View Full Version : The Final: Italy-France
Its finally here.
ITALY - FRANCE
This should be, end hopefully will be, an epic final. Zidane's last game triumph? Or revenge for the Azzuri? Hopefully the latter ;)
FORZA ITALIA!
i was expecting this final after france beat brazil in semi-final
it's going to be a tough game IMO as other finals are :)both teams showed wonderfool games in this WC . France got Zidane who impressed me .. last night but even in other games he was great ! Italy for sure got a strong squad i hope lippi will put gila in first squad :( ..
IMO - Italia is the new champion
forza azzurri
Nesta is out :(
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul6h.html
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta will not be fit for the World Cup Final against France, Azzurri medics have revealed.
There were hopes that the Milan stopper would recover from a groin strain in time for Berlin, but they have been dashed on Thursday.
“Unfortunately, from a clinical and physical point of view, it won’t be possible for him to be at the side’s disposal,” stated team doctor Enrico Castellacci.
Nesta originally picked up the problem in a pre-tournament friendly against Ukraine, but was still able to feature in the World Cup opener versus Ghana.
However, the Lazio youth team product had a recurrence of the injury in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, on June 22, which has ended his tournament.
Both Marco Materazzi and Andrea Barzagli have stepped in for the defender since, with Materazzi again set to win the approval of boss Marcello Lippi at the weekend.
King tiger
06-07-2006, 11:28
Maybe thats kinda good, coz ill doubt that Nesta would fit in perfectly after not playing 3 games.Maybe...
It would be nice if Italy won. This I'm hoping. But France.... talk about gettin it together when it really mattered! I honestly didnt want Italy to face them. To many bad memories from 6 years ago.
zlatanov
06-07-2006, 11:50
It would be nice if Italy won. This I'm hoping. But France.... talk about gettin it together when it really mattered! I honestly didnt want Italy to face them. To many bad memories from 6 years ago.
same here. I want Italy to win it but france for me are the favourite in this one as they beat 2-3 potential finalists - Spain, Brazil, Portugal - along the way, while Italy's only serious test was vs Germany, and even that almost went to penalties i.e. the Germans winning it ;)
btw, it would be Argentina's Horacio Elizondo who would be refereeing the final - same guy from the England-Portugal game
same here. I want Italy to win it but france for me are the favourite in this one as they beat 2-3 potential finalists - Spain, Brazil, Portugal - along the way, while Italy's only serious test was vs Germany, and even that almost went to penalties i.e. the Germans winning it ;)
btw, it would be Argentina's Horacio Elizondo who would be refereeing the final - same guy from the England-Portugal game
Tell me Evgeny did you come out on top of Hasan's WC Fantasy Football? I know you was up there.
Yeah France did do some damage to some big Big BIG Teams. All this without the service of Giuly. I still disagree with Domenech about this but I'm sure he's enjoying the moment. So then... This will be Italy's second big test. We shall see huh?
Good Question Zlat! WHo is the ref for the final? IMO I didnt like any of the refs for just about all the games.
zlatanov
06-07-2006, 12:13
Tell me Evgeny did you come out on top of Hasan's WC Fantasy Football? I know you was up there.
Yeah France did do some damage to some big Big BIG Teams. All this without the service of Giuly. I still disagree with Domenech about this but I'm sure he's enjoying the moment. So then... This will be Italy's second big test. We shall see huh?
Good Question Zlat! WHo is the ref for the final? IMO I didnt like any of the refs for just about all the games.
The WC fantasy football is still going on. I am in 2nd place for now but we'll see how it all ends. :devf: I am guessing I will come in 3rd cause Hassan has his team packed with italians and is making a strong final rush, you know.
As for the ref, Elizondo has already been named to be the ref for the final. i think he did a decent job this WC although a lot of England fans would disagree on this one ;)
My favourite were Rosetti from Italy and especially Archundia form mexico - the one who oversaw Germany-Italy. but they both were unlikely picks for the final - Rosetti 'cause he is Italian and Archundia 'cause he had one of the semi-finals.
As I said in another thread if you're superstitious this must be Italy's year!.
Italian make to the final once every 12 years 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006 with the record of loss, win, loss.......... should be a win. In 1982 Italy was recovering from Totonero scandal, now there's calciopoli. In 1982 in the semi's Italy beat Poland 2-0. (Nation of John Paul 2). In 2006 they beaten Benedict's Germany 2-0 in the semi.
The only disadvanage, France beaten Italy in 1986, 1998 and 2000.
Zidane is 8 years older!!
Zidane is 8 years older!!
yes but looks like years for him don't mean nothing ..
he's been great last night .. freash just like 4 years ago
I didn't want France. :( Then again, you have to face your fear. so Forza Italy.
Forza Italia!! I can say Italy will win! I can even bet on it!!!!!! When WC 2006 started I said to myself,"Either Brasil or Italy will win WC 2006" and now it seems to me that the time has come!
Once Again Forza Italia we are with you!
NestaIsKing
06-07-2006, 14:56
Yah I know what you mean Dave. Only difference is I always thought Brasil would lose (they don't have the defence Italia does).
But now that the game is right in front of us, I honestly believe we will come out on top.
FORZA ITALIA!
As I said in another thread if you're superstitious this must be Italy's year!.
