but he does not deserve the Golden Ball. I believe that once a player committs a foul such as that committed by Zidane, the he automatically disqualifies himself from being considered as “the most outstanding player of the tournament”. Also, this is not the first time Zidane has done something like this in a World Cup. In 1998, during France’s second match of the first round, he received a red card and a two-game suspension in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia for stomping on Saudi Arabia’s team captain Fuad Amin for no apparent reason. Reports from people close to Zidane state that Amin had provoked him verbally. Sound’s familiar?”

“An “outstanding player” should not only be judged on his football skills, but also on his mental capacity to control his temper and to think of his team before himself. In this final Zidane let down his team, his country and himself, that’s why he cried walking into the dressing room.”

“It is just upsetting to see people, maybe not on this blog, but on others calling Italians all sorts of names because of one Italian man’s actions. If people are condemning Materazzi for his “racial slur” directed at Zidane, should they not blame themselves for condemning the entire Italian team as unworthy winners and calling them everything from b…..s to dirty whops. Those who do this are just as bad as Materazzi then! The Italian team has been dealing with all those soccer scandals and they had a lot of pressure on them, yet they won despite it all…that takes heart. They deserve to bask in their victory, which should not be overshadowed by what happened between Materazzi and Zidane (but then again people love scandals!). I have a feeling everyone will continue to blame Materazzi for France’s loss, but perhaps they should blame Zidane’s moment of blind rage and his inability to overcome a verbal insult on a soccer field where men’s egos can be bigger than their soccer skills.”
Angel

Let’s remember the only reason France made it to the final is because of the gift (penalty kick) given to the French by the referee during their match with Portugal.

If the Italian team was so bad/mediocre how come none of the other big bad 31 teams beat them.

Italy won fair and square, and the French will have to live with it for another four years :-)

Prediction for the next World Cup: France will not even make it to the field of 32.
Marc

Ok, this is for american bloggers… Soccer is not the US Football “world Cup”… You cannot use your hands in soccer (Except the goal keeper). But thanks for your comments anyway!
You are as confused about soccer, than you are about GP! Think one second that Indy is like a GP race????
Marc

Oh, And “angelo”, nobody in his right mind thinks Italy did not deserve being there (thanks to their dive agaisnt Austrlia), but Materazzizzi does not deserve being anywhere after this game. Cannot wiat to see how Italy is going to fare against South Africa in 2010!
alessandro

Italia campione del mondo meritatamente,Zidane giocatore molto scorretto altre volte ha preso a testate altri giocatori avversari,lui ha insultato per primo Materazzi.
siamo noi siamo noi i campioni del mondo.
Marc

Agreed Alessandro, but only because I know your wife, and she is damn good! ;-)
anonymous

To me everyone seems to be biased because if you were neutral, you’d see that it was EQUALLY both of the players faults. Materazzi took trash talking too far and Zidane acted impulsively. I agree that Zidane acted violently but it’s understandable. And I think both the Italian team and the French team played well. Please don’t insult the French team by saying that they rely on penalty kicks. In the final match, the Italians were the ones waiting out the game, relying on the penalty kicks. How many chances did France have at making goals, and how many did Italy? The second half, the French team had the majority of the control of the ball, they do have SKILLS. I think the Italians should just cherish their victory but no one should put down the French. They played a GOOD game and since they were so close, that’s why it’s hit some fans hard.
Red Devil Fan

Marc……….are you so narcisistic that you think people on here need a clinic of the game from you, the all knowing American ass-hole!
Ref

Zidane should be ashamed of his attack. This isn’t the first time but hopefully the last. Soccer is an honorable sport and dosn’t need this. He let his emotions get the best of him when he should have saved his best for the game. He now has to live with the knowledge that he may have cost his team the World Cup and everything that goes with that. Materazzi lowered the standard as well with whatever he did to egg him on. I’m just curious….does Zidane speak Italian or was Materazzi speaking french?
unknown

all you people who are trash talking the italian teams…you need to give it up…nobody really knows what was said on the field…but there is no right or wrong….ya materazzi might have said something to trigger zidane but c’mon he didnt have 2 b a bull and attack him with his head…zidane has a history of headbutting players and another time was the excuse of trash talking…italy deserved to win world cup, they played an amazing season and it was well earned. it’s been 24 years since we won the cup and this year was an amazing team. Marcello lippi did an amazing job coaching the team and it obviously got us to the finals and letting us actually win PENALTY KICKS for the first time since the last 3 world cups we had to play that involved penalty kicks. france ya played good…but we obviously took the cup this year and it was well deserved. so stop hating and stop claming that you dont want racism in the world cup or where ever but then turn around and make a stupid comment about italians because you know what…your encouraging others to use such foul language when you call us wops or w.e you wanna call us…
unknown

