2006 FIFA World Cup Final

So here we are, after a month of football and 63 matches, it all boils down to this. The FIFA World Cup Final, the most important match in football that decides the champion of the world for the next four years.

Italy have played efficiently to progress to the Final despite facing a corruption scandal back home and the apparent suicide attempt of Gianluca Pessotto. This could have turned out to be a blessing in disguise by uniting the Italian players. Italy have also managed to maintain their run of appearing in the World Cup Final every twelve years beginning from 1970. With only one goal conceded (and an own goal at that) and with 11 goals scored by 10 different players, Italy are looking real good to win the cup. They have shaken off to a certain extent, their catenaccio system.

France meanwhile, started the World Cup in sluggish form with their top players looking as if they've reached their expiry date, only for them to burst into life in the knockout rounds. It seems that they've reserved their best football for the top teams. Most romantics will probably be hoping for a French win as Zidane will be playing his last match in professional football (though so will Totti, who has so often failed to deliver in the international stage, though his last match will only be on the international stage). Zidane gained worldwide fame and top footballer status only after the final of the 1998 World Cup while before that, he was relatively unknown and as such, will be looking to turn full circle in his career by winning the World Cup in his last match.

Though I'm predicting a very close, low scoring game, hopefully it will be a good one to end the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Let's also hope it won't go into penalties. Personally, I'll be supporting Italy.

Go Italy!