[WC] Italy vs France [09.07.2006] (11 Viewers)

[swag]

Um, please watch the Brazil game again. What the hell do you mean "they didn't attack"

If they didnt attack, then what did they do? put the ball in the middle and play rock paper scissors? Brazil certainly wasnt attacking.

They attacked. But the best I could say about the results was that Henry wasn't offsides 21 times and they benefitted from blown coverage on a free kick. It was hardly effective attack, IMO, other than it prevented Brazil's flow on their offensive end.

Afterall, this is Brazil's defense were talking about -- the Feijoada Curtain.

 

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[3pac]

They attacked. But the best I could say about the results was that Henry wasn't offsides 21 times and they benefitted from blown coverage on a free kick. It was hardly effective attack, IMO, other than it prevented Brazil's flow on their offensive end.

Afterall, this is Brazil's defense were talking about -- the Feijoada Curtain.

Yes, but to claim that they sat back in that game is completely absurd. (reference to the post i quoted)

Henry needs to learn to play with Trez. That could be such a killer attack, with zidane and ribery behind them.

 

[sateeh]

Still Pires is a player you bring to a WC no matter what, he's one of the most creative and exciting players. It's exactly like Holland leaving a great player like Seedorf. It makes no sense. I think France should also pay the price for not bringing Guily (that goal against milan....) , just don't get it. As for Italy, Lippi pretty much made the right choices, except for his surprise with Iaquinta instead of other forwards but I trust him he chose Iaquinta for special characteristics. What I think is a mistake is not convoking Maresca. A Uefa Cup winner (brace scorer in the final) and such a fantastic season - how is he not chosen in favour of Barone... who maybe a great player but is unknown and it's just strange. Anyway... with Lippi alteast you know there's a brain there.



I disagree here. Spain and Brazil very tough, but Italy had the host + a much tougher group stage. Quite evens out.

although he is good player, pires wasnt playing regularly.And also he cant play in that wing position in the 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 formation. So it would be useless to bring him. leaving Guily is one of his biggest mistakes and one of many.

Van Basten made it clear that he was not aiming at doing much in this world cup and that he as building a squad for the 2008 europe championship.Also he wanted to build a new squad without the likes of seedorf and davids, although he made a mistake by leaving those two.However he cant be judged now.

As for italy, Iaquinta was brought becuz of his speed and his ability to play on the wing. Something that Lucarelli cant do. Maresca would be very hard to bring in as all the midfielders in the squad had a better season than he did, even if he had a very good 2nd part of the season.

If u ask me, italy should've cruised through their group, although they had a tough group. They have soo much quality, more than any of the other teams even the czechs. The French had spain( who were tough as hell and were favourites after their group games), then Brazil, then Portugal. Italy had the socceroos(although they were tough, i wouldnt put them in the same league as spain), then Ukraine who were a disgrace.And then Germany who were their toughest task until now.

Dont get me wrong i still think they r the toughest team in the world cup to beat, and they had the most stable performances.

 

[sateeh]

Yes, but to claim that they sat back in that game is completely absurd. (reference to the post i quoted)

Henry needs to learn to play with Trez. That could be such a killer attack, with zidane and ribery behind them.

sadly domench wouldn't even think about that

 

[3pac]

sadly domench wouldn't even think about that

Zidane for Player/Coach!

 

[Byrone]

Zidane for Player/Coach!

The sad thing is that he IS the Player/Coach.

 

[sateeh]

the veterns in that france squad r putting everything they have in that squad. They r teaching the young players a great deal.

so infact its not only zidane, u could also see thuram and makelele directing the others players alot and giving instructions to them

 

[Dominic]

De Rossi role for Final?

There are reports that Daniele De Rossi could replace Mauro Camoranesi in the World Cup Final against France.

The Roma youngster’s four-match ban has now expired and he is available for the showdown in Berlin’s Olympiastadion. He had impressed during the first two games of the competition, but was suspended after elbowing Brian McBride in an ill-tempered 1-1 draw with the USA.

With Camoranesi the weak link in the 2-0 extra time semi-final victory over hosts Germany, it’s rumoured that De Rossi could make a triumphant return to the line-up for the Final. Today’s training session was behind closed doors, but it’s believed Coach Marcello Lippi alternated Camoranesi and De Rossi in the first choice midfield.

He will turn 23 on July 24 and only made his senior international debut in a 2-1 win over Norway on September 4, 2004, notching up three goals in 17 appearances.

The French will be without suspended striker Louis Saha, while Fabien Barthez, Florent Malouda, Eric Abidal, Willy Sagnol and Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira skipped training this afternoon.

