Final predictions
My predictions certainly haven't been relieable enough to use for betting purposes but here it goes.
FWIW Italy is a very slight bookies' favorite, at 5/6.
3rd/4th place match
This match is usually won by the team capable of mustering enough pride and effort for the match, after the heartbreaking loss in the semifinals. Also having a lot to do with it is the perceived significance that a third place finish for the two competeting teams (e.g. in 1998 it was between Croatia adn Holland, and for little Croatia, which was in only its first WC IIRC, it meant for more for them than for Holland, which had appeared in several finals earlier; Croatia won). THese matches also tend to be higher scoring since so much less is on the line.
I think Germany will return to its high-scoring tendencies of earlier inthe tournement.
Germany 3:2 Portugal.
Final
Early in the tournament I didn't think much of France's chances but they've made a believer out of me. Italy is a team that I predicted could win this tourmament from the beginning. Natually, it's a tough one to call.
I think France will win simply because I think that the old guard of the French team--Zidane, Thuran, Barthez, Viera, Henry, and Trezeguet, have a motivation few others have had--a chance to win a 2nd World Cup title. Each of these players could cenemt a special place in football history with a win, and Zidane espcially. With a victory, surely he overtakes Platini as France's most famous ever football player; and possibly, the earlier Pele-Maradona discussion of the World's best football player will become Pele-Maradona-Zidane disucssions.
France will have a tough time overcoming Italy's defence, but Italy hasn't been a scoring machine and will face a similar contest vs France, and they'll have to be wary of the threats posed by Henry and Zizou. I think Italy will face a tougher midfield battle from France with Zidane, Viera, and Makalele than Germany posed. I think the immense experience and class of the French team, several who have played and won a WC final, will be invaluable vs the Italians.
France certainly have worries. Barthez has been shaky at times. Several of France's older players might run out of steam.
It will be extremly tight, very possibly 0-0 after 120 min and decided on penalties. Perhaps, though, France will decided it earlier on a free kick from Zidane, or a rush forward from Henry. Or less desirably from a penalty earned by Henry. Perhaps Barthez will miscue and give the Italians a chance to win. But if it goes to penalties, I give the edge to France, because Barthez is good at that, and France's penalty takers should be able to blast them in reliably.
France 0:0 Italy, France win on penalties.
I can't wait!
Come down and watch the Brazilian Football Championships sometime. That's far from the worst I've seen...
