World Cup Finals:

Allez Allez Allez! Golllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!

In the sixth minute it’s a PK and Zizou chips it off the crossbar to make it 1-0 France. Some will say that the PK was unwarranted, but Italy tapped the streaking Frenchman and back of the leg. There was a little acting, but the foul was made.

15′ - A free kick on the right side from 20 yds and it takes a great header by Thurman to clear for a corner.

19′ - A corner won by Italy, a high bending pass from Pirlo, Matterazzi heads it past Barthez. 1-1

Halftime - After the equalizer there were a few more opportunities for Italy. In about the 30′ an Italian corner kick almost put les Azurri up 2-1. The header over the crossbar was eerily similar to the 19′ goal by Matterazzi.

On a side note, a UI buddy (U of Iowa and User Interface) was found out as an Italian supporter. Hopefully persistent blogging during the match will be the deciding factor in the match.

55′ - Les Bleus are attacking at will. Henry took on three defenders at one point and passed across the goal, but no one was there to help. Ribery has also been excellent, streaking down the sides and making things happen. On the flipside, Italy is playing fantasic defense, as usual.

73′ - The Italians have had a few counter-attacks but les Bleus continue attacking and controlling possession. Cannavaro has been brilliant on defense, clearing balls and taking on Henry or Ribery in 1 v 1 matchups.

75′ - Zidane sends a wonderful, bending free-kick across the box. The ball was untouched, but France does well to put strikers near the ball.

77′ - That was a scare for France. Italy won a free-kick at about 25 yds and Pirlo bends the ball over the wall, sending the ball to the lower-left corner. It’s just wide, but Barthez was there anyways.

Final Time - The score is still 1-1. Both teams look exhausted, but Italy is particularly drained, and out of subsitutes. France has two substitutions left to make. Will Trezegeut come on in overtime? Ribery looks spent, so a switch for another striker would probably be wise. Thirty minutes more, at least.

104′ - Zidane plays it off to Sagnol on the wing and moves into the box. Zizou is unmarked and Sagnal bends a beautiful pass to the top of the box that meets Zidane. Only a great save by Buffon keeps it tied.

110′ - and… Zidane is sent off! He butts his head into Materazzi’s chest after a verbal altercation. The main referee didn’t see it, but a confirmation from a side judge gets Zidane the red card. France is now a man down with 10′ to go. If it goes to PKs, France is at a serious disadvantage.

Full Time - OT - It’s to PKs now. Buffon and Barthez will have to be at their best.

It’s all over! Italy wins 5-3 in PKs. Grosso scores the deciding PK.

Congratulations to Italy, can’t wait until South Africa!