Italian make to the final once every 12 years 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006 with the record of loss, win, loss.......... should be a win. In 1982 Italy was recovering from Totonero scandal, now there's calciopoli. In 1982 in the semi's Italy beat Poland 2-0. (Nation of John Paul 2). In 2006 they beaten Benedict's Germany 2-0 in the semi.
The only disadvanage, France beaten Italy in 1986, 1998 and 2000.
Zidane is 8 years older!!
LOL! Very impressive. As a trend pundit, I should have taken note of this. I didnt and so mea culpa! Many thanks Franco. Let's hope the trend is consistent.
yes but looks like years for him don't mean nothing ..
he's been great last night .. freash just like 4 years ago
you mean Zidane was great in the portgual match? damn, i must be watching a different game then. :u56:
you mean Zidane was great in the portgual match? damn, i must be watching a different game then. :u56:
Well maybe you where watching another game :dontkn: ..
cuz zidane performances in this World Cup impressed me . not just the game against portugal but every single game that france played .. was so usefool to team , very active and served many balls for henry or ribery , Got a goal which was henry's virtue and has chances to get the golden ball with which thing im not going to be surprised !!
Make sure u whern't watching a game in russian league :ilol:
yes but looks like years for him don't mean nothing ..
he's been great last night .. freash just like 4 years ago
4 years ago? You mean 8 years ago, right? In 2002 he only played one game, against Denmark, and France lost 2-0.
4 years ago? You mean 8 years ago, right? In 2002 he only played one game, against Denmark, and France lost 2-0.
well i was not talking about world cups .
with 4 years i ment the periode from wc 1998 to 2002 ..
my bad i didn't write it clearly
Well maybe you where watching another game :dontkn: ..
cuz zidane performances in this World Cup impressed me . not just the game against portugal but every single game that france played .. was so usefool to team , very active and served many balls for henry or ribery , Got a goal which was henry's virtue and has chances to get the golden ball with which thing im not going to be surprised !!
Make sure u whern't watching a game in russian league :ilol:
:haha:
damn, i must be watching the wrong world cup all this while. one of my fav players on the field and i can't recognise him, something must be terribly wrong with my eyesight. i only saw glimpses of somebody that look like zidane in the france-brazil game. :hah2:
humanTORCH
07-07-2006, 14:01
It's a hard one to pick. My heart says italia because I been an azzuri fan all along. And what's is going on to Italian football right now, a win would be a great thing for Italian football.
But it would be great for France to win as Zidane has been one of my favourite players. Seeing him bow out with a trophy would be great spectacle(some of the french players are retiring too).
I don't mind if who ever win. :stoned:
_MaJi_tz
07-07-2006, 14:37
italia-france 2:1 italy:pirlo,tony france:zidane
Senahid1
07-07-2006, 14:59
I agree with _MaJi_tz,
we will crash them
Italy 1:0 France,,
italy:inzaghi 91`min.
:haha:
damn, i must be watching the wrong world cup all this while. one of my fav players on the field and i can't recognise him, something must be terribly wrong with my eyesight. i only saw glimpses of somebody that look like zidane in the france-brazil game. :hah2:
Loooooooooooooooooool .. :haha:
hwmook im afraid that u didn't watch the game at all .. :haha:
and one of your fav team was playing and you didn't recognize it
I agree with _MaJi_tz,
we will crash them
Italy 1:0 France,,
italy:inzaghi 91`min.
how do you know that
tarot letters ? :haha::haha: :ilol::ilol:
A newspapper in Germany today came up with this tittle " MAFIA IN FINAL "
they did this on accout of scandal that is happening in Italian football these days .. :)
everything was going great until today .. they didn't have to do this
King tiger
07-07-2006, 18:26
They are probably angry coz "the mafia-SOB-es-who-cant-play" defeated Germany.
I say we give them this :devf: :devf: Italia is in the final,Germany in 3.place game.
NestaIsKing
07-07-2006, 18:47
A newspapper in Germany today came up with this tittle " MAFIA IN FINAL "
they did this on accout of scandal that is happening in Italian football these days .. :)
everything was going great until today .. they didn't have to do this
Screw the Germans papers. What an idiotic and pathetic thing to write.
Kev Ryan
07-07-2006, 19:41
A newspapper in Germany today came up with this tittle " MAFIA IN FINAL "
they did this on accout of scandal that is happening in Italian football these days .. :)
everything was going great until today .. they didn't have to do this
The German papers stoop as low as they can go again in the World Cup. At the start of the tournament they wrote a lot of bad things about Beckham and his family. Bringing a player's wife and children into it is what sick minded people do.
This is just further proof of their sick minds.
Kev Ryan
07-07-2006, 21:30
Italy to win 1 - 0 or 2 - 1. I think Cannavaro and Gattuso should keep Henry and Zidane quiet and Italy's clever passing will get through the French defense.
Italys time has finally come :diablo:
Something interesting:
Of the 13 World Cups in which Semifinals and third place matches were held (In 1930 there was no 3d place match, and in 1970-74 there were no Semis), 9 of the teams that won the tournament beat the winner of the 3d place match in the Semifinals.
Italy beat Germany, who won the 3d place match today. Hopefully this 'trend' continues.
FORZA AZZURI!
I also believe in Italy winning the world cup :swars: :swars: :swars: :swars:
Imo this game will end 1-0 and Gila will find the net if he fails to do so then Zambrotta will do it!
