Bastobota without reality chara

France captain Zinedine Zidane was named the best player at the World Cup despite being sent off in the final against Italy for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, FIFA announced on Monday. Zidane received 2,012 points with Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro second on 1,977 points and Italy's Andrea Pirlo third on 715 points.Journalists covering the World Cup voted for the Golden Ball award. Germany striker Miroslav Klose was the Golden Shoe winner for finishing as the tournament's leading scorer with five goals. His teammate Lukas Podolski was named best young player.

 

Why Zidane acted the way he did?


It is more of an Italian shame really to provoke the best player of this era on acting the way he did in Sunday's final. Materazzi nor his teammates could be a champion and master of art like Zidane but they can dream of it. With a match fixing scandal and an awful referring decision in Australia 's game on their bag, Italians were composed well enough to win the game and they did.

 
The former Real Madrid star's moment of madness in his last match have been provoked by Materazzi calling his sister a prostitute, according to a report on Brazilian television channel Globo. Although neither player has yet revealed the nature of their disagreement, Fantastico, a programme on Globo, employed lip-reading experts who said footage of the incident showed the Italian twice insulted Zidane's sister. The programme claimed Materazzi made the same comment twice before then using a "coarse word" at the French player.
 
Zidane's agent Alain Migliaccio confirmed to the BBC on Monday that it had been verbal rather than physical abuse from the Italian defender which had triggered his violent reaction. "He told me Materazzi said something very serious to him but he wouldn't tell me what," Migliaccio said. "Zinedine didn't want to talk about it but he will talk about it in the next couple of days. "He is a man who normally lets things wash over him but on Sunday night something exploded inside him."
 
Zidane has not given his account of the incident but there have also been reports Materazzi had called him a "terrorist" or suggested he did not have the right to play for France - both insults based on French-born Zidane's Algerian heritage.

 
Football's world governing body FIFA meanwhile has denied video evidence played any role in Zidane's dismissal. Referee Horacio Elizondo missed the clash with Materazzi and only issued a red card after being contacted by the fourth official at the match. There had been speculation, from France coach Raymond Domenech among others, that the official had intervened after seeing the incident replayed on the numerous television screens close to the side of the pitch.

 

Italy it is.....

Zinedine Zidane's moment of madness that resulted in him being sent off is the top story of the game. Second lead news is, Italy have defeated France in a penalty shootout to win the World Cup for a fourth time.

Zidane had put France ahead early on with a coolly-taken chipped penalty, before Materazzi levelled with a header from an Andrea Pirlo corner. They have now won the competition four times, one fewer than Brazil, and it was the first time they managed to win a World Cup match on penalties after three failed attempts.

Only Zidane knows why he chose to shove his head into Materazzi's chest after the two had exchanged words with 10 minutes left of extra-time.  He had started so well, too, with a goal after six minutes that meant Zidane, who scored twice in the 1998 final, became the fourth man to score in two World Cup finals after Brazilians Vava and Pele and Germany's Paul Breitner. It was a more open final than many had predicted and both teams were attacking with gusto, though Italy came within a whisker of taking the lead when Toni was adjudged offside after heading in a Pirlo free-kick. At the other end Henry was causing problems with his pace and Gianluigi Buffon had to be alert to parry away a snap-shot from the Arsenal striker. As it went into extra-time, France had started to dominate proceedings. Malouda was only kept out by a last-ditch Fabio Cannavaro tackle before Franck Ribery poked agonisingly wide and Buffon tipped Zidane's header over. It was Zidane's last meaningful contribution to the French cause as with 10 minutes left of extra-time, his professional career ended in a odd circumstances.

 

9 JULY 2006

France vs Italy 

The ‘odds makers’ like Italy, the Germans like beer and everyone likes Zidane! A tight, technical, low-scoring affair (I wish I am wrong) is in prospect in the final between France and Italy if the history of their previous meetings is repeated. The defense and the midfield of the two have been regarded as the best of the ongoing tournament; Italy had conceded only one goal, an own goal, in its previous six matches at while France received two, one to South Korea and the other to Spain on a penalty.

To Italians, defending is a cultural inheritance. They have done it throughout soccer history. Their current captain, Fabio Cannavaro, is the master of organization, and their goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, has been peerless. He has committed no error, thus far, and conceded no goal from any opponent, although one of his own defenders did inflict the only breach of Italy's fortress in six matches. Hopeful news is, this Italian side has married its traditional defensive strength to a more progressive approach. The final will be more interesting as Juventus is represented by eight players in the squads of Italy and France.

Do you know?

