Umschlag bitte... (The Final!)

France. Italy. Few probably predicted these two in the final game when the tournament started a month ago. Both teams have chalked up impressive wins in getting here, France having knocked off Spain, Brazil and Portugal and Italy downing Australia, Ukraine and Germany. Admittedly, the Italians had an easier road up until the Germans and still only barely managed to squeak by the Australians. The Italians have little to worry about on a backline that hasn't given up a single goal yet. Les Bleus is no slouch, with Thuram at the core of a very solid line. In goalkeeper, a slight edge has to go to Buffon for Italy, though, once again, Barthez certainly has been at this level before (in 1998) and has performed well throughout the tournament. So scoring will be difficult for both sides. Can Zidane pull more magic out of his hat? That will perhaps be the true test. If Zidane can keep up the pace in this game, his swan song, that could very well prove to be the difference. Ribery and Henry will have to dial it up a couple if France wants to win this game. The Italians haven't given up a goal yet ...but France appears to be a team of destiny and they won't be denied. The French win their second World Cup title with a tough 2-1 win!