"Let's start out with some positive "playground" type of perspective on today's final between Italy and France. For starters, Italy and France are the teams that tied and beat my two teams, the United States and Portugal, respectively. Fans of the United States would probably feel a little better if Italy won because the American squad would become the only opponent of Italy, in the tournament, that did not lose to the Italians. With a little better luck - or better officiating - who knows, the boys from the U.S. might have beaten Italy. And if that had happened, I would not be writing about Italy at all but a different team altogether.
I suppose you can swing the history and stats any direction you choose. From my perspective, if you took the Italy and France of the first round, you would be tempted not to even hold the final and declare the title vacant. If you take the progress of both teams since the round of 16, you have extra time and - perish the thought - penalty kicks. On form they are that close and many are predicting a PK ending. Just two weeks ago, these teams were seemingly adrift with little hope of reaching this match. Italy was faltering because, well, it is Italy and all the expectations that go with it. France was looking mediocre because it was, and still is, old, but … look how those old guys are playing now."
Read Marcos' full report at the Tampa Tribune >>
About Me
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- The largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America, United Soccer Leagues is dedicated to growing the sport at the grassroots level in every community. The USL First Division and Second Division (North American men’s professional soccer), the USL Premier Development League (U23 North American men’s amateur), the USL W-League (North American women’s amateur), the USL Super-20 League (U20 North American men’s and women’s amateur) and the USL Super Y-League (North American boy’s and girl’s elite youth amateur) have provided a platform for thousands of players to reach their dreams since 1986. This vision and commitment to develop a soccer nation by fans, investors, administrators, coaches, and players has created the foundation for the growth of the sport, while presenting affordable, exciting family entertainment in over 100 cities and towns on the continent.