Bittersweet End to the World Cup

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How can I say this? I'm happy for Gli Azzurri, but life isn't perfect.

The day started off superbly. Having won a bet on the Italy-German semifinal, we had an incredible brunch on Veit's roof deck in Beacon Hill. (Thanks Veit, we need to have more bets!) On the menu: smoke salmon, croissants, eggs, waffles, champagne and many other goodies.

The plan: head down to City Hall Plaza to watch the game.

It was the beginning of a bittersweet day.

i-c8509361f125eb57e80834791426c0fd-brunch2.jpg(many more comments and pics below the fold)

i-aa20c3acef408d3a43136f1f23195313-wc1.jpgThe World Cup in Boston.
Bitter: I'm burnt to a crisp.
Sweet: Watching the game in City Hall Plaza with thousands of Italian and French supporters. Thanks Menino.
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The Game.
Bitter: Penalties? I didn't want penalty kicks (PKs). I really hate the concept and I think that this was the third best outcome for the World Cup final. The best outcome would be Italy winning on a great goal. The second best would have been France winning on a great goal. Bad calls? That French Penalty was a dive, but there should have been one against Italy in the second half so I guess in the end it was even.
Sweet: Italy played well the first half. They came back from that bad call and then almost scored a second goal except for the crossbar. France dominated the end of the second half. In overtime France had more chances, but both teams were exhausted. Two giants in the 43rd round of a super-heavy-weight fight. And in the end Italy finally won.

i-9abac65950652f22464204b800567368-wc3.jpgThe semi-final against Germany will be an all-time classic. It was by far the best game of the tournament. Italy beat Germany at home in dramatic style, and for that alone Italy deserves the cup. And if anyone was going to score the winning goal on a PK shootout, it had to be Grosso. So in the end I'm happy. For those of you new to the World Cup, the Gods of Soccer have not been kind to Italy. In the previous 4 World Cups, Italy was eliminated three times on PKs. In 1990 they had BY FAR the best team, but they lost in a PK shootout with Argentina and their captain Maradona. I think that they've been practicing PKs ever since. Finally, finally, finally they won a shootout. Baggio's kick to the stars is forgotten.

i-1ea420e7e114373c92d135a54f02ab8b-wc4.jpgHenry/Ribery:
Bitter: Despite incredible runs, and being able to break through the Italian defense, no goal.
Sweet: After almost falling almost unconscious in the the third minute, Henry, along with Ribery, were the best players on the pitch (maybe with the exception of Buffon).

Materazzi:
Bitter: What in the world did you say and do to Zidane? I know it couldn't have been simply the "nipple twist". You've done crazy things before ...
Sweet: Fantastic equalizing goal. What a lift. And just in time.

i-d7e9a8b3ea70e2cdeb08e38d7801fa85-wc5.jpgZidane:
Bitter: I may not be French, but you've always been one of my favorite players. I've had the privilege of watching you play live, and even among the all-star talent of Real Madrid, we were amazed everytime you touched the ball. You are the only player to beat Brazil twice in the history of the World Cup (Paolo Rossi and Maradona did it once) and despite the head bunt (and other outbursts) I still respect you ... but why? why? why? He must have really ticked you off. I and I think all your fans forgive you. I just feel bad that it had to end this way.i-1ecf3afde9e6b708b602402c99a8953e-wc6.jpg
Sweet: Despite it all you played well, and I think that you'll be remembered as the magician. The key moment of the game, in my mind, was your header in extra time. Had that gone in, it would have been replayed forever. But unfortunately for you, Buffon was in the goal and he made a spectacular save. I guess we don't live in a fairytale ...

A day to remember.

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Alex,

Lot to agree with here. My take is here. Strange end to a World Cup.

Still, looks like you had fun. I watched at home in Arizona with a good beer (or two). Best I could do - would have liked to be in Boston ... the only city in the US I'd move to.

By John Lynch (not verified) on 09 Jul 2006 #permalink

It's a very sad day. Although I wasn't opposed to an Italian victory, I can't really congratulate them on it, given the terrible blow to Zidane's legacy, despite that he is 100% responsible for his own actions. I secretly hope that those who surround him talk him out of it so that he can end his career the way he deserves.

An exciting end to the World Cup. I was cheering for Italy and I was not disappointed. I agree with most of your analysis. J and I went to an Italian restaurant where J had watched most of the Cup. It was crazy, full of French and Italians. It was a blast. The worst part of it was that we had our first beer before 11am. West Coast is tough in that regard. During the match they were broadcasting shots of Government Center. It was cool. Would have loved to have been there.

Zizou, Zizou, Zizou. What happened there? I can't figure it out. The greatest of his generation and this is how it ends. Unbeleivable. I should also note that the Italian defense continued to be amazing.

Now here is a guy that knows football, the other guy Chris Mooney has got no clue what he's talking about! I love everything you said about Zidane, he has always been my favorite player, since I was 10 and he just continues to impress me even more; i agree with everything you said 110%

Re Zidane: if you forgive him, how can you pick on Rooney?

By Roman Werpachowski (not verified) on 09 Jul 2006 #permalink

Hmm. I never picked on Rooney.

I guess the two are very similar. Great athletes, both usually are very level headed, but both have a short fuse. I hope that others will learn ... keep calm, don't let the opposition get to you.

I didn't like what Zidane did, but because this was probably his last game (the guy stayed in the locker room for the medal ceremony) and that this action will be always tied to the result (Italy Won, Zidane ejected), I felt bad for him.

Also, we don't know yet what Materazzi said to provoke Zidane. While no matter what he said doesn't excuse Zidane's violent reaction, it may turn out that Materazzi's provocation was equally inexcusable -- just not witnessed, nor punished by FIFA officials.