NestaIsKing
09-07-2006, 09:22
Something interesting:
Of the 13 World Cups in which Semifinals and third place matches were held (In 1930 there was no 3d place match, and in 1970-74 there were no Semis), 9 of the teams that won the tournament beat the winner of the 3d place match in the Semifinals.
Italy beat Germany, who won the 3d place match today. Hopefully this 'trend' continues.
FORZA AZZURI!
wow thats interesting! Thanks! Hopefully the trend DOES continue :)
zlatanov
09-07-2006, 09:55
9 out of 13 is hardly a trend to rely on but don't let me spoil your moment, guys :sagrin:
Anyway, I like both teams but for Milan players' sake hope Italy wins. Still, I think France is entering this one as the favs.
No matter how France started the World Cup or how they have played having Makelele and Vieira in the same midfield will make life very difficult for Pirlo. It won't be anything like the Germany game.
Forza Italia
Dr Milano
09-07-2006, 13:11
lol i have 3 of my italy tops on at once ... anyways other that i wish italia win this is a once in a life time oppourtuntie come oon italia if we lose i dont know how i will face people in school
:5dito: CAN WE TALK ABOUT DAMNED DIVERS AND CHEATERS?????? F-ing French idiots...
Some of you have spoken before about the Portuguese being such actors, but the FRENCH are putting high paid actors in Hollywood to shame with their falling and rolling around at the merest brush of a jersey. As for the PK the ref just AWARDED...boolsheet! :5dito:
The diving and cheating has just absolutely tarnished this WC. Blatter's orders beforehand to tighten up the officiating hasn't helped but made this issue worse. This is absolutely disgraceful all around. For ****'s sake, the game football is the centerpiece and the players are not giving it due respect, at all.
Thank goodness Materazzi has tied it, had the result remained 1-0 it would've been a travesty.
Goosie!!! :5schal:
I'm so nervous I can barely stand to be in the same room with the TV.... :swars:
Add another name to divers I guess...Malouda wasn't touched from the angles I saw
Forza Italia
Hey there Debs, it's definitely been a tense first half. The pace is good, there have been some good chances and Rino, despite his brain farts, is all over the place. So far so good marking Zidane, who btw wouldn't make me too sad to see him lift the Cup...even if he did wear THAT shirt a while back. But that PK, pure quality.
Half Time : 1-1
france - zidane
italy - materazzi :D ..
zlatanov
09-07-2006, 14:58
guys, I am for Italy too but let's be a bit more impartial in comments - it was a clear penalty as there was indeed contact and it was an evident one from all angles I saw it on replay. Yes, malouda may have exagerated a bit the contact but what was materazzi thinking going in like that? That was a completely reckless challange by matrix so typical for him from his Inter displays.
Yes, there was contact and it was enough to push Malouda's leg onto his other one thus tripping him - very similar to the PK Ukraine got vs Tunis. With that one too even commentators after a couple of replays couldn't see the contact and said it was a dive by Sheva but after a more careful review, it turned out to be a very different story.
this one was very similar to it but contact was much easier to spot as I needed just 1 replay to see it, while with Sheva's PK it took me 3-4 replays to do so.
Anyway, 1-1, Italy dictating the play but the french are dangerous when going forward. Pirlo's kicking butts with his deliveries from corner kicks.
Forza Italy, Forza Milan
I wasn't being biased and the English commentator agreed too, not sure if there are any other replays available than the ones I (we) saw, look again Materazzi's leg was up but didn't touch Malouda
zlatanov
09-07-2006, 16:21
don't know what angle you saw it from but the contact was pretty obvious from the one I saw it at. As for what commentators say, both guys on the Ukr-Tunisia game said Sheva did dive but after that had to rethink their position.
true, Materazzi did act as if tehre was no contact but I mean let's be honest, when didn't a player guilty of something confessed to it. His leg was up but he basically flew into malouda and there was plenty of chance for contact there.
btw, Zidane just got sent off for an absolutely ridiculous head-butt into Matrix's chest - what a sad end to such an illustrious career :(. He could easily cost france the game now, a game they have been totally controlling since the beginning of the second half.
I have no idea what Zidane just did, even IF Materazzi insulted him or something...
I too believe Malouda dove.. no matter how much I looked at the replay, I see a clear dive.
regarding zidane, can't agree with you more, zlatanov. wow, what a shocking way to go out. i wonder what pleasantries were exchanged between the two. materazzi had to say something really horrible to make zz react like that.
whatever way this ends up, it's been quite an interesting WC.
wow, the ghosts of 90, 94, 98, and 02...all exorcised. congrats to italia!
I am off to little Italy here
Forza Italia Forza Italia
oh yeah can't forget about euro 2000....sorry about that.
zlatanov
09-07-2006, 17:01
Bravo to italy, the Euro 2000 has been revenged, I guess :)
I think France were the better side overall in this game, especially after the break, but no one I think can take away from Italy what they have earned this WC - a completely deserved victory for them given their overal performance in germany. In fairness to France, if they had won it, it would have been a deserved victory for them, as well. But such is football, and with Euro 2000 in mind, it just had to be Italy and for once they had to win it with Pks ;) :)
Anyway, great game IMO, lively, open with a good number of opportunities to score and dramatic at the same time. Only negative was the way Zidane got himself sent off - probably the best player for the last 10-15 years, and not only maybe, shoud have given his career a far better ending but ...
