World Cup Final 2006: Italy v France

[tejstar]

A repeat of the Euro 2000 final where Italy were hard done by after Trezeguet's golden goal. I think this has the potential to be a great game.

Italy had a sublime game against the Germans, whilst France has clinically dispatched the likes of Spain and Brazil in the tournament (although they did look tired against the Portuguese - will age be a factor...?)

I'm going for an Italian win (1-0), although it would be nice if France won it purely for Zidane. It would be a perfect send-off to one of the greatest players ever to grace the football field.

[MICON]

I hope they both lose. Not the best by far.

[tejstar]

Whilst there have been some negative games recently (well since the knockout stage begun), I think France deserve their place in the Final after knocking out Spain & Brazil (the latter being one of the performances of the tournament in my eyes).

I really wanted Germany o get to the Final, but after seing the way Italy played the other night, you can't say they don't deserve their place either!

[Barny79]

Unfortunately, I think Italy will be World Champions by 10:00pm on Sunday night

[mjb1975]

I think - and I hope - Italy win and by a decent margin. Their performance against Germany, esp. in ET, was the best I've seen in the WC so far IMO.

(maybe aside from Argentina against Serbia but that wasn't much of a contest!).

[cheeseypuffs]

I'm not really bothered who wins it now, I just didn't want the ballerinas of Portugal to steal it.
I was disappointed with the way Italy beat Australia, but I suppose it was less of a blatant dive than those from last night. They've also been in two of the most entertaining matches in the competition, USA and Germany, and the latter was arguably the best quality match as well. France have definitely got better as the tournament has gone on, although I think they've been "just good enough" rather than excellent.

[SIMON ADEBISI]

Im not pushed as long as it ain't a dive puctuated snooze fest like last nights game.

[Alan b]

I just hope we get a final that is both a cracking match and is free from controversy, I don't think that is to much to ask. The Italians are always tough to beat so I am going for them although I don't think there will be to many goals in it.

[charlie angel]

Azzuri for me; 2-0 the score.

Really want it to be a good attacking game, finished within the 90 minutes - no extra time & no penalties please.

[unrealnils]

I wouldn't complain lf franc win it becuase of Zidane and :notworthy Henry

I do want the italians to win Its been a while for them and with the crazy stuff comein up for some ofthem this would be a great way to go home :D

Forza Italia and Milan

[sigur]

I had money on Italy, Argentina and Portugal to win the tournament so for that reason Im hoping for an Italy win. I also have a soft spot for Italian football and enjoyed mixing with Italian fans at the Czech game.

Zidane has been one of my favourite players over the past 10 years so wouldnt be unhappy to see hime win it, my only gripe would be that the antics shown by Henry dont deserve a winners medal.

[Crikey!]

snooze fest like last nights game.


snooze fest? think yourself lucky man. i got up at 3am to watch that game (then went back to bed at full time)

[cheeseypuffs]

my only gripe would be that the antics shown by Henry dont deserve a winners medal.But Grosso's antics against Australia do?

[Rob]

I hope they both lose. Not the best by far.

Italy have:-

1. Scored 11 goals [unsurpassed by any other team].
2. Conceded only 1 [unsurpassed by any other team].
3. Have the best player in the tournement by a mile [Fabio Cannvaro].
4. Have the best two midfielders in the tournement [Gattuso & Pirlo].
5. Played fabulous team football with some great passing in most of their matches [England take note - consistenly pass it the others who wear the same colour shirt and you won't go far wrong].
6. A manager who is positive and makes attack-minded substitutions [e.g. v Germany - Del Piero, Gilardino and Inaquinta].

Can anybody name a team who derserves to be in the final more than Italy?

France had a slow start but World Class perforamnces against Spain and Brazil are more deserving of a finall place than most teams that I could think of.

[bh1]

I hope they both lose. Not the best by far.

:lol: So who are?

[unrealnils]

ENGEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-LUND :lol:

[Crikey!]

Italy have:-

2. Conceded only 1 [unsurpassed by any other team]


and that was an own goal :nuts:

must've had a bet on ;)

[Snoopy]

I had Italy to win an Italy V Spain final, so I'll stick with Italy. :D

[redmosquito]

Go Italy :notworthy

IMO by far the best team so far. Have enjoyed all the Italian games this far and think they deserve to win :thumbs:

[Crikey!]

