To Berlin.....

After numerous sleep-deprived nights and days, we finally are on the road to Berlin.
My assesment of the teams that would make it to the finals was so badly off, that not one of the four teams i thought would make it to the semis actually made it. That need not necessarily mean my assesment was poor, but it just goes to indicate the beauty of the glorious uncertain game.

Uncertainity is what i think got Portugal to the Semis,Ukraine to the Quarter and their fans lots to cheer about.
Ghana and Ivory Coast promised so much - attacking futbal from the africans is such a refreshing change. The African teams have always been known for their physical strength and tougher defenses/midfield as compared to their skills in the D., But this time they provided so much entertainment - attacking at will and promising much more for the next time around.
But as one commentator said - "They were naive" - Maybe they could do well by hiring one Luis Felipe Scolari, master Tactitian who could bring about that balance, shrewedness to their game.
Spain, Czech ran into some tough draws and rejuvenated competition which saw them getting knocked out at the Round of 16 and First Round respectively.

Germany was a team which surprised me the most. The played the best attacking free flowing football that any team played in the Tournament so far. And just one bad day at the office saw them lose to the Italians. The Germans can definately hold their head high and be proud of what they achieved at this tournament. Lahm and Frings played deliciously in the middle and klose and Podolski upfront scored enough and didnt let the team feel the effect of Ballack playing below par.

Now to the two teams most of the world followed so closely:

Brazil always looked and played like an 150cc TVS Bike on an typical bangalore Road ( Looking Gud and always seeming as it would break off from the pack but never actually doing it ) - Partly due to the environment and partly due to their own failing. The Team did really well to nurse Ronaldo back into form, but sadly couldnt make it count against France. I think the team got a bit obssessed with giving their top players - likes of Cafu, R Carlos, Ronaldo a fitting gift instead of focussing on winning the tournament ( Agreed Cafu is a great right-back, but first the Ghanians and then more decisively Ribery and co exposed him. Carlos with his penchant to leave his mark on the great stage played a bit selfishly i would say. I think all through the tournament they should have got more minutes for the youngsters - Cicinho, Gilberto and Robinho ). Being the champion he is, Ronaldo did justify his inclusion in the team towards the quarters but sadly he couldnt carry his team forward ( no Pun Intended )

Now to the other team, England

I would say England shot themselves in the foot if they intended to carry a Forward right from the beginning ( If Sven did actually plan to take Theo Walcott only as a tourist, i can only say - Chu**** banaya poora England ko aur Jermain DeFoe ko ). I think England did not give themselves a chance to win at all, by not playing their best combination upfront - Rooney and Crouch ever. It is common knowledge by now, that Rooney as the lone striker is ineffective, whereas Rooney behind the likes of Crouch, Saha etc is as deadly and dangerous as they can get. But somehow Sven thought otherwise and his penchant for going with Owen hargreaves was befounding - save his experience in the Bundesliga i couldnt think of any other reason of him being picked over Carrick ( who has had a wonderful season at Tottenham ).
Wish the Semis and the Finals were more different.

Anyways as a Sardar more famously said - If Ifs and Buts were Pots and Pans then my Uncle would be my Aunt -.

To the two teams who made it finally -

Italy has been all grit, determination to win at all costs ( even shameful the way they sneaked into the quarters over Australia fooling the refs ). However they have been great professionals to put aside all the speculation of their future at their respective clubs aside and concentrate so well and come so far in the tournament.
France has been a heady mix of Youth and Experience - likes of Malouda, Ribery tearing down the flanks/centre and Henry and Zidane giving the experience, magic and trickery to break down defences. They picked up the pieces of their missing puzzle post the first round stages and have progressed well on the back of sound tactics and their famed Diamond formation of Makelele, Viera, Zidane and Henry.

So book your tickets to Berlin or at the nearest Football Party in town.

I expect the final to be a dour one and it might be only upto the French to provide the bit of fun, magic and entertainment coz the Italians will definately try to grind out a result.