P.S. Finally, an Italian coach who had prepared his team how to take decent PKs. Bravo Lippi, he made the real difference for the Italians IMO.
9 out of 13 is hardly a trend to rely on but don't let me spoil your moment, guys :sagrin:
Guess it was a trend, Zlat :)
10 out of 14 now ;)
Bravo Italia. The celebrations at the end were classic, especially Materazzi putting the Italy hat on the cup :D
Zidane just tarnished his career with that head-butt.
Zidane did something that legends don't do !!
i was so dissapointed in him .. shame on him :) he made me ask myself is this the player i loved to see playing
Graeme C
09-07-2006, 17:21
Italia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so glad they won, italian players were brill at penalties, pirlo was mr cool!!!
Viva Italia!. The penalty of Malouda wasnt a penalty. Then Italy played better and had chanses to score a goal before half time. In the rest of the game France was better. In the start of second half a penalty for France wasnt given maybe because of the first one which wasnt. They suffer, they survive but they finally won. After Brazil went out in the semi finals i prefered Italy to win because of Pirlo, AC MIlan. :p283: :p283: :p283: :p283: :hopefull: :hopefull: :hopefull: :hopefull:
ACMILAN1983
09-07-2006, 17:38
Well done to Italy. I was supporting them for Milan players (and that I had actually predicted a WC victory, for which I got laughed at).
France exceeded my expectations and gave a good game. Malouda was lucky to get a penalty imo as Materazzi though making contact, actually did very, VERY little wrong and Malouda actually tripped himself up.
Zidane ended his career on a sour note which is a massive disappointment, but he should be remembered as a footballing genious, one who imo has reached the levels of Pele and Maradona.
Milan players were fantastic and have written themselves in the legends book. I still can't believe Materazzi has also become a WC legend, but despite it all, I'll always associate him with something of the opposite. Finally, Italy did something England failed at and changed their luck with penalties with some superb ones.
Lippi deserves great praise for managing the team almost perfectly during the hardest times, especially due to the scandel. Until tomorrow, Italian football should celebrate.
Finally, I want to talk about the team. People at the start of the tournament wrote them off, and simply put, I've seen English pundits at the end still saying they aren't that great. All I have to reply is the world's best keeper, the world's best right or left wing back, two of the world's best center backs (one who couldn't even play most of the games), the world's best defensive midfielder, the world's best deep lying playmaker and probably the most prolific marksmen in football for the past year all playing as a single entity, rather than as individuals. If thats not a great team, then I don't know what is.
Italy have deserved this WC and it should provide motivation for Italian football. They did some amazing things and have their just rewards.
FORZA ITALIA!
but when malouda was stoped by zambrota was a penalty .. but the first one wasn't and it was gaven to france team .. so equal :haha:
Italy deserve it !!
bravo pirlo , gila , gattuso , nesta , inzaghi bravo to all italian players that been great tonight and gave me one of my happiest moments of my life !! bravo matix :D
:v408: :v408: :v408: :v408:
I'm exhausted just from the tension but finally FORZA ITALIA!!
As for the rest of it....the frist 20 minutes or so of the game looked like the ref was in France's pocket. I saw replays of whatever it was that led to the France PK, and at most it could have been a free kick. Not enough contact to be so played up. But then, I've always hated France and I shall continue to. Having said that tho, it was an incredible game and at one point France was playing circles around Italy, and it was Italy that had the extra day of rest. :hammer:
Zidane....if I never hear that name again it will not be soon enough. The announcers over hear seemed only to know of him for the past week or so. Actually, since Brazil went out, b/c up to that point the only player they knew was Ronaldo. :dconf: Call me jaded, I don't care, but the American mentality needs to be expanded and I'd start with the sports announcers actually knowing a little aobut the European scene.
As for the head butt...well, that is my lasting impression of a supposedly good player. When it happened and it seemed he was going to get away with it, the snobby French sneer on his face made me want to walk up to him and slap him. Good riddance. Great player indeed. A totally shameful way to end his international career for the second time.
Well done to Italy. I was supporting them for Milan players (and that I had actually predicted a WC victory, for which I got laughed at).
France exceeded my expectations and gave a good game. Malouda was lucky to get a penalty imo as Materazzi though making contact, actually did very, VERY little wrong and Malouda actually tripped himself up.
Zidane ended his career on a sour note which is a massive disappointment, but he should be remembered as a footballing genious, one who imo has reached the levels of Pele and Maradona.
Milan players were fantastic and have written themselves in the legends book. I still can't believe Materazzi has also become a WC legend, but despite it all, I'll always associate him with something of the opposite. Finally, Italy did something England failed at and changed their luck with penalties with some superb ones.
Lippi deserves great praise for managing the team almost perfectly during the hardest times, especially due to the scandel. Until tomorrow, Italian football should celebrate.
Finally, I want to talk about the team. People at the start of the tournament wrote them off, and simply put, I've seen English pundits at the end still saying they aren't that great. All I have to reply is the world's best keeper, the world's best right or left wing back, two of the world's best center backs (one who couldn't even play most of the games), the world's best defensive midfielder, the world's best deep lying playmaker and probably the most prolific marksmen in football for the past year all playing as a single entity, rather than as individuals. If thats not a great team, then I don't know what is.
Italy have deserved this WC and it should provide motivation for Italian football. They did some amazing things and have their just rewards.
