This historic city has been at the centre of many clashes of culture in the past 70 years; it is set for another tomorrow, though this is in a happier, positive context.

It is the clash between the individualists of France and the team players of Italy, flair vs technique, cool-headed experience vs the passion of youth.

It’s an intriguing mix and the sheer quality of players on both sides, and the fact that they are in fine form, raises this final above the last one four years ago.

No one expected them to be here in Berlin, and that’s the beauty of the World Cup in general and this tournament in particular. Each has beaten one of the two favourites to win, and have earned their place here on merit.

It’s not easy to predict a World Cup final but one thing is clear: It will be close.

One man who knows about World Cup finals is Geoff Hurst, whose record of three goals in 1966 is unlikely to be broken tomorrow. “It will be very close”, said Hurst today. Pressed to pick between the two, he added: “On their semi-final form I’d say Italy have the edge.”

Italy’s strength has to be the quality and form that runs through the side, and the fact that their 11 goals have come from 10 players. France have scored fewer goals, and their eight are spread among four players.

Yet, on the night, over 90 minutes of a tense encounter, it often requires just one spark. And tomorrow that spark is more likely to come from Thierry Henry, who has been unable to replicate over the past month his usual brilliance in an Arsenal jersey. Henry, a man deeply proud of his game, is aware of that and knows he can write off his reputation of being a big-match flop with one curling shot, one darting run, one drop of the shoulder.

... contd.