Channel4.com

________________________________________________________________


You got to be kidding me!!!!:wth: :ferocious

Indeed, let's start Barone instead of Totti while we're at it

Just win. I don't care how, I don't care if it's a dubious penalty call or a wonderful Alessandro Del Piero strike, for the love of God, Italia, just win.

I don't care how will Azzurri win, who will score, whether It'll be own goal or not, If they performe good or bad....Just win....

Copycat

 

[ZhiXin]

the veterns in that france squad r putting everything they have in that squad. They r teaching the young players a great deal.

so infact its not only zidane, u could also see thuram and makelele directing the others players alot and giving instructions to them

The French had a sudden surge of willingness and power with them, you see the stars of 98 suddenly gel up as a team and play well again. I'm afraid that the French will be hard to beat with their new found confidence.

 

[loyada]

I wonder what Domenech will learn from his astrology consultation prior the final , he really believe in astrology (doesn't like scorpio (pires ) and doesn't trust Leo in defence and plenty of superstitions).


http://www.lasvegassportsbook.com/sportsbook_news/soccer/november/09_05_2.cfm
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/WorldCup/Groups/G/2006/07/07/1673245-ap.html
http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/45899.html

 

[giovanotti]

Actually, France took the game to Brazil for much of that match, because as the whole world knows you must beat Brazil at their own game to have any chances of winning against them. The most imbecilic maneuver in such a match would be if France sat back entirely against Brazil, trying to soak up relentless attacks down the flanks and through the center that would eventually spell a Ronaldo goal, despite him being a fatass.

But instead, Zidane led the attacks against the Brazilians; spraying balls to the flanks where Henry and Ribery would be waiting to catch Roberto Carlos and Cafu up the pitch. They won the free kick and scored a subsequent goal because of this, while Brazil languished because they had too many creative genuises in the center of the pitch while that pig Ronaldo was all by himself up top.

If I recall correctly, Barthez only had to make one save during the entire match. France did what they had to do, but Domenech is still an idiot, in my opinion.

All I wanted to say is that they have an attacking minded formation for the whole tournament,and the subs were an attacker for an attacker,but they didn't look so attacking to me.
I agree with all you said,Andy,and I said that France are trying with counter attacks...I remember that Brazilian Juan got a Yellow in the game against France
because he fouled Vieira who was running in the chance from a counter attack.
Franch team withstanded this World Cup thanx to the experience of the players,I think.

 

[giovanotti]

Yes, but to claim that they sat back in that game is completely absurd. (reference to the post i quoted)

Henry needs to learn to play with Trez. That could be such a killer attack, with zidane and ribery behind them.

I didn't said thet they sat back,I said that they didn't look so attacking despite having an attacking minded formation.They really never attacked an opponent and Brazilian defence is not so good comparing to other defences,while Spain was opened totally in the end of the game while France didn't change their style of playing and that resulted with 2 goals from the counters.

 

[Azzurri7]

Zizou and co respect Italy Saturday 8 July, 2006
Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira admit it’ll be tough for France to win the World Cup against Italy.

“It won’t be easy to lift the trophy. In fact, it’ll be very, very difficult,” said former Juventus hero Zizou ahead of what will be his last competitive match. “We have the weapons and the desire to win and all 23 of us will band together to achieve this objective.”

He isn’t the only ex-Bianconeri man hopeful of repeating the Euro 2000 Final victory over the Azzurri on Sunday evening in Berlin.

“Italy are a side that study you and lie in wait,” added Henry. “They let you relax and then, when you least expect it, strike with two late goals. It’s going to be very difficult.”

Current Juventus midfielder Vieira insists he is proud of the Azzurri for achieving so much against the odds in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal.

“With everything that Italian football is going through, it really is a positive twist to have them in the World Cup Final. It demonstrates what great qualities these players possess. I think it’ll be a great game.”

 

[sateeh]

De Rossi could get a role cuz i think that camo was the weakest link in this azzuri squad.He is meant to be there, cuz italy dont have a natural winger in the squad, and he fits the role perfectly. He didnt have the best of games against germany, even against ukraine although he started well. We didnt see his runs down the right flank or even the quality assits and crosses

so a change could be for the good

 

[Ascension]

The world’s best goalkeeper ever - Buffon, the best central defender in the world over the last two years – Cannavaro, the best fullback in the world – Zambrotta, promising youngster – Grosso, defensive playmaker – Pirlo, determined pitbull – Gattuso, roman gladiator – Totti and brutal giant Toni

VS

Superb sweeper – Gallas, patient ballwinner - Vieira, effulgent magician – Zidane,
tank center forward - Trezeguet and deadly eagle - Henry


Forza Italia!!!! int:

 

[Eddy]

Italy's chances of winning are very high. I hope they win but the French will be very sneaky. Give the ball to Henry and you're in doom. Bring in Del Piero cause he wants to avenge for the EURO 2000 critics then I'm sure he'll pull something but Zizou...nothing to be said about him but I just hope he plays the shittiest game of his life.

