World Cup Final - France v Italy

STUBBLE · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:05 am Post subject:

From a result point of view, I think the final is a tough game to call because you have contrasting evidence for the two sides.

Italy beat two relatively moderate sides in Australia and Ukraine and were then very eye catching in the semi final against Germany. However, the style and attitudes of the two sides in that semi final made for a great game and whoever won it was always going to look good. Even now, in the grand scheme of things, I'm still not sure how good Germany are.

France were moderate in the group stages and outplayed for 40 minutes by Spain in the second round. However, they really turned it on for the remainder of that game and the quarter final against Brazil. It is not yet clear whether the lacklustre performance in the semi final was a case of fatigue catching up on an ageing side, or simply that no one has managed to look good against Portugal.

With probably the best two defences on display here, it is not surprising that a low (or no) scoring encounter is expected. This view seems to be bolstered by the fact that, despite some excellent attacking play, neither side has been prolific in front of goal.

However, if Italy do feel that France are a tired side, I can see them coming out quickly to try to make their superior energy tell. With that in mind I've gone for the first goal up to and including 31st minute @ 2.375 (Bet365)

My other selection is how the first goal will be scored (if there is one of course). Neither defence looks vulnerable in the air, and hard to see anyone getting in behind as you imagine Italy may drop deep to counter Henry's pace whilst you wouldn't expect the French to be troubled for pace by Luca Toni. Therefore, with players like Zidane, Henry, Totti and Pirlo all capable of unleashing one from distance, I've gone for the first goal to be a right foot shot from outside the box @ 9 (Paddy Power).
_________________
Confidence in tips ranges from the most confident which is 5 stars to least which is 1.

If you fire enough arrows, one or two are bound to hit the target

veedub · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:14 am Post subject:

Tonight my gamble will be:-

Correct Score: Italy 2-1 @9/1 Bet365

Half Time/Full Time: Draw/Italy @9/2 Bet365

First Goalscorer: Luca Toni @6/1 Bet365

Total Stake £25

Fingers Crossed

Good Luck All
_________________
Victoria Concordia Crescit

Dajesus · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 1:32 pm Post subject:

I've had 40€ on France to win from the start (miserable price of 11-1 tho ) Mad

And Bet365 had an offer of matching your first bet on WC so I did it again, so actually have 80€ on France at 11-1, so thats what I'll be watching.

friend of mine has france at 14-1, 500€ since the start and his brother had Italy for the same amount (at 8-1 I presume...) love to be in that house tonight!

More than anything, I hope it turns out to be an enjoyable game.

oh, in my fantasy football team in work am second so stuck gallas as my capt so would like france to keep a clean sheet and him to score.... some chance!
All the same, have now put 250 on him here to score first goal - and shoot up to the topof the woldcup table - ha ha... no chance!

enjoy it folks

Epic · Group 1 Class Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 464

Game to finish 0-0 & Under 4.5 cards & Under 9.5 Corners Fingers Crossed

Seagull · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:50 pm Post subject:

France on the AH+0 at 2.175 looks a cracking bet to me.

Yes, Italy looked the part against the Germans but remember they only scored with two minutes to go in extra time! They couldn't beat the USA (one of the poorest sides in the competition) and only scraped past Australia with a dodgy last minute penalty. The Ukraine game meant nothing as they looked a beaten team before a ball was kicked and showed no desire or ability (Sheva excepted) to win the match whatsoever.

I know France started the tounament terribly but they have beaten Spain, Brazil and Portugal to get to the final ALL within normal time. They have the right mixture of experience of winning major tournaments, youth (Malouda, Ribery) and genius (Henry & Zidane) to unlock the Italian defence and close the game out.

Allez les Bleus (even though they're in white this evening!). Fingers Crossed

_________________
Join the best FREE football management game at www.xperteleven.com The OLBG league 4th season will start in a few weeks! 51 teams and counting. PM me for more info or check the thread.
http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/forum/topic8_7166.html

KanKeano · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 4:32 pm Post subject:

IMO France will not score tonight against the Italians. Only 1 shot has passed Buffon in this WC and that came from his own defender. Cannavaro and Grosso have been head and shoulders above any other defenders in this competition. Tonight they are up against Ribery, Zidane and Henry but I think the Italians will be able to cope.

Remember the Italians were 1 up against the All-conquering French in the Euro 2000 final until a last minute goal from Wiltord got France extra-time and the rest is history. Totti and Cannavaro are the only remaining players for Italy that night whilst the ageing French team has 5 players who played that night.

My bets for the game are:

Italy win 2-0 - 12.00 @ Bet365
Gattuso Man of the Match - 17 @ BlueSq
Italy to win to nil - 3.5 @ Bet 365
Zambrotta Anytime Goalscorer - 13.00 @ BlueSq
Italy win - 2.63 @ Bet365

I've already got Italy to win the WC @ 14.00 back in February so fingers crossed for the Azzurri blue tonight.
_________________
"The biggest regret of my whole football career was leaving White Hart Lane in 1970.....I was heartbroken" - Jimmy Greaves. Greatest ever English striker, bar none [464 goals in 657 matches for club & country]

chilin_dude · Triple Crown Winner Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 1099

Couldn't resist the prices available on overs - I've gone for OVER 1.5 goals @ 2. Crazy with Toni and Henry out there!
I've also backed a hatrick occuring in the WC at VERY big odds Fingers Crossed

Betfairalfie · At Stud Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 4809

Another close game expected so Im dutching both Italy and France to win on penalties (both @10.00 BF) which pays 4/1 if it gets to penalties whoever wins the shoot-out. Fingers Crossed

KanKeano · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 6:07 pm Post subject:

Teams for tonight:

Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Grosso, Cannavaro, Materazzi; Gattuso, Camoranesi, Pirlo, Perrotta; Totti; Toni.

France: Barthez; Sagnol, Abidal, Thuram, Gallas; Makelele, Vieira, Malouda, Ribery, Zidane; Henry.

Both unchanged from the semi's and no surprises
_________________
"The biggest regret of my whole football career was leaving White Hart Lane in 1970.....I was heartbroken" - Jimmy Greaves. Greatest ever English striker, bar none [464 goals in 657 matches for club & country]

coopsy02 · Stallion Read My Blog! Joined: 09 Apr 2005 Posts: 7021

thought they might have brought silvestre back, abidal was found wanting in the last game, this could be italys way through, then big Fab in goals, ouch Fingers Crossed

_________________
Challenge Winners for Season

Scottish Premier: Beernutz
English Scorecast: Dj Peem
Premiership: Man o Bong

Dammo Qwirky · Stallion Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 5883

The two managers are lookie-likies for Bob Willis and Eddie Jordan.

Dammo Qwirky · Stallion Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 5883

ZZ (Blew his) Top!

	Working together to beat the Bookies!