Grand Finale

So here it is, the day we have been all waiting for The Grand Finale. Everything comes down to this, all the preparations, strategies, trainings, sweat, exhaustion, blood and prayers. For one nation it is a chance after twelve years and for another it has been a wait of eight. Though Italy failed to win any tournament in between, France did manage and guess what it was against the Italians.

Azzurri will be looking to avenge two defeats one in France 98 at Quarterfinals and one in Euro 2000 final. But if we look closely to this world cup, hardly any team was able to change the tide. The teams which have been dominant on their oppositions previously have continued the trend. France against Brazil, France against Portugal, again France against Spain, Italy against Germany, Germany against Argentina and Portugal vs. England all these duels show that the dominant sides came out victorious. So based on this, things don’t look good for the Italians, though they look a stronger side but then France has been nullifying all the stronger sides, most notably Brazil.

But past records do not help much in final, it will be battle of nerves, battle of will, battle of skills. Both sides have rock solid defense, some hard fighting and creative midfields with instinctive attack. Either it will be one hell of a match or one sleeping pill.

One thing for Italians so far they haven’t found anyone who is the clear cut scorer for them eleven goals by ten different players which equals the record, ironically of France.

Sad thing Nesta will miss it again, he has this misfortune of missing out on world cup matches with injuries and in all previous occasions Italians have lost that match.

Ok little about last match, Germany for me deservedly won the bronze medal. And there were some very emotional scenes after the match like Figo embracing Kahn, Klinsmann and Felipe hugging and sharing a joke or two. Kahn and Figo saluting the crowd. Great to see both team players congratulating each other.