Zizou's empty header denies France a romantic dream

FIFA World Cup 2006

Zizou denies a dream, Italy cheat destiny

Italy 1 - 1 France (Extra Time) 5 - 3 (Penalties)

A troubled Italian team, distracted by the turmoil at home. An ageing French team in Germany for their last hurrah.

A penalty by Zinedine Zidane ensured les blues were in the final, reigniting memories of that glorious triumph in 1998. The last second penalty by Francisco Totti against the Australians ensured Italy even reached the Quarter Finals, after playing with just ten men for an entire half.

The smell of destiny was so obvious, the clouds were barely breathing. This was an extra-ordinary final - one that the greatest football expert would not have ventured to predict.

Zinedine Zidane has the expression of a sage. He scores with the calm of a monk in prayer. He took France into the final against all odds, igniting the dreams of every romantic across the world with the exception of those that sing Il Canto degli Italiani with the hands on their hearts.

He had but the last few steps to take towards that glorious dream. But the angels that script the story of sport have their own tales to tell. And if we knew their tale, sport would cease to be sport.

So when the world woke up from the dream, Zidane retired from his beloved sport in disgrace, sent off from the final with ten minutes left to play in extra time. It took all the blues could do to hold on to the draw till the end of extra time. The French spirit was extinguished by Zidane and the lottery that follows extra time ended in defeat for France. Notable was the French reaction - closing ranks to live in denial and extend support to a fallen giant.

However, noble that reaction - facts ought to be faced. Materazzi, that wily Italian, provoked the sage and he reacted in a manner that champions rarely do. Materazzi lay on the floor, after using his mouth to ensure Italy won. Zidane was sent off, and the dream went with him. As villains go, how could you forget that Materazzi is the man who was sent off against Australia, almost costing the Italians a place in the last eight.

Italy won the World Cup on penalties, but they won alright. Italy are World Champions, there is no denying that. As much as we can mourn the loss of a great dream, we ought to salute the resilience of the Azzuri who have triumphed amidst all the corruption and controversy that has all but destroyed the lustre of Italian domestic football. The team has shown great character and fight in coming together during this turbulent period, in restoring a nation's honour.

Ironically, it was Zidane who opened the scoresheet on this day, after converting a seventh minute penalty with typical arrogance and panache. And would you believe it, the penalty came from a Florent Malouda dive, excuse me, after being so much as tickled by a Materazzi touch.

And that wasn't all. Andrea Pirlo sent a corner kick for Materazzi to climb over Vieira and score the equaliser. Barthez was left fumbling.

Meanwhile Thierry Henry was looking potent, and France had the better game. They should have received a penalty when Zambrotta genuinely felled Malouda, but this time they were denied. Justice has its ways.

France continued to dictate the game to the Italians, till an act of complete hollowness destroyed the final. Zidane head butted Materazzi, after an oral insinuation, but the genius should have known better.

It is a great pity that this final shall be remembered for his flaws rather than as a celebration of sporting genius. The canvas is stained, the master piece incomplete, forever.

FIFA World Cup 2006 - Germany Salvage Pride

FIFA World Cup 2006

Klinsmann's team wins German hearts

Germany 3 - 1 Portugal

Under normal circumstances this would be kind of match that would define the sideshow for the carnival. Much like Boxing promoters who arrange a few meaningless fights, building up to the main event for the night. But then this German team under the innovative leadership of Klinsmann have played with heart and soul, everytime they step to play.

In many ways, it was a fitting end to the career of Luis Figo, that charming Portuguese champion. He came on as late substitute, setting up the lone goal for Portugal. Figo will be remembered for his enormous potential as a footballer. He never consummated his skills, and he wasn't going to at this tournament.

But he wasn't alone in being the fading hero. Germany had its own version in Oliver Kahn, who has patiently waited all tournament just for this elusive opportunity. He kept goal with a lot of passion and control, and will be long remembered for his efforts even as he bows to the tide of time.

Bastian Schweinsteiger strikes the ball with obsessive energy, and he has been on song along with that young man Luka Podolski as Germany beat all expectations in this tournament. They have turned heroes from hopeless, under the tutelage of Klinsmann who has redefined the game for the Germans.

So it was Schweinsteiger, who sent a curling kick past Ricardo, almost clueless as the ball zipped over his head.

The second goal was a tragedy for Petit. He interjected a powerful strike from Shweinsteiger only to change its course leaving Ricardo helpless, while he suffered the iginominy of an own goal.

The crowd was insatiable, their energy betrayed the occasion. It lifted their team though as if this were a finale. Schweinsteiger responded with another typical effort from the left, the ball curling off his right foot destined for the comfort of the net.

Nuno Gomes with nothing but pride left to play for, headed a Figo cross just to ensure one last celebration before heading home.