Go Italy :notworthy

IMO by far the best team so far. Have enjoyed all the Italian games this far and think they deserve to win :thumbs:


and they're not france

[SOUNDSTYLE]

Quite similar teams in terms of style of play and formations.

Should be a great game.

I just hope there are goals and plenty of them. :D

[Ravioli]

I reckon whoever Sepp Blatter wants to win will win.....
Elizondo chosen as Cup final ref :cuckoo:

[Alan b]

I really don't see why the selection of the referee for the final should be important. He did the opening game and had a pretty decent game. Yes he sent Rooney off but I think he had little choice on seeing the replay. I think some people need to move on..

[Peter UK]

Both teams unchanged from their SF lineups.

Here's hoping it's a good'un...

ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!

[simonmac]

Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys or Corrupt Cheating ********, tough call.

[midknight]

Good job it aint a germany v france final what the bettings the french would surrrender at half-time

[Prufrock]

I want France to win....although I think Italy will do it.

[mjb1975]

Forza Italiano!!! :D

I really, really, really want Italy to win tonight - their performances have been great (ok, aside from the Grosso penalty against the Aussies) and if the same Italy turn up as they did against Germany, I think they deserve it.

France have been hit and miss really, aside from good performances against Spain and Brazil.

[simonmac]

Good job it aint a germany v france final what the bettings the french would surrrender at half-time

:lol:

You really think they could go 45 mins without breaking out the white flag?

[midknight]

:lol:

You really think they could go 45 mins without breaking out the white flag?
ooh thats a toughie

[SOUNDSTYLE]

Hang on, that's a bit weird. Only two French women have graced a Wimbledon singles final - Nathalie Tauziat in 1998, who lost to Jana Novotna, and Amelie Mauresmo in 2006.

I'll leave you to join the dots! :lol:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991652.stm

[SOUNDSTYLE]

Back to Wimbledon and Italy's World Cup victories in 1934, 1938 and 1982 have always coincided with the first and second seeds playing in the men's final. The bad news is while first seed Roger Federer won earlier today it was the second seed who won in 1934 and 1982.

Interesting stuff. :)

[simonmac]

So will the French finaly get the chance to march victoriously through the streets of Berlin?

[DrZarkov]

Hope France can do it, I'll get £60 from skybet :)

[DrZarkov]

So will the French finaly get the chance to march victoriously through the streets of Berlin?

Napoleon already did that ;)

[john316]

The anthems sound like Mobile Ring Tones :lol:

[Pisces Iscariot]

Italy are the clear favourites especially as most of their players are in the shop window!

[simonmac]

Napoleon already did that ;)

He was Corsican so doesn't count

[DrZarkov]

He was Corsican so doesn't count

That'll count Viera out of the French team then as he is from Senegal and Makele is from Zaire

[camaj]

Penelty! Guy tripped over himself though surely??

[DrZarkov]

What a penalty....GO ON ZZ!!!!

[Big A]

OMG what nerve

[Rich101]

He was old before the penalty, but I think he aged another 10 years after that.

[Ono]

:lol:

Not a penalty - but that is ice cool from ZZ :notworthy:

[Bender]

Zidane taking the **** with a chip, pure class :lol:

[Alan b]

He almost messed the up but it takes some balls to do that just 5 minutes into the World Cup Final.

[MarcusUK]

and he didn't chunder over the pitch :)

[Ono]

Better than Crouch's effort.

[stu_69]

Come on France. I can see this game being played in France's half for the next 80 minutes.

[MICON]

Funny this so called ref see's a 'soft' penalty but missed a definate England penalty.

[midknight]

but missed a definate England penalty.
thought we had laid that to rest :doh:

[MarcusUK]

Cheeky bit of skill on the left wing, shame about the cross

[Ono]

LMAO at the scorer :lol:

[Bender]

Game on...

[MarcusUK]

Game on definately now. Great corner and header

[DrZarkov]

Cracking header!

[Deron]

What a great header...

I wonder if Henry will finally score in a final. He's about due...

[Alan b]

It's actually good to see that both teams are going for it and as a consequence we are seeing an end to end game, rather than the dull finals we have seen of old.

