Saturday (Third place match)
Germany :: Portugal
ESPN & Univision @ 2p
The third place finisher gets individual medals, not so the fourth. There is a little something to play for here. Still it's hard to get excited about the match as a spectator, so how much more so as a player? I'm hoping for the referee to call a good game and neutralize or penalize the diving. These two teams could put on a good show if they wanted to.
My Guess: Germany 1 - 2 Portugual GER 3 - 1 POR
Sunday
Italy :: France
ABC & Univision @ 1p
This feels like a true final. This is the best competition that either side have faced so far in the tournament. Park Ji-Sung (South Korea 1 - 1 France) is the only opponent to score from open play against either team. Italy has a "1" in the Goals Against column after six matches and that only because they conceded an own goal in the draw with USA. The last thing anyone expects is a goal fest.
Italy have to find a way past the phenomenal French midfield. If they do, then they have to beat Gallas and Thuram at the back. But they are patient. They might just find a way if they can keep their famous tempers under control.
France will need some miracle to beat Buffon. Henry hasn't looked miraculous yet. Lucky against Brazil, but not showing the brilliant skills he possesses.
The referee in this game is the same one from the England - Portugal match. The terrible news is that he is persuaded by acting and whining. Both teams in this final have needlessly participated in this reprehensible behavior and I fear that what should be a great football match will be decided by a cheat or mama's boy. I pray that Monday I will not be wistfully wondering what might have happended if the stupid ref hadn't ruined the game.
My guess: Italy 1 - 0 France ITA 1(5) - 1(3) FRA