Third place matches are rendered as meaningless as the barking street dog, but this was an exception. Oliver Kahn showed passion, Figo was charming in his cameo - but it was the crowd that chanted like this were a final and made this seem like an important match.

Both the Germans and the Portuguese are likely to lose their exceptional coaches Klinsmann and Scolari. It is these two men, that will be remembered for the passionate performances of their teams, when the dust has settled on this glorius tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2006 - Zizou sets up fairy tale finale

Fifa World Cup 2006 - Semi-Finals

France expose Portuguese pretensions

Portugal 0 - 1 France

It was an evening to cherish for the football romantic. As the two giants lead their teams into the Allianz arena in Munich a packed stadium of 66,000 people witnessed the withering away of the last of Portugal's golden generation. Zinedine Zidane, took the one opportunity that came his way and with the least bit of fuss set the stage for his fairy tale farewell. Luis Figo, to many the best since Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, faded into the evening with a less than memorable performance. It was the end of an era for Portugal. The mutual respect and admiration was palpably obvious in their eyes as Figo and Zizou exchanged shirts at the end of time.

Felipe Scolari had yet to taste defeat in a world cup match, but Portugal failed to beat France in seven preceding matches including the European Semi-finals in 2000. It was a Zidane golden goal in the 117th minute that sent France into the finals. France won that tournament to cap a period of great success for the Les Bleus lead by Zidane.

As the match unfurled, neither attack inspired any confidence. Portugal had to be content with shooting from long range, as William Gallas, Lilian Thuram, Eric Abidal and Willy Sagnol strangled them for space. A Maniche shot flew just inches over the crossbar, but that was the closest they would come to scoring in the first half. Even though both the teams were guilty of attempting to gain favour with the referee, the crowd picked on Cristiano Ronaldo for special treatment, jeering his every touch of the ball. It is a pity because the only time Portugal looked in place was with the ball at the feet of this talented young man. But then, fair play hasn't been his style, prone as he is to diving and show boating at the slightest opportunity.

Ironically, it was France who were awarded a disputed penalty in the 32nd minute. Ricardo Carvalho barely caught the shin of Thiery Henry just inside the box, and the French striker obliged by falling promptly. A convinced Jorge Larrionda pointed to the spot, a relaxed Zidane shot into the bottom corner past a diving Ricardo.

The second half contained more of the same, as Portugal dominated possession but failed to create any meaningful shots at the goal. Miguel suffered an injury appearing to have pulled a hamstring as he attempted to play Pauleta in the area. Paulo Ferreira came in but he could never do a Miguel. As time ticked away Scolari brought in Simao and Postiga as substitutes, but by then the French defense had grown in confidence and did an effective job of bottling the Portuguese at the front.

By now the French were defending in numbers content to protect their one goal advantage. To their credit the Portuguese defended well despite the pressure to equalise. Their finest opportunity to do so came from a free kick, 30 yards out. Ronaldo shot one straight at Fabien Barthez, who made a mess of the collection. The ball bounced out nicely for Figo who failed to nail the header.

So the carnival reaches Berlin without Brazil or Argentina, and the hosts have been reduced to play that meaningless match in Stuttgart against Portugal to decide third best. As France prepare to take on three time champions Italy, they will have to pray for the magic of Zizou and the finishing skills of Henry. A repeat of their semi-final performance against Portugal would make Italy the firm favourites for the title.

FIFA World Cup 2006 - Italy in the Finals

Fifa World Cup 2006 - Semi-Finals

Italy stun Germany in a brilliant match

Germany 0 - 2 Italy (Extra Time)

The hosts were brimming with new found confidence, exceeding expectations always does that. Italy, arrived in Germany mired in the clouds of corruption, but rediscovered the fires in their match against Ukraine. The schedule meant that the match would be played in the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund where Germany have never lost a game. On the other hand, Italy never lost a big tournament game to Germany, including the World Cup. The stage was set for a classic encounter and Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Chancellor Angela Merkel took seats next to each other to witness the action.

Jurgen Klinsmann has redefined this German team from the traditional defensive, precision driven team into a creative, free flowing side. They have attacked relentlessly, with Michael Ballack providing fabulous service to Podolski and Klose. Italy have floundered through their group encounters, before scraping past Australia in the round of 16. It was only against Ukraine that they came into being, as a team capable of leaving a mark on this tournament.

The Italian team has shown remarkable spirit and resilience in working as a team, even as the clouds of corruption are gathering around them. They received a pre-match boost as FIFA suspended Torsten Frings after receiving footage from Italian television, depicting his role in the melee that transpired between the Argentine and German players after the quarterfinals. Klinsmann opted to bring in Tim Borowski and Sebastian Kehl in place of Frings and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Both the teams sought hard to deliver the opening blow, there was plenty of action and opportunities at the goal. Ballack ran on to the edge of the box, but was denied by the referee as his ball glanced the arm of Andrea Pirlo in the box. Almost immediately, Francesco Totti set up Simone Perrotta only for him to return empty footed, as a diving Lehmann nestled the ball in a tight embrace.