[rawowl]

Gary Neville with a goatee !!!!! Ribery . :)

[BlueDwarf]

Good game so far, shame we have another useless director.
Too many bleedin' replays and crowd shots...

[Ono]

Too many bleedin' replays and crowd shots...
Not when they show nice blonde French birds all the time! :n0rty:

[MarcusUK]

Gary Neville with a goatee !!!!! Ribery . :)

Prolly been asked before.. but what's up with his face? How did he get that scar? :?:

[jan08]

Prolly been asked before.. but what's up with his face? How did he get that scar? :?:
Car crash

[MarcusUK]

Car crash

Ah right, cheers :thumbs:

[evilsly]

can't see anything other than an italian win now

they look like scoring from every corner

buffon hasn't made a save yet, the only chance france has had has been the penalty

[jayok]

Stonewall penalty for France, the French player did not dive!!

[hailesy]

Did anyone see Andy Townsend then? His nose was all over the place. Well disjointed.

[jan08]

Italy look by far the better team, but Henry is playing very well and for some reason I can see them nicking it. Hope not. Allez les Italy!

[MarcusUK]

lol at Marcel trying his best to avoid the "Was it a penalty?" question..

[KennyVader]

Is *anybody* choosing to watch this on ITV! You would have to be a big fan of adverts to do so :nuts: Don't know why they bother.

[mjb1975]

Did anyone see Andy Townsend then? His nose was all over the place. Well disjointed.

You're watching ITV?!

[midknight]

Did anyone see Andy Townsend then? His nose was all over the place. Well disjointed.

Your a brave man watching the itv coverage


Anyone else watching ITV

[MarcusUK]

It has to be BBC, ITV just doesn't seem right!

[hailesy]

hehehehe... I'm hopping between the two and UKGTV2 :nuts:

[jayok]

Watcing ITV... you must be mad!!

[midknight]

you think anyone would own up to watching itv be interesting to see the viewing figures

i'm going for 2-1 fance as in the euro 2000 final

[jan08]

Your a brave man watching the itv coverage
Its al right people taking the mickey out of the awful quality pictures from ITV and adverts, but I'm watching the beeb and listening to the idiot and the joker and don't exactly feel honoured with quality broadcasting

[splobber]

I'm watching it on BBC HD and it looks crisp.

Don't know why they keep showing shots of Paul O'Grady though.

[MarcusUK]

Its al right people taking the mickey out of the awful quality pictures from ITV and adverts, but I'm watching the beeb and listening to the idiot and the joker and don't exactly feel honoured with quality broadcasting

Press the red button and change the audio :dork:

[Alan b]

Did anyone see Andy Townsend then? His nose was all over the place. Well disjointed.

I wonder what the ITV viewing figures will be and what excuse they will trot out this time when the BBC beat them in the ratings as they usually do..

Oh and another BBC viewer here.

[midknight]

Its al right people taking the mickey out of the awful quality pictures from ITV and adverts, but I'm watching the beeb and listening to the idiot and the joker and don't exactly feel honoured with quality broadcasting

hey commentating is a thankless task but personally i prefer bbc and i like the 3 pundits thank god wrighty aint on tonight

[hailesy]

tbh... crappy picture on ITV but the Commentary is better than Motty and Co tbh...

oh I wish I had HD...

[MarcusUK]

All France at the moment, do Italy have another late late show still left in them?

[jan08]

The French coach seems to give better half time talks than Sven. Its a completely different game to the first half

[midknight]

looks like zidane is stepping up a few gears and if they are going to win it they need to do it in the 90 mins extra time will do them .....or could it go donw too penalties ...no please italy are almost as bad as england at penalties shoot outs

[hailesy]

woah! spot on descision though :)

[midknight]

good decession by the linesman

[midknight]

as bruce forsythe would say " good game good game"

[MarcusUK]

Great final, I think a goal in normal time now would be harsh on the other team. Bring on ET and some pens :)

[splobber]

"This match is just like your living room...there's nothing in it"

WTF?

:dork:

[splobber]

Bring on ET and some pens :)

Will Pez do?

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9516/et1uz.jpg

[jan08]

"This match is just like your living room...there's nothing in it"

WTF?

