The Italians produced another vintage azurri performance and showed the world how to win. Another 270 minutes of mind-numbing boredom and three quality dives is all it will take for Italy to win its fourth world cup.
It was the most unsporting way to win a match possible. I dont need to go into the details, as I am sure everyone knows exactly what I am talking about. But I must congratulate Italy on pulling out a stellar dive, a prime example of simulation, when it counted most. del Piero and Totti must be disappointed as they were unable to come up with the goods and were outdone by unfancied defender Fabio Grosso. Inzaghi, the Pele of diving was left on the bench in what was a show of extreme arrogance from coach Marcelo Lippi. I felt that if Australia had to go out to a dive, it should at least have been a dive from one of the masters. But it goes to show how much depth Italy have when it comes to breaking a deadlock.
As far as Australia is concerned, it was a disappointing performance. The Italians predictably conceded a massive possession advantage to the Socceroos. But Australia's use of the ball was poor. Movement was sluggish, passes lacked crispness and most improtantly, chances in front of goal werent taken. Admittedly, the midfielders failed to create any true chances, but against powerful defensive units like Italy, you often get only half-chances, and when you get 4 or 5 of these, you have to score at least once. Lucas Neill and Vincenzo Grella, Australia's finest players in the tournament, were again outstanding, but the rest of the team did not emulate. I dont want to be too critical of Australia, they played better than Italy, but it just wasnt up to the standard they achieved in earlier games. To put it in American terms, the Socceroos did not bring their "A" game to this one.......
Whilst it was a gut-wrenching ending to the world cup campaign, it is not such a bad thing for Australia. This loss has whipped up a frenzy in Australia like never before- its even bigger than the Sydney Olympics. The popularity of the game has skyrocketed and is here to stay. An immense hunger has been stirred in the country, not just amongst the devastated players, but amongst the general public. Whilst the core of the team will have retired, there will have been plenty of young footballers who would've had tears in their eyes last night and will be desperate to avenge this cruel defeat. Grella, Neill, Bresciano, Sterjovski and Culina will be the nucleus of the team in South Africa '10. And Australia will undoubtedly a better team. So bring on 2010 I say!!!!
Before that, there is the small matter of deciding this particular trophy. Switzerland went home this morning without conceding a single goal. They choked when it came to penalties. Ukraine undeservingly go through to take on Italy. It will be the most boring game of the tournament without a doubt. But watch out for a world-class diving contest between Shevchenko and the Italians. Otherwise, Brazil are still on target to win. I think Portugal will challenge if they beat England. Unfortunately, Argentina have to play Germany in the quarters. Germany looks good from that side to qualify for the final. I know I have been critical of the hosts, but with Ballack controlling things, they are a different team.......
3 comments:
would love to....but holidays r a bit difficult in my profession. we sort of get told when we have to take our leave. but still, half the fun is in planning right?? all the reading and surfing to find out about places etc..
sartorial, brilliant idea! though who knows where we'll be in four years time eh?!
i'd agreee with most of what you've said, mahesh, all things considered, once again we failed to make the best of our chances. just like when we played brazil though we were much more aggressive and precise...but hey the italians can defend all night if they feel like it. a cruel exit. but let the good times roll on..may football prosper in this country, and perhaps after all this pathetic reffing this time round, perhaps FIFA will start thinking more about camera decisions?
i can dream, can't i?
yes replays for offside.......it will go that way soon i think- the pressure is relentless on fifa
the problem is, adeqaute camera facilities r often not available in say, african or asian qualifying matches. there would be inconsistency across the board. its fine for europe and sout america where revenues r huge, but as a global thing it doesnt work. the altenative would be to use only for world cups....but that would also attract complaints
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