italy -- france

The world cup finals matchup is finally decided. After two 0300hrs matches.... it will be ITALY VS FRANCE for the greatest prize in international football. But mentally and physically tiring to catch the matches while still having to wake up early to go to work the next day (technically is right after the match lah). Tired!! Double shag.

Semi-final One : Germany vs Italy

Great match for fans and neutrals alike. After a lot of boring matches at this world cup this will be one of the more riveting matches in germany. Better than germany vs argentina i think although it almost ended up the same way - penalties. BUT it was not to be for the hosts who conceded just one minute before the referee blows the final whistle. Germany played well actually although they lacked penetration. Italy was composed as usual. Very close during regulation time. Although italy definitely deserved to win in extra time. Suddenly found the energy to pour forward and attack. Great tactical switch by bringing on the strikers. Caught germany on the backfoot. Luca Toni did well but not really dangerous. Gilardino came on and made the difference i feel. Italy even managed to hit the woodwork twice before scoring two goals. So it should actually be 4-0 right. Great strike by grosso. Made up a bit for his dive against australia though the second goal was probably inconsequential but nice pass by gilardino nonetheless. Italian defence was solid led by captain cannavaro and the safest pair of hands in buffon. And the fullbacks even provided the greatest goal threats with one scoring and the other hitting the woodwork. Deserved victory i feel. Made my "italian" friend so happy.

Semi-fianl Two : Portugal vs France

Not as exciting as the first match. France not as impressive as they were against brazil. Zidane started well but i think he tire towards the end but still got the job done. Fake ronaldo (as much as i detest him) played well like i said he could play but still resorted to diving and whining and complaining. Sigh. Henry did nothing much but earned the game-winning penalty. That was enough anyway wasn't it. Barthez seriously looks and plays like a clown sometimes almost gifting a goal to figo and sending the match to extra time. Seems like the luck is with france huh. They got to improve more if they are to beat italy on sunday. Portugal was poor really. Only figo and fake ronaldo playing.

Zidane vs Figo. The early end of international football for one of them yesterday. Both played for real madrid so supposed they are friends. It was touching to see them hug and change jerseys. Another lasting image of this world cup.

Disclaimer : Some images "kop" from an "italian" website.

Bye bye Luis Figo. *Claps*






Captains should lead their teams by example. The two finalists definitely have captains that made a difference. Little surprise both nominated for player of the tourament. Inspirational.



Cannavaro....


and Zidane.


The biggest headache england manager steve mclaren is having now is supposedly who to name as his captain after hero david beckham selflessly stepped down. It seems like the race is down to between chelsea captain john terry and liverpool captain steven gerrard. Let me give my ten cents worth. If i am the england manager (i promise i will do a better job than sven) i will name stevie gerrard as captain. John terry will play ok regardless of whether he is captain or not. But gerrard is different. I think he needs to feel important before he can play at the level we know he can and want to see him play at. So to make him play even better can drop lampard as well and pair him up with a proper defensive midfielder like say scott parker of newcastle fame. Or owen hargreaves who endeared himself to one and all against portugal. Or michael carrick on the basis that he is a geordie boy.

And of course line up david beckham on the right. Let him reach 100 caps lah. Ok? Ok.



Below is a picture of a so called "Bean" located in Chicago if i'm not wrong. Nice. Supposedly shows the entire skyline of the city.



Have you been to the "Bean"?? Get it?? Been... Bean... Hahahahahahahahahaha....



To end this off on a happy note:

BYE BYE FAKE RONALDO. *Claps* *Taunts* *Boos* *Whistling*


Go home and cry.