World Cup Final Betting Preview

It's so true that teams which peak too early in the World Cup invariably don't go the distance. Argentina and Spain both came out with all guns blazing during the group stage and both looked set to feature in the latter stages, only to be thwarted in the quarter-finals and last 16 respectively. Conversely, the wheels carrying the Italian and French wagons didn't look well oiled in their group campaigns but they have gathered momentum with each passing game and it is the Azzurri and Les Bleus that will be rolling into Berlin on Sunday to do battle in the World Cup Final. Interestingly, the last time Italy and France crossed swords was in a major final - the Euro 2000 Final in Holland - and it was the French who prevailed. Italy looked home and hosed on that occasion but Les Bleus staged a late comeback to level the scores deep in injury time before David Trezeguet struck with the Golden Goal that clinched the prize. Six years is a long time in football but, nevertheless, the Azzurri will be out to avenge that heartbreaking defeat and, given the performance of Marcello Lippi's men in their dramatic semi-final victory over the hosts Germany, they certainly come into this match worthy of their status as favourites across the board to claim this trophy for the fourth time in their history. The Italian approach in this tournament has been one of patience and poise. They have steadily came to the boil and saved their best for when it really mattered. Indeed, their semi-final performance against Germany was outstanding. The match in question was, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best football matches in modern times - a true epic, and a game for the purists. Many expected Italy to endeavour to absorb German pressure in that match and try and pounce late but Lippi and his charges had other ideas, and the Azzurri punched pound for pound with Germany from the off in a match in which the two sides couldn't be separated until 119 minutes of high-octane, heart-stopping action had passed. On the 119th minute, Andrea Pirlo set up Fabio Grosso to direct that ball pass Jens Lehmann before substitute Alessandro Del Piero finished off a wonderful Italian counter-attack with a sublime finish to seal the victory, a minute into stoppage time. It was cruel that a team should lose what was such a magnificent spectacle but Italy were ultimately the better side on the night and had hit the woodwork twice already before breaking the deadlock. While Italy's start to the tournament was workmanlike, France's was down right poor. Raymond Domenech's men looked disjointed and uninterested during their group fixtures. However, they sprang into life when mastering Spain in their last-16 tie before outplaying reigning champions and tournament favourites Brazil, beating them 1-0 in Frankfurt courtesy of a Thierry Henry volley. And France essentially played out the second half against an impotent Portugal when winning their semi-final fixture 1-0. Domenech's strategy of playing Henry as the sole forward, with support forthcoming from the likes of Ribery, Malouda and the rejuvenated Zinedine Zidane, has worked a treat. Marseille's Frank Ribery, reportedly a target for both Arsenal and Man Utd, has excelled during the knockout stages and he is an energetic, tenacious player who commits defenders and has the requisite pace to get behind them and deliver teasing crosses in for Henry. The bedrock of both teams has been their defenders. France have conceded just twice in the half-a-dozen matches played in the tournament going into Sunday's final, while the watertight Italians have seen Buffon beaten just the once. The Azzurri are a well organised, strong unit. At the centre of defence, Fabio Cannavaro has been brilliant. He will offer stern resistance to Thierry Henry, one of many interesting individual battles likely to take place on the pitch. Pirlo has looked as close to the finished article as any central midfielder in this tournament so far and rates a sound bet at 12/1 with Skybet to be named man of the match. The AC Milan man is such a good all-rounder, and although he is viewed by many as a defensive midfielder, he is just as effective when playing behind enemy lines, as he demonstrated against Germany when playing a pivotal role in Italy's crucial 119th minute goal. And with Francesco Totti recapturing his best, Italy's midfield looks extremely solid. Both Claude Makelele and Patrick Viera have played huge roles for France but there can be no question that the show-stopping box of tricks possessed by the majestic Zidane has been the most inspiring tale in France's upturn in this tournament. Will he still retire from football all together if France lift this trophy on Sunday? Hard to say, but he seems to be playing with such enthusiasm and verve at present that it wouldn't be surprising if he were to rethink hanging up his boots. When it comes to the crunch, though, Italy look the stronger of the two sides for me. The gung-ho hosts, with the weight of the nation behind them, couldn't break down the wall which the Azzurri put up in Dortmund. I simply cannot envisage France scoring against Italy and although backing Italy to win to nil at 5/2 with Paddy Power appeals, I'm inclined to opt for Italy to keep a clean sheet at 7/5 with Bet Direct, just in case both sides cancel each other out and this ends in a stalemate. This match should make for a thrilling finale to what has been a superb World Cup. Let's hope that this match is like the Germany v Italy tie not only for its high tempo and sheer entertainment value, but also for its good spirit and sporting nature. Personally, I think Italy will triumph whether it be within 90 minutes, or thereafter. Verdict: 0.50 pts Andrea Pirlo to be named man of the match @ 12/1 (Skybet) & 2.5 pts Italy to keep a clean sheet at 7/5 (Bet Direct)