With Le Bleus victory over Portugal on Wednesday the stage is set for a thriller in Berlin on Sunday featuring the versatility of Italy and the crafty leadership of the veteran laden France squad. In the World Cup to this point, Italy has tallied 11 goals and they have come at the head or toe of 10 different players. Italy's scorers on the way to Sunday's Final in Berlin where they face France (eight goals, four different scorers) are: ? Ghana 2-0 (Pirlo, Iaquinta) ? USA 1-1 (Gilardino) * ? Czech Republic 2-0 (Materazzi, Inzaghi) ? Australia 1-0 (Totti pen) ? Ukraine 3-0 (Zambrotta, Toni 2) ? Germany 2-0 aet (Grosso, Del Piero) *Zaccardo also got on the scoresheet against the US but as his was an own goal it is understandable he would rather it went unmentioned. It remains the only goal conceded by Italy in the tournament so far. France on the other hand is getting golden performances from their over 30 club as Zidane scored on a penalty kick and Lilian Thuram was a wall on defense. This final has some incredible subplots to it, considering game fixing scandals back in Italy and the punishment that will be announced right after the finals on Sunday. As for France who would have thought that a country that finished 28th out of 32 teams in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, could make this improbable run. I will be pulling for the over 30 boys on Sunday and believe that Zidane will reign when the dust has settled! Bob Acton Online Sports Betting |