The best chance though belonged to the Germans. In a fluid build up to goal, Podolski and Klose combined well to deliver a through ball to Bernd Schneider, who with space to spare over shot the goal. Klinsmann was animated in expressing his disappointment at the touch line. At one point, Klose raced through the Italian defense, only to find that Gianluigi Buffon was harder to beat. The minutes ticked away as Italy lost spark, but Germany despite the arrival of Odonkor and Schweinsteiger could not find the final punch.

Germany is a fearless unit, at its best when asked to deliver from 12 yards, even with Buffon facing the ball. It is probably this fear that drove Italy into heated action at the start of extra time. The Italians hit the crossbar twice in succession, as Gilardino at first and Zambrotta next found their efforts rattle the wood work. Neither side looked keen on penalties as they pressed forward in numbers, a refreshing change from the earlier affairs between Germany - Argentina and England - Portugal. A normally defensive Italian team had Marcello Lippi bring on attacking substitutions, as they ended the game with four strikers.

Germany could have dealt a defining blow, had Podolski not failed to control his header in front of the goal. He also drew out a terrific save from Buffon, just minutes later. As the vastly partisan crowd and their team started to prepare for the lottery that lay ahead, an Andrea Pirlo shot forces a save from Lehmann. Corner to Italy. It is Pirlo again, as his pass found Fabio Grosso on the right who shot a curling ball past a diving Lehmann. Fantastic goal and with just two minutes to go, that was a shot that wrenched the German guts. There was no time and Klinsmann threw everything forward in search of a desperate equaliser. The Italians added insult to misery as Gilardino played into Alessandro Del Piero whose powerful shot found the top of the net.

The Germans mourned as the Italians lost themselves in delirium. There were tears, as Ballack and the fans wept inconsolably, but they will all wake up tomorrow proud of their team and most importantly their national identity. Italy can look forward to the finals as a means of insulating themselves from their trials at home, the prosecution though is unmindful of their glory.

FIFA World Cup 2006 - France leaves Brazilian script in tatters

FIFA World Cup 2006 - Quarterfinals England's date with destiny......... England 0 - 0 Portugal (1 - 3 on Penalties) Brazil 0 - 1 France On a day when France shook the Brazilian footballing divinity out of slumber and promptly banished them from Europe, England played their best match of this World Cup only to loose on penalties to Felipe Scolari's Portugal. The irony is unmistakable. The fickle English weather is symptomatic of its sporting character - patches of bright sunshine followed by extended periods of gloom. In defeat the English were valiant, down to 10 men for most of the second half and then extra time, without Beckham or Rooney, they played as only they can. The brilliant skills of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand shone bright as they foraged deep into the Portuguese territory in search of the one goal that would have set them apart. For their part, Portugal were resolute in defense even while depending on Miguel and Ronaldo to get one of their own.

Beckham was replaced by Aaron Lennon, England can look forward to some good work from him over the years. Lennon exceeded his own expectations in taking on such an important role, he was desperately quick as he wove a path to the goal. A tired looking Beckham could only sit on the bench and shed tears. He isn't getting younger and now he will be out for six weeks, to nurse his shins.

So much of English football is a test of the fans forbearance in the face of adverse results. But there is always hope. Sadly though, the more things change, the more they remain the same. Cut back to 1998, and the abject stupidity with which Beckham got sent-off against Argentina, and the subsequent loss; 2006, it is Rooney that gets sent-off for stamping Carvalho and then shoving Ronaldo unnecessarily. England had to loose on penalties, it is their destiny to recreate history, they only lost to Portugal on penalties just two years ago. Against such a stark canvas, it was foolish to expect any other result.

Ricardo was outstanding in the goal, he saved shots from Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and then from a suitably peeved Jamie Carragher - who was brought in as a substitute for precisely the situation. And poor old Jamie could not even bother to wait for the referee's whistle before letting go his pent up enthusiasm, the referee promptly asked him to retake, resulting in the peeved failure. Cristiano Ronaldo took to the opportunity of putting Portugal in the clear by sending Robinson the wrong way.

