Forza Italia..
I thought we played well.
Lots of people are saying that Ghana caused us too many problems etc etc.
I say it's the result that counts, and so far, the only team that looked better than us is Czech.
We were good in defence and forced them to shoot from range.
Well done boys
Now beat USA and hope Ghana take points from Czech so we only need a draw against Czech to finish top.
Otherwise Italy - Czech is going to be a cracker.
The match to avoid Brazil.
Originally posted by EsotericI've been playing football for 16 years and, yes, I did know that Totti fractured his leg and tore ligaments in his ankle back in Feburary.
I'm guessing you don’t play football hey. And I’m guessing you didn't know Totti broke that same ankle about 6 weeks ago.
I play football, and have been on the receiving end of the sort of tackles Iaquinta took. They can do alot of damage and it is quite painful. Studs can cut pretty deep and I have alot of scars on my ankles because of it.
Plus it i ...[text shortened]... a penalty and scored which would of ended the match for Ghana.
I do despise diving though.
I've had more than my fair of injuries too and I know that if it REALLY hurts as much as both of them pretended it did, than both of them wouldn't have walked off/back on the pitch like they did. Not only are they both awful play-actors, but it's a disgrace to see it in the World Cup 😠
Originally posted by EsotericI'm from Stoke-on-Trent, just round the corner from Robbie Williams, Phil Taylor and Sir Stanley Matthews. I could give you the whole list of famous Stokies but the forum's not big enough.
An Englishman supporting Italy? Now the world really will end.
Forza Reginna! Are you Calabrese? What part are you from?
I lived in Crotone for a year. Many wouldn't say this but I loved it, even Cutro where Iaquinta is from.
Incidentally, Simone Perrotta is probably my brother because, and catch the parallels here, he was born in England, lived in Calabria, Bari, and Verona, and then on to Roma.
Only thing is I'm not moving to Roma after all but Bishkek, slight difference.
I've lived in Italy for 2 and a half years and it's a magic place I'll be very sad to leave. It would be very hard not to support Italy for this World Cup.
Originally posted by Daemon SinI have some sympathy for this argument. Some of you may be aware that a cyclist in last year's (or 2004's) Tour de France broke his collar bone in an early stage and carried on riding. I understand that the pain became so great that he ground all his teeth so far down he needed dental intervention.
I've had more than my fair of injuries too and I know that if it REALLY hurts as much as both of them pretended it did, than both of them wouldn't have walked off/back on the pitch like they did. Not only are they both awful play-actors, but it's a disgrace to see it in the World Cup 😠
Fact is, sometimes things hurt, but a knock on the shin hurts for a few minutes... knowing you let your country down is a pain which will never go away.
So get on with it, lads!
PS Taking Totti off was different, he may have sustained a serious injury and is too good a player to risk losing.
Originally posted by ASROMAAll true, and I think Ghana can beat the Czech Republic. They will certainly be determined to. Italy should not lose to the USA but must keep their concentration up. Cannavaro was a rock yesterday, ditto Nesta. The same application against the USA from all 11 has the potential to not only secure 3 points but a few goals should this become an issue at the end of the stage.
Forza Italia..
I thought we played well.
Lots of people are saying that Ghana caused us too many problems etc etc.
I say it's the result that counts, and so far, the only team that looked better than us is Czech.
We were good in defence and forced them to shoot from range.
Well done boys
Now beat USA and hope Ghana take points from Czech so ...[text shortened]... finish top.
Otherwise Italy - Czech is going to be a cracker.
The match to avoid Brazil.
Good win for Italy, but I think they'll need to play a bit better than this to beat top-quality opposition. I'm not thrilled with the Italian attackers. Apart from that tremendous shot that hit the crossbar, I didn't see much from Toni, and Gilardino was also pretty unimpressive. It's somewhat revealing that their goals came on a long distance strike from Pirlo and an absolute gift from the Ghanaian defense.
