So... no World Cup thread yet? (also featuring TTLG fantasy world cup game) - by D'Arcy
Paz on 3/7/2006 at 18:48
Quote Posted by Headphones
Materazzi was good against (insert team)! Until he got sent off.
Welcome to Marco Materazzi!
He's probably going to play tomorrow (Nesta is still out injured). I wish they'd stick with Barzagli, to be honest.
Italy's World Cup pattern so far makes concerning reading:
vs Ghana (BBC) - played pretty well
vs USA (ITV) - hilarious self-destruction
vs Czech Republic (BBC) - played pretty well
vs Australia (ITV) - hilarious self-destruction
vs Ukraine (BBC) - played pretty well
vs Germany (?) - oh shiiiii
Another awesome article I've poached from elsewhere about England/penalties etc - this time with a philsophical slant: (
http://k-punk.abstractdynamics.org/archives/007995.html)
It's quite wordy (don't be put off) and presents almost the opposite argument to the one I posted earlier ... yet I find it equally compelling. Go figure.
juveli on 5/7/2006 at 05:40
So. Italy won, by doing 2 goals in the last 2 minutes of the extra time :eek:
I was cheering for Germans in the beginning of this game, but Italy was better than I expected. In the end, I'd say Italy had better defense and slightly better attackers, thus they deserved their win.
It will be interesting to see how France is going to break their way to the Italy's goal ;)
Shevers on 5/7/2006 at 11:24
I was leaning towards Italy because our family just seems to like them, but by the end of that match I was definitely rooting for them. Some displays of awful sportsmanship by the German players helped as well.
There was some great football played in that game, which I guess went against the stereotypes for those two teams. It was definitely not your average boring 0-0 game. Nice to see Italy developing a habit for last minute goals as well :sly:
Fantasy Football wise, :eek: When Pirlo set up Grosso in the first half and he didn't score, I said "That would have been perfect, they're both in my fantasy team." and then they do it again in the last 2 minutes, and score! :thumb: At least I've now had a bit of time wallowing in the joys of 1st place.
SD on 5/7/2006 at 12:24
Italy were great, it's about time they started to play with that kind of attacking flair after several decades of defensive snoozeball. I had a feeling the Germans' decision to settle for penalties after 90 minutes would backfire, and I was delighted to see the match won by sublime skill rather than the "lottery" of penalty kicks. Unfortunate to see the hosts dumped out in such cruel fashion, but let's be honest - it would have been a travesty to see the competition won by a team of such average players.
I'm putting together my team of the tournament and I'm finding it hard to limit the number of Italians in the first XI to just five (Buffon, Cannavaro, Pirlo, Gattuso and Zambrotta, for the interested). There's going to be one hell of a feeding frenzy when Juventus, Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina get relegated!
KublaiKrim on 5/7/2006 at 12:37
That was klose!
Dainem on 5/7/2006 at 12:54
The german dream is over.
We have played a great tournament, particulary when you remember the 1-4 game against Italy. The Game against Sweden was wonderful, and the defeat of Argentina was unbelievable.
Let´s hope Klinsmann will go on with his great work.
And thanks to Italy for a nice and very fair play!
Dainem
Paz on 5/7/2006 at 13:53
Grosso, I kiss you. I watched the BBC highlights last night, just to see that goal a couple more times.
Suitable adjectives haven't really been invented for that game yet! Lippi got his extra-time subs spot on. Penalties were only going to result in a German victory - he knew Italy had to score.
Gilardino, Iaquinta, Totti and Del Piero all on the pitch at the same time .. when it's 0-0. Wowsers!
Both teams were excellent. The ref was excellent. An excellent semi final. Of excellence.
Shevers on 5/7/2006 at 13:56
BTW, is it just me or has Grosso sprung out of nowhere this tournament? I don't remember hearing about him before the World Cup started, but he's been great. What club does he play for?
Gorgon on 5/7/2006 at 15:53
Quote Posted by juveli
It will be interesting to see how France is going to break their way to the Italy's goal ;)
If they pass Portugal, you mean...
Paz on 5/7/2006 at 15:57
Grosso plays for the mighty PALERMO - as does Barzagli.
They seemed slightly odd selections at the time, because Palermo weren't exactly the tightest defensive side in Serie A last year (based on bare statistics). Lippi knew better!
(Actually, just heard elsewhere that Grosso will be playing for Inter next season)