FORZA AZZURI!!!!
miz garcia

GOOOO ARGENTINA
U ARE THE best team no matter what.
Most agree that in some tournament sometimes not usually the best team wins.
For me the most gifte team is the oeam who scored 2 most beautiful goal in the world cup-cambiasso’s 24 passes goal and rodriguez goal.THANK U ARGENTINA!!
Richard

Materazzi Started, Zidane should have just walked away as a great player as he is must have done. It is now too late to rewrite the history…and what if??? Bravo to the Italian Team and Bravo to the French Team! Messieurs, you gave us a great moment of football and emotions. Thank you all! I know history remebers only the winner, but in the heart of a lot of people we had two winners on the field. And please, for who ever is doing that, stop being “racist”! The way you speak about the French, and the French Team is a proof of Racism! To ask thanks France for the French-African Team, it is Racism! “Soccer Junkie” you should know that France is the Country of “Freedom” and “Liberty” and that the most beautiful France is the France of “Mixage”, “Inter-Cultural” life. France is built on it and Proud to be. France is made of all the people who flew from their countries were they were persecuted and came to the Country of Freedom! Russian, Jews, Armenian, Italians, Portugeses, Brazilians, Algerians, Moroccans, Tunisians, Pakistaneses, Congolais, Camerounais, Roumanians, Tchecoslovaquians, Polishs, Greeks, Irakians, Indians, Sorry to all nation I may have forgot…but that is the power of France, not only to unify all these Nations but also to aknoledge it and choose among all the Nations the French Representatives in the window of the World! You should learn..”Junkie” and according to your comments you are a Racist of the worse specy…you are far away of the American Dream. Don’t forget that America was built on a French modele…”Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite.” Merci to all the French Players, to all the Italian Players and to all the Mondial players in general…
Hannah

Ref, Materazzi was speaking Italian (or so the lip readers say) and Zidane understands Italian because of his time spent with Juventus.

Of course Zidane should not have done a headbutt but Materazzi shouldn’t had said any racial slurs either (if that is the case).

Even if Zidane had done this before, I think the reason is that he is probably one of the players that undergoes the most abuse in terms of trash talking.

There is only so much a person abuse can take before they snap.

It’s easy to say that you should not react but if it is the umpteenth time of hearing the same insults over and over, eventually you WILL react in order to end it.

It’s also easy for us to judge because all we see is the result (headbutts or whatever) because all there is is the video. We don’t get to hear the audio about what comments are said. I’m sure that if we were privy to that we might have a different reaction.

I think FIFA should look into this especially if there are racial slurs involved.

But that said, this should not take away from the win by Italy. They deserved it based on the way the team played throughout the tournament.

If Materazzi is guilty, blame him and not Italy!

But that said I agree with anonymous. There is no way that you can say that Italy is so much better than France (and I am an Italian fan!). The game was too close. If Italy had blown out France 4-0 then maybe.

But both teams deserved to be in the final based on their play. And it is true that in the second half the French were playing more offensively. If it weren’t for Buffon there never would have been penalty kicks!

As an Italian fan and a football fan, it was frustrating to watch the ultra-defensive play on the part of Italy because they played much better in the Germany game. I wanted it be like the first half where there was action on both sides!
Looking for good, fair football.

anonymous …………. I concur.
MuNk33MaN

ref, materazzi spoke italian and zidane understood him because he himself speaks a litte italian.

and to the ignorant Angel. you say france made it to the finals because of the gift pentaly kick giving during their match against portugal but the same can be said about the italians in their game against the australians. also how are you going to say that italy was able to beat the other 31 teams in the world cup when it only played against 7 teams this entire world cup. and you claim they were able to beat the “big bad” teams and made it that far but the last time i checked playing against teams like ghana, australia, ukraine, etc. isn’t as bad as playing with countries like spain, brazil, and portugal as france had.

also to the other ignorant soccerjunkie only three french players are not from france in a team of 23 players. so don’t sit around and say that the french team isn’t made of french players when only three of its players aren’t french. and that’s not much of a difference to italy’s team who have an english and argentinian player. so two or three players don’t make up the majority of the team.

