Italy and France

Italy & France.
The two teams who were last world cup's finalists crashed out of the world cup 2010. Some shoddy defensive play and lack of creativity in the midfield were the main reasons for the champions and runners up downfalls. France never settled into their groove and looked out of sorts in their first game against Uruguay although Frank Ribery and co. tried really hard to inject some life into proceedings it never really worked and France could only manage to scrape a draw against Uruguay. Even as Coach Raymond Domenech tried in vain to spur his team on they suffered a humiliating defeat against Mexico, Down and out Henry tried to take the onus of trying to take his side into the last 16, South Africa with lots of home support, kicked them out. Italy on the other hand never really got going poor tactical decision making cost the azzuris. Daniel De Rossi was trying a little too hard and Marcello Lippi backed his side, but a poor performance cost the azzuris and before Lippi could realise Italy had been sent packing. Pride dented, The Kiwis exposed a few chinks in the defensive play of Italy and Slovakia were thoroughly professional about it. Football lovers who have come to love the one touch fast and aggressive football will not have to watch a match and then feel bored and disinterested by the Azzuri way of football. Good for the game now that newer and lesser known teams now have realistic chance at glory. Great Game today though