:dork:
Lawrenson - Joker

[midknight]

extra time this will test the ageing french side

[hailesy]

can't see Zidane coming off though although he has a hurt shoulder.

I see them pens looming up....

[midknight]

I see them pens looming up....

famous last words eh ;)

[MarcusUK]

Suppose Italy have to go for it now. They're as bad as England when it comes to pez. France can sit back and hope Henry finally does something spectacular.

[midknight]

how close was that should of scored

[scottwilson82]

Looked like he tried to hit it with the outside of his foot instead of bending it in.

[richdmx]

I dont think Italy has done anything of notice for a while now :thinking:

[midknight]

15 mins left of the 2006 world cup dont let go to pens :)

[snow patrol]

god i hope france win it. Italy have been very negative.

[Deron]

What a great header...

I wonder if Henry will finally score in a final. He's about due...

guess not...

They left him isolated up front.

[Alan b]

Its a shame that the World Cup final looks like it is going to be sorted by the lottery of a penalty shoot out, but I guess this is the only way to sort it on the night.

[MarcusUK]

What the hell was ZZ doing!

[Deron]

Zidane decides to go out in flames...

[yee_har]

Gone
.
.
.
.
I blame Ronaldo ;)

[midknight]

now if rooney got sent off for stamping surel ZZ should be walking ???

[richdmx]

:oh-hum: Zidane oh well what a way to go out

[Alan b]

I don't like to see players sent off in finals but you can't really argue with that, what on earth was Zidane thinking :cuckoo:

[DeadKenny]

Yes, justice. If Rooney was off for what he did, Zidane is definitely off.

See yah :D

[MarcusUK]

What a pillock

[MaxNutter]

what a knobhead ...

[BlueDwarf]

What a way to end a career. :lol:

[basegreen]

HAHAHAHAHA so glad ZZ was sent off

[jayok]

Zidane is an absolute disgrace

[simonmac]

What a way to finish your career

EDIT: Beaten to it

[Squirrel God]

I can't believe he used his head. If he was gonna do it, surely his fist would've been more effective. :lol:

[DrZarkov]

Crazy by ZZ, absolutely idiotic! may cost France the world cup (and me £60)

[MICON]

Zidane deserved to be sent off but the Italian went down like a sack of spuds. I still hope they both lose.

[locutus_uk]

Zidane the muppet
Come on Italy!

[nsb]

lol wtf was that? I can't believe he just did that

[midknight]

what a shame a great player doing that total madness lets see if the italians will sit back now the unpredictabl french eh i still got a sneaky feeling france will win if they do does zz collect the trophy ? i guess not as hes been sent off

[MarcusUK]

Trezeguet and Wiltord still on the pitch against a tired Italian defence.. Still don't think this is over...

[KennyVader]

Disgraceful way to end his career. What an idiot :oh-hum:

[slinky]

can't see Zidane coming off though although he has a hurt shoulder.

He went off with a neck injury seemingly.

[stu_69]

What was that? ZZ is a ******* nut (no pun intended).

He must have said something bad to make him react like that, penalties now.

[DrZarkov]

Zidane deserved to be sent off but the Italian went down like a sack of spuds. I still hope they both lose.

How does that work then?

[JonLaidlow]

Anyone able to lipread italian or french and knows what was said? Must have been pretty insulting as ZZ tried to walk away twice...

[hailesy]

lol... wonder what Matterazi (sp) said to him to react like that though?...

[thetope]

i wonder what the guy said to zidane to get him so angry he'd jeapordise things like that? v sad he's off but he deserved the card :cry: i'm half french so still rooting for my boys!

[yogi]

Disgraceful way to end his career. What an idiot :oh-hum:exactly, is he on crack or something?

[simonmac]

I wonder if he will still get a ban?

[DrZarkov]

Anyone able to lipread italian or french and knows what was said? Must have been pretty insulting as ZZ tried to walk away twice...

Probably pointed out that it is some middle-parting Zidane has.

[MICON]

How does that work then?


Neither deserve to win.

[BlueDwarf]

Anyone able to lipread italian or french and knows what was said? Must have been pretty insulting as ZZ tried to walk away twice...
"oi baldy, come shine your head on my shirt!"

You'd have hoped he would have waited until the game was over before taking action if it was that bad..

