France vs Italy: Defense will decide World Cup final

No Italian opponent has scored in this World Cup. France has allowed two goals overall. Even with all the offensive flair on both sides, defense will decide the title Sunday in Olympic Stadium.

The Azzurri have been so impenetrable in six matches that only Cristian Zaccardo got the ball past outstanding goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Zaccardo plays defense for Italy.

Germany probed and pressed throughout its semifinal and went 120 minutes without ever finding the net. Indeed, the Germans had only a handful of dangerous opportunities with one of the most powerful offenses in the tournament.

Australia displayed a strong attack in the first round, then was blanked by the Italians. Ukraine, with star striker Andriy Shevchenko, didn't get on the scoresheet in the quarterfinals. That game features textbook technique in the penalty area. Led by captain Fabio Cannavaro, the Italians block more shots than Shaq. They brilliantly volley clearances upfield, sometimes from angles that seem impossible.

France has no reason to fear any team after outplaying Brazil in the quarterfinals. But the French weren't quite so effective with the ball against Portugal in the semis. Their defense? Impeccable.

Such regal defense will be needed again Sunday because, even with their defensive personas in the World Cup, both teams bring a wealth of attacking talents.

Italy has had 10 players score, led by striker Luca Toni with two. But it has been the point-guard style work of Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo that has sparked the attack, and Fabio Grosso is among the tournament's most effective defenders near the opposition's net. Even such players as Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi have made major contributions as substitutes.

France has midfielder extraordinaire Zinedine Zidane, who has recaptured the form he used to win three FIFA player of the year awards and to lead France to the 1998 championship. Henry, although his marksmanship could be more precise, always is a threat, and Patrick Vieira's recent performances rival any of his teammates'.

For all that attacking acuity on both sides, a 1-0 result is entirely possible. Perhaps even inevitable. The defenses simply are that strong.