January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
The Italians play to win — they don't wait for penalties
James Whittaker: Defences were on top again in the semis. By my calculations there have only been seven goals in normal time in the six games from the quarter-finals onwards — and three of them came for Italy against a Ukraine side that looked out of its depth.
Are we set for another low-scoring match on Sunday? Why have defences dominated? Are the attacking players not up to standard, are the defenders and keepers just too good or are we seeing 'safety first' tactics spoiling the tournament as a spectacle?
George Holdipp: Frankly, I believe the teams are taking a safety first approach to the game. France will have to think twice about their approach because there is no way they will be able to hold the Italians at bay the way they did the Portuguese for such a long period of time. Any attempt to hold onto a one-goal lead for such a long time won't work.
The Italians proved in the match against Germany that they are far too clinical when it comes to scoring for anybody to do that. It might be in France's best interest to take a more aggressive approach to the game, thus allowing Vieira to go forward more.
JW: Respect to Italy for the way they went for it in extra-time against the Germans.That was a rare example of a side taking the initiative (I think they had four strikers on at one point) instead of waiting for penalties.
The Azurri, understandably didn't want a shoot-out.
I hope they take it to the French on Sunday and make it an interesting game.
I fear we may be in for another 1-0 or even extra-time and a shoot-out, though.
I've got 50 bucks on the Italians at 11-1 to win the tournament, so at this stage I'll take any kind of win I can get.
Manny Faria: Today's a depressing day. Portugal did everything right besides scoring a goal. But their lack of firepower around the net was not a surprise. I think Italy will dominate the match on Sunday. I also placed money on Italy before the tournament and had money on Klose to be the top scorer.
Italy played a fantastic match on Tuesday. I don't think France will bother them. Cannavaro was brilliant during that game. He reads the game so well.
The defence looks solid and Buffon has been flawless. Italy looks so good that only they can score on Buffon. On the other hand Barthez looks a bit suspect. I think Italy will try to pepper the France goal. I see Italy winning 2-0.
JW: Pauleta was the big disappointment, for me... Again.
He must have been subbed off every game. But Portugal had no-one to bring on — again they played without a recognised striker when they were supposed to be chasing the game.
Portugal scored only one goal in the knock-out phase, which isn't good enough.
Argentina are even more culpable. This was the best attacking side in the competition — full of flair and ability — but what did they do when they went 1-0 down against the Germans? Tried to sit on the lead.
They pulled off Riquelme and brought on Cambiasso and got exactly what they deserved. The best way to defend the lead would have been to score another.
GH: Unfortunately for the Portuguese they don't possess a striker who can put it away, Ronaldo got the opportunity to shoot time and time again and he didn't even test the goalkeeper.
Figo's missed header at the death pretty much sums up his career for Portugal — a great playmaker but when it comes to finding the back of the net for his country in a major tournament, he is sadly lacking.
As for tomorrow, my heart says France but my head says Italy. I think it will be Italy by a goal or two, although of course I won't mind if France wins!
Lee Beauchamp: I Agree with James regarding Italy's extra time performance against Germany and I think if they start the final with the same sense of purpose it could be cold Peronis all round come 5pm Sunday.
The manner in which the Italians managed to step it up a gear so late into that semi-final, should serve as an ominous warning to the ageing French players who were looking tired and jaded in the second half against Portugal.
I am loathe to write off the magic of Zidane, the class of Henry, and the back four look so solid they would have surely prevented the storming of the Bastille, but I feel the pace of the Italians will eventually overpower them.
JW: Anyone else got a prediction. I'm going for 2-0 Italy as well.
Chris Gibbons: Yes, 2-0 is my call too. I admire the French for getting to the final but I think the Italians are playing with such flair, drive and determination right now, I think they'll edge it. Let's just hope for a good game not spoiled by any more of this nauseating simulation![[In-content Ad]]
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