FORZA ITALIAA!!!!

 

[pantat]

The world’s best goalkeeper ever - Buffon, the best central defender in the world over the last two years – Cannavaro, the best fullback in the world – Zambrotta, promising youngster – Grosso, defensive playmaker – Pirlo, determined pitbull – Gattuso, roman gladiator – Totti and brutal giant Toni

VS

Superb sweeper – Gallas, patient ballwinner - Vieira, effulgent magician – Zidane,
tank center forward - Trezeguet and deadly eagle - Henry


Forza Italia!!!! int:

Grosso is 29.

 

[Stu]

Del Piero joins Azzurri trident
Saturday 8 July, 2006
Alessandro Del Piero is set to be the Azzurri’s secret weapon against France in a wide midfield role for the World Cup Final.

In the last training session before Sunday’s showdown in Berlin, Coach Marcello Lippi fielded Francesco Totti behind lone striker Luca Toni, but introduced the Juventus star in a staggered trident.

Del Piero is not new to playing in this wide role on the left, which would allow Italy to play with a more attacking bent to the classic 4-4-1-1 system.

Lippi split the squad into two for the traditional game between ranks, leaving the first choice defence (Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi, Gianluca Zambrotta) on one side and the favoured attack (Del Piero, Totti and Toni) on the other. Del Piero’s line-up won 3-1 and Lippi constantly asked his men to pass the ball around quickly with one-touch football.

There were rumours last night that Daniele De Rossi would replace Mauro Camoranesi after the expiration of his four-match ban, but this is increasingly unlikely.

The Azzurri will fly out to Berlin this evening, as the Olympiastadion is out of bounds due to heavy rainfall in the city. It’s hoped they’ll at least be able to test the turf to choose which studs are best suited to the conditions at around midday on Sunday. Kick-off for the World Cup Final is 8pm local time, 7pm in the UK.

“The atmosphere is very relaxed,” assured chief of medical staff Enrico Castellacci. “The players are taking the lead-up the same way as all the other games in this tournament. Clearly they know this is a very special encounter that could give them the trophy, but this particular type of tension can only do them good. They’re doing the usual things: reading, playing ping-pong, watching television or just chatting.”

Sounds good to me. Italy probable:

Buffon
Zambrotta - Cannavaro - Materazzi - Grosso
Camoranesi/Perrotta - Pirlo - Gattuso
Totti - Del Piero
Toni

 

[Ascension]

Grosso is 29.

My bad.

I did the research myself. The guy is 28 born in 1977. Looks so young for his age though. Guess that's what deceived me...

 

[Seven]

Del Piero joins Azzurri trident
Saturday 8 July, 2006
Alessandro Del Piero is set to be the Azzurri’s secret weapon against France in a wide midfield role for the World Cup Final.

In the last training session before Sunday’s showdown in Berlin, Coach Marcello Lippi fielded Francesco Totti behind lone striker Luca Toni, but introduced the Juventus star in a staggered trident.

Del Piero is not new to playing in this wide role on the left, which would allow Italy to play with a more attacking bent to the classic 4-4-1-1 system.

Lippi split the squad into two for the traditional game between ranks, leaving the first choice defence (Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi, Gianluca Zambrotta) on one side and the favoured attack (Del Piero, Totti and Toni) on the other. Del Piero’s line-up won 3-1 and Lippi constantly asked his men to pass the ball around quickly with one-touch football.

There were rumours last night that Daniele De Rossi would replace Mauro Camoranesi after the expiration of his four-match ban, but this is increasingly unlikely.

The Azzurri will fly out to Berlin this evening, as the Olympiastadion is out of bounds due to heavy rainfall in the city. It’s hoped they’ll at least be able to test the turf to choose which studs are best suited to the conditions at around midday on Sunday. Kick-off for the World Cup Final is 8pm local time, 7pm in the UK.

“The atmosphere is very relaxed,” assured chief of medical staff Enrico Castellacci. “The players are taking the lead-up the same way as all the other games in this tournament. Clearly they know this is a very special encounter that could give them the trophy, but this particular type of tension can only do them good. They’re doing the usual things: reading, playing ping-pong, watching television or just chatting.”

Sounds good to me. Italy probable:

Buffon
Zambrotta - Cannavaro - Materazzi - Grosso
Camoranesi/Perrotta - Pirlo - Gattuso
Totti - Del Piero
Toni

No, Lippi confirmed it'll be the same eleven.