Trans Siberian Rail!

hmmm...having heard and read about the Trans Siberian Rail route, my friend and I have been thinking long and hard about it, for quote some time now. It takes you through one of the most scenic routes in the world between Moscow and Vladivostok. If am not able to go the entire length - which will take a whole week, would plan to go atleast through a section of it.lets wait and see...So we are back to the drawing board, mapping it out and counting everything in our piggy banks!LOL

End of an Era

The World Cup brought down the curains on a few players' careers. A little peek into the cream of the best!
Zinedine Zidane(FRA): The French legend and arguably the best player to have worn a French Jersey has hung up his boots for good, but his glittering career came to an abrupt and sad end as he was sent off for a head butt on Materazzi in the finals against Italy. Italy went on to win the game and the World Cup on Penalties. With just 10 minutes left to play, Zidane finished his career with a stunning head butt which gave him the marching orders. Even though this will be the sore thumb and will be talked about for a ling time, his exploits on the field for France and his clubs - notably for Juventus and Real Madrid - will overshadaw his red card.
Vrrdict: Tragic end for a fantastic career. Could have ended on a high note by him lifting the World Cup. (But I have no complaints as I am an Italian fan :)

Luis Figo(POR): Figo came out of retirement and helped Portugal qualify for the World Cup and had a good World Cup as well. His presence was a morale booster and was by far, the best player on the field along with Ronaldo. Even at his age, he showed he was no pushover and made things look easy with his pin point crosses. In the 3-1 defeat to Germany, his cross eluded two defenders and sent the ball flying in the path of Nuno Gomes who finished it with a diving header. This was his last Game for Portugal.
Verdict: Ended his career on a good note, but sadly Portugal were not good enough for any laurels at the World Cup.

Henrik Larsson(SWE): Larsson broke into the scene in the 1994 World Cup, then staged in the United States, and set the tone for the Swedes fine run with clinical finishes and got a truck load of fans with his famed dreadlocks! More than Country, he will always be remembered for his fantastic club career with the Celtics. He epitomised them with the green stripes and will forever be etched in Celtic Folklore. His International Career came to a rather unfortunate end as he missed a penalty against Germany - a penalty which could have given the Swedes hope, had it been converted - and signalled the end of the Larsson era. Unfortunately, he will be remmebered by the Celtic fans as a great player but the Swedes might rue his missed chance.
Verdict: Sad end for a fantastic player who has served club and country so well.

Pavel Nedved(CZE): The Fiery midfield mestro was at the heart of the Juventus attack and has enjoyed several memorable seasons with the Italian giants. His International career was not as glittering as his Club trophies and was pushed back into the shadows at times by Rosicky. Having said that, the fans were behind him and when the ball was at his feet, much was expected and he delivered on most occasions. A valuable player for the Czechs from his debut.
Verdict: Not the ending he would have scripted, with the Czechs failing to get past the first round. Deserved a better finale.

Oliver Kahn(GER): Germany's fairy tale run in last years world Cup was attributed to Kahn's amazing performance between the posts, but Lehmann got the nod this year and seemed to signal the end of Kahn's career. His club career with Bayern Munich has been hugely successful and he played a vital role between the posts. After being on the bench for the best part of the World Cup, he had his final game in the third place finish and the crowds approved of his selection with every touch he made. Germany had a rather comforable win and Kahn ended with the smile.
Verdict: Good end for his career. Rather unfortunate that he was not able to add the World Cup to his tally - coming so close on two occasions.

Day 24 - We are the World Champions!!!

As the sun slowly rises out of the East, on the final day of this great month full of entertaining games and amazing goals, the Italians prepare to put their domestic problems aside and concentrate on the most important game in this world cup - with 90 minutes potentially the time between glory and agony. With the gold World cup gleaming in the sun it was up for grabs but the Italians had only thing separating them and the coveted trophy - the formidable French army. The Italians started the better and had better chances as the game started at a rather slow pace. But hardly had the game started but the referee's whistle blew for fowl on a Malouda - a rather dubious decision - and Zidane scored a cheeky penalty which ricocheted off the crossbar, crossed the goal line and then rolled back on the field. With France leading through that penalty which was not a penalty, the Italians had to keep on attacking and they did it in style. 10 minutes later, Materazzi rose high over the French defence to head in the much needed equaliser from a Pirlo corner. With Italy going all out for the win, the French were caught napping at the back and Luca Toni scored another one only to be adjudged offside. With the scores remaining level, and the French trying to put one past the Italian defence the game seemed to be heading for 20 more minutes. Toni hit the crossbar and Buffon denied Zidane with a fantastic save and proved why he was the most expensive keeper in the world. Extra time proved to be a similar affair but with 10 minutes remaining, there was drama as Materazzi went down, the linesman had a word with the Referee and out came the red card for Zizou to end his career on a bitter note. Replay's showed that Zidane headbutted Materazzi leaving the Ref with no choice but to send him off. What a disastrous end to an illustrious career. Zidane walks back to the lockers passing the World cup on his way out. The end of Zizou and as many thought, the hopes of the French. With a man down and 10 minutes left, the French would have been more happy to hang on for the Penalty shootout which would give them an even chance and a psychological disadvantage for the Italians - having lost 3 of their last 4 world cups on penalties. After 120 minutes of good football, there was nothing else to do rather than hope for the best. The Italians scored all of their spotkicks and Trezeguet hit his on the bar to give the azzurri the advatage. And when Grosso scored the decisive kick past Barthez, it was all over for France and ecstasy for the Italians and me! Italy were the World Champions! Their dream had become a reality and they conceded only 2 goals - one an own goal and the other a penalty - en route to the Cup of Glory. It was all shades of green-white-red on and off the field and even for me it took some time for the thought that we were world champions to sink in. But in the end, the Italians deserved the world cup and it will give them a great boost after their recent scandals back home.