and to the complaints about zidane, when someone makes a racial/religious comment about your mother especially when she entered a hospital a few hours before the final world cup game i don’t blame him for headbutting the player. he had more pride and dignity to do something about it than to let that get unnoticed. maybe it wasn’t the best and right thing to do but no game of soccer is more important then your pride, dignity and selfrespect. yes its unproffesional and nothing justifies his actions but he’s as guilty as materazzi. so if you call zidane shameful, disgraceful, and wrong you should also be calling materazzi the same.
JoJo

Anyone who uses racial slur or talk about someone’s family member in a very detestable way just because they wanted to win a game so badly will have to deal with the consequences, even if it means being bull slam. ZiZou also paid the price already. That trash cheating talking slimy Marterazzi guy deserves whatever comes his ways. Not everyone in here can shrug it off if someone disrepected their family or said something that was racist to them. Not everyone has self control. Materi whatever his stupid name should not have provoke that ZiZou dude in the first place when he himself knows about ZiZou lack of self control. So many have come to the conclusion that Materri plan this out after he saw they could not win without taking ZiZou out. It work like a charm.

Although those who claim that trash talking is normal, well it may be so, but is racial slur and disrespecting someone’s family who have nothing to do with the game trash talking? Trash talking is like you telling someone they have no skills, they suck, too old, etc. Racial slur and family insult is just as bad as spitting on someone’s face. Yes ZiZou could have handle the situation in a better light, that is why he came out looking like a fool. ZiZou certainly has paid the consequence, by being kicked out of the championship, not winning, and being made a laughingstock around the world. His career has been tainted as a result of this. But Materazzi knew exactly what he was doing, what is his punishment? If it comes out that Materazzi did say something to that effect I hope his pays for what he did. What goes around will come around eventually, wait and see.
Golden Ball

I like to say this to all those who defends Zidane’s action against Materazzi.

If Materazzi is found guilty of verbally abusing Zidane w/out any reason (ie. 1-sided abuse), Materazzi should be penalized accordingly.

We do not know what exactly was the insult at this moment in time, but what we do know is both Zidane and materazzi had exhange of words. This may suggest that it was not a one-sided affair. This may suggests that materazzi was reacting or provoked to insult/verbally abuse Zidane.

Whatever the insult, or who started the quarrel first, or who made the most hurtful remarks, the point is what Zidane did was wrong and cannot be condoned. This goes for any player in the field. What if it was Zidane who insulted Materazzi? And the latter headbutt him? Can Materazzi justify his action by saying that Zidane had made “hurtful” remarks at him? Would you be as kind to materazzi if he was the one who physically assaulted Zidane?

Would you say okay to this kind of violent reaction as a way to preserve his “pride” and “dignity”?
MuNk33MaN

First off it was already made clear in the press what Materazzi had said about Zidane and he had amitted to telling Zidane that he is the son of a terrorist whore. We already know what was said. I who am defending Zidane already made it clear that I Zidane’s actions have no justification but I said that if Zidane is going to be criticized then so should Materazzi. Because Zidane may have been the one who lit the forrest on fire but it is Materazzi who spilled the fuel all over it first.
stef

ITALIA ITALIA CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD FABIO CANNAVARO GREATEST DEFENDER IN THE WORLD GENNARO GATTUSO BRILLIANT LOVE IT ITALY ARE FINALLY YET AGAIN THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GROSSO I LOVE YOU
enzo

Goodbye everyone, until the next World Cup. Best wishes to all of you.
Red Devil Fan

Cheers Enzo…………I’m out as well!!
Angel

Dear Marc:

My name is Angel. My dad is from Spain and my mon is Italian, and they both decided to name me with the Spanish version of the name. So, in future communications use my given name, or I’ll call you by a made up name.

If we go by gimmies PKs, then the French diving team should have won as they had 2: the one against Portugal and the one against Italy.

BTW, do you have any inside info that you already know that Italy will be facing South Africa? I cannot believe Italy will play in the final again, and against the host team, nonetheless. I hope this is what you’re referring to because, as inept as FIFA is, it would never pair the host team with the defending champs.
Angel

My, my MuNk33MaN:

One comment you don’t agree on, and you start insulting people. Are you French by any chance? Maybe you want to head butt me in the chest, too? Let’s try this, try head butting your computer screen, and I’ll tell you from this side if you’re Zidane-worthy.

Sorry for Zidane, as he will now be the (head)butt of all jokes.

