Editors Predict

THE GEEK SAYS...

The stage is set for a World Cup story suitable for those DVD compilations - Zidane takes France to victory just before retirement. The momentum is certainly with the French and if the aged squad can get one more performance out of themselves, they shoould ace it. I somehow do not see Italy being the usual Italy. Not cynical enough in their approach. Not their style. But they are in the Finals so that says a lot about the importance of beautiful attacking play. But I want to see Zidane's story in a DVD when I turn 60 and have nothing to do on those lazy Saturday afternoons. So I say the French should ace it.


ALEX SAYS...

Well, my Italy team profile was rather sceptical of Italy chances, but nonetheless I rated them as 4th favourites behind France. If Italy were drawn in the "group of death", their progress to the final has been a "path of life", the biggest test being a moderate German side galvanised by home support. But their play so far has been impressive, particularly Lippi's new attacking philosophy which saw Gilardino, Iaquinta Totti and Del Peiro all on the pitch at the end of the semi-final. At the back, Nesta's absence has hardly been felt due to Cannavaro's imperious form and Buffon's inability to be beaten (by opposing players at any rate).

France will draw inspiration from their resurgant performance against Brazil, but they will need to perform at least as well to beat this Italian side. The defence is sound and Makalele and Viera give added protection in midfield. Ribery has been the best new talent to emerge at this World Cup, but France will still be relying primarily on Zidane and Henry to conjure up goals (or more likely, a goal). However, they also need Barthez not to make a costly blunder like to one which almost allowed Portugal to equalise in the semi.

Italy deserve to start as favourites. They look like scoring and don't look like conceding and the difference this time round is Lippi will ensure they won't sit back on a one goal lead. This final could be France's to win with a final act of brilliance by Zidane, or Italy's to lose with a Euro 2000-style meltdown. On the balance, Italy's comparative youth and the extra day of rest might just swing it their way.

Prediction: Italy 2-0


CREAGLER SAYS...

My heart's opinion: It would be magical if the legend leads France to a 2-1 win over Italy. Godforbid, no more penalties though. Yet another creative howler from the most enigmatic keeper alive today. Good all round solid performance by the old dogs.

Result: Croissants for free the next day in the whole of Paris. Soon to be followed by yet another riot.

My (golden)ball's opinion: An effective performance from the resolute (boring, for the first time this tournament by them?) Italian defence. Plug away with a 1-0 to the good. In the most old school 4-4-2 formation that can still be seen today in international football, they will conjure up memories of the yesteryears. Notwithstanding, tensions displayed by the Italians all round.

Result: Spaghetti meatballs thrown into the streets the next day all through out Rome. Backpackers' wet dream.

Can I follow my heart?


GOODCHRISTIANBOY SAYS...

Big, big clash turns out to be a remarkably open game, spoiling early bets that it would be cagey and dull. Both teams go after each other's necks, mainly because France decide to go for the jugular and Italy find enough space to respond in like fashion. Cannavaro and Materazzi hold up in spite of the constant raids of Riberry, Zidane and Vieira, but you get the feeling that the French lack a bit of width. The Italians keep jumping at the French, attacking on the break with silky quick passes from Pirlo upfield, but Toni is caught offiside on numerous occassions, making him frustrated. The first half ends 0-0.

The second half starts brightly, and after another French attack, Italy storm forward and find the fullbacks asleep. Totti makes space for everyone and then sends in a killer pass to... Luca Toni. He is onside. Toni races to the goal and chips... 1-0.

France storm in attack and Italy hold tight. Late in the second half, Italy break again and who is there on the left wing but the audacious Fabio Grosso. He squares the ball and the French backline is caught wrong-footed... who else is there but... Totti.

Prediction: 2-0

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