Who would have thought of this final at the end of the first couple of group games. Italy - boring; too defensive; will fail against a younger, attacking side; problems at home. France - way too old; no team unity; manager who has no vision; infighting; poor team morale; cant score goals; will fail against a younger, attacking side; remember 2002? etc. But thats the way the World Cup works.
Predicted this final at the time of the QF, but got the semi-final opponents of the finalists wrong. Italy-Germany game was amongst the best of the tournament. Full-on attacking game and just showed the strength of the Italians in terms of midfield & defense. Clearly, they would start the finals as the favourites. And am sure the UBS analyst must be praying that they win. On the contrary, the France-Portugal game was a compromise. Glad that none of the 6 important french players picked another yellow.
Whilst, the Italians will start as favourites, in line with my view on Day 'T-1', I am putting my money on the French, considering that they have come this distance. Do they have it in them to manage one more game of full-on intensity, is the question. Patrick Viera and Claude Makalele will need a big game to stop the marauding Italians. Zidane will lift the cup. Atleast, I hope.
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