World Cup - Update 8

So the Saga has come to an end...a month of celebration has been brought to a close. It was good while it lasted and I am already looking forward to the next edition in S.Africa...

Italy has been crowned the winners for the 4th time. They were probably the best side in the championships...they scored goals and didn't conceed any, so I guess a worthy winner.

So a look at the last 2 games of the World Cup:-

July 8

1. Germany vs Portugal (3-1): Germans had more to play for and they played well. Portugal seemed dejected and as hard as they tried, they were never menacing enough. A second half charge led Germany to victory and to a third place finish at the 2006 World Cup.

July 9

1. Italy vs France (6-4 on Penalties): Italians were definitely better in the first half even though they went a goal down but all the other sessions clearly belonged to France who really impressed me. But in a Final that went the full distance for only the second time, it was the Italian side that held its nerve to be crowned the World Cahmpions. No point talking abt the Head Butt by Zidane on Materazzi, other than saying it was quite shocking and a sad way for a brilliant career to end.

So who won all the prizes?

GOLDEN SHOE AWARD WINNER - Miroslav Klose
Gillette Best Young Player award - Lukas Podolski (rightly so, Messi hardly played)
Yashin Award for the Best Goal Keeper - Gianluigi Buffon
Golden Ball - Zinedine Zidane (Fabio Cannavaro had to settle for the Silver Ball)
FIFA Fair Play Trophy - Shared by Brazil and Spain
Most Entertaining Side - Portugal (I preferred Germany)

The player who disappointed me the most - Ronaldinho (maybe too much football was to blame)
The player who impressed me the most - Lukas Podolski