FORZA ITALIA!
Great post forza italia im after winning 370 euro on italy. italin football needed this with the scandal. it still is the best. delighted for all the azzurri but especially pirlo, gattuso, nesta, gila and superpippo.
Cannavaro player of the tournament.
Finally, I want to talk about the team. People at the start of the tournament wrote them off, and simply put, I've seen English pundits at the end still saying they aren't that great. All I have to reply is the world's best keeper, the world's best right or left wing back, two of the world's best center backs (one who couldn't even play most of the games), the world's best defensive midfielder, the world's best deep lying playmaker and probably the most prolific marksmen in football for the past year all playing as a single entity, rather than as individuals. If thats not a great team, then I don't know what is.
FORZA ITALIA!
:1ole: :1ole: :1ole:
Congratulations! Nice job Italy!
Easy Debs. Let's not kick a man when he's down. We Milan fans also know firsthand what Materazzi is capable of. Who knows if we'll get to hear what words were exchanged but looking at that burst of anger from Zidane, to make him stop ignoring Materazzi and to turn around and do what he did, I'm afraid it got really personal. Don't misunderstand me, people...I'm not excusing the headbutt at all it's just those lines people cross and then, BOOM, you snap.
But yeah, a shocking and shameful way to end a career. It's bewildering because he's a veteran and he knows better and it was the worse time to do something like that, only a few minutes away from PK's which he would've taken part in.
Honestly, yay Italia, congratulations and all but the sending off is what I'm more concerned about.
Congats amici azzurri! Trophy is safe. Europe has won it. Matrix for Man of the Match. He is a stupid but useful guy. Made to dive Malouda and ref did not see it. Then scored a goal and hit the bar. And said something to Zidane that he could not resist a headbutt... hahahah wonderful end of career.
I am envy to italians. I wish I can be at Milano stanotte... :tong:
Campioni del Mondo: Gila, Pippo, Pirlo, Rino, Sandro
Forza Milan
GRE-NO-LI
09-07-2006, 19:21
A more than deserved WC triumph: AUGURI, BRAVA ITALIA!!!
:1ole: :1ole: :1ole: :1ole: :1ole: :1ole: :1ole: :1ole: :1ole:
Italia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so glad they won, italian players were brill at penalties, pirlo was mr cool!!!
i have to disagree, Cannavaro had such an amazing calm look on his face that i could tell that he was super confident on Italy beating the Frech toast on Penalties.. everyone was celebrating every spotkick that went in except him.. haha talk bout keep cool under pressure..
I knew that Italy would win the moment Buffon made that incredible save from a point blank header from Zizou. It had to be Italy's year.. Unbeaten in 25 years to european opponents in open play says something about the character of all the Italian teams huhz... Forza The Azzuri ! Forza Milan ! cant wait to watch cannavaro-nesta-buffon combo @ Milan next year.. :w186:
i am speechless... actually dev said pretty much everything i wanted to say...
... sorry for zidane, debs, i thought you were very harsh on him, materazzi isnt the nicest of people out there and he must have said something that is way personal for him to do what he did, but i think he shouldve postponed it for later, thankfully he didnt but what a sad sad way to end a career so great as his, definatly up there with the maradona's, pele's and cruyff's...etc
you guys do realise that for the next 4 years, we are officially champions of the world!?!?!!!!
Brilliant match and was great watching the players after they won. Some funny stuff. What was Gatusso doing in his underwear? Did anyone see that? It was hilarious, but I couldn't quite figure out what was going on...
Kev Ryan
10-07-2006, 07:25
I'm delighted Italy won!
I must admit I was a bit nervous when it came to penalties but Italy's penalties were superb to say the least.
Zidane is such an idiot for what he did. It doesn't matter what was said to him his experience should have prevented him from reacting in that way.
FORZA ITALIA !!! It was a huge party in belgium in cities where a lot of Italian people live. I was so drunk last night !
... sorry for zidane, debs, i thought you were very harsh on him, materazzi isnt the nicest of people out there and he must have said something that is way personal for him to do what he did,
I'm sorry you think I was very harsh on the "great" Zidane but I was so fed up with him stuck up snobby attitude. Mata was walking away from him when the head butt occurred, not saying a word. I don't really care what was exchanged between them, if Mata was to be guarding him and was getting too close so the "great" Zidane couldn't do what he wanted to do, then Mata was doing his job. Kind of ala Maldini--I've seen players scream in frustration b/c Maldini won't get off them during a game. the head butt was bad enough, but the arrogantr look on Zidane's face when he thought he was going to get away with it....no way does that man deserve to be mentioned along with the likes of Pele or Maradona. You'll protest that it's only one small action, but to me it speaks louder than anything else. This is his true nature and people are so bamboozeled that they think he's a great player. Sorry, I call things the wayI see them--that one action in the last impression people should be carrying in their heads of Zidane's national career.
And what would the uproar have been had it been an Italian player who had done that?
well... no one said what he did is right, but your really limiting yourself from other facts, zidane is a legend of the game whether you like it or not... maradona sniffed coke, now thats a much worse example to give to the kids than head butting someone (who we all know how dirty he can be) ... stop kidding yourself, zidane wasnt being arrogant or anything, he was being guarded, materazzi said something to him, zidane replied, nothing seemed harsh between them, then zidane walked away, and materazzi said something and zidane headbutts him, instead of asking what wouldve happened if an italian did it? well... i dont know but ask yourself, what if you were supporting france, wouldnt you atleast think twice before making such generalizations?