Amid scenes of rapturous joy and happiness all over the field, there were the beaten French scattered and wondering what went wrong for them? Was it Zidane's sending off or was Trezeguet's miss the only turning point?They collected their medals with sad faces and looked a beaten side, all weary and tired. Them the time came for the heroes of the night to come forward and one by one, the jubilant Italians collected their winner's medals and piled on to the dais. As Cannavaro collected his medal, there was a huge roar of applause and rightfully so too for he put in a mammoth performance in this World Cup and was a worthy winner in the end - along with the other Italians. As Cannavaro received the Golden trophy, the fireworks started, the music blared out of the speakers, the streamers were all over the place, the Italians were happily celebrating and the he lifted the trophy high into the German sky - just as I dreamed a month back! For the Italians back home and for the fans like me, this was a defining moment and one to savour for the rest of our lives. Italy - World Champions...at least for the next four years...how sweet it sounds.
Italy 2-1 France PS(5-3)
7-Zidane pen(FRA), 19-Materazzi(ITA)
Pirlo(ITA)-Scored, Wiltord(FRA)-Scored, Materazzi(ITA)-Scored, Trezeguet(FRA)-Missed, De Rossi(ITA)-Scored, Abidal(FRA)-Scored, Del Piero(ITA)-Scored,Sagnol(FRA)-Scored, Grosso(ITA)-Scores to win the World Cup!

We are the Champions!!!

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!....rest later....after the party!!!

On my way!

With just a little over an hour left for the big game, am all painted now and ready to leave!!...See ya soon... and again...FORZA ITALIA!

Foza Italia!

This is all that we have been waiting for and not many people (except me of course!) would have predicted Italy to win it all! From the 9th of June, the world (and mine) was all in a 9-inch diameter sphere. With high hopes every team came into the world cup and some left with bitter memories and some others with their head held high. With just the finals remaining, a France-Italy game will be a fitting final for a month of glorious and fantastic games.

[21:25] Here I am getting all ready for the finals where 'we' play against France for ultimate glory in football. With the finals just a little more than 2 hours away, am ready to paint the green-white-red of Italy and wear my blue jersey to cheer my team. We have place booked already at the Taj where they have a giant screen and I hope it provides the atmosphere of a real stadium, and I hope there are other Italian fans there...anyway, right now, I kinda have butterflies in my tummy thinking about the game and a loss would be devastating!I hope I blog about it tomorrow with a smiling face and with the picture of Cannavaro lifting the World Cup high into the sky -with all the fireworks in the background.

FORZA ITALIA

Day 23

With just a day left on the charts for the grand finale, the fight for third place was on between Germany and Portugal. A great game to watch for all and for the German fans, this could be their moment in this world cup to enjoy and savour. As the game started, Germany had a sense of urgency and had the better of the strikes than their opponents. It was only time which was separating Germany from eventual victory and Schweinsteiger soon gave then the lead when he cut in from the left and sent a swerving shot past the Portuguese custodian, Ricardo. Germany got their second soon with an own goal by Petit - from a Schweinsteiger free kick, and with 12 minutes of normal time remaining, Schweinsteiger capped his fantastic performance with his second of the game - another swerving strike from outside the box which left Ricardo with no choice but to pick the ball out of the net. Scolari brought on Figo to add more power and skill to their attack but there was nothing that they can do to get one past Kahn, who was having a memorable night between the posts. But Portugal's second half performance deserved a goal and they did get it with 2 minutes from time, Figo sent in a beautiful cross and a diving header by Nuno Gomes finished the game at 3-1. After the game, there were scenes of celebration as the Germans made their fans proud and proudly waved their medals to the appreciating crowd. Khan received a rousing applause (even in the game for every ball he gathered!) in what could be his final international game for Germany, and it could very well be the final International game for Figo as well. The old warhorses are leaving, giving room for young aspiring players who could be tomorrow's heroes. Schweinsteiger proved he was one of them. On the podium, a few smiles and pleasantries exchanged between Klinsmann and Platini brought back old memories, but this was Germany's night and they were out to make it last forever.
Germany 3-1 Portugal
56-Schweinsteiger(GER), 61og-Petit(POR), 78-Schweinsteiger(GER)