As I mentioned before, the French diving team got 2 gifts, the one against Portugal and the one against Italy. At least Grosso acted it out better. Then again, the French are better known for miming (or is it maiming?).

France had no chance in the final. They only had one clear shot, Zidane’s header (no, not that one, the one stuffed by Buffon).

Also, I don’t know if you cannot read very well but go back and read (slowly if need be) my commnets again. I never said Italy beat the big bad teams, or all other 31 teams; that would be ludicrous as the whole tournament would last forever (just like a baseball game). I just said that if Italy was so mediocre why none of the other teams (except France) were able to make it to the final? Of the teams France played, Brazil was overweight and over-rated, Spain tends (unfortunately) to choke in the second round, and only Portugal put up a fight. Moreover, if I recall correctly, just before the semifinals started there was a ranking of teams most likely to reach the final. The ranking was: Germany, France, Italy and Portugal. So, arguably, Italy beat the best 2 remaining teams to reach/win the championship. Furthermore, if memory serves me right, Ghana and Ukraine were touted as possible spoilers/cinderellas for the tournament, so they weren’t gimmies.
Dominic

To all of you, isn’t the World Cup great. Everyone is welcome to play, observe and even comment.

My team won the world cup, however I would love them just as much if they had not. I would love them the same for entertaining us.

All the worlks differences should be settled on the soccer field. (no not with head-butts)

The games puts every country on equal ground and even the less fortunate nations have self-pride.

Thanks again to all the other nations, because I enjoyed your victories as well!

( Montrealer with Italian passion ) Mimmo loves You !
Eric Phillips

It seems unlikely that the red card effected the outcome of the game. Sure, Zidane would have gotten to kick a pk, but the guy who missed for France was Trezeguet. Unless Trezeguet was the fifth choice for taking a pk, that still would have happened.
donna

exactly, eric!
Ai Lin

MuNk33MaN, I totally AGREE. Italy doesn’t deserve to win the world cup. They probably would have lost to Australia if not for Grosso’s diving and getting the gift penalty kick. It was obvious that Materazzi saw that Zidane was possibly likely to score a goal after his header was saved by Buffon. M could see that Zidane is a threat to Italy winning the cup. Materazzi has no dignity and wants to win the WC at all costs. As far as a lot of people round the world is concerned, Italy has won the world cup using devious means. Brazil is a TRUE CHAMPION – they play FAIR unlike Italy. BTW, I am not French and I don’t side them in any way.
MuNk33MaN

Your quote:
“If the Italian team was so bad/mediocre how come none of the other big bad 31 teams beat them.”

If you’re asking how come none of the big bad 31 teams were able to beat Italy, that translates to Italy wasn’t able to be defeated by none of the other 31 teams that played. So it was only obvious that that was what I was going to interpret from your comment but you said you meant it in the way that none of the other 31 teams made it to finals to beat Italy . So unless you asked, “If the Italian team was so bad/mediocre how come none of the other big bad 31 teams beat them IN THE FINALS?” It is only logical for me to understand that you had meant it in the way that Italy was undefeated by all 31 teams. So I read your comment well enough to know what was said. If you were referring to playing against them in the finals that is not a mistake I made by misinterpreting what you said but a mistake of yours by failing to mention specifically what you meant.

Your quote:
“Moreover, if I recall correctly, just before the semifinals started there was a ranking of teams most likely to reach the final. The ranking was: Germany, France, Italy and Portugal. So, arguably, Italy beat the best 2 remaining teams to reach/win the championship.”

Rankings, those being predications based on whatever information, mean nothing. FIFA World Rankings ranked in May the Czech Republic #2, Netherlands #3, Mexico #4, and the USA #5. And look how far they all got. Now they have a more updated ranking list but you were talking about a ranking list prior to the semifinals so there I gave you some rankings prior to the World Cup. So like I said rankings mean nothing so by telling me that is useless. And of course I am speaking figuratively when I say they mean nothing not literally so I can make one thing clear before you yourself misinterpret that.

