BERLIN, July 8: None Italian opponents have scored in this World Cup. France have allowed two goals overall.

Even with all the offensive flair on both sides, defence will decide the title come Sunday.

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

Germany probed and pressed throughout their semi-final 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 offences in the tournament.

Australia displayed a strong attack in the first round, then were blanked by the Italians. Ukraine, with striker Andriy Shevchenko, didn't get on the scoresheet in the quarter-final.

France have no reason to fear any team after outplaying Brazil in the quarter-final. But the French weren't quite so effective with the ball against Portugal in the semis. Their defence? Impeccable.—AP