=Five France players (Fabien Barthez, William Gallas, Claude Makelele, Willy Sagnol, Lilian Thuram) have played every minute of France’s six games.

=France have gone 15 games unbeaten.

=Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon has not conceded a goal for 453 minutes, the second best run in the history of the tournament behind compatriot Walter Zenga, who went an incredible 517 minutes without being beaten at Italia 90.

=France is the most visited country in the world.

All-time head to head: France and Italy have played one another 32 times. Italy has won 17 times, France has won 7 times and there have been 8 draws. In the World Cup, the two teams have met 4 times with Italy winning twice, France one and two draws.

 

Germany with 13 goals in 7 matches end up 3rd in the 2006 world cup

Football is a game of goals. Does not matter who plays better. Germany sure deserved to win the cup. They have been one of the most positive, attacking forces and to which their supporters have contributed hugely with their enthusiasm and hospitality. It is a shame that France with just 8 goals in 6 matches with a more defensive approach sealed a place in the Final.  

3rd place matters a little if not anything. Quick trivia, who finished in third place in 1994 World Cup? If the answer comes immediately to your mind than I admire your ability to recall forgettable things. Even if you know that Sweden finished third, you might not remember the fourth place team was Bulgaria. Point is, there is no glory in finishing fourth. There is no room on the stage if you aren’t in the top three. Germany just managed to be on the stage with Bastian Schweinsteiger  who was the hero for Germany as they officially ended the 2006 World Cup as the third-best side after demolishing Portugal 3-1 in Stuttgart. Nuno Gomes headed in a late consolation, but Portugal ultimately had no answer to neither Schweinsteiger, nor his Bayern Munich team-mate Oliver Kahn, who was phenomenal in the Germany goal.
 

 

 

8 JULY 2006

Germany vS Portugal

This is a game that neither team wants to play, but play they must. Germany will try to gather the determination to come back from a heartbreaking loss to Italy and to go out with a win in front of their home crowd. If Portugal finish with a win, it would match their best ever finish in a World Cup. While very few people ever remember who finished third in a World Cup, even less people can recall the fourth place team. Hopefully this will be a free flowing game with enough action to keep us all alive until the final on Sunday. I assume more than 3 goals in the match. Michael Ballack will not play for Germany due to injury. Oliver Kahn will be in net for the first time this World Cup.

 

Have your say Player of the Tournament:
	Michael Ballack
	Fabio Cannavaro
	Zinedine Zidane
	Patrick Vieira
Free polls from Pollhost.com

 

7 JULY 2006

Only seven countries have lifted the World Cup trophy in triumph but many great teams have thrilled and excited fans on football's biggest stage.Best 5 teams from the history are:

1. BRAZIL 1970
The team that secured Brazil’s third World Cup in the space of 12 years is widely regarded as one of the best units ever assembled.Defensively they were nothing special but with the attacking capabilities of players like Pele, Rivelino, Jairzinho, Tostao and Gerson, it was no wonder they swept all before them in Mexico.

2. NETHERLANDS 1974
Rinus Michels’ side were so accomplished they could interchange positions almost at will, a concept given the name ‘Total Football’.They totally outplayed the teams put in their path, crushing Bulgaria 4-1, Argentina 4-0 and beating world champions Brazil to set up a final against bitter rivals West Germany. The hosts had not touched the ball when Netherlands were awarded a first-minute penalty, scored by Johan Neeskens but the Germans came back to deny the Dutch the honour of succeeding the great Brazil side of 1970 as the world’s top team.

3. ARGENTINA 1978
They were, perhaps, fortunate to secure a place in the final of their home competition, beating Peru 6-0 when they needed to win by four goals, but in terms of overall quality they were a better side than the 1986 team, which Diego Maradona dragged to victory.Striker Mario Kempes finished as the tournament’s top scorer, Leopoldo Luque and Ossie Ardiles provided the flair and Daniel Passarella offered defensive class, all under the guidance of forward-thinking coach Cesar Luis Menotti.

4. WEST GERMANY 1974
Early on in their home competition few would have given Helmut Schon’s side a prayer, having lost their opening game to East Germany while Netherlands' total footballers were earning rave reviews.But they improved as the tournament wore on and, with players of the calibre of Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Paul Breitner, Wolfgang Overath and goalkeeper Sepp Maier, reached the final where they showed great resolve to overcome going a goal down after a minute to secure their second World Cup trophy.

5. WEST GERMANY 1990
The 1990 finals were a disappointment after the Maradona-inspired high jinks of Mexico '86 but Franz Beckenbauer’s side were undoubtedly the best team on show. Captain Lothar Matthaus was at his imperious best as an all-round midfielder without peer, Jurgen Kohler and Klaus Augenthaler were solid in defence while full-back Andreas Brehme and winger Thomas Hassler provided guile from the flanks. Jurgen Klinsmann’s ludicrous play-acting meant many overlooked just how good a player he was, while Rudi Voller was always dangerous in front of goal.