[MarcusUK]

lol... wonder what Matterazi (sp) said to him to react like that though?...

God knows, but Steve Mclaren needs to get him on the coaching squad quick sharp :D

[midknight]

well if it goes down to pens thats 2 of france pen takers off the pitch

make that 3 viera henry and zz

[DrZarkov]

Neither deserve to win.

And who in your opinion does?

[Doll]

Crazy from Zidane, hope the French edge it mind as the Italians are boring me to tears.

[BlueDwarf]

Is it right that if Italy lose on pens then they will have the same poor pen record as England in international tournaments?

Italy didn't seem to try to take advantage of their man...advantage.

[hailesy]

gotta a feeling the Pasta rastas will win on Pens...

too many of the french pen takers have now gone...

and bufoon is a good keeper.

[stu_69]

France deserved to win it, shame it has to go to penalties.

[midknight]

penalties it is then

[MarcusUK]

Is it right that if Italy lose on pens then they will have the same poor pen record as England in international tournaments?

Sounds about right. The Italians have only won 1 penalty shoot out like us.

[Ono]

lol... wonder what Matterazi (sp) said to him to react like that though?...
I'm guessing a racial thing.

Only guessing though.

[Rich101]

Looked like a bit of triple, nipple gripple from Materazzi, but Zidane laughed it off, Mat said something then the red mist came down

[MICON]

Why wasn't there extra, extra time due to the Red card time.

[londoner25uk]

Madness. Maybe he did something earlier in the game. Looking at the replay he only put a hand on Zidane briefly then they had some verbal walking up the pitch. Didnt look anything near bad enough to cause that headbutt!

[DrZarkov]

Looked like a bit of triple, nipple gripple from Materazzi, but Zidane laughed it off, Mat said something then the red mist came down

Maybe goading him about not playing for one of the merseyside giants during his career :)

[yee_har]

Motty plumbing new depths with the music references there

[hunts1uk]

If france win on penaltys bartez will lift the trophy.£10 says he drops it?
_________________

[simonmac]

If france win on penaltys bartez will lift the trophy.£10 says he drops it?
_________________

:lol:

Your on

[Deron]

Wiltord to miss

[simonmac]

What was that little skipfrom Wiltord about?

[Deron]

perhaps not :)

[DeadKenny]

If this ever got released on DVD they'd have to cut the headbut in the UK :D

[hailesy]

I'm guessing a racial thing.

Only guessing though.

have to agree...it must have been something very serious verbally for Zidane to delay a reaction like that.

jeez, if he butted him in the head he would have taken his head off!

is what ZZ did technically classed as assault as well?

[simonmac]

Hope the England Team are watching how penalties should be taken :lol:

[hunts1uk]

Hope the England Team are watching how penalties should be taken :lol:


Was just about to post the same.

[KennyVader]

have to agree...it must have been something very serious verbally for Zidane to delay a reaction like that.

jeez, if he butted him in the head he would have taken his head off!

is what ZZ did technically classed as assault as well?

Trouble is that footage is what's going to be reshown and remembered from this WC final now

[MarcusUK]

Buffon needs to be careful about coming off his line. Would be daft of him to cause a retake..

[simonmac]

Was just about to post the same.

I'll have to change my mind then :D Can't have me agreeing with a Yid :D

[yee_har]

Looks like Barthez's holiday home in Italy is safe

[Alan b]

Hope the England Team are watching how penalties should be taken :lol:

Who said the Italians were bad at penalties :nuts:

[Big A]

this isn't over yet

EDIT: yes it is :D

[hunts1uk]

:lol:

Your on

Oh well we'll never know. ;)

[cjanderson]

hurrah, my mate has won £500 as she had italy in the sweepsteak. drinks on her tomorrow :D

[simonmac]

this isn't over yet

Yes it is!

[Deron]

Serves Zidane right!

[DeadKenny]

Yes!!! :clap::clap::clap:

Makes up for England getting kicked out to see the French get beaten like that :D

[hailesy]

The Italian Job is Done!

[MaxNutter]

Italy in penalty shootout win shocker!!

[Herbal]

I think England should watch this. This is how you score 5 GREAT pens.

Well Done Italy.