Your quotes:
“As I mentioned before, the French diving team got 2 gifts, the one against Portugal and the one against Italy.” and “Of the teams France played, Brazil was overweight and over-rated, Spain tends (unfortunately) to choke in the second round, and only Portugal put up a fight.” “Furthermore, if memory serves me right, Ghana and Ukraine were touted as possible spoilers/cinderellas for the tournament, so they weren’t gimmies.” “France had no chance in the final. They only had one clear shot, Zidane’s header (no, not that one, the one stuffed by Buffon).”
Ghana and Ukraine being “touted as possible spoilers/cinderellas” only further proves that Italy had gotten lucky to play with teams like that. Just because they weren’t expected to make it that far doesn’t mean they were tough teams that Italy had to play against with. Not being expected to make it that far means they were teams that didn’t play well but managed to make it far in the world cup. So they were give-me’s compared to France having to earn their way up playing with Brazil, Spain, and Portugal. You calling Brazil overweight and overrated just adds to me thinking your are ignorant. You can’t possibly be serious when you call them overweight when most of those players are physically well built and in their youth and maybe they are overrated because they hold 5 world cup titles, the most by any other country, and made it to the finals three out of four times in the last four world cups. And at least Spain is expected to make it far. They’ve made it to the quarterfinal’s more often than they have made it to the second round. After all your memories and recollections you would think that you remember they played against Australia as well, another country not expected to make it that far. So when Italy plays against countries that aren’t expected to make it that far, two countries whom never ever entered a world cup before and one whose only made it up to the second round and only made it that far this year. And when France plays with countries that have made it either to the semifinals or won a world cup, I can argue that France earned their way up to the finals respectively compared to Italy’s way that was a breeze of wind. The only team that was given “2 gifts” was Italy playing with Ukraine and Australia in the knockout rounds that allowed them to advance so far.

Your quote:
“One comment you don’t agree on, and you start insulting people. Are you French by any chance? Maybe you want to head butt me in the chest, too? Let’s try this, try head butting your computer screen, and I’ll tell you from this side if you’re Zidane-worthy.”

And as far as I am concerned it wasn’t a matter of agreeing or disagreeing with you. It was a matter of fact or fiction. By me understanding that you said Italy played against 31 teams because that’s what is clearly interpreted by your comment, it made sense that I called you ignorant as I was referring to the 7 teams it played and not the 31 teams you misinterpreted it to be believed and that’s where it becomes a matter of fact or fiction. Plus I am not here to talk about your offense to be called ignorant nor am I here to feel sorry because your feelings were hurt that you had to retaliate to me calling you ignorant. I am here to discuss the world cup match and my opinions about it not to have nonsensical arguments about how I should try head butting my computer screen.

P.S. By no means am I French.
sarha

hi u smell
Red Devil Fan

After all this all over, Zidane may have done a great thing by striking out against Materazzi. We should see some severe implications imposed now for racial infractions. Otherwise F.I.F.A. is saying it is o.k.!
Anti-Whiner

Hey you! Show me how Italy cheat, and i’ll write to fifa to have you in the fifa refering board.

Fair Play means play in accordance to the rules you fools! And the rules are set by fifa and enforced by the ref on the pitch, so that the 2 teams
that are playing have to abide by them.

If someone or team contravenes the rules he or that team gets penalized, stupid. Thats why we have rules and thats why we have ref on the pitch. And just to remind u, French players had committed the most fouls in this tournament, and in the finals french fouls numbered more than Italy – considering italy played more defensive game than France. So dont give that crap that Italy “cheated” to win the WC.
brasileiro

wonder how the fifa investigation will turn out.the world cup has ended but the action still plows on!
Looking for good, fair football.

No anti-whiner, it just seems everytime Serie A is in some game-fixing scandal of some sort, they win the WC…….. hmmmmmm, it’s not funny, but very odd.

Anyway……I wouldn’t put it pass them and lets face it – FIFA is just a big business, full of “the good olde boys “. Funny enough, this tourney seems to be ALWAYS well represented by the usual suspects or the “good olde countries”, if I may.
Mom of a soccer boy

Italy, you should see Disney movie “Cars”, and learn that your cup is EMPTY. It is not just a cartoon. It is what the world really should be.
Zidane is a hero for standing for something more important than just winning the game.
I am actually posting from Japan, and I am nutral to the racial problem in Europe.
Lin

Anit-Whiner, fair play in theory, yes but sadly not in practice in the case of players like Materazzi and Grosso. If you see how Italy ‘won’ the games against Australia and France, people who are thinking people can see that ‘fair play’ was not on the minds of Grosso and Materazzi. For them, it is ‘win even at the expense of integrity.’
Lin

Anti-Whiner, I know many Singaporeans ( I am of Chinese descent and married to a Singaporean) and I must say that you are giving Singaporeans a bad name by calling people stupid or fools just because they have a different opinion to you. Your words really make me cringe with embarrassment. I don’t know whether you are an expat working in Singapore or a local Singaporean. If you are the latter, you are giving a bad impression of Singaporeans because the many Singaporeans I know do not name call people just because their views differ.
rebecca micallef

