Finally, Azzurri.

24 years.
That’s how long the azzurri last won the world cup.
12 years. That’s how long I have waited for this moment. I have watched and supported them since I was 9 years old. It was during world cup 1994 when I started to have a passion for Italian football. It was the crucial penalty miss by Roberto Baggio that sent Italy to 2nd place in the Finale. The memory was vague but it was stuck in my mind for years. Then more disappointment came along with Italy losing in many major tournaments.

Italy had a fantastic world cup this year, the best I have ever seen in these 12 years. From the match against Ghana onwards, many might have said that Italians were just lucky but I believe that you have to be good to create your own luck. Italians did slack against US and Australia but it was their supreme effort and fantastic comeback against Germany that qualified them into the finale. Subsequently, they were obviously the better side in the final match against France. No one can deny that.

The first half was so exciting. Azzurri’s forward was in full speed and strength, penetrating the French defence with many many shots on goal. The French defence though, Thuram and Viera on particular, was right on the spot and Italians just could not find the goal. Then, it was Zidane’s penalty that really spurred Italians to attack. Matterazi conceded a penalty for his tackle on Henry in the penalty Box and Zidane scored it ever so willingly. It seemed to me that Matterazi had not much contact with Henry and it looked as if Henry took a dive. The referee was poor on that decision. Incidentally, after Zidane scored, I received tons of sms saying Italy will lose and all the bullshits.

Thank god Matterazi scored or else he’ll be the villain! He equalised with a fine header and from there on, things started to heat up. Italy then created more chances with Toni finding the post a couple of times and a superb free kick by Pirlo, which, who had not been Barthez, would have been a fantastic goal!

Second half wasn’t as heart-thumping as the first. Although Lippi made a few substitutions, none of the shots found the net. Iaquinta, and De Rossi came in when Perrota and Camaronesi, I think, were sub-out. France started to attack more and Buffon made many superb saves to deny France of any chance. The score line would have been a bit better if both sides were more aggressive but it was 1-1 at 90 mins.

Extra time did not help much either. Lippi made his last sub with Totti out and Del Piero in. It was so sad to see Totti ending his career without the glory that he dreamt of. It was, however a right decision by Lippi as the As Roma player was slacking more and more throughout the game. After all, he was once the golden boy of Italy but his time was up. Domenech brought in Wiltord and Trazeguet, the pair that sent Italy to their 2nd place in Euro 2000 when Wiltord equalised at the stoppage time and Trazuguet scoring the golden goal. Henry, who had injured himself in the first few minutes of the game came off for France.

Then came the moment that would have made the world talking about it for years to come: Zidane got a red card in the final match of his glittering career for a silly and immature action. He head-butted Materrazi and it was so intense that it sent Matterazi flying to the ground, literally. He got a red card of course but that was only after Buffon came out of his post and complained to the referee. Zidane deserves a red card, without a doubt! He went from Hero to Zero and he rightly deserved it. Italy couldn’t penetrate French defence even though having one man advantage. Thuram, Makelele and Veira were on the spot and their solid defences were perhaps what kept France in the game.

A few compliments must be made to Cannavaro, Pirlo and Matterazi for their fantastic play. Cannavaro was the backbone behind Italy’s strong defence. When the Italians and French were arguing about Zidane’s red-card, it was Cannavaro who pushed away and calmed his countrymen to avoid further controversies. It was his eagle-eye marking on Henry that made the French impossible to penetrate the Italian defence. As for Pirlo, his superb free kicks found Matterazi in the second goal and Italy would have taken the lead if only the strikers managed to head in Pirlo’s absolute precise free kicks.

When the final whistle blew at 120mins, I had anticipated the worst. Italy has not won any of the penalties for the last 20 years or so and the memories of WC 1994 flashed though my mind! I was virtually praying for lady luck to be by the Italians. When Italians had scored 3, (after Trazeguet missed) I was almost close to tears. When the fourth one was struck in by Del Piero, I was already jumping up and down and finally, the hero, Grosso did it. I was bursting with tears of joy! I was too elated and it was beyond words! Seeing Cannavaro lifting the WC and the Italians kissing it, I was ecstatic. It was superb, fantastic and no words can describe it! I would not be as happy as now even if Malaysia wins the world cup (if ever!!!).

Many might not understand my devotion to Italy but seeing a team that you have been supporting for more than 10 years to lift the cup, it was simply breathtaking. It was worth all the sweats, complaints, late nights and most of all, the lack of sleep!
Although I was watching alone at home, it was nonetheless as exciting as watching with crowds of people! I screamed, complained and booed so loud, that I think my whole neighbourhood could hear me. Finally, after 12 years of sheer disappointment, they have proven themselves. Fabulous!

I was however sad that Nesta couldn’t play due to groin injury. Perhaps this world cup could see the end of many great players with the likes of Totti, Cannavaro, Nesta, Matterazi, Toni, Inzaghi and maybe Buffon.
Hopefully, more young talents will emerge form the Italian side to replace the veterans. Perhaps Gilardino might be the next hero to retain their title in South Africa 2010. Till then, victory belongs to Italy!

With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to Germany 2006 which has been a world cup full of joys and tears. Another 4 long years ....

aggettivo eccellente Azzurri!