PS: im an italy supporter through and through, but not all italians are angels and not all french are devils
If I was French, I'd be among those--as I just read on the news--trying to explain why such a great man did such an idiotic thing. And I would be disgusted.
You mention Maradona and his cocaine problem....so explain to my why his name is always mentioned among the greats? It doesn't seem to matter, does it? So obviously my opinion doesn't matter. If you think Zidane is great, that's your business.
Kev Ryan
10-07-2006, 09:31
I heard that the French media are speculating that Materazzi called Zidane a Terrorist (Zidane was born in Algeria I think) or said something about his ill mother.
He still shouldn't have headbutted Materazzi. You'd think with all his experience he would just complain to the ref that he was abused in such a way and the ref would then put it in his match report and FIFA would be investigating Materazzi and Zidane would be the victim and not the villain. Instead he stupidly threw a headbutt, got sent off, damaged France's chances and ended his career on a major low.
Again I reiterate, what Materazzi said is still only speculation. There is nothing for definite yet.
Has anyone on the team dedicated the Cup or honored Maldini? While I'm happy the Azurri have won, I'm saddened by the fact our most treasured wasnt part of the team. There are a few on the the National Team who couldnt even come close to matching up with Paolo who now have this title. I have to admit that it bothers me knowing this. Can anyone else feel or understand what I mean?
I came away from the Final a little empty b/c they didn't even bother to show Maldini in the crowd--and I'd lay odds he was there--and of course no one could mention him,not even when they mentioned past greats who had played the game. I'm even surprised he wasn't on the filed to celebrate. But also knowiong how Paolo is, he may have decided to give them their space thinking it was their glory and not his. Did gut me a bit to see someone else in #3....
NestaIsKing
10-07-2006, 13:01
ABBIAMO VINTO!! YES!!
Italia Campioni Del Mondo!
Bravo Italia!
Now the wait is on for South Africa and the Repeat!
I came away from the Final a little empty b/c they didn't even bother to show Maldini in the crowd--and I'd lay odds he was there--and of course no one could mention him,not even when they mentioned past greats who had played the game. I'm even surprised he wasn't on the filed to celebrate. But also knowiong how Paolo is, he may have decided to give them their space thinking it was their glory and not his. Did gut me a bit to see someone else in #3....
Funny thing is that I saw Albertini on the field congratulating them. Definitely a shame Maldini wasn't part of it...
If I was French, I'd be among those--as I just read on the news--trying to explain why such a great man did such an idiotic thing. And I would be disgusted.
You mention Maradona and his cocaine problem....so explain to my why his name is always mentioned among the greats? It doesn't seem to matter, does it? So obviously my opinion doesn't matter. If you think Zidane is great, that's your business.
its simple, take a look at his games and you tell me why hes a footballing great... some people are born/raised up hot headed, others arent, maldini isnt, zidane is... that doesnt change the fact that theyre both footballing legends and both are without a doubt GREAT!
kui, i was thinking about the same thing the other day, someone should have atleast dedicated the win to him, hes gone through alot to win it, he definatly deserves a mention, same with billy
Funny thing is that I saw Albertini on the field congratulating them. Definitely a shame Maldini wasn't part of it...
Are you sure it was Albertini?? Cero Ferrara was on the field as he seems to be on the coaching staff but I didn't spot Trio. I'll have to rewatch it!
Maltese Charlie
10-07-2006, 15:44
Funny thing is that I saw Albertini on the field congratulating them. Definitely a shame Maldini wasn't part of it...
Albertini was there as a member of the Italian federation (FIGC)
Nothing funny at all!!!!!
Only 2 players in Italy 23 man roster didn't play: GK's Peruzzi and Amelia...
all others did their job more than well...
De Rossi got a chace to redeem himself and he did...
The "dirtiest" defender in the world (Matrix), against the "most elegant" fuoriclasse (Zizou)... if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't believe it...
Whatever Materazzi may have said (if anything really bad), he won... no, Zidane lost... Zizou was his team's captain, soul... I've read about Maradona's problems with drugs... those were OFF THE FIELD... Maradona didn't get a red card in the 86 final when the game was 2-2... instead, he gave Burruchaga a great pass to win the game...
Unfortunatedly, just when everybody thought Zidane was a finished player, he came to life again... and just when we thought he deserved all the glory, he once again, proved us wrong...
Player of the tournament, by far, Fabio Cannavaro...
I'd like to send a big congratulation from Norway, been cheering for ya forever,not only cause i support Milan, but I love italians and italian culture aswell, hope your celebrating your brains out down there these days :)
Enjoy :)
Its rather amusing how people wre laughing at Sheva's headbutt on Materazzi, yet when its Zidane this great condemnation is the only thing on the forum. I wonder why peoples reaction wasnt the same when Sheva did what he did :yuck:
Zidane = Legend. Give the poor guy a break.
Has anyone on the team dedicated the Cup or honored Maldini? While I'm happy the Azurri have won, I'm saddened by the fact our most treasured wasnt part of the team. There are a few on the the National Team who couldnt even come close to matching up with Paolo who now have this title. I have to admit that it bothers me knowing this. Can anyone else feel or understand what I mean?