[Rich101]

If Zidane hadn't gone mental and I hadn't had a fe quid on Italy I;d have liked to see France win for Zidanes last game. After his butt, nahhhh sod it.. and I made a few quid

[yee_har]

this isn't over yet

EDIT: yes it is :D

"It is now"

[simonmac]

The Italian Job is Done!

Get your coat! :razz:

[stu_69]

Christ Italy have learned how to take penalties.

Wonder if this will make any difference to the court rullings tomorrow.

[KennyVader]

flippin 'eck the Italian restaurant in the same block as my flat just erupted :nuts:

[Bender]

Thats Lippi won everything there is to win in the game now!

[thetope]

ah nuts. but fair play to them, they kicked them all well

[MarcusUK]

Zidane must feel like a proper charlie now. Well done Italy. We are now officially worse than them at penalty shoot outs :lol:

[hailesy]

Get your coat! :razz:

:lol: someone else watching ITV then! Go on admit it :D

[hunts1uk]

I'll have to change my mind then :D Can't have me agreeing with a Yid :D


We may agree that Henry never produces in big games? :)

[midknight]

Watching the italians celebrate what could of been if england had el tel instead of sven for this world cup

[KennyVader]

lol at the Italians all jumping around like crazy Super Mario brothers

[simonmac]

Christ Italy have learned how to take penalties.

Wonder if this will make any difference to the court rullings tomorrow.

No, it will just mean that the price tags on them will only drop 50% instead of 75%.

Exactly how do you celebrate winning the biggest prize in football while under the cloud of the biggest scandle in the history of the game :thinking:

[Big A]

Watching the italians celebrate what could of been if england had el tel instead of sven for this world cup

You're kidding right :?: :lol:

[simonmac]

:lol: someone else watching ITV then! Go on admit it :D

How dare you say that! BBC all the way!

[hailesy]

How dare you say that! BBC all the way!

soz! I just copied what the commentator Dave T (no that that one) had said on the TV.

[d.boyd1uk]

Best team lost IMO.

[midknight]

congratulations italy i think overall they might have just pipped it over the whol tournament and they are on an incrediable run 20+ matches unbeaten

[Shamaniac]

viva italia!!

[Drysolder]

A pretty bizarre end to a rubbish World Cup, IMHO.

[BlueDwarf]

Wanted France to not-lose more than Italy, but think Italy have deserved the trophy over the duration of the "FIFA World Cup".


And after tomorrow's legal announcements in Italy, it'll be "roll up, roll up, come get your world cup winners, three for a paaahnd!"


Hope England can take something from this the next time it's down to spot-kicks...

[Alan b]

:lol: someone else watching ITV then! Go on admit it :D

It looks like you are on your own, either that or nobody else will admit it :suspect:

[simonmac]

soz! I just copied what the commentator Dave T (no that that one) had said on the TV.

If your gonna plagerise, please at least make it a good joke

[1966]

******* ****** Zidane!! i had france in the office sweepstake and that cock's just cost me £40!! ****!

[basegreen]

Forza Italia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zidane should face criminal action.

[BlueDwarf]

A pretty bizarre end to a rubbish World Cup, IMHO.
I echo MON's commnents - no real "great" teams in it this year.
Teams underperformed, players underperformed, teams peaked too early.

Now then, when do those Euro quialifiers start? This could be our time.....

[simonmac]

I wonder which Cheese Eating Surrender Monkey will lamp ZZ first?

[robzinski]

A pretty bizarre end to a rubbish World Cup, IMHO.

Rubbish world cup? I thought it had been a really good world cup myself, with a lot of close games with quite a bit of decent football played.

[pompeyfan]

Well done Italy on the night, but I can't agree they deserved it overall due to them cheating to beat Australia and one of their thugs serving a 4 match ban in the tournement. Mind you this is the first WC final I've watched when I wanted neither side to win it.

[DrZarkov]

I wonder which Cheese Eating Surrender Monkey will lamp ZZ first?

The manager is my bet

[SlayerSyd]

About time too, I couldn't figure out why the Italians were so bad at penalty's, all that diving they do, about time they perfected the art, although that just about covers all of Europe in the diving stakes :nuts:
Should be interesting tomorrow (if the verdict is delivered tomorrow) will no doubt see a mass exodus of players leaving for greener pastures.

