Reign by the Azzurris

The World Cup 2006, Germany has now ended (Olympiastadion - Berlin). And the winner, as I’m dying want it to be was ITALY…, which make France fulfilling the second title. Not once, ever imagine that the Azzurri can actually be the 2006 winner. This is their 4^th winning for the World Cup after few years back with a ‘heartbreaking’ journey. Believe it or not the fact that with all their previous defeated was now prevail with a big of a winning celebration. It’s really remarkable. And thank must goes to the ‘only’ David Trezeguet (the one who crash out Italy dream in the EURO 2000 with his golden ball) for not to be able handling his penalty accordingly. Where as for the Italy, they completed the 5 penalties elegantly…

I must say that during the match, the two of us was kind of hoping that both of our team could make it in claiming the winner title. I was totally nervous about Italy becoming the winner, since France can actually creating bizarre and dangerous attacks while they in the field. Not to mention that they did have a tiptop well-known player in every position, Henry (forward), Zidane (midfield), Thuram (defend) and last man Barthez (keeper). This not happen among the Italians. Very few of them are recognizable, while the others were just an ordinary player. Still, last night game was fantastic (sorry that I was actually ‘on’ and ‘off’ while watching), but the game was really full of a drama. The top story would be, Zidane's shocking red card penalties in his 108 caps of international appearance. Instead of ending his international carrier gracefully, he just have to accept the fact that it’s the other way around. Another was, the game itself. France did actually have beautiful chances to ‘break’ Italy’s net, but all of their ‘trying’ being denied by the Italians whole-heartedly. Buffon (Italy’s keeper) performed well, Henry was somehow outshine (as always), Cannavaro in his full action as an outstanding captain, their passing are excellent, their crosses are nice, some with injury problems (poor Viera), some get too rough and other hectic wild actions…I was really enjoy. I think everyone does.

Finale, we just have to put a stop since a month has ended for the soccer fan now. No staying up late for football and no mamak stall during the night (for the game). Everyone will afterwards resume with his/her normal life. Thank you for the previous month for essentially creates a healthy environment with one game, one nation, one excitement and one celebration through out the whole world. All in one…

Victory for Italy, Doom for Germany

The semi-final match between Italy-Germany in the World Cup 2006 was indeed a fascinating match to watch. Even more interesting, Italy won the game (they’ll facing either Portugal or France in final). After sleeping for about an hour or so, I woke up at around 3am to watch the live match from Westfalenstadion, Dortmund. Truly I must say that, chances for Italy was quite small if to compare to Germany (the home ground team) who get full supports from their fans. But still I just have faith for Italy. I love Azzurri since long time ago, when I first watch them played during the EURO 2000 (they lost to France in semi-final). How sad…during that time, David Trezeguet scored the golden goal for France which spoiled Italy’s dream to win the EURO. I remembered the looks on Francesco Toldo (a very talented keeper) plus other Italy player too while ‘taking’ their lost. Really I am. During that time also, I considered France has a better ‘luck’ than Italy. While, in the World Cup of 2002, again no luck for the Azzurri (been defeated to the South Korea in the penalty shoot-out plus not really outshine during the EURO 2004 either). Well, it’s a game by the way. The answer is just between two, either one be defeated or one with victory. That’s for sure. Still, as a devoted fan, I can feel the pain too.

So back to Germany 2006, most of the World Cup fan predicted that Germany would go to the final facing another giant team, Brazil (oopss…Brazil lost to France in quarter). But sadly to say, the prediction went wrong. I mean totally (sorry my dear). What can I say about it? But last night match, both team perform a highly skillful football. Of coz, Italy played very well last night. Instead of just keeping on defend; they actually give a counter-attack through out the game. I just can’t believe myself. And it did give Germany a pressure. Both team played consistently that make them both tight nil to nil and drag them to the extra time. I was so amazed and somehow worried about that game, where as usual I just hope for the penalty shoot-out. To me, play for the shoot-out will definitely a fair game. And I don’t mind if Italy lost in the penalty shoot-out but not with a goal. It should be tight. Suddenly, miracle happen, on the 119 minutes, Grosso, Italy defender, with his left-foot kick the ball passing Lehmann (Germany keeper) that make the Azzurri with one goal a head. What a nice goal. And it’s not just stop there, because a minute later, Del Piero (sharing a one-two passing) found a chance to put the ball again into the German’s net. Arrghh…I think Klinsmann will just have to accept the fact that their journey towards the world cup’s winner ends here. Still, two thumbs up for Germany for making the game challenging and interesting. It’s just that no luck for them this year.

P/s- Actually, there’s something about Italy. For me is about how they play. Always convenient with 4-4-2 structure, they defend more than attack. That’s why, if one noticed how Italy win the games with a very small number of goals. They aimed averagely…