 
JULY 05 , 2006

 

France Does it again

France booked a World Cup final spot against Italy after Zinedine Zidane's first-half penalty earned victory over a disappointing Portugal in Munich. Zidane’s 33rd-minute penalty proved to be the difference between the two sides  which was high on perspiration if not inspiration. Les Bleus defended well when it mattered, although they were not tested enough by a Portugal side lacking a distinct cutting edge. Portugal looked far from threatening with the out-of-sorts Pauleta on his own up front and Ricardo had to save Ribery's drive as France stayed in control.

Portugal: Ricardo, Miguel (Paulo Ferreira 63), Meira, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente, Costinha (Postiga 74), Maniche, Deco, Ronaldo, Pauleta (Simao 68), Figo.
Subs Not Used: Boa Morte, Caneira, Nuno Gomes, Paulo Santos, Quim, Ricardo Costa, Tiago, Viana.

Booked: Ricardo Carvalho.

France: Barthez, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery (Govou 72), Vieira, Zidane, Makelele, Malouda (Wiltord 69), Henry (Saha 85).
Subs Not Used: Boumsong, Chimbonda, Coupet, Dhorasoo, Diarra, Givet, Landreau, Silvestre, Trezeguet.

Booked: Saha.

Goals: Zidane 33 pen.

Att: 66,000.

Ref: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay).

Fifa man of the match: Lilian Thuram

 

Viva Portugal

Now Portugal has a 19-game unbeaten streak since a February 2005 loss to Ireland and has reached the World Cup semis for the first time since 1966. Scolari, coming off a penalty-kicks victory over England, is unbeaten in 12 straight World Cup matches. He led Brazil to the 2002 title and is trying to become the first person to coach two nations to world championship.


France Mantra
Despite all the critics aimed at him, coach Raymond Domenech has always kept faith in his initial plans and up until now, it has paid off. Against two very technical sides such as Spain and Brazil, the idea was to prevent the opponents from keeping the ball. In those respects, Vieira and Makélélé have been instrumental in regaining possession, breaking down opponent attacks and distributing the ball around the pitch. The French team have shown real rigour and discipline in their positioning, making them very difficult to break down. The 34-year-old Zidane, who will retire after the finals, seems to have recaptured his brilliant best and was magnificent in France's 1-0 win over holders Brazil in the quarter-finals.He will be the key for France as usual.

 

JULY 04, 2006

Italy has made it to the Final

Germany was the last team who deserved to be in the World Cup final, Italy was an unlikely choise. fOOTBALL gOD had other plans in his mind. Italy was the better team tonight and won with some style as they hold their nerves till the end and thrown the hosts out of the cup.

Fabio Grosso and Alessandro del Piero each scored late in extra time to put Italy in the World Cup final. Grosso curled a left-footed shot past the diving Jens Lehmann in the 119th to put the three-time champions into Sunday's final against either France or Portugal. As Germany pressed for an equaliser, Del Piero then finished an Italy break with a delicate chip into the corner.

It was an extraordinary end to an enthralling encounter which saw Italy hit the woodwork twice and Gianluigi Buffon save superbly from Podolski. In the first half of extra time, Italy started out the better team, Alberto Gilardino getting inside the German defense and sending a soft shot past goalkepeer Jens Lehmann and off the post. The ball rolled across the front of the open goal but there were no other Italian players to score. A minute later, Gianluca Zambrotta sent a hard shot from outside the area off the crossbar. The two teams were level 0-0 after 90 minutes. 

 

Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Lahm, Borowski (Schweinsteiger 72), Ballack, Kehl, Schneider (Odonkor 83), Klose (Neuville 111), Podolski.
Subs Not Used: Jansen, Huth, Nowotny, Hanke, Kahn, Asamoah, Hitzlsperger, Hildebrand.

Booked: Borowski, Metzelder.

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Grosso, Camoranesi (Iaquinta 90), Perrotta (Del Piero 104), Gattuso, Pirlo, Totti, Toni (Gilardino 74).
Subs Not Used: Zaccardo, Barzagli, Peruzzi, Nesta, Amelia, Barone, Inzaghi, Oddo.

Booked: Camoranesi.

Goals: Grosso 119, Del Piero 120.

Att: 65,000

Ref: Benito Archundia Tellez (Mexico).

