J.A.W.

I'm expecting a very tactical game, especially from Italy. I don't think it'll be a great spectacle.

That was about the only impression he made...

The German commentator here was already questioning how different the gravity force in the French PK area could be.

Yes, it was not good. Looks like they were out of gas by the end of the match, especially Henry. I thought Henry was injured. Portugal are not a very good side in my view (and very unsympathetic, but that's another story), that's why I was so disappointed with France's performance tonight, they really should have done a bit more and decide the game sooner.

Game for third place, Saturday, July 8, Stuttgart: Germany - Portugal Final, Sunday, July 9, Berlin: France - Italy

Full time: France 1, Portugal 0 France are through to the final on Sunday. What a disappointing game. France were not very good tonight.

The Portuguese are diving like mad again... The referee should start handing out cards for that. France have given up the midfield, letting the Portuguese take control of the game. Not good...

That dive was unbelievable, not even good acting for him. I'm not sure I would have given a penalty for that. Well, he didn't get one - I was referring to Ronaldo, not Henry. Henry was tackled, the penalty was a correct decision. I was combining two thoughts in that one post. Sorry for any confusion. Yes, he was tackled but I've seen worse not called. Don't get me wrong I want France to win. Just not sure that was deserving of a penalty in a game of this importance. It was, I fully agree with couw here. The fact that worse fouls were not called doesn't make any difference in my view.

Just to avoid any misunderstandings, "The Little Pisser" = Cristiano Ronaldo. (Edited to correct a spelling error - another one...)

That dive was unbelievable, not even good acting for him. I'm not sure I would have given a penalty for that. Well, he didn't get one - I was referring to Ronaldo, not Henry. Henry was tackled, the penalty was a correct decision.

GOAL! France 1, Portugal 0; Zidane, penalty.

The Little Pisser is diving again... What an insufferable guy...

Seriously, it was reported that they generally behaved very well this time.

In my view Italy played very well, way more attacking than usual - maybe except for those tactical intervals mentioned above - and I found it a refreshing change from the extremely boring and destructive defensive "catenaccio" system they're known for. I don't disagree... "very well", yes, just not great. It was anyone's game until Grosso found the net. I was disappointed with Germany's subs (I mentioned Odonkor already... Schweinsteiger didn't do much, and where was Neuville?) Yep, Odonkor was a big let-down after his previous performances. I can understand why Klinsmann initially left Schweinsteiger out; his performance in the Argentina game was pretty bad, and so was his game today. I never really liked Neuville.

In my view Italy played very well, way more attacking than usual - maybe except for those tactical intervals mentioned above - and I found it a refreshing change from the extremely boring and destructive defensive "catenaccio" system they're known for.

Yes, but it could have gone either way I think. Both teams had their moments, Italy some very boring ones. In the end the change to two forwards put Germany into trouble. Great tactic move that was. For once a fine game to watch, including a fine ref. Not to detract from Germany's excellent game, but in my view Italy was the better team and had the better chances throughout the game. I didn't see those boring Italian moments. The referee was excellent indeed; he made refreshingly few mistakes. the Italians fell back into their boring defensive-with-long-balls-to-the-guy-waiting-up-front game when Germany turned up the pressure, especially during the second half. Maybe boring is the wrong word as it was exciting to watch. Just not the kind of play I like too much. The first half wasn't that spiffy as it was in the end yet another tactical stalemate; hardly any balls broke through the defense on either side. Good to watch as the midfield play was good on both sides, but there were maybe three or four minor chances during the entire first half. The game had its tactical moments indeed, but it was on a high level and I never find that boring

Yes, but it could have gone either way I think. Both teams had their moments, Italy some very boring ones. In the end the change to two forwards put Germany into trouble. Great tactic move that was. For once a fine game to watch, including a fine ref. Not to detract from Germany's excellent performance, but in my view Italy was the better team and had the better chances throughout the game. I didn't see those boring Italian moments. The referee was excellent indeed; he made refreshingly few mistakes.

After extra time: Germany 0, Italy 2 Italy through to the final on Sunday. Germany play for 3rd place on Saturday. Great game; not a classic, but very gripping. The better team won, with two wonderful goals. (Edited to correct a spelling error)

You can delete the double thread by using the "moderation options" at the bottom left-hand corner on the thread page.

I fully agree. As I posted here before, no politics here please!

When NSJF founder Paul Acket was still alive, artists appearing at the festival were not allowed to perform elsewhere in Europe for a certain period of time. I don't know if that's still the case.

Not quite. He has been given a two-game ban with the second game suspended, period. Whether Germany qualify for the final or not is not relevant for the suspended game.

PM still sent on Max Roach Damn ! Take 5 posted this ad twice, so maybe he's selling two copies of each set...

But the nut's absolutely worth it

By the way, the Farmer/Golson/Jazztet Mosaic is a must have in my opinion. It's great.