Italy regains glory

Ah!!!! Finally the collective effort of a team studded with work men like players had the last laugh over their enemies and thus gaining a revenge for their loss in 98’WC on penalties and a heart breaking defeat in extra time in Euro 2000. A unique record has thus been set, no losses in normal period of play since their defeat to Ireland in the 94 World cup. Italians thoroughly deserved their victory. The French apparently looked better, but it was the rock like defence with a great goal keeper Gianlugi Buffon who was the star performer with some stupendous saves from great strikes that would have clinched the tie for the French. Heart felt Congrats to the Italians and their master tactician Marcelo Lippi. An ignominous exit though for one of the greatest of our generations, Zidane who played his last competitive game. It was a shameful end to a wonderful career. Though several on field incidents marred this WC, it was exciting in its own sense and proved as the greatest show on earth. Football fever still lingers and may take some time to extinguish. Hope it spurs our nation towards producing some great footballers who can carry us to the world cup finals in South Africa.