Rapport sur le match
by Herr Ed
France were defeated in a penalty shoot-out and may feel somewhat hard-done-by, as they outplayed Italy for large periods of this World Cup final. A coolly converted Zidane penalty gave France an early lead, but Materazzi put Italy level when he headed home a Pirlo corner. The first-half was closely contested and any creativity was stifled by an overloaded midfield area. But Italy looked the most likely to make a further breakthrough, and France were in disarray when defending corners.
The balance of power switched in the second-half and up to the hour mark in particular France were dangerous. Henry broke through the Italian defence on a couple of occasions with some positive runs, and even the previously ineffectual Malouda managed to get to the goal-line. Lippi was forced to make changes but these did little to alter the flow of the game. However, whilst France continued to dominate the second-half, and Italy had few attacking ideas, Les Bleus did not work any clear goalscoring chances and extra-time seemed a certainty well before 90 minutes were up.
Although it never felt like the deadlock would be broken, France were a touch more incisive than Italy in extra-time, and the full-backs Abidal and Sagnol were increasingly involved in attacking manoeuvres. A good cross from Sagnol gifted Zidane a free header, but his powerful effort was straight at Buffon. Good link up play between Ribery and Malouda also provided the former with sight of goal, but he screwed his shot just wide. Then Zidane lost his temper, 120 minutes were up, and Italy won the shoot-out. A disappointing end to a World Cup.
8/10 - Makelele: Shutdown Italy’s attacking routes and humbled Totti.
Viera: Outjumped for Italy’s goal but otherwise powerful and effective.
Zidane: Hindered by a crowded midfield in the first-half, but increasingly influential.
7/10 - Henry: Some impressive runs, but lacked support.
Thuram: Apart from the set-piece mayhem in the first-half, Toni didn’t get a look in.
Gallas: Ditto.
Sagnol: Defensively sound, and attacking presence developed as the game progressed.
Diarra: Solid and composed: an admirable job as Viera’s replacement.
6/10 - Abidal: No defensive problems, but still managed a couple of unforced errors.
Ribery: Worked hard and nearly achieved the breakthrough but generally ineffective.
Malouda: Seemingly out of his depth in the first 45mins but livelier in the second-half.
Barthez: A touch indecisive for the goal, otherwise untroubled.
Reportage della partita to follow!
July 10th, 2006 at 8:49 am
Enjoyable match - especially seeing Zidane lose it completely - Cantona style. Sad end to a great player but worth it for the entertainment factor.
Can Herr Hippo comment on his plans for the future now that the Weltmeistershaft has come to an end though?
July 10th, 2006 at 10:33 am
The World Cup got the Final it deserved.
July 10th, 2006 at 10:48 am
Anyone find any good stories that give inside information as to why Zidane went all Mountain Goat-ish? At least on the US telecast, it seemed very much “out of the blue” or “bleu” in this case
July 10th, 2006 at 11:04 am
Apparently Matterazzi said “you’re rubbish baldy”. He had heard it winds up Lee Carsley everytime.
July 10th, 2006 at 11:17 am
Why, with the new mic and earpiece technology used by the officials, is it still necessary for the ref to run over to the linseman to be told, in very brief terms, to send Zidane off?
Madness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 10th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
I agree Wes, but old habits die hard I guess. The conversation over the headset should have been
Ref: why is that guy on the ground in pain?
Side Judge: Oh, That? Zidane just head-butted the everliving crap out of him.
Ref: did you see it?
Side Judge: Yep, he needs to be sent off.
The card should have been out of his pocket prior to the replay being on the screen. The announcers should have been asking why Zidane was being shown a straight red. Then the replay hits the screen and they say, “ah, yep that’s a red card.”
July 10th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
I want to know what the linesman said to the referee. Normally they have a bit of a chat but this time it lasted barely 2 seconds.
July 10th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Reckon Zidane was replaced before extra time in a Dr-Who-stylee matter-transport with an evil twin cloned by the sinister genius Cantona, who even now has the real Zinedine locked in his underground lair performing endless keepy-uppy to amuse the enigmatic one, still burning with resentment for his exclusion from France squads in the late 90s.. his only hope is superhero team Allez Les Bleus featuring Thierry ‘Face’ Henry and Fabien ‘It’s Okay Lads I’ve Got A Plan’ Barthez. Tune in next week…
July 10th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Clive Tyldesley mentioned that it looked like Materazzi tweaked Zidane’s nipple. I think this is wishful thinking on Clive’s part.
In the 1998 finals Zidane got a red card against Saudi Arabia for stamping on an opponent who had apparently made light of his Algerian heritage. Maybe something similar this time round?
The linesman should have done what all 8 year olds around the world will be doing today and re-enacted the incident with a friend so the referee could see.
I also feel that if Zidane wanted to end his footballing career as a villain, he should have at least tried to steal the World Cup trophy as he left the pitch. This would allow some of the fantastic designs sent in by WCH readers to be considered as replacements.
July 10th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
Materazzi teased Zidane about his endorsement of World Cup Hare.
July 10th, 2006 at 1:53 pm
News just in: Materazzi accused Zidane’s mum of watching the game live on ITV. To be fair, my reaction would have been the same.
July 11th, 2006 at 9:42 am
News just in: Materazzi and Zidane allegedly bribed by Blatter to create a memorable incident to ensure the World Cup is talked about for a bit longer.
July 11th, 2006 at 12:17 pm
I’ve just heard that Materazzi told Zidane that the World Cup Hippo would be taken off-line right after the World Cup. Old Zizou’s become a bit of a fan of the Hippo - apparently he enjoyed the combination of sociology and soccer while toking on a gaulloise at half time. He took it badly. COME ON HIPPO SORT IT OUT, FOR THE SAKE OF THE GREATS OF INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL.
July 11th, 2006 at 12:23 pm
Is Henry pretending to be a train?
July 11th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
Henry is a train.. a lurve train!
(hm, might need another lie down)