Both France and Italy are surprise finalists in this year’s World Cup. Italy, coming out of the Group of Death, and with the world class scandal going on at home, I had expected Italy to crumble to the pressure somewhere along the line, and be knocked out. Italy has been the strongest defensive team in the World Cup, only giving up the one own goal in the match against the United States. They have a very strong back four, a great goalie and are very deap in the midfield and forward positions, with great experience at all positions. Italy has not been able to score like I had thought, but they play a very defensive position, which has worked for them, and avanced.
France started this year’s World Cup playing as poorly as any team, barely surviving a horrible group, and barely able to score a goal. As the tournamen has gone one, they have gained confidence, and Zidane has started to dominate the midfield and pace of the game. He has not played like this in a couple of years. Without Zidane, France would not have even qualified, and now they are in the final. France is very strong up the middle, with Zidane, Henry, Makelele and Viera, and with those four playing well, have been able to control every game they have been in once out of their group.
I really don’t see much offense in this match. France should be able to control the midfield again, but Italy has been so good in the back, and they make great runs up top, I think they may be able to get the first goal, and then bunker in for the win. I just don’t see more than one goal being scored in the is match, and penalty kicks is a likely ending. No one likes to see a World Cup final end in pealty kicks. Prediction: Italy 1 - 0