Day 22

The game to decide who takes on Italy for ultimate glory in Berlin was to be decided and it was between Portugal and 1998 World Champions France, led by the amazing Zidane. Zidane has led France to the semi's with some awe inspiring performances, and much was expected of him against Portugal - who were also putting in a good performance, thanks to Figo. A battle between two legends Figo and Zidane was very much on the cards,and in the end only one will prevail, and the Frenchman did! With Henry 'winning' a first half penalty, Zidane finished it off with a convincing strike from the spot. Portugal were beaten - much to the delight of England, and English fans - and Ronaldo's tears were like the summer rain on English soil. He has got the tag of 'most hated' in English football now and people can only think of what will happen next season in the EPL. But for now, Portugal will need to fight it out with the Germans for a consolation of a third place, while France go to Berlin to face an old opponent in Italy.
France 1-0 Portugal
33-Zidane pen(FRA)

Day 21 - We are on our way to Berlin!!!

We are the Champions,my friends...Huh..Maybe am singing it out a bit too early. But after Italy's vintage performance against Germany, few will have doubts about their threat. A fascinating encounter saw Italy emerge as the winners with two late, late goals deep into second half of Extra time. Fabio Grosso sent a fine curling shot past lehmann - after some good work by Pirlo - in the 119th minute to silence the home crowd and the German bench. And as the German's were searching for the equaliser, Italy hit them on the break and del Piero sealed the win with a deft lob over the rushing Lehmann. The game was probably the best of the tournament and in the end, Italy were deserved winners. The game started at a fantastic pace and both teams had chances, but failed to find the back of the net. Italy were controlling the game in the first 45 minutes and then Germany started to gain control in the second half. Though the scoreline remained 0-0 after full time, the game was far from boring as it was a total end to end attacking package. Germany had their chances, but like all the other teams in the World Cup so far, failed to breach the Italian defence marshaled by the magnificent Cannavaro. In extra time, the game exploded and Italy were denied by the woodwork twice in 2 minutes with Lehmann completely beaten. Germany survived. But with Pirlo orchestrating from the midfield, the Italians had the advantage over their opponents. With the match teetering towards the dreaded penalties, Germany were sitting back on the ball but the Italians burst forward and then came the defining moment. A short corner, Pirlo's fine pass, Gross's deft curler and the ball hitting the back of the net were the dreams the Italians will have and the nightmare that the Germans will have. With Germany on the brink of elimination in their own back yard, a hush settles over the German camp, and to add to the injury, the ageless del Piero finished off in style by getting on the scoresheet. Italy have not played so well in this world cup, that the majority (in fact more than the majority) accepted that they were worthy winners and deserved to be in the final. With potentially 90 minutes separating Italy and the World Cup, I can hardly work today...and can't wait to see Cannavaro lift the coveted trophy high into the German sky! FORZA ITALIA!!!
Italy 2-0 Germany (AET)
119-Grosso(ITA), 120-del Piero(ITA)

A few Quotes about the game:

"The German team played well, but Italy deserved to be in the final" - German Legend Franz Beckenbauer
"A big compliment too to Italy, they are in the final and good luck to them." - Jurgen Klinsmann
"If there was a team that was going to win this game, it was going to be us" - Marcello Lippi (and me!)

BBC Poll
"It will be little consolation to the hosts but 70% of you think that was the match of the tournament. 84% say Italy are worthy winners."

Player Rating:

Day 20

The second day of the quarters had two interesting fixtures, with England taking on Portugal in the first for the day. With Owen out injured, and Walcott on the bench so far, Rooney was started as the lone striker with Gerrard and Lampard supporting him. Probably mistake number one by Sven! As the game progressed, either team had equal chances but failed to convert. The game slowly trickled down to half time with the scores even. The second half started in similar fashion, but on the 62th minute, disaster for England as Rooney receives his marching orders for a stamp on Carvalho, and his Man U teammate, Ronaldo, was urging the referee to punish Rooney. He seemed to wink at his bench as well - which has raised a few eyebrows. Rooney's departure meant, they had to bring on a striker to try and make something happen and so enter Crouch again!Btw, if you -like me- are wondering why Walcott was on the squad list, I guess the lad wished for a sight seeing trip and he got his wish granted - many thanks to generous Sven! Ok, back to the game! Contrary to what people thought, England - without Rooney, and with 10 men- produced their best performance in the world cup and were unfortunate not to take the lead. As the clock slowly ticked towards the end of extra time, a cloud of mixed feeling settled over the English camp. And the cloud turned dark when Ronaldo scored from the spot to hand the win to Portugal. Lampard who had had a very very disappointing World Cup, missed from the spot (and not too many people were surprised!), but later Gerrard had his saved as well to sum up England's performance on the whole. To wrap it up, Carragher had his twice taken penalty saved and complete Scolari's successive hat trick of wins over England in major competitions. The only bright speck was Hargreaves performance which deserved at least a mention here. But, by now, English interest in the World Cup is over and so is Sven Goran Ericksson's.
England 0-1 Portugal PS(1-3)
Sabrosa(PRO)-Scored, Lampard(ENG)-Saved, Viana(Por)-Missed, Hargreaves(ENG)-Scored, Petit(POR)-Missed, Gerrard(ENG)-Saved, Postiga(POR)-Scored, Carragher(ENG)-Saved, Ronaldo(POR)-Scored

The final place in the Semi's was a keen contest between the defending Champions Brazil and the 1998 World Champions France. Brazil started brightly but looked to be playing second fiddle for an 'aging' French team in which Zizou was pulling all the strings in midfield. With all the attacking talent that they possess, Brazil cut a sorry figure as they failed to penetrate the French last line. The second half started in similar fashion with France still holding the upper hand and were rewarded in the 57th minute when Thierry Henry finished off a superb volley from a free kick to give the French the lead. After conceding, Brazil started pushing forward in search of the equliaser, but unfortunately it never came. France emerged the winners and proceed to the semi's to take on Portugal - who conquered England - with the hope of making it to the finals in Berlin.
Brazil 0-1 France
57-Henry(FRA)

Day 19

The quarter finals are underway and what a better start than the hosts taking on Argentina. With Argentina starting as hot favouirtes and Germany with the home support, it certainly looked like an interesting battle between Europe and S.America. Argentina started well and finally took the lead in the second half through an Ayala header. The Germans seem to be pegged back by the south Americans and with just 10 minutes left on the clock, Klose revived German hopes by heading in the equaliser. Klose's equaliser came 8 minutes after Riquelme had been substituted - a move that seemed to have backfired. Argentina had had to take off their first choice keeper - Abondanzieri as well, as he had injured himself in a collision with Klose. With Extra time looming, both teams were not in too much of a hurry. After 30 more minutes of some fantastic football, though much of the posession and attack came from Argentina, the Germans hung on for the Penalties. With Lehmann between the posts, they had the advantage over the substitute Franco of Argentina. The spot kicks started and Lehmann saved kicks from Ayala and then Cambiasso to send Germany to the Semi's and a not so happy Argentina back home. After the game, there was more drama as player and officials from either team exchanged blows for around 90 seconds and had to be seperated by the officials. The turning points of the game were the injury to Abbondanzieri and more notably the substitution of Riquelme! Argentina needed him on the field and Perkermen made a mess by taking him off. And certain questions remain unasnwered as of now. Why was Riquelme taken off? To defend? Why was Messi not brough on??? As the Argentine fans ponder over, the Germans are looking at the Italains!
Germany 2-1 Argentina PS(4-2)
49-Ayala(ARG), 80-Klose(GER)
PS:Neuville(GER)-Scored, Cruz(ARG)-Scored, Ballack(GER)-SCored, Ayala(ARG)-Saved, Podolski(GER)-Scored, Rodriguez(ARG)-Scored, Borowski(GER)-SCored, Cambiasso(ARG)-Saved.

Italy start their game agianst Ukraine knowing that if they get through, they face Germany in the Semi's. They never looked troubled from the kick off and soon took the lead through a super drive from Zambrotta. With the lead in hand, and Shevchenko cutting a lone figure up front for Ukraine, Italy seemed to have a rather easy outing here. And soon enough, Toni onpened his scoring books -at the right time- and finished the game with a brace. Ukraine struck the woodwork twice but were not able to convert any of their attempts and Shevchenko was anonymous for long spells. Italy are getting their act together at the right time. With their strikers, especially Toni, finding the mark it will put more than a smile on any Italians fan's face. Now, they look at the German front line which has been firing on all cylinders and will be a real test for the Italian defence, which has - technically- not conceded a goal, albeit for the own goal by Zaccardo. With a place in the finals on the cards, the Azzurri will have to produce a fine display - better than what Argentina did - to see the Germans off. Personally, I think Germany are not as tough an opponent for Italy as Argentina. But the German army looks too strong and will be full of confidence after their win and the Italians should be wary of the threat and make sure they have the last laugh!
Italy 3-0 Ukraine
6-Zambrotta(ITA), 59,69-Toni(ITA)