Stand up for the champion.

At last, the world cup has come to an end. The Azzuri (Italy) has proved that they are the best team this year. I think they deserved to win the most prestigious tournament in the whole wide world (except maybe for the Americans). As i watched the match this morning, i knew they would win. However, deep down in my heart, i wish that the French would produce the miracle they had against Spain and Brazil. It didn't happen. In fact, world cup 2006 was quite full of unexpected results. Lesson to learn: The ball is round, anything can happen.

Zidane ran out of magic portions. His magic tricks turn ugly when he decided to headbutt Materazzi out of frustration. Ouch... that might have hurt a lot. Materazzi will wake up the next morning with bad bruises on his chest for sure. Zidane will have to overcome sleepless nights and nightmares. Lesson to learn: If you really need to headbutt your opponent, make sure the ball is close enough to cover your acts.

Barthez didn't have have the heights to make penalty saves. If you notice, all of the penalty taken by the italians were destined for the top of the goal. Even Materazzi's equalizer in the 19th minute was to high for Barthez to save. Lesson to learn: Strips jersey will make you look taller, use it for penalty shootout to give yourself a psychological advantage.

I never like Italy because of some of it's infamous tactics to win a game. First is their defensive game, getting every man behind the ball. Then their aggressions and tough tackling play. Lastly their desperate act of 'diving' in order to claim penalty. Italy's main leading actor, Francesco Totti. However, they have repented from doing the dive and remained strong defensively. Lesson to learn: If you know your players can't act, drop the 'how to express pain agony' training sessions from your schedule. Apparently the referees have undergo training to spot wannabes actor.

This year's world cup was not as lively as i wanted it to be. Here's why. The live telecast were at odd hours. As soon as you wake up at 3am, you feel groggy and wondered whether it's worth the effort. All my favourite teams, Spain, Argentina and Brazil, didn't make the final. Lastly, i either watched the match with Peter or alone. Didn't really felt the excitement of the game especially when you struggle to stay awake. Lesson to learn: World Cup 2006 has come to past, get it over with. Next stop, English Primier League in mid August. Go Liverpool....

To some of us, football fever has ended. As for me, it's part of my life that keeps me excited and erm.... excited (can't think of another word lah). As for my closure for World Cup 2006, maybe i'll just sit down for the champion.