How Baresi and Maldini never won a WC Il never know :hammer:
:rr30:
I smell hypocrites!!!!!!
http://www.milanmania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18179&page=1&pp=15&highlight=headbutt
Can all the people on their high horses, b!tching about Zidane so passionately please tell me where in this linked thread they b!tched about their own hero Shevchenko. Some members even revelled in Sheva's actions (Either hate the actions of both or love both, but dont have double standards).
:cpuke:
I repeat, I smell hypocrites!!!!!! :ilol:
Forza Zidane- A true legend!!! :nana:
Forza Italia- World Champs!!! :rr30:
How Baresi and Maldini never won a WC Il never know :hammer:
I don't want to become the historian in this forum, but just FYI Franco Baresi did win a World Cup... Spain 1982...
Well I was half right :diablo:
How Maldini never won a WC Il never know :hammer:
well i heard that materazzi may have sad something to zidane about his religion ..
Zidane is muslim .. and if he did that !!
Im going to understand zizou 100 % .:) for his move in final
Well if its true then I wonder whether people here would condemn Materazzi.
Zidane is as moderate as they come and he never talks about politics. For Gods sake hes married to a Christian Spanish blondie who wears bikinis. If hes a terrorist who isnt??????
well i heard that materazzi may have sad something to zidane about his religion ..
Zidane is muslim .. and if he did that !!
Im going to understand zizou 100 % .:) for his move in finalOral insult is not worth any kind of phisical action of violence. If a man can not resist doing that he has to be punished. It has nothing related with religion. ;)
Dr Milano
11-07-2006, 11:19
forza italia i celebrated partied all night ...
zlatanov
11-07-2006, 11:20
Oral insult is not worth any kind of phisical action of violence. If a man can not resist doing that he has to be punished. It has nothing related with religion. ;)
in general, I would agree with that but there are certain limits to everything including to what you orally insult with and to how much oral insult is too much.
Just wonder if Italian media and Sky in particular will come up with a video of what Materazzi said to Zidane or not - lips can be read pretyy easily, you know. They seemed pretty concerned in truth prevailing in Frings' case.
Well, here is what Matrix said to Zidane according to "The Sun", that is:
http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2006/07_Luglio/11/zidaneproseguio.shtml
I particularly like Gallas' response - "I'll Smash your face in" ... hope he comes to Milan and plays in the derby :devf: :diablo:
in general, I would agree with that but there are certain limits to everything including to what you orally insult with and to how much oral insult is too much.Yea, but the insulted one can not take any phisical actions. It's judges duty. ;) I particularly like Gallas' response - "I'll Smash your face in" ... hope he comes to Milan and plays in the derby :devf: :diablo:For such words he can be easily punished too.
zlatanov
11-07-2006, 11:41
Yea, but the insulted one can not take any phisical actions. It's judges duty. ;)
that's what a man of law would say, not necessarily a man of truth, as well - law and truth are two completely different things, only common they have is that one of them, law, TRIES to emmulate the other.
it's judge's duty to put murderers in prison too, are you saying there aren't any of those out there walking free?
here is something more on the matter, btw. it might shed some more light into it - as it turns out, Zidane mother had been admitted in a hospital:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/1,,2006310771,00.html
Well, we do live in rule of law, so we do accept that the laws are the source of truth. We can not break them only because we do feel that it might be not fair enough to regain justice.
Humans are not ideal so our rules are not ideal too, although we have not created anything better. So we should respect what we got. ;)
So how come you you never said any of this about Sheva headbutting Matterazi?
According to the latest news, Italy ranks second in the all time FIfa WOrld Football rankings. Again, chinese source:
新浪体育讯 北京时间7月12日下午，国际足联公布了2006年7月份国家队最新排名。刚刚获得世界冠军的意大利队排名上升9位，仅次于榜首的巴西队。排名第三到第十的球队依次为：阿根廷、法国、英格兰、荷兰、西 班牙、葡萄牙、德国和捷克队。
Translation: Fifa announced July 2006 FIFA FOOTBALL RANKING. Italy raised to 2nd just after Brazil. THe rest:
3rd:Argentina
4th: France
5th: England
6th: Nevertheland
7th: Spain
8th: Portugal
9th: Germany
10th: Cechs REpublics
for more (and those who knows CHinese):
http://2006.sina.com.cn/ita/2006-07-12/1803107999.shtml
IMo there was something that Zidane hit materazi and I think he did it right!
Anyways forza Italia they deserved the victory!
Its beyond me how Spain, Holland and Portugal can be above Germany??
Its beyond me how Spain, Holland and Portugal can be above Germany??Mate, I can not believe that yer memory is so short :nervous: cant you recall what german team has done during Euro 2000, 2004 :u125:
This year they achieved more than they are able to do. And remember that they were in 19th place before the WC, so +9 places is a vast improvment for them. ;)
Milan_Mad
12-07-2006, 20:15
Mate, I can not believe that yer memory is so short :nervous: cant you recall what german team has done during Euro 2000, 2004 :u125:
This year they achieved more than they are able to do. And remember that they were in 19th place before the WC, so +9 places is a vast improvment for them. ;)What has Spain, Holland and Portugal done, K77SH C is right germany 3rd place and final in last two world cups they should be bout 4th. England now how are they 5th they never go past quarters in any tourney and there crap in friendly's
Mate, I can not believe that yer memory is so short :nervous: cant you recall what german team has done during Euro 2000, 2004 :u125:
This year they achieved more than they are able to do. And remember that they were in 19th place before the WC, so +9 places is a vast improvment for them. ;)
In Jeffs post it says all time rankings so euro 2000, 2004 mean nothing compared to the world cups Germany have won.
