JEDDAH, 9 July 2006 — A whole month of football excitement is about to end as the final match between Italy and France takes place tonight at 10 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
People all around the globe will be watching tonight’s game, it doesn’t matter if they are football fanatics or not. People will be definitely watching the finals as if their lives depend on it.
It has been a long road for both teams who have met internationally reputed and highly skilled champions. Both teams have now reached the finals, the dream of every footballer and every country.
Both Italy and France have faced tough teams that have previously won the trophy some once and others, like Brazil and Argentine, more than once.
Italy first won against Australia 1-0 and then beat Ukraine 3-0 qualifying to go to the second round to beat Germany 2-0 in penalties.
France on the other hand, went through a similar experience as they beat Spain 3-1.
Then when they encountered Brazil, Zinedine Zidane succeeded in winning the day for the French with a goal. A performance he repeated in the team’s semifinal match against Portugal.
In the run up to the finals Madani Rahimi, a sports commenter at ART channel, told Arab News over the phone from Germany that the German crowds are very excited. Some of the final match tickets are being sold at a price of 1000 euros or even more.
Madani said, “In recent matches France has been playing better than what was seen at the beginning of the World Cup. Zidane is getting old but the way he plays has enabled the French team to reach the finals.
“If Zidane scored another goal he would surely become a legend in France, what a way to retire.”
Madani feels Italy will win due to the Italians’ highly organized and skilful team and professional coach. He also expected Zidane to be the star of the game as well as Fabio Cannavaro who play as well as Gianluca Zambarotta and Francesco Totti.Italian and French football fans here in Saudi Arabia are also looking forward to today’s match in their own ways.
Attaché at the Commercial Section at the Consulate General of Italy Dr. Renato Catania shared his excitement for the game and wished his team the best of luck. Marzia Dilernia, a football fan, said that she and her family are celebrating their country’s achievement in reaching the finals at her house along with friends.
“We are not there but we still enjoy watching, cheering and hopefully celebrating the victory,” she said.
Iskandar Daoud, vice-counsel at the French Consulate, wished his team the best of luck.
Meanwhile, Saudi women were divided in their support, with many of the French supporters citing their admiration for Zidane.
Twenty-year old Mohannad Awadi expressed his excitement in the run up to the final match and said that Zidane was capable of leading his team to win the 2006 World Cup.
