it's a shame that Messi did not play more during this world cup...
in particular, it's a shame that pekerman used all of his substitutions and was unable to make him enter the game after germany equalised in the quarterfinals (or that he replaced crespo by julio cruz instead of messi)...

One of Pekkerman's substitutions was forced by injury, of course, but all the same he has to take a large amount of blame for what happened. Take off two players if you wish, but Crespo and Riquelme? They are the most puzzlingly insane substitutions since Graham Taylor took Gary Lineker off when England desperately needed a goal.

Messi will make a name for himself over the next few years. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if at least 80% of the players on that shortlist become big names by the next World Cup - they nerly all seem like dead certs, rather than possibles.

Jurgen Klinnsman needs to go into tonights semi-final unnaffected by nerves - he's got this German side this far by having them play fast, attack-oriented football, and the team will do best if they carry on in that style. Expect Italy, on the other hand, to be set up looking for counter-attacking opportunities.

i just read that schweinsteiger will start on the bench tonight... cars already start hooting / honking (?) outside my window...

It looks like he's replaced by Tim Borowski. Do you think that's a sign of a more defensive line-up?

vive le tour is what i say.

i don't know... it looks like Klinsmann is reorganizing his midfield (kehl is replacing frings, who is suspended, and apparently ballack will play closer to the forwards), but i don't know if it's going to be more offensive or defensive... borowski is quite offensive, i think, he will play on the wing for this game. and schweinsteiger might be on the bench because he was considered as disappointing in the last game...

That could be it. Also, given Italy's expertise in drawing games out, maybe Klinnsman likes the idea of a much fresher Schweinsteiger for extra time and penalties? He's a good man to bring on in a tight situation.

A tactical battle tonight, I think.

best game of the world cup, feel really sorry for the germans, they were only bettered by argentina in attacking and watchable football in this world cup, the final will be poorer without them.

It was good to see such a competitive match between two big nations at this stage of a tournament. It was very enjoyable indeed. In the end we had two very fine goals from Italy. The first was a fantastic finish, especially for a defender; the second reminded us of the extent of Del Piero's natural talent.

Great photo, eh?

Yeah, the ITA GER game was awesome and a last minute goal in OT was incredible! The 2nd goal a minute later was the loudest hammer strike in GER, the loudest hammer on the biggest nail.....that sucks for the home country...I thought they would be going all the way.

FRA 1 POR 0

Poor reffing in this game for sure, or at the very least, quite inconsistent. I hate when a PK is awarded when the ref has been letting play go on without calling fouls, then he calls an unexpected one. He was giving POR all the calls at first and then FRA all the calls later.

I can't believe FRA is in the final when they could barely make it out of the group! but Zidane has been playing great since the round of 16 started.

POR gave it their all and sported my favorite goalkeeper of the cup, Ricardo. Did anyone see him all the way out of the goal on that closing seconds corner kick and he biked it back into the box....love it!!

Here we go FRA ITA on Sunday!!!

France - Portugal was not a very exciting game to watch. I think Portugal played much better than France, but they let a lot of chances slip through their fingers (or toes?). What I really like about France is how much they frustrate offenses. Its like old time France!!

Interesting final we will witness.

I agree. France played a much better game against Brazil. Henry didn't start as strong and never really got up to speed. But, in the end I'm glad to see Italy and France in the finals. I still feel sorry for Germany, though. But they seem proud to have gotten to play in the 3rd place game. National unity is something that they haven't seen in a while.

I like Portugal a lot, but I have to admit that some of the diving tonight was comical. Again, Maniche played further back and again Portugal struggle. He really is the catalyst for Portuguese success - let him move forward and things happen. But it's too late now.

Another quality performance by France. I'm so pleased Zidane didn't get boked - he more than anyone deserves this final, and it'll be good to see hm play on Sunday.

Italy vs France, then. The secret of both nations success at this World Cup has been a basis of defensive solidity allied with real attacking prowess, which promises to make for an absorbing final.

Yeah, lots of diving by Portugal. It was really starting to annoy toward the middle of the match. Portugal did have more chances to score but they either missed them or were blocked.

The Final will truly be a battle of defense. In Italy vs. Germany it was 0-0 for almost the entire match and extra time. 117-118 minutes of scoreless soccer. And in todays game, France held the 1-0 edge for 60 minutes to win. So, it will come down to who scores first and can hold off the other the longest.

Agreed, but France will fancy their chances up front, I think, so the tempo of the game will be largely up to them.

Yeah, I definently put France to win.

Six Gillette Best Young Player nominees chosen
4 July 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com

Judgement day is drawing near. Six candidates remain on course for the title of Gillette Best Young Player. Three of them have been nominated by our readers, while the other three have been chosen by FIFA’s Technical Study Group.

Fans have voted on FIFAworldcup.com to nominate
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR),
Luis Valencia (ECU) and
Lionel Messi (ARG),

while the Technical Study Group has opted for

Lukas Podolski (GER),
Tranquilo Barnetta (SUI) and
Cesc Fabregas (ESP).

This shortlist of six has been whittled down from an original field of 40 young players. Since 9 June, readers have been able to vote for their favourite young player on FIFAworldcup.com, while the FIFA specialists have kept a close eye on the performances of the tournament's talented youngsters in their various matches. It is now time for the 14 members of the group to get together and decide the deserving winner, whose name will be revealed on 7 July.

This is the first year that FIFA has awarded the Gillette Best Young Player Trophy. Designed to reward the player born on or after 1 January 1985 who makes the biggest impression at the FIFA World Cup, the criteria for the award include style, charisma, fair play and appetite for the game, as well as pure technical skill.

Good to see Luis Valencia getting votes. From that shortlist, I'd pick either him or Cesc Fabregas.

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noo ITALY!! ;-):cool: :D