France v. Italy
While tough guy, English Eric Cantona wannabes continue to whine and navel gaze about their horrible tournament performance, the French National Team (propelled by Zidane, Makalele, Henry and a complete warlord/maniac Ribery) has made its way to the World Cup against powerhouse Italy. I would have been happy with a Germany win in this cup, but who thought France would actually make it this far? I don’t know about the rest of you fools, but I am rooting for France.
The Comments
Mr. Wilson July 5, 2006 at 7:30pm
I was going for Germany, not because they were the home team, but because I liked their field presentation in the matches I saw. I’m not sure who I’ll pick out of France and Italy. I haven’t seen many of either of their games. Maybe I’ll pick Italy just to antagonize you.
Steve July 6, 2006 at 7:19am
I’m rooting for France, too. I can’t encourage the flopping style of futbol played by Italy.
Dave K July 6, 2006 at 10:30am
Italy plays a flopping style of football? News to me, and I’ve seen pretty much every game they’ve played in major tournaments for the last ten years. Italy are the most tactically-sound side in the tournament, and they have the skilled players to back it up.
Saying you’re rooting for France and then mentioning Italy’s flopping style is kind of ironic. A Thierry Henry flop created the winning goal against Spain, and an after-the-initial-trip fall yesterday created the winning penalty kick. Don’t get me wrong, it was a foul, but he definitely had to sell it. [rant] I’m a huge Henry fan, I love watching him at Arsenal, but he’s come off a bit baby-ish in this tournament. It seems like every time he falls down, he comes up with his arms raised, begging for a call. [/rant]
The final is a toss-up. You have Italy, a fantastic side with the pieces and the tactics to win it all. Then you have France, which just happens to have ‘it’, along with one of the greatest footballers of all time. I’m leaning towards Italy, but I have a feeling I’ll regret picking against Zizou.
Mr. T July 6, 2006 at 6:17pm
A betting person should probably put their money on Italy for all the reasons you mentioned above, plus one more - the French goalkeeper has been looking kind of spotty recently. Still, I am rooting for France. If they win this one, it will be like some sort of miracle.
I’m hoping Germany beats Portugal too, what a great, hard working team.