Rounding Off The World Cup

Sunday's final was one of the greatest games played in this world cup by far. A phenomenal game as komodo sms’d me in the middle of the game.

Going back a few games from yesterday..
2 of the 4 quarter finals were decided by penalties. Germany getting the better of Argentina, which was nothing short of a heartbreak for me, but the way germany had been playing in this tournament was something of a consolation that the argentines got beaten by a good team.
Italy then beat Ukraine in the quarters 3 – 0 with striker luca toni scoring twice.
England were beaten 1-3 on penalties. Thus Portugal setting up a semi final clash with France.
A Thierry henry nudge from a zidane free kick ensured france a victory over brazil, well deserved as the brazillians looked lacklusture throughout the tournament with the only exception being the match against japan. The biggest letdown in this world cup has been ronaldinhio and also kaka to an extent.

The semi finals were an interesting affair. The hosts Germany were ousted by the Italians in easily one of the best performances put in by both teams. The match was goalless at full time, with italy doing what they do best. DEFEND and as always cannavaro being the star of the game. Grosso and Alessandro Del Pierro scored in the dying moments of the second half of extra times to deny germany a place in the final.

Portugal were ousted by france with a solitary goal to set up a gaul vs roman showdown as TOI put it on Sunday morning.

On Saturday Oliver Kahn leading germany for the last time ensured that germany got a consolation 3rd place with a 3 – 1 win over Portugal.

Sundays final meant Zidane’s comeback finally bore fruit, with history against them the Italians settled down after a nervous first few minutes. Malouda earned them a penalty by faking a dive with zidane scoring a rather peculiar goal.
A Materazzi header meant that italy equalized in the 19th minute. The Italians raised their game after that and the score still read 1-1 at full time. The first half of extra time passed without incident but with 10 minutes remaining in the second half of extra time Zinedine Zidane headbutted Materazzi in his chest and got sent off, thus rounding off an illustrious career with a not so illustrious act. The Italians were unable to capitalize on zidanes absence as there was not much time remaining as well. The game finally went to penalties with david trezeguet from france missing his chance and thus giving italy their 4th title.

The Italians it seemed had a plan for everyone, Gattuso negating any magic that Zidane would have worked , which probably ended up in getting Zidane frustrated. Also all air play with passing the ball over Vierra and Makelele’s heads.
The trio of Gigi Buffon , Cannavaro and Genarro Gattuso can be probably made out to be the heart of the Italian Team.
It was a great sight to see the Italians win, they played some real good football in this tournament.
A few greats have called it a day, Zidane, Kahn, Paultea and Figo. Also maybe ronaldo, carlos, del pierro, cannavaro will not play another world cup.

It was a great world cup all in all with a fitting finale and a deserving winner.