The Brazilian script is simple. Arrive at the stadium, suitably dressed. Obtain possession of the ball, wrong foot their opponents and weave their way forward where a waiting God would stroke one past the baffled defense in great style. Sadly for them they were only arriving and God was left waiting for that final pass. France has been derided for being a bunch of oldies on their last legs. There was neither energy nor enthusiasm, the critics stretched from Frankfurt, halfway into France. Zinedine Zidane is the sort of player who can convert an existential critic into a crying fan. He is 34, surely past his poster days. But he wouldn't walk quietly into the sunset, not Zidane. He was sheer magic yesterday, as he rejuvenated the entire French team and rekindled hopes of a repeat of 1998. It was probably his memory of that final when he scored twice against Brazil to win the cup for France, maybe it was the realisation that his career was at an end. Either ways, France could do with more of his magic as they straddle a fresh hope after such a lacklustre tournament.

Ronaldinho, the great Barcelona player was effectively contained by the masterly attention from Patrick Viera. Ronaldo was reduced to scrambling to barely touch the ball off set pieces. Carlos Alberto Parreira will be held guilty for lacking the guile and nuance for utilising this galaxy of talent. The Brazilian team, so full of talent, but oh what a waste it was!

Zidane started to impose himself on the match, creating space through deft flicks and selling dummies, like Brazil were a team of abject novices. His mastery of the match was complete when he feather footed a ball over Ronaldo's head before heading it away from his grasp. And then came the moment of magic that would seal it for France. A looping cross from Zidane, curling its way to the goal front, as Thierry Henry moved clear of a ball watching Roberto Carlos, to volley the ball past Dida. One of the most beautiful moments of this World Cup in the 57th minute of the match. That was enough to send the slumbering Brazilian giants for an early siesta at home.

So with Africa, Asia and South America suitably put to bed, it will be four European teams, three of them past champions to battle it out to lay their fingers on the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2006 - Germany penalise Argentine nerves

July 1, 2006 Fifa World Cup 2006 - Quarterfinals Argentina return home on frail nerves Germany 1 - 1 Argentina (4 - 2 on Penalties) Italy 3 - 0 Ukraine The first pair of quarter finals have been played, four of the eight teams were in action. But it seemed for most part that there was but one match last evening. A renewed, resurgent Germany playing the magically energised Argentina in a match fit to be the finals of the greatest sporting event, outside the Olympics.

The Italians could be forgiven if they arrived in a dark grey suit, engulfed as they are under clouds of match fixing and bribery. Thirteen of their team play for clubs under investigation, but Marcello Lippi has done a marvelous job of combining his resources to create a team that is drawing references to the one in 1982. Parallels aside, Francesco Totti strode through the midfield creating opportunities, Luca Toni made his presence felt in front of goal while the defense was held together by the excellent efforts of Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro. After starting with a whimper, they are slowly but surely preparing to leave with a bang. And Germany will challenge that come 04 July.

Just prior to the World Cup, the German team must have felt like the disowned children of a much maligned uncle. Heaped with criticism, the coach and players have put in clinical performances game after game as they showered the fans in joy and enabled a nation to rediscover its identity. Suitably embraced, they now seem ready to dance with destiny on 09 July.

Maxi Rodriguez tormented the Germans with pace and power as he raced down the lines. A few minutes into the second half, he forced a corner. Roberto Ayala went lunging at the ball as a swirling Riquelme corner kick presented itself, and like predator on a racing prey, made telling contact. Germany has played much of their football on the cunning of the coach and the energy of an early goal. Can they cope with coming from behind, against their skillful opponents? After all, deep disappointment awaited one of these strong contenders. But despite falling behind, Germany stepped up the ante, constructed attack after attack as they put the Argentinean defense under pressure. Meanwhile, as so often they do, the Argentine coach Jose Pekermen settled for a one goal advantage taking off both Hernan Crespo and Juan Roman Riquelme. Michael Ballack had an imposing presence in the midfield and an 80th minute cross from the left was nudged forward by Borowski for Klose to score from close range. The teams were level, but the spirit rested firmly with the Germans. Extra time was played out as both teams prepared for the inevitable shoot out. The home team held their nerve and head converting four on the trot, even as Roberto Ayala missed his shot. Esteban Cambiasso would want to be remembered for that wonder of a goal in their opener, but with a final act in which he missed a penalty he may want to forget that he was here at all. Germany went into raptures as Argentina grasped the tragedy at hand.

Ukraine rested their hopes in Andriy Shevchenko, who was effectively neutralised by the Italians. Early in the first half Gianluca Zambrotta cut in from the right before unleashing a bazooka off his left foot from 25 yards. Barely five minutes, and Italy was in the lead. Despite Ukraine's best efforts, who attacked through an added forward the equaliser wasn't coming as Shevchenko and his men failed to test the goal. Francesco Totti was busy stomping his best performance so far. A third of the second half was done, Italy still had the advantage of a goal. Totti curled on into the box, off a short corner and Luca Toni had ample space to head a second. As if matters weren't sealed for Ukraine, Toni picks a Zambrotta pass almost on the goal line and slots home a third goal to wrap a place in the semi-finals.