Finals

[George.]

Italia vs. France

France finalized better than Portugal, but showed their age. Zidane is a gentleman - but it takes more than one.

No doubt who I, and 99% of Brazilians, will be cheering for... :D

PS: Warren, you are wrong. That was a penalty.

[Wild Wassa]

George, All of the experts on SBS have analyzed the dive including Mr Objective, Martin Tyler, from every angle in slow mo and in real time. Even Henry when he stood up thought he was going to get a yellow card, look at his gesture and guilty expression, if you get to see his dive again. The experts have unanimously agreed that it was a dive ... and I fully concur with the experts, who am I to argue Sir?

George, I don't suppose you get Australia's Special Broadcast Service on cable? If on the odd chance that you do, watch tonight's Soccer Show, Damian Lovelock Australia's finest soccer cynic (but a true lover of the round ball game) no doubt will mention the dive ... I wouldn't be surprised if he has already declared war on France.

It will be an excellent final with one very worthy team against some old folks. Does Jellymeat Puskas play for France or is he a bit young for their team. I know JeanPaul Sidenetting does, I hope they wheel him out, even if he only gets 10 minutes before he needs his ventilator, he can share it.

The free from racism games will have a chance to prove it, in a few days from now. I'm supporting the Italians ... the French politicians are far too xenophobic for me and I can't seperate sport from politics ... nore should any honest person.

Warren.

ps, Who would have thought the World Cup Final could substitute for the Masters Games. I just caught a glimpse of TV5 ... it is tragic.

[George.]

Today, at 3 PM our time.

Hard to decide which team to root for. The Azzura, in principle and by national affinity, but I must admit that Zidane might captivate us with his football if he plays as beautifully as he did against Brazil...

Hey Warren, I bet you loved seeing Felipão and his boys getting trounced yesterday. Although I understand that Deutschland is not your favorite either. :D

[JimD]

... The experts have unanimously agreed that it was a dive ...

Somebody 'splain it to me, please. Just what is it with soccer and this business of pretending to be fouled and faking injury? Its not just something that is occasionally done by a few sleazy players. Its an expected part of the game. Don't these guys have any self respect?

[martin schulz]

...Zidane might captivate us with his football...

He sure did captivate us, unfortunately his "swan-song" was defined by his football skills.