Germany v Italy in the semis
Should be a terrific game, despite all the cynics, Germany with their high tempo and Italy with the counter attacking style.
Germany Argentina was not a particularly good match to be truthful, and the two teams cancelled each other out, but with Argentina dominating the posession.
What ultimately lost Argentina the match was Pekerman's subs, as he correctly took off Riquelme who proved why he won't survive in the Premier League, but replaced him with Cambiasso. Thus that meant that Argentina were playing with 3 defensive midfielders without having much creativity. The second sub was a forced one with Abbondanzieri unable to carry on which is a shame as he is an expert at penalties. What killed the game was the useless Cruz coming on for Crespo, a subsitution that I cannot fathom. Crespo was their only direct striker on the pitch and the bring on a player not good enough for the biggest stage, and it led to the Germans goal.
Good subs by Klinsmann though, Odonkor provided pace, and Borowski was terrific coming in, and his flick on led to Klose's first headed goal of the tournament which is surprising as all five of his goals in the last World Cup came from headers.
And it as it all came down to penalties, a touching moment for Lemon as Kahn went over to give him some encouragement. Bit surprising, but Kahn has came out and said that he has matured a lot and thinks more about the team now, as well as being a mentor to the younger players. Good on him, and it probably spurred Lemon on to save 2 Argie penalties to send the Krauts through.
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Italty dominated their match, as Ukraine didn't show up at all for the first half. Italy took an early lead after the Shovkovsky made an absolute pig's ear of Zambrotta's shot, and it squirmed over the line. Zambrotta was magnificent in the match for troubled Italy, as they were affected by their close friend Pessotto who attempted suicide earlier.
Ukraine did better after the restart, but Gigi Buffon showed why he was the best keeper in the world, coming to Italy's rescue twice. But they hit them again, with a classic sucker punch, with Luca Toni grabbing his first two goals of the World Cup. Might still be a good bet for the Golden Boot.
Only penalties or golden goals have beaten Italy since 1986 in the World Cup, and I certainly fancy them to go all the way.
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Of today's matches, I fancy Scolari to work his magic again against England, and to knock a distinctly unimpressive England. If Frank Lampard plays then it gives Portugal a big favour as he will shoot on sight and pose absolutely zero danger.
France v Brazil will be tight unlike what most people think, and I think France might sneak victory after extra time or even penalties. Brazil haven't been too impressive so far, and might find their match against France. Zidane must have a good game for them to be able to knock out Brazil, and hope that Onree doesn't choke again.
Germany Argentina was not a particularly good match to be truthful, and the two teams cancelled each other out, but with Argentina dominating the posession.
What ultimately lost Argentina the match was Pekerman's subs, as he correctly took off Riquelme who proved why he won't survive in the Premier League, but replaced him with Cambiasso. Thus that meant that Argentina were playing with 3 defensive midfielders without having much creativity. The second sub was a forced one with Abbondanzieri unable to carry on which is a shame as he is an expert at penalties. What killed the game was the useless Cruz coming on for Crespo, a subsitution that I cannot fathom. Crespo was their only direct striker on the pitch and the bring on a player not good enough for the biggest stage, and it led to the Germans goal.
Good subs by Klinsmann though, Odonkor provided pace, and Borowski was terrific coming in, and his flick on led to Klose's first headed goal of the tournament which is surprising as all five of his goals in the last World Cup came from headers.
And it as it all came down to penalties, a touching moment for Lemon as Kahn went over to give him some encouragement. Bit surprising, but Kahn has came out and said that he has matured a lot and thinks more about the team now, as well as being a mentor to the younger players. Good on him, and it probably spurred Lemon on to save 2 Argie penalties to send the Krauts through.
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Italty dominated their match, as Ukraine didn't show up at all for the first half. Italy took an early lead after the Shovkovsky made an absolute pig's ear of Zambrotta's shot, and it squirmed over the line. Zambrotta was magnificent in the match for troubled Italy, as they were affected by their close friend Pessotto who attempted suicide earlier.
Ukraine did better after the restart, but Gigi Buffon showed why he was the best keeper in the world, coming to Italy's rescue twice. But they hit them again, with a classic sucker punch, with Luca Toni grabbing his first two goals of the World Cup. Might still be a good bet for the Golden Boot.
Only penalties or golden goals have beaten Italy since 1986 in the World Cup, and I certainly fancy them to go all the way.
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Of today's matches, I fancy Scolari to work his magic again against England, and to knock a distinctly unimpressive England. If Frank Lampard plays then it gives Portugal a big favour as he will shoot on sight and pose absolutely zero danger.
France v Brazil will be tight unlike what most people think, and I think France might sneak victory after extra time or even penalties. Brazil haven't been too impressive so far, and might find their match against France. Zidane must have a good game for them to be able to knock out Brazil, and hope that Onree doesn't choke again.
posted by Melvin at 8:44 PM
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