Friday 7 July 2006
Throughout the 2006 World Cup we'll be predicting each day's results - using Pro Evolution Soccer! We'll select the teams and let the game play out the action on its own, before posting a quick match report and the final, PES-predicted score.
2006 World Cup: The final
Italy vs France
The 2006 World Cup final starts off cautiously with both teams trying to get their passing rhythm going, but it's Italy who gets there first with Totti at the centre of every move.
France slowly comes into the game, starting to bypass the congested midfield with balls to their two wide men - Ribery and Malouda - and it's from the latter that the game's first clear-cut chance is created.
Spotting a diagonal run from Henry, the left midfielder chips a delightful ball behind the Italian defence. The flag stays down but the Arsenal striker, usually so deadly in one-on-one situations, can only put the ball over the bar.
France continue to find plenty of joy down the flanks as Italy's midfield play narrow, too concerned with Zidane. This costs them dearly as, when Ribery finds space down the right, his cross is headed past the Italian keeper by Materazzi to put France into the lead.
Day one,Day two,Day three,Day four,Day five,Day six,Day seven,Day eight,Day nine,Day 10,Day 11,Day 12,Day 13,Day 14,Day 15,Day 16,Day 17,Day 18,Day 19,Day 20,Day 21,Day 22,Day 23