Fifa man of the match: Andrea Pirlo

 

JULY 01, 2006

Six of the seven World Cup winning countries from the past have made it to the quarter-finals in Germany 2006. Brazil still remains the favorites while Argentina or Germany is the other picks to go all the way.

 

Do You Know

=All six former champions who qualified for the tournament have made the quarterfinals. The only former title holder, Uruguay, failed to qualify.

=After the round of 16, England has recorded 28 clean sheets in 54 World Cup matches.

=Germany striker Klose is one goal away from becoming the 12th player in the tournament’s history to net a total of 10 at World Cup finals.

=No pig in in France may be addressed as Napoleon by its owner.

 =All of Italy’s players play in the Italian League.

 

Joke of the World Cup

Wife: Ronaldinho'r moton amar data duita baire boila to Joutuk niso 2 lac taka beshi! Tokhon ei pirit ashilo koi?

 

-Review-

Argentina Vs Germany

The rivalry between Argentina and Germany is an old one, including two World Cup finals, with one victory each. And it's bubbling up again. Germany vs Argentina on June 30 at Berlin’s Olympic stadium, the venue for the World Cup final on July 9, is probably the biggest match of this tournament. In 1990, Referee Codesal whistled the end of the match and Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus lifted the World Cup. A few yards away, Argentina captain Maradona cried openly. "The game will be very hard fought and close,'' Argentina's 22-year-old striker Carlos Tevez said. "It's going to be very tough for us ; and for them.'' The German team has displayed an offensive minded style of football that has led to four straight victories, Argentina being the team with lots of goals on account as well.

 

Italy vs Ukraine

Two teams coming off emotional, draining matches that were won from 12 yards out meet in this quarterfinal. Ukraine beat Switzerland on penalties after 120 agonizingly scoreless minutes, while Italy saw their game plan pay off in the last 10 seconds of injury time, picking up a penalty kick on a counter attack. The Ukraine captain ended his seven-year stay with AC Milan only last month and admitted he will have mixed feelings about trying to knock his adopted country out of the tournament. The Italians have once again limped into the latter stages of a major competition but that is when they are at their most dangerous.

 

England vs Portugal

Portugal head into quarter-final clash against England battered and bruised but confident that it has the depth of quality on the replacements’ bench to prevail. Portugal will have Deco and Costinha missing from Saturday’s clash after both were sent-off in the match against Netherlands. But Portugal look an inspired lot led by their talismanic captain Luis Figo, who at 33 years has been their best player. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as instilled confidence in to the team that have been under-achievers till now. Meanwhile, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has warned his players not to rise to any provocation from Portugal. The good news for Sven is that key striker Wayne Rooney is getting back to his top form.

 

Brazil vs France

Revenge is will be an issue for Brazil when it faces France in the World Cup quarterfinals. The five time champion lost 3-0 the last time if faced France — the 1998 final at Stade de France. Brazil earned its quarterfinal berth by beating Ghana 3-0 on Tuesday in Dortmund. France had a comeback 3-1 win over Spain in Hanover. Veteran midfielder Zinedine Zidane was crucial in France’s win, setting up the deciding goal and then scoring one of his own late in the match.  Zidane also was key in the final against Brazil in 1998, scoring twice. Brazil has been the most successful team in Cup history, but its record against France is slightly checkered. This one is sure to be another classic, although our money is still on Brazil.

 

Numbers do not matter really, but sure make a point:

Argentina, Brazil and Germany lead all teams at the tournament with 10 goals, twice as many as England and Ukraine. France, Italy and Portugal each have six goals. The Germans have been prolific in shots (78) and shots on target (38). But Argentina has been most deadly, scoring its 10 goals from just 21 shots on target. In comparison, Brazil’s 10 goals came on 36 shots on target.

Quote of the tournament

Portugal’s Luiz Felipe Scolari, explaining his captain’s loss of cool during the match against the Dutch: Jesus Christ may be able to turn the other cheek, but Luis Figo isn’t Jesus Christ.

World Cup Football. Greatest Show on Earth they say. Bangladesh never qualified on any of the tournaments in past and never will in future. This does not drag down the enthusiasm we have towards the game though. I am sure Bangladeshis are more exited than many of the qualified countries’ supporters. Brazil and Argentina are at the pick to grab popular support from Bangladeshis.

I am a loyal supporter of the Dutch team since 1988. In 2002 they could not qualify for the world cup which left me with Spain and promising Portugal to lay the support. I also supported Portugal in Euro 2004. I accept the fate that all 3 of the teams are only capable of reaching semi finals. No worries. I will personally beat the finalists of World Cup 2006 at my PC on FIFA 2006 professional level! No doubt on this.