World Cup

[Kirsten]

Through the entire match, I had the feeling that France would make it in the end. They just seemed to have more strength and energy left; Italy looked exhausted. Zidane's action broke the team's neck, I think...

Well, this was a final appearance that will always be remembered. But I don't think he wanted to be remembered this way...

Kirsten

[moosmom]

I live one block over from New Haven's "Little Italy". There have been TONS of cars driving around the neighborhood honking their horns and waving the Italian flag. That's how I found out Italy won!!

[primabella]

That game was intense. I think I went into labour twice.

I just lost all respect for Zidane. I always had the impression he had a lot of class, but I think that headbutt ended it for not only his reputation of MVP, but for France's chances of winning. It broke their morale.

The penalty kicks absolutely killed me, especially since Buffone wasn't saving any of them. But wowwww. Great finish for the Italians!

I mean I couldn't help feeling sorry for France but then flashbacks of Euro 2000 came back and well, you know..

[todd]

Congratulations Italy! party time

[Miss Z]

Well done Italy! I thought France had plenty of chances to score in the second half, but when they were in the perfect position to score, they seemed to stop and let the defenders take it away from them. It seems a shame that they could penetrate Italy's great defence only to waste it all.

And Zidane, OMG! What a way to end a career. I'd just gone to get a coffee, came back into the living room and saw all the players crowded round the referee, even the commentaters didn't know what was going on. Then there was that camera shot of that head butt, and I half laughed and stood half in awe. You would think he'd know better than to do that and I bet he feels bad this morning seeing as the world cup was lifted by the Italians.

Once again, congratulations Italy!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I was cheering for France, as they were really playing VERY good!! But stupid Zidane had to spoil it for his team; what a mean and selfish thing to do!! I feel sorry for them!

[Kirsten]

primabella, what a cute photo! It's nice to see how happy they are!

Lut, I also feel sorry for the French team. How stupid of Zidane to ruin it all for them! I wonder what he's going to do now. He didn't even show up when they got their medals...


Well, now it's the first day after 4 weeks of complete madness! Sort of boring now, and sad that this huge party is over. I don't know if you realized what has happened here, but it's truly phenomenal what happened here in this country. A country that's in a deep depression facing of unemployment, tax increases, a crashing health system and so on woke up and united it a sea of black red and gold, and fans from all these different countries celebrated together, peacefully most of the time. I really think Germany was a good host country, positive and friendly, and I think our guests from all over the world felt comfortable here and will remember the good time they had.

I did never expect such a positive energy before the tournament began, nor did I expect the young German team performing so well, and spreading such a positive team spirit. We call them the "World Champions of Hearts" here!

Yesterday, they went to Berlin to say "Danke" (thank you) to all the fans for their tremendous support. I just have to share some of the impressions, it was just great, really touching and moving:



The German team saying thank you to the fans:




Bastian Schweinsteiger supporting the band that played our most popular World Cup song "54, 74, 90, 2006" on the drums (Since Germany has NOT won the title this time, the song is now called "54, 74, 90, 2010"):




The team singing along with Xavier Naidoo, one of our most popular singers, whose song "Dieser Weg" ("this way") has inspired the team:




The sign says "We are the Champions of Hearts":




David Odonkor, Lukas Podolski and Gerald Asamoah are singing for the fans:




Oliver Kahn and Torsten Frings with a huuuge beer:




Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger singing:





LOL; please forgive me for sharing this!

Kirsten