Ya gotta love soccer to appreciate this kinda game. Wonderful, intense game! Great defenses by both teams throughout the contest. Each team would attack and penetrate, yet fabulous defensive challenges would shut down scoring chances. But, even with the spectacular defenses by both teams, there were some exciting near misses on goal, until the 2 skillful finishes at the end by Italy.
Would like to see a Portugal/Italy final because I can foresee France playing a boring kick-it-around game v. the quicker Italians. But if France plays like they did against Brazil, that could be a good final as well.
Portugal will probably take this one, because France cannot afford to be as aggressive as they were with Brazil. As many as 6 players will miss the final if booked v. Portugal.
Good article among many on the intensity of the game-
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1152049812380&call_pageid=968867503640&col=970081593064
