Watching Italy today is a perfect example for why so many posters oppose trading for former flames. Its also a reason you don't go back to an ex-girlfriend. The truth is Lippi is finished, maybe he's ready to join Cannavaro in Dubai. The magic is gone, and it will never be 2006 again. When you cling to the worst generation of Italian strikers in history with precisely zero magic between them, this is what you will get. No goals from regular play.
That being said, Italy isn't actually as bad as it looks. The good news is that some of the "younger" players that will still be prime for Euro 2012 and WC 2014 are looking good. Criscito, Chiellini, De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio and surprisingly, Pepe, are definitely not part of the problem.
More good news is that Lippi screwed up real bad on squad selection, and there are quality players that somehow missed the cut and are on the right side of 30. Rossi, Cassano, Balotelli, Candreva and Giovinco are some examples of attacking players capable of some magic and creativity.
The best part is, Lippi's replacement is already signed and watching with great interest/concern. Cesare Prandelli is known for being good with young talent, so the future is looking up.
Am I counting Italy out? Not really, none of the major teams look like world champions right now. Slovakia is beatable, and once you're in the single game knockouts, anything can happen.
As for this game, neither goal probably should have happened as NZ's goal looked like it hit the NZ forward on its way to Cannavaro for a screw up, which would make the running striker offside. As for De Rossi's foul, one thing I was taught when I briefly played defense was, never do anything stupid in the box. Visibly tugging on jerseys and giving someone enough abuse to fall is always a bad idea. It was soft, but once you add the fact that the first goal shouldnt have counted with the fact that there was too much visible fouling in the box, it had to happen.
Last edited by Thunderball; 06-20-2010 at 11:09 AM.
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I have no strong allegiance to any country other than my own (non-factor int he WC) so I support my heritage - England, Scotland, Norway, and Italy. Of those I probably have a stronger affinity to England as I am a long-time fan of the EPL. This does not preclude me from calling them out when they are terrible - which has been every WC since I started watching in 1982 (if they even qualified). .
Oh come on. In 1990 they looked really good............. in the semi final against Germany when they lost on penalties. Crap up to that point I'll give you.
Same thing is going to happen this year, except they're making the final this time around!
Some candid comments from Australia's Harry Kewell regarding his sending off yesterday:
"Unless I actually detach my arm and put it somewhere else, there is no other way I can move my arm.
"I didn't deliberately go for the hand, I didn't try and handball it, I tried to use my chest. I was playing by the rules, but the ref saw it another way. He's probably the only one who did.
"The guy has killed my World Cup."
I have some sympathy for Kewell. It did not look deliberate to me but from the refs perspective he probably felt he had no choice.
Hope Harry gets another chance by the Aussies somehow someway making the last 16. Not likely however.
Some candid comments from Australia's Harry Kewell regarding his sending off yesterday:
"Unless I actually detach my arm and put it somewhere else, there is no other way I can move my arm.
"I didn't deliberately go for the hand, I didn't try and handball it, I tried to use my chest. I was playing by the rules, but the ref saw it another way. He's probably the only one who did.
"The guy has killed my World Cup."
I have some sympathy for Kewell. It did not look deliberate to me but from the refs perspective he probably felt he had no choice.
Hope Harry gets another chance by the Aussies somehow someway making the last 16. Not likely however.
Thought #172 on how to fix soccer.
Have all players arms hands tied behind their back. Problem solved.
Italy had 15 corner to 0. That has to be a record in the WC. The game was not a even game. Italy should have won 5-0. NZ had a hot goalie and lots of luck. Italy lacks creativity and finishing. I have to admit Lippi did not select the best possible team.
God I wish Cassano was named to the team. This line-up, without Pirlo, has no imagination and is terrible on dead balls. I think the really sad thing is is that Italy actually do have some very creative and imaginative players, but they were left off the squad. So far it is looking like a huge mistake.
Oh come on. In 1990 they looked really good............. in the semi final against Germany when they lost on penalties. Crap up to that point I'll give you.
Same thing is going to happen this year, except they're making the final this time around!