The defense is a concern as well-- obviously Nesta and Cannavaro are rock solid, but are Zaccardo and Grosso up to the challenge? It looked like Ghana had their share of opportunitie, but failed to capitalize. A more complete team might have made the Italians pay for those defensive lapses.
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Originally posted by jgvaccaroDon't forget that Zambrotta must still come back.
Good win for Italy, but I think they'll need to play a bit better than this to beat top-quality opposition. I'm not thrilled with the Italian attackers. Apart from that tremendous shot that hit the crossbar, I didn't see much from Toni, and Gilardino was also pretty unimpressive. It's somewhat revealing that their goals came on a long distance strike fro ...[text shortened]... pitalize. A more complete team might have made the Italians pay for those defensive lapses.
I'm not a big fan of Alberto Gilardino either.
He has been poor this season.
But Toni is in superb form and should've scored.
I reckon they will be more settled against the USA and we will all witness a more polished performance.
Remember that Toni and Gilardino are relative newcomers to the Italian team and nerves must've played a big part.
As long as Inzaghi keeps the bench nice and warm all tournament, I am happy.
Keep rotating Gilardino and Iaquinta and always start Toni.
Originally posted by jgvaccaroMake no mistake, Ghana were good, as good as most teams in the tournament and I think they could still go through.
Good win for Italy, but I think they'll need to play a bit better than this to beat top-quality opposition. I'm not thrilled with the Italian attackers. Apart from that tremendous shot that hit the crossbar, I didn't see much from Toni, and Gilardino was also pretty unimpressive. It's somewhat revealing that their goals came on a long distance strike fro ...[text shortened]... pitalize. A more complete team might have made the Italians pay for those defensive lapses.
Italy may not win the World Cup but are very capable of doing so, and last night, without being perfect, was a very encouraging start.
I'll also add, as a Romanista who recognises the value of Totti to Roma and Italian football, that Italy must learn that they are no less a *team* without him. They did not suffer yesterday when he went off, and although we have to allow for his two or three months of inactivity, he wasn't the most important element on the field yesterday. At his best there are only one or two players better, and not Wayne Rooney but Totti is not the only gem on this side and I think the squad need to believe that, more.
Toni was up for it 100%. Gilardino looked a bit shy but then I don't rate him that much. Toni however has that aggression as he proved with that shot which hit the bar. It's not just about whether he scored or not, it's that he held nothing back. Like, OK guys, this is my penalty area and whether you like it or not I'm gonna score in it! I get the feeling he will do. Gilardino seems to wait for permission, like, a scoring opportunity you simply cannot miss.
At least Vieri isn't there. and Cassano, who's he?
Originally posted by asromacalcioMaybe you're right--hope so. I still think the best teams in the tournament would have done more with their offensive opportunities than Ghana did, and would not have committed the error that led to Italy's second goal. But it's hard to judge any teams after just one match.
Make no mistake, Ghana were good, as good as most teams in the tournament and I think they could still go through.
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Originally posted by Daemon SinBut if Owen dives to win a penalty then it is Ok right? It's a game, every team does it for tactical advantages whether it is right or wrong, singleing out 2 players is a bit silly. C'mon, youve been playing football for long enough to know that a bit of acting can win a game (again, whether it is right or wrong). And if you were playing in the worlds biggest sporting event and you had a chance to gain an advantage by acting it up a bit you would too.
I've been playing football for 16 years and, yes, I did know that Totti fractured his leg and tore ligaments in his ankle back in Feburary.
I've had more than my fair of injuries too and I know that if it REALLY hurts as much as both of them pretended it did, than both of them wouldn't have walked off/back on the pitch like they did. Not only are they both awful play-actors, but it's a disgrace to see it in the World Cup 😠
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Originally posted by Freddie2006But it got England a goal against Argentian in 98. And in 02 as well i think. I'm sure English fans weren't saying it was shameful. Plus the English media is the first to point out every other team does it and it's a disgrace. But when the English players do it, and they are some of the worst offenders, then it is simply overlooked as a bit if "trickery".
Of course its not.