The World Cup: Italy Deserved Champions

As Italy captured their 4th World Cup title, (only Brazil has more with five) I was reminded how often life is filled with ironies. For some, life is also governed by the principle of what comes around goes around. Whether history is circular or linear is not the discussion. Rather, it is about France and Italy playing in the 18th FIFA World Cup.

A final that saw Italy win in penalty kicks - a most unfortunate way to determine a final game of this magnitude. But for Italians who have often lost in this manner (1990, 1994, 1998) they will justifiably take it.

Let me first start by saying that personally 1986 remains the greatest final to date. There was something about that final that has yet to be eclipsed by any final since. The soccer was decent in Germany but it was overshadowed by the poor officiating.

As for the game itself, much nonsense and insipid blabbering will take place among partisan fans with selective hearing and minds. This is to be expected and thus ignored.

French experience did have an edge for parts (2nd half and part of the extra-time) of the game over Italian youth. But the Italians were resilient. What else is new for the New England Patriots of soccer? It is easy to mistake the fact that France won many balls in the middle with dominance. Yet, the Italians remained poised at every turn as they limited France's options.

Italy was an undivided team. The only country to have every single one of their players play in Italy. The French failed to take full advantage of their midfield control and were finally neutralized by head coach Domenech and his odd removal of Henry who was spent by the end of the match. Suddenly, France were without Vieira, Henry and soon Zidane; the core of their leadership. When it was over, real scoring chances actually favored Italy who proved more efficient. The Italians did what they had to do and coach Lippi once again showed he is the world's best coach. There is no doubt that when taken as a whole, Italy was tournaments best team either mentally, technically or tactically.

France has nothing to be ashamed of. They deserved to be in the final and were a worthy opponent surprising many with their play in the final. Alas, you can't win 'em all. Against incredible odds of various sorts, Italy for their part refused to buckle all tournament. End of story.

Accusations of the Italian victory being lucky, ugly or without honor are easily refutable. First, Plato once said "the harder you work, the luckier you get." There is no debate that Italy was the hardest working team against great internal and external odds. Was France lucky against Portugal? Germany against Argentina? If there was an uproar regarding those games it was a meek one. Those who make this charge fail to grasp the subtleties of sophisticated soccer. They judge by what they see on the surface. Besides, Italy's all-time record speaks for itself. 4 World cups, 6 finals in 18 World Cups. They also have one Euro cup and a final in their trophy case. Clearly, they play of winning brand of football and not all of it can be attributed to just luck.

As for ugly, recall that Italy was the second most offensive team in the tournament. By extension, their domestic league had the highest goals per game figure of any league. Did Brazil win ugly in 1994? Germany in 1990? If I was to describe Italy's style with historical figures I would say it is a cross between Machiavelli and Michaelangelo: interchanging between cynical and realistic; beautiful and sophisticated soccer when necessary.

Finally, the silly charge that it was without honor. Did Brazil win with honor in 2002 when Rivaldo feigned one of the great injuries in the modern era? Did Korea win with honor in 2002? Would France have won with honor had the scoreline remain 1-0 following Malouda's suspicious dive? The point I am trying to make that it is an incredibly selective stance to take. We can go back in history in any sport and make such frivolous comments. The reality is that it is mostly interloping soccer fans or those with a prejudice stance against Italian soccer who say this. The world football community is united in their conclusion that Italy deserved to be champions.

If one is to present any negative charge about anyone at least be fair about it.

It was interesting to note that the man who eliminated Italy in Euro 2000 was the only man to miss his penalty this time around. It was a tough scene for David Trezeguet fans. Ironic indeed. Yes, France pushed and took the game to the Italians (who seemed emotionally spent after the Germany game) but they must remember that it can be argued that they were outclassed in 1998 and 2000 against the Azzurri. What comes around....?

More ironies? Italy did play more offensively but most of their goals came from their midfield and defense. Those who assert that Italy did it only with defense are partially right. But it must be recalled that Italy played with 2, 3 and sometimes 4 attackers (as they did against Germany). No nation was as confident or played with more tactical versatility. France and England, Portugal by contrast played with lone strikers despite their class up front.

Italy scored 12 goals (from 10 different players) with 1 coming from the penalty spot including 2 against a tough German side. France scored 9 with 2 coming from penalties and 3 in the Spain game alone. Who was more opportunistic? Offensive? You can dance but if you don't have the right moves or timing it means little.

Congratulations Italy. Your victory was well-deserved no matter what naysayers may think. Ignore and enjoy.

FINAL STATS (France Footall July 11):

Score
France 1
Italy 1

France goal on penalty kick.

Italy wins on PK (5-3).

Shots
France 16; 7 on target - best chance Zidane header stopped by keeper Buffon.
Italy 7; 6 on target - one crossbar.

Corners
France 7
Italy 5

Ball Possession
France 47 min.
Italy 48 min.