[Bender]

The last 3 WC have been crap, this one ain't anything special either, yawn...

[MaxNutter]

as predicted, Italy win the World Cup in a season where they have a domestic match-rigging scandal ...

[DeadKenny]

******* ****** Zidane!! i had france in the office sweepstake and that cock's just cost me £40!! ****!
I had Italy so I have to thank him :D

Even if I didn't I'd still back anyone to beat France in the final :D

[DrZarkov]

The last 3 WC have been crap, this one ain't anything special either, yawn...

So when were these really great world cups?

[simonmac]

as predicted, Italy win the World Cup in a season where they have a domestic match-rigging scandal ...

What are you implying :suspect:

[hailesy]

The last 3 WC have been crap, this one ain't anything special either, yawn...

is it because a Home nation hasn't won or come close perhaps has shaded the WC not to be that good though?

IMO the WC this year has been quality and all teams have played well.

[Drysolder]

Rubbish world cup? I thought it had been a really good world cup myself, with a lot of close games with quite a bit of decent football played.

I disagree, a lot of players have looked drained from the start of the competition.

There may have been flashes of greatness; apart from the Argentina goal, it's all been pretty bland.

[Squirrel God]

It's about time the ladies holding the medals tray were nude. It's 2006 for crying out loud!

[MaxNutter]

What are you implying :suspect:

nothing, just that the omens and portents were good for the Italians ...

[Psybear]

What's that music playing?

[simonmac]

I sort of agree with some people are saying, its a World Cup that is going to be remembered for all the wrong reasons (Bar Ref's, Bad Sportsmanship, Englands continunal failures etc, etc) but there have been some cracking football, some brilliant games and a few suprises. All told not a bad 4 weeks.

Roll on South Africa!

[midknight]

I'll have to change my mind then :D Can't have me agreeing with a Yid :D

Hey simonmac are my eyes playing tricks on me a fellow gooner agreeing with a spud i have the solution too henry lack of perfomance for france change his shirt number too 14 job done

[simonmac]

It's about time the ladies holding the medals tray were nude. It's 2006 for crying out loud!

:lol:

Sods law if that was the case it would be held by half a dozen ten ton tess fraulin's with 9 chins and a hairy arse

[simonmac]

Hey simonmac are my eyes playing tricks on me a fellow gooner agreeing with a spud i have the solution too henry lack of perfomance for france change his shirt number too 14 job done

By rights HE was agreeing with me, as always Red leads and White follows :D

[Big A]

Should have been England :(















:D

[nsb]

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8215/zidane3fd6sm7zs.gif :lol:

[platty]

ten ton tess fraulin's with 9 chins and a hairy arse ...... :n0rty:

[Kronik]

Is Motson bowing out after this World Cup? I hope to god he is, he was dreadful tonight with names. The amount of times he called the name Materazzi when he was no where near was unbelievable! :lol:

[midknight]

By rights HE was agreeing with me, as always Red leads and White follows :D

well done son once a gooner always a gooner anyway the world cup is a micky mouse cup roll on the premiership :lol: :lol:

[simonmac]

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8215/zidane3fd6sm7zs.gif :lol:

:clap:

Can anyone shrink it so it can be used as a sig on the forums

[MarcusUK]

What's that music playing?

When Italy went up? Bob Sinclair - Love Generation

[midknight]

Is Motson bowing out after this World Cup? I hope to god he is, he was dreadful tonight with names. The amount of times he called the name Materazzi when he was no where near was unbelievable! :lol:

totally agree about time bbc retired him and his mike to some secluded nursing home motty you gone past ya sell by date son but evn how bad motty is dont compete with the drivel the itv serve up please still no contest bbc everytime

[Alan b]

Is Motson bowing out after this World Cup?

According to a quote I was reading earlier he very much doubts that he will be around for the 2010 World Cup. Mark Lawerson must be happy as well as he always has to correct him will regards as to what is happening on the pitch.

[UKBoy]

Well done Italy.

Nice to see Henry bottle out of taking the penalties by going off injured/tired.

