WORLD CUP FINALS PREVIEW

By Mike Halford
BodogNation Contributing Writer

30 Days.

61 matches.

139 goals.

Two teams.

One trophy.

That's what an entire month of scintillating football action has come down to, as the 2006 FIFA World Cup gets set to crown a champion this Sunday in Berlin.

And as France looks to capture their first World Cup Trophy since 1998 and the Italians since 1982, Bodog Nation takes a look inside the lineups to see who has the advantage in Sunday's final.

Goalkeepers

At first glance, this would appear to be a position of strength for France - you'd be hard pressed to find a more accomplished international goaltender than Barthez. Having backstopped France to a World Cup Trophy in 1998 and a European Championship in 2000, he has the pedigree and big-game experience that should give him the edge in net.

Other times, sure. But not at this tournament.

Buffon has emerged as the best goalkeeper in Germany, and perhaps the world. Having conceded just one goal in six matches - an own goal from Cristian Zaccardo in Italy's 1-1 draw against the United States - Buffon is essentially in the head of every opposing striker he faces.

How couldn't he be? Having faced some of the most prolific scorers in the tournament - Tomas Rosicky, Andriy Schevchenko and Miroslav Klose - the Juventus netminder has slammed the door shut, and has done so in remarkable fashion. His stingy goals against average isn't for a lack of action - he's been the busiest keeper in Germany, leading all goaltenders in minutes played and saves.

Edge: Italy

Defense

While Buffon has been magical in keeping the ball out of Italian mesh, the four warriors playing in front of him - Materazzi, Zambrotta, Grosso and Cannavaro - have been relentess in their defense of goal.

France, meanwhile, have methodically shut down their opposition, which has included the likes of Ronaldo, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Cristiano Ronaldo and Adriano. Veteran leadership comes in the form of Thuram, who has 120 caps to his credit - the 34-year old has more national team appearances than Sagnol, Gallas and Abidal combined.

Despite the pedigree of the French back four, defense looks to be an area of advantage for the Azzurri. Zambrotta and Cannavaro appear to be mortal locks for all-tournament honors while Materazzi has filled in admirably for the injured Alessandro Nesta. The most unheralded member of the back four, Grosso, scored a magical game-winner in extra time versus Germany.

Edge: Italy

Midfield

You'd be hard pressed to find a match with more midfield quality. The World Cup final promises to be a real battle in the middle of the park - from the lethal tackling of Genaro Gattuso and Patrick Vieira to the silky smoothness of Andrew Pirlo and Frank Ribery, this game could very well be won or lost in the mid.

Gattuso, the leading tackler on the Italian squad, is known for his relentless nature and motor. His work rate allows skilled teammates like Totti and Pirlo to move forward and join Luca Toni in attack, which is important given that Italy employ a 4-5-1 formation that demands at least two midfielders routinely get forward.

Yet for all the quality in the Italian midfield, not a single player can match the savvy or experience of Zidane. His performance in this, his last tour of international duty, has been nothing short of remarkable. Consider the opposing midfielders he's outduelled thus far - Ronaldinho and Luis Figo, most notably. Zidane has reaffirmed his status as one of the elite playmakers of our generation, and could be the difference maker in his final World Cup appearance.

Edge: France

Strikers

Toni has suffered through bouts of inconsistency thus far. Panned by critics after a goal-less first round, his two-tally effort against Ukraine silenced doubters and gave hope that the performance would kickstart his World Cup campaign. But after another mediocre effort against Germany in the semifinal (he was subbed off in the 73rd minute) questions have again arisen about his place in the squad. Lippi does have some options available to him - both Alberto Gilardino and Alessandro Del Piero have looked strong in reserve.

Henry, meanwhile, has been an enigma this tournament. While his three goals are tops on the French squad, he's had to re-adjust his style of play and, at times, has looked like a spectator.

At Arsenal, Henry routinely falls back into the midfield to obtain possession and set himself up for his trademark penetrating runs with the ball at his feet. But with such a talented French midfield in support, "International Henry" must play more like an out-and-out striker, waiting for service from the mid rather than strolling back there to obtain it.

The bottom line is this: while both strikers are world-class, nobody strikes fear into defender's hearts like Henry. While he's graciously accepted a less glamorous role with his national side, nobody is forgetting his exploits in the Premiership. While Toni relies heavily on proper midfield service for his goalscoring, Henry possesses the ability to take the ball and go, a quality that makes him a lethal threat in a one-game, winner-takes-all affair.

Edge: France

Intangibles

Italy have rallied behind the match-fixing scandal back home and have steadily gotten better as the tourney has progressed. The Azzurri have gotten their fair share of good fortune in Germany as well - a dubious injury time penalty against Australila, drawing minnows Ukraine in the quarterfinals - and appear to be riding a wave of momentum into the final. Keep in mind that the wounds ripped open in 2000 are still stinging - you'd be hard-pressed to find an Italian supporter who isn't still jaded over the extra-time and golden-goal tallies the French scored to capture the European Championship that year.

France came into Germany with (to steal a line from Mad TV) lowered expectations, given their poor qualifying run and a mediocre opening phase that saw them finish second to Switzerland in the group. But Les Bleus have rallied behind the veteran triumvirate of Barthez, Thuram and Zidane, who all came out of international retirement for one final shot at glory. And you cannot discount the quality of teams they've dispatched in the elimination stage - Spain, Brazil and Portugal - a performance which has many pundits figuring that this French squad is a team of destiny.

Edge: Even

2006 Fifa World Cup Final Thoughts (Betus.com)

More Bodog.com Press Releases...