Italy Vs France
June 18, 2008
Italy Vs France: World Champions survives the group of death
June 17 2008. After two classic confrontations in as many years, European giants and World Cup 2006 finalists, France & Italy, again logged horns against one another. However, there were lots at stake for both these teams, as the final place in the Group C (Group of Death) was up for grabs. With Netherlands already making it to the quarters with two thumping wins over both these giants, it was a win-win situation for both these teams.
Experts felt that it was going to be another thrilling game in between both these teams with heated confrontations and the players did not disappoint one bit.
For the first quarter of the game, it seemed that the game could go either way with strikers from both the teams taking shots on the goal at their will. However, the game tilted into the hands of the Italians, who got an opportunity in the form of penalty in the 25th minute after a foul was committed on Luca Toni by France and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal. The situation got worse with the France defender sent off for his rusty challenge.
The Penalty
Although there were several contenders for taking the penalty in the Italian Side, but with the pressure of the situation and the misadventures in penalties leading to the game, Andrea Pirlo was given the job. Mr. ice-cool did not disappoint and hit the back of the net past France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet to make it 1-0 for Italy.
It became a hurdle too tough to overcome for France, who continued showing resistance in the second half. However with the deflected free kick from Daniele de Rossi in the 62nd minute sealed the game for the world champions and booked their ticket in the quarter finals.
It did not have the same chills of the World Cup final, yet it was not far from being one of the best games in the EURO 2008.
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