Roll on the new Premiership season and the Euro's qualifiers. :lol:

[simonmac]

ten ton tess fraulin's with 9 chins and a hairy arse ...... :n0rty:

:gag:








But maybe after a groß bier stien or zhen :n0rty:

[pompeyfan]

Quite an impressive record by Italy - 4 World Cup wins all overshadowed by a scandal or dishonesty.

1934 - half the Italy team were paid Argentinians who played in the 1930 World Cup for Argentina but the fascists just wanted a win.
1938 - rumoured fixing by the fascists again
1982 - came after bans for match fixing
2006 - coming to the end of a match fixing scandal as I type

[Psybear]

When Italy went up? Bob Sinclair - Love Generation

That's the one. :thumbs:

[Deron]

Quite an impressive record by Italy - 4 World Cup wins all overshadowed by a scandal or dishonesty.

1934 - half the Italy team were paid Argentinians who played in the 1930 World Cup for Argentina but the fascists just wanted a win.
1938 - rumoured fixing by the fascists again
1982 - came after bans for match fixing
2006 - coming to the end of a match fixing scandal as I type

But some of the French play for the same teams...

[simonmac]

But some of the French play for the same teams...

And they got to the final too :D

[John Hodson]

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8215/zidane3fd6sm7zs.gif :lol:

Is that what's known as a French Kiss? I'd love to know what was said to him to provoke that; Zidane was magnificent tonight to that point, hardly missing a thing (well, only the header and the Materazzi's forehead).

[Smash41]

Only 4 more years until the next one. Why is it such a big gap :(

[BlueDwarf]

Only 4 more years until the next one. Why is it such a big gap :(
It's worth the wait. :D

Superb ending from the Beeb.
I can only guess at the horror show put on by itv..

[Dan]

http://www.zen82603.zen.co.uk/forums5/homer.jpg

[p_chally]

Still cant believe Zidane did that, world Cup final, millions watching and his last ever game for the French, such a shame..... have to hand it to the Italans though 5 good pens and Cannavaro as player of the world cup for me....

[simonmac]

It's worth the wait. :D

Superb ending from the Beeb.
I can only guess at the horror show put on by itv..

I guess we will have to ask hailesy as no one else would admit to watching it

[home_bas]

I actually watched ITV for the game but switched back to the beeb for half/full time etc and after the match.

Clive Tyldesly is far better than that idiot Motson in my book, with the BBC punditry you get the best of both worlds... :thumbs:

[LouBarlow]

Surely throughout his career Zidane has heard everything under the sun, in terms of insults and abuse?

Heck we hear enough when playing sunday league football, and even there I've never seen a reaction like that.

Just utterly, utterly mystifying.

[gazdude23]

why go for the headbutt on his chest?! seems like some sort of weird Zangief street fighter move

[stu_69]

Is that what's known as a French Kiss? I'd love to know what was said to him to provoke that; Zidane was magnificent tonight to that point, hardly missing a thing (well, only the header and the Materazzi's forehead).

He would have taken his head clean off if he had hit him on the chin.

I can see some really lenient suspensions and fines tomorrow.

[Alan b]

Surely throughout his career Zidane has heard everything under the sun, in terms of insults and abuse

It's just a shame that in the annals of footballing history he is always going to be remembered for that and not for what he bought to the game.

[Squirrel God]

It's just a shame that in the annals of footballing history

Annals ;)

[midknight]

pity our graham poll was'nt referee damn sure ZZ would of get off :thumbs: not seen anything like that since germany goalie took was it batison head off

[redmosquito]

I'm so happy, ITALIA, ITALIA...Wooooo :notworthy

Zidane is a disgrace :thumbs:

[simonmac]

He would have taken his head clean off if he had hit him on the chin.

I can see some really lenient suspensions and fines tomorrow.

I don't seeing as he's now retired.

[bh1]

It's just a shame that in the annuals of footballing history he is always going to be remembered for that and not for what he bought to the game.


I think it'll soon be forgotten and he'll be remembered for the sublime footballer that he was.

P.S. Brilliant headbutt. :clap: :clap:

[DrZarkov]

It's just a shame that in the annals of footballing history he is always going to be remembered for that and not for what he bought to the game.

No, I think thats a bit strong. I think he will mostly be remembered for the great player he is/was.

It's like Maradonna. Most people remember him for his brilliance during his career, not getting sent home in shame from the US 94 world cup.