What has Spain, Holland and Portugal done, K77SH C is right germany 3rd place and final in last two world cups they should be bout 4th. England now how are they 5th they never go past quarters in any tourney and there crap in friendly'sPortugal reached semis in Euro 2000 and this year, final in Euro 2004...
By the way, they seem to be best scoring team in WC 2006 qualification round ;)
Like I said Jeff's post said the best teams of all time not just the last six years.
Like I said Jeff's post said the best teams of all time not just the last six years.
Hey let m
e correct; I think they count the last 4 years... I'm very sorry about this. Also:
世界排名计算方法的最重要改变是它不再考虑最近8年的成绩而是只考虑最近4年的成绩。同时，以前考虑的所有其他因素(成绩、比赛的重要性、对手的实力、地区的实力、比赛的数量)也在经过检测和分析后在某种程度上完 全得到了修正。以前使用的两个要素(进球和主场优势)将不再对世界排名有任何影响。
... only consider matches of the past 4 years. ... number of goals scored and home-game adv. are no long predictive.
Well that changes everything then :v46: :D
Thierry Henry
15-07-2006, 13:55
MILAN Players ruled for Italy. Cannovaro's defending was just too great. I was actually supporting France since the tournament began and im very happy to see the French team went all the way to the Final defeating teams like Spain, Brazil and Portugal on the way. This performance has really wiped the memories of 2002 WC. Italy and France deserved to be in the Final from the start and they were evenly matched in the Final even after Zidane got sent off.
Although France lost on penalties, at least Italy won coz they were my second favourite team in the WC after France. Both have proven themselves and im pleased to c Zizzou getting the Best Player of the Tournament award. He rediscovered his old form when none expected it and scored 3 goals. PIRLO's curling kicks were the best in the match. I also like the part when Thierry Henry dodged the whole Italian defence but was then blocked by Buffon.
ITALIA RULZ!!!!!!! ZIZZOU THE BEST
ozMilanista
18-07-2006, 19:39
Hi there,
A bit late I know but Forza Italia!!!! 4 World Cups! What a champion team!
In regards to the Materazzi thing it should be noted that he is no angel and a bit of a stirrer from way back. Also note that Materazzi & ZiZou have had a bit of rivalry from from he was with Inter and ZiZou was up front for Juve.
:D
Oral insult is not worth any kind of phisical action of violence. If a man can not resist doing that he has to be punished. It has nothing related with religion. ;)
yeah but this doesnt imply to when roy keane goes to the field intending to break that norweigans guy's knee right?
yeah but this doesnt imply to when roy keane goes to the field intending to break that norweigans guy's knee right?He was punished for that quite hard, by the way ;)
France's Zinedine Zidane was given a three-match ban and a 7,500 Swiss franc (3,260 pound) fine for head-butting Italian Marco Materazzi in this month's World Cup final in Berlin.
Materazzi was banned for two matches and fined 5,000 Swiss francs for his part in the incident which occurred in extra-time before Italy's penalty shootout victory.
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=sportsNews&storyID=2006-07-20T130819Z_01_L19626990_RTRUKOC_0_UK-SOCCER-ZIDANE.xml
I'm sure Zidane wouldn't mind a 3-match ban...he's retired!
Giovanni
20-07-2006, 09:37
Legally this is another farce from FIFA.. If i insult someone i can get punished for that, but if he replies with a physical aggression that's much much more dangerous.
The right decision would have been : Materazzi 2 games, Zidane 8 games, considering for ex. the headbutt of Weah on Jorge Costa after Milan-Porto (7 games i reckon)
These judges at FIFA are a bunch of little politicians who couldn't spoil Blatter's orgasm: Zidane will be appointed as FIFA representer in months to come.
San Paolo
20-07-2006, 09:43
**** Yeah World Champs!!!!...and Its All Thanks To My Mate, Lucas Neill! ;)
Italiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
From Reuters
-------------------------------------------------------------
However Paolo Maldini, captain of AC Milan and former captain of Italy's national team said FIFA's ruling was scandalous. "It's scandalous to suspend a player for having said something. It's the first time it's been done and it's only because Materazzi is Italian and because they wanted to justify the action of a great champion (Zidane) but who was in the wrong."
Maurizio Lupi, a deputy of Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party also condemmed the ruling. "It's a disgraceful sentence that shows yet again how Italy's football federation carries no weight at FIFA."
FIFA said in a statement: "Zinedine Zidane has agreed to do community service work with children and youngsters. As Zidane has now retired from international football, the committee took note of Zidane's pledge to do three days of community service work with children and youngsters as part of FIFA's humanitarian activities.
"In their statements, both players stressed that Materazzi's comments had been defamatory but not of a racist nature."
-------------------------------------------------------------
Poor Materazzi. FIFA had to punish him to quell the anger of Zidane loyalists and the anti-Italians!
So Materazzi gets punished. Zidane gets to keep the ball and gets the chance to make amends to an image fitting for a Golden Ball Awardee. They should shut up by now.
But Italy won the World Cup. And that's one thing they will never get!
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