juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Well, at least they wouldn't blame the "dry" pitch like England is doing.

Funny, every announcer has said that the pitch is too wet which is why we're seeing so many players slipping during games... yet England is blaming the dry field for their poor play...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...372669&cc=5901

GBockers

IMHO we are now moving towards the FIFA grouping process (random ) vs seeding ALL teams. Italy has had good fortune in this CUP, crazy officiating on their behalf against Aussie's at the very least. Drawing the U.S. team in their group, and winning against a flat Czech team. But that's how the current system works. But the cream rises in this tournament and now that we're left with the Germans, Argentines, Brazilians, English, Portuguese, etc,. These are definitely the best teams in the world (save for Ghana and Ukraine); Netherlands deserved a better fate. One could argue the Mexicans, Swedes too are better than Ghana and Ukraine. FIFA assured that certain teams would be in the final 16.

G

FastAcura

Which was the case in their win earlier this year

Germany midfield > Italy midfield
Germany attack > Italy attack
Italy defense > Germany defense


But first, both teams gotta advance. I remember in 98 when the Germans thought that they would play the French in the semis and how the French said that it will be a tough game against Germany, and then Germany unexpectedly lost to Croatia.

FastAcura

I really like Ghana. I think after the win against the Czech, they really believe in themselves. IMO if Italy played Ghana last in their group, it would have been a much different team. I can't wait to see them against Brazil. This could be a big upset.

Always Dirty

Has this been posted yet? It's video of Italy's pre-game practice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccDyp...talia%20trener

GBockers

They have absolutely played well, to beat both the Czechs and U.S. in group play when the pressure was on and they were down two key players vs U.S. was exceptional. Brazil on the other hand, they were outstanding in their last game vs Japan. I can't see Ghana beating them. But that's why the play the game.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Wow... what a freakin move around the goalie. Great through pass also...

WdnUlik2no

Damn that was quick......RONALDOOO!!!!!!

Ronaldo broke his ankles!

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Wow, replay makes it look even worse. The goalie got eaten. Ronaldo ate him alive.

YOTH

@ drama queens of soccer!

cl_jay

I don't usually watch soccer, but I caught some of the Argentina vs Mexico and I have to say Argentina probably practices the same way.

WdnUlik2no

"dadada dadada" (ESPN theme music)

dom

I thought so after the game yesterday as well. But after listening to several so-called experts last night, they all believed it was the right call.

Game set match Brazil.

GBockers

IMO you must consider the severity of the "foul" versus the impact of the call at that point in the game. Did Italy outplay Australia; yes, but to award a penalty at that juncture (5 minutes injury time) with overtime lurking.....

Unless the fouls are clear cut, the players determine the outcome.

G

P.S. - Notice I didn't mention the Gooch call.

WdnUlik2no

Whoa!! Almost tied up..

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Players should absolutely determine the outcome of the game... and they did. The defender got beat, and made the decision to trip up the attacker in the box with time running out, and had the penalty called on him. So the defender's decision to foul him in the box at the end of extra time decided the game.

Who's to say that if he doesn't get tripped up Italy doesn't score right there. It was just striker vs goalkeeper after that defender was toasted. You can't allow players to take people out like that b/c they got beat... especially in the box.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

And WTF is up with Ghana controlling the ball (leading in attacking time) and getting all these shots off??

GBockers

The replay that I saw had the defender sliding to make the tackle and the attacking player trip over him while leaping to avoid the tackle. Albeit in the penalty area as you mentioned. It could've gone either way IMO.

G

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

I don't know... every angle I saw shows the defender's left arm/shoulder going up and into the attacker after he was on the floor and beat. Looked like a clear foul to me...

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

I totally forgot that that goal broke the tie and gave him the World Cup record for goals by himself. Good stuff...

IlliNorge

Yes, subjective. I saw the replay in the same way. It was clear to me that the Italian initiated the contact after the Australian slid to block a potential shot. The underlying theme here is that Italy was given the supreme reward for a bit of gamesmanship. Instead of attempting a shot, he chose to fall over the defender to get a call.

On a positive note, how about the Brazilian getting a card for diving in the box?

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Wow.. how did that not go in? Brazil got lucky there...

WdnUlik2no

Wow Brazil dodged a bullet right there...

dom

Funny how people can have a totally opposite view of what happened after watching it several times from several angles. The Italian initiated contact? surely you were watching another game?

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Wow, how quickly the tables turn. Looks like Brazil is on the ropes... and bam... another goal... this time Adriano.

2-0 Brazil

WdnUlik2no

2:0

Ghana

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

For real. I mean, if you can't see the defenders left arm/shoulder go up into the Italian and trip him... you were watching a different game...

WdnUlik2no

Yeah, that was offsides, when I watch the replay.

fdl

The bottom line is that he had beaten the defender. If the guy wasnt laying there obstructing his path, it was a sure goal. So I dont think we can call the win or the pk unfair at all.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, when they showed it at halftime you could see he was about a half-step ahead of the defender...

subinf

And you question the call??

fdl

I just found a quick way to get World Cup scores - google World Cup Scores.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Well, as if there was any doubt.... another goal, this time Ze Roberto... 3-0 in the 85th minute.

dom

So how was the play? Did Ghana stand a chance?

GBockers

Espn World Cup panelists questioned the call; the (AP) report from Germany called it "controversial". One column goes as far as saying that only Italy players and fans saw it as a penalty. http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/5731350

I cannot find the links now since the Brazil-Ghana match is a final. It doesn't matter anyway, Italy is in and Australia are on their way home.

G

GBockers

Dude, Ghana represented VERY WELL; if it weren't Brazil they were playing they probably would've won the match. They attacked strongly, the Ghanian goaltender was awesome. They just couldn't contain Brazil's counter-attack, or dent their defense. Brazil's back-line was key for them in this match.

G

RMATIC09

good game, ghana played well.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

As mentioned, they played very well. They almost tied the game 1-1 several times.. and they were all out attacking the last half of the first half. A late counter-attack goal by Brazil right before the half really deflated them. They had some chances in the second half as well... but being down 2-0 against Brazil.. it was almost like they knew they were done...

Lister00169

Ghana - you made this World Cup more interesting.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Anyone have any preference on the Spain/France game?

Personally I'm pulling for Spain. Not a big France fan