Josanne Cassar asks a few fans what they think about tomorrow’s final

Edward Mercieca (Italy supporter)

“I can’t believe it actually! Of course, I’ve had to put up with all the English supporters telling me how lucky Italy are, but you know what I tell them – I tell them let’s hope they get even luckier so that they can win the cup and then if they DO win, then all the English supporters can scream “lucky” all they like. But really and truly I’m not sure they can win, France play a faster game and they are Italy’s bogey team, just like Italy are Germany’s bogey team!”

Julia Farrugia (Italy supporter)

“So far the Italians have provided me with the awe-inspiring games I waited for.

At the beginning of the games they didn’t impress me much. But then it was all a different story – ‘bil-Malti, paxxewni u qatghuli 5 snin minn hajti’.

I watched Italy play Ukraine in

Nicosia in the heart of Sicily with ONE Productions colleagues. My heart missed a beat a couple of times. But we shook the hotel with our vocal support! We pitied the poor reception guy who had the misfort-une to be on duty and couldn’t watch the game with us! At least we gave him a good indication that Italy were playing well whenever he heard us screaming our heads off!

Italy-Germany was an altogether different experience: I guess I was the only Italian fan in that spot. Mark, my cousin from Australia and another friend of his, both supported Germany as most of the guys did who were eating at the Al Mare Restaurant in Valletta. It was splendid eating Fauzza’s marinated veggies and prawns and watching this exciting game.

The best feeling? At the end of the match: chin up high and a smirk on my face – but quite embarrassing when Italy scored the last goal and I realised that I had just shouted a big ‘Yes’ and was clowning standing up, drawing the stern gaze of those who had supported Germany!

Italy’s chances of winning? I’d say this is a very tough game and anything can happen against France. But I can be daring and say Italy has a 55 per cent chance of winning. But then who cares. Italy made it to the final and it’s already a great achievement for me.

Forza Azzurri!”

Charles Xuereb (France supporter)

“I am sorry France is not meeting Germany in the final – my two favourites.

Since Zidane found his old magic, France’s chances – if they play like they did against Brazil – are 50-50 against Italy. History shows, however, that Lady Luck usually favours more the Azzurri, especially every 12 years, than Les Blues – an all blue final! I hope Le Coq comes on top!

Alessandro Farrugia (Italy supporter)

“Well it seemed that I got my priorities right in life after all!! Chances seem to be 50-50 always with a strong preference towards the Azzurri!!!”

Vince Vella (France Supporter)

“It feels good! Let me give you the background. I started supporting France some years back when they had what I consider to be a champagne team – the king of wines when they had the likes of Platini etc and they later went on to win the European Cup. And you know how it is locally – people love to brand people. So ever since then I have been the one who

supports the French – some kind of aberration apparently.

So I still support France for two reasons – one positive and one not so much, although it’s human, I suppose.

1. Because of Zidane – he is one of the old crew and he is a great player.

2. The not so honourable reason – well, having been branded, I love to snarl back. Funnily enough, it is not as if I follow the French team

or anything, just when you get a competition like this one. And some people have been on at me for some time now, seeing how France struggled to qualify and their not too brilliant start. The champagne had definitely started going flat. So yes, it feels good to see the sparkle back.

But one has to be realistic. Player by player and department by department, Italy are stronger. Their overall mix (age, skill, balance) is better than the French. However, one never knows. The mightier the foe, the greater the glory. So, to summarise: Italy’s chances look better but I am not excluding anything – especially if Zidane is in one of his inspirational moments.”

Jason Zammit (England supporter)

To paraphrase....there were too many cards and WAY too many dives! But all-in-all, I enjoyed this World Cup and can’t wait for tomorrow’s final in Berlin!

It’s hard to say who will win. Italy have been consistent throughout the campaign, while France seemed to have struggled at first and since their win over Brazil, have really come into their own. I have never been a fan of France, but taking into account that two of Chelsea’s stars feature in their starting 11, I would be happy to see them win it! (Mostly because I want to have a good night’s sleep on Sunday!)

Martin Sapiano (England supporter)

England did not deserve to be there any longer. Italy should now win as they are playing well..