And French renaissance ends Brazilian samba!
There's a popular belief among football fans, writers and pundits that whenever Zizou plays, Titi does not perform. In fact, according to some, Titi has never previously scored from a Zizou cross or pass. Well, whether that was fact or fiction, there is no mistaking how Brazil, reigning and five-time champs plus pre-tournament fav, were ousted from the 2006 World Cup in Frankfurt last night - by a Titi strike from a Zizou freekick.
The Samba Boys rarely get off the pitch without scoring but somehow, just like England vs the penalty shootout, they seem to have a problem doing well against the French. Reminiscent of that memorable final in Paris eight years ago, they could not find a reply against a composed French team and for the first time since the 1982 tournament in Spain, the semifinals will have an all-European line-up.
To be frank, there is little to separate all four semifinalists and both encounters look too close to call.
Gauging from the French performance last night, Portugal have cause to worry, although they will be significantly strengthened by the return of their midfield general Deco and his deputy Costinha. The experience and patience of France's aging warriors combined with the enthusiasm and trickery of youngster Franck Ribery are definitely a match for Portugal's skill and talent. My mind tells me Portugal will triumph but my heart goes to Titi and co.
Meanwhile, following Sweden and Argentina, the Azzurri will be the next big team to go up against the formidable German home crowd when they take on the hosts in Dortmund on Tuesday.
Marcello Lippi's Italy are another side demonstrating that experience and composure bolstered with a dose of youth and fervour can be a very potent mixture. They have been clinical in most of their matches and showed immense character particularly in the last minute smash-and-grab win against the Australians. This is especially admirable given the storm currently brewing back home. Jurgen Klinsmann's Germany, though, have been a revelation with their fast-paced, well-rounded displays all the way from the very first match of the tournament and have the benefit of a voiciferous crowd firmly behind them. Technically, Italy can match the Germans in every department and until now, no opposing player have yet found a way to breach the defensive wall marshalled by Cannavaro and Buffon.
My mind tells me that home advantage will reign supreme yet again and it will be Germany's year. However, my heart is hoping that the match-fixing scandal will actually galvanise the Azzurri even more and that the players will give 120% to preserve the honour of a proud footballing nation and/or to escape, temporarily though it may be, from the dark clouds of the Serie A scandal.
FORZA AZZURRI!!!
The Samba Boys rarely get off the pitch without scoring but somehow, just like England vs the penalty shootout, they seem to have a problem doing well against the French. Reminiscent of that memorable final in Paris eight years ago, they could not find a reply against a composed French team and for the first time since the 1982 tournament in Spain, the semifinals will have an all-European line-up.
To be frank, there is little to separate all four semifinalists and both encounters look too close to call.
Gauging from the French performance last night, Portugal have cause to worry, although they will be significantly strengthened by the return of their midfield general Deco and his deputy Costinha. The experience and patience of France's aging warriors combined with the enthusiasm and trickery of youngster Franck Ribery are definitely a match for Portugal's skill and talent. My mind tells me Portugal will triumph but my heart goes to Titi and co.
Meanwhile, following Sweden and Argentina, the Azzurri will be the next big team to go up against the formidable German home crowd when they take on the hosts in Dortmund on Tuesday.
Marcello Lippi's Italy are another side demonstrating that experience and composure bolstered with a dose of youth and fervour can be a very potent mixture. They have been clinical in most of their matches and showed immense character particularly in the last minute smash-and-grab win against the Australians. This is especially admirable given the storm currently brewing back home. Jurgen Klinsmann's Germany, though, have been a revelation with their fast-paced, well-rounded displays all the way from the very first match of the tournament and have the benefit of a voiciferous crowd firmly behind them. Technically, Italy can match the Germans in every department and until now, no opposing player have yet found a way to breach the defensive wall marshalled by Cannavaro and Buffon.
My mind tells me that home advantage will reign supreme yet again and it will be Germany's year. However, my heart is hoping that the match-fixing scandal will actually galvanise the Azzurri even more and that the players will give 120% to preserve the honour of a proud footballing nation and/or to escape, temporarily though it may be, from the dark clouds of the Serie A scandal.
FORZA AZZURRI!!!
posted by snowcalla @ 6:15 pm (UTC+8)
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