Hi, I am from Malta and I should say what a show we saw from Zinedine Zidane. Terribly for kids to see. What I shame I must say….. That’s the example he set for children. I’m not saying that Marco Materazzi has a point because he doesn’t. He shouldn’t use heart-breaking words to hurt Zidane either. All in all, both of them were a shame but mostly Zidane. We have to think, the words Marco Materazzi said hurt a lot Zidane for offending his mother and sister. They are very dear to him nd if somoene offends Marco’s family especially kids and wife he will start offending the other persons feelings or else do like Zidane. Hope you got my point.

bye and regards
Rebecca Micallef
Malta
Grande tifosa azzurra
Forza Gila e Grosso
Sergio

Aussies,one word: self-criticism. Hold the grudge as long as you want,but try not lose your focus about your team weaknesses and how to fix them. Losing due to a bad referee decision doesn’t make anyone the best team in the world.

Italian haters: you are racist,stop. One can stand any amount of criticism but when there’s a damaging prejudice being enforced,based on nationality,that’s racism. And you were quick finding ghost racist motivations in Materazzi’s words: you are the ones who should get sued because of anti-italian discriminations. We try to keep this as civil as possible,but another country may have become much angrier at some foreign players comments about us.
http://yahoo.com mufaroncube

Dear Zidane
My name is Mufaro Ncube from Zimbabwe. What you did was fantastic because you are a man. A man must act.

Les blues fan fulltime
01/08/06

I say to Marco don’t
be canning for the expense of others Posted from Zimbabwe
Jamesicus

OMG! Sergio that is the single stupidest comment i have even seen posted anywhere. It made me cringe almost as bad as the italian soccer team. An italian telling someone to have self-critisism? HA! Do you even have a word for that? Australians are bitter about the world cup, with good right too. Had you been in the opposite position (which wont happen because ur one of the big soccer powers and stuff like that very rarely happens to u) u would be whinging til the next world cup. I woe the thought of us playing you again…
jesuslovesyou

dumb aussie……even with a man down Italy were never in danger of loosing to australia.

the only controversy in that game was the red card given to materazzi.

peace be with you
rebecca

forza gilardino and prilo. the dest and obviously the captain cannavaro

i like really a lot alberto gilardino

rebecca lol@11
grande tifosa azzurra e milanista

forza milan e gila e pirlo
wop88

hahaha o my rebecca micallef. you poor soul. how can you stand up for that french fry when hes 100% wrong. DO YOU PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS ARE SAID ON THE PLAYING FIELD ALL THE TIME. WORSE THAN WHAT MATERAZZI SAID TO THAT BIG CRY BABY ZIDANE. so what materazzi said he’d rather have zidanes sister. BIG DEAL GO CRY ABOUT IT YOU BUNCH OF FRENCH FRIES. goddamn i hate you ignorant bastards who stick up for that sort of shit. and italy had an easy draw? o thats right, france went up against football giants like togo and korea republic. wow congrats for comming out on top in that group. very difficult indeed, you should be very proud of yourselves. like mentioned before, brasil was NOTHING special this world cup, and you dove your way through portugal liek you did against italy to get your damn pk. at least grosso was actually going in hard against australia. I know he didnt dive, maybe it was that elbow that that “socceroo!” through out at his legs as he was going by, but apparently nobody caught that. and thank you to the person who mentioned that the only contraversy surrounding that game was materazzi’s red card. it disgusts me that materazzi got pretty much the same punishment as zidane, just because the frenchies are a bunch of babies. HOW COME NOONE QUESTIONED WHAT WAS SAID TO TOTTI IN EURO 2004 WHEN HE SPAT IN THAT GUYS FACE FROM DENMARK? us italians know when we have done wrong and deal with it maturely, not whine and complain like your precious ‘zizou’ did. ‘he started it he called me names wahhwahhwahh’ gime a break. pathetic. and cannavaro is the much deserved MVP of the tournament and will lay zidane on his ass anyday. as opposed to zidane who had maybe 3 good games, cannavaro was consistently spectacular throughout the ENTIRE tournament. thats a captain. thats a leader. thats a WORLD CUP CHAMPION. FORZA AZZURRI.
http://google luke

Italy is BEst in the world from luke and arels

Strong middle school is good to CANNAVARO AND TOTTI