meazza Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Can someone explain the two red cards to a non-soccer aficionado? I saw the replays only. It appeared that the American's played the ball in both cases. Is that the contention? 710422[/snapback] The first red card was to De Rossi, the Italian midfielder. He elbowed the guy in the face and even though it's not bad of an injury, it's not something that will be tolerated. The second was by Mastroechmi, the American midfielder. He dove by the back towards the Italian player to his ankle with two feet. Two footed tackels are direct reds. Eddie Pope was sent off for two yellow cards. A result of the tight marking by the US on Italy's best stryker, Luca Toni. The second wasn't deserved but the first was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linksfiend Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 It's not the fact that the Italians would play for the tie. It's if we're good enough to actually beat Czech Republic. From what I saw from yesterday's game, they desperately need a playmaker to step up. 710231[/snapback] The Azzurri advance with a tie. They'd finish second only if Ghana beats the USA. So I could see Italy playing for a tie late in the game if the US has a lead on Ghana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 The Azzurri advance with a tie. They'd finish second only if Ghana beats the USA. So I could see Italy playing for a tie late in the game if the US has a lead on Ghana. 710547[/snapback] yes i see it now. 1-1, everybody's confident. All of a sudden, Nedved off the wing, pulls a run and manages to burn everyone. 2-1, and another embarrasing exit for the Italians. Then, I go into seclusion and wonder why I even bother to believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewPort71 Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Go Italy !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linksfiend Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 yes i see it now. 1-1, everybody's confident. All of a sudden, Nedved off the wing, pulls a run and manages to burn everyone. 2-1, and another embarrasing exit for the Italians. Then, I go into seclusion and wonder why I even bother to believe. 710551[/snapback] Probably not - if Italy loses by one goal, they would still: - automatically advance if the USA wins by 3 or fewer, - draw lots if USA wins by 4, - be eliminated automatically only if USA wins by 5 or more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Probably not - if Italy loses by one goal, they would still:- automatically advance if the USA wins by 3 or fewer, - draw lots if USA wins by 4, - be eliminated automatically only if USA wins by 5 or more. 710646[/snapback] If Ghana and Czech win, Italy are out. Ghana is a great team and have momentum on their side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewPort71 Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Ghana's depth will be challenged as two of their key strikers are not eligible for Thursday's match... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffOrange Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Diving? The way the US was marking Toni, he wasn't able to move. 710362[/snapback] Seriously? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Seriously? 710755[/snapback] Yes, seriously. What strategy did Bruce Arena use against the Italians. He told them that he had two guys to shut down and they did that. Luca Toni and Francesco Totti. Totti already injured wasn't able to move, but Mastroechmi shut him down well. Toni on the other hand is 6'7 and very agile for a guy his size so they resorted to fouling him as well. As a result, can you blame a guy who barely has a chance to move not to fall on the floor and at least get a free kick out of it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffOrange Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Yes, seriously. What strategy did Bruce Arena use against the Italians. He told them that he had two guys to shut down and they did that. Luca Toni and Francesco Totti. Totti already injured wasn't able to move, but Mastroechmi shut him down well. Toni on the other hand is 6'7 and very agile for a guy his size so they resorted to fouling him as well. As a result, can you blame a guy who barely has a chance to move not to fall on the floor and at least get a free kick out of it? 710759[/snapback] 1. Lame rationalization 2. Were the other 10 guys also 6'7"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 1. Lame rationalization2. Were the other 10 guys also 6'7"? 710760[/snapback] Didn't the US player get a card for diving? Anyways I won't debate with you, you don't even watch soccer outside of the world cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardy Pyle Posted June 20, 2006 Share Posted June 20, 2006 National Holiday in Ghana for the US Game.... http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/5705876 Luca Toni is 6'4, not 6'7. This, and the previous last two world cup team for Italy are a disgrace to past Italian national teams that had an abundance of quality. I'm not saying they can't pick up their game, but they have not shown me anything, and I really don't expect them to. Unable to score against 9 men USA team? Shame. Gritty peformance by the US. I thought Donovan played great in the deeper midfield role. Convey also was very good. The Italians - no creativity, little skill, little imagination - a huge dissapointment. Will be an interesting game Ghana vs. USA. Thus far, the teams that look like they came to play - 1) Arg 2) Spain 3) Germans (not convinced they have enough talent) 4) Ghana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmac17 Posted June 20, 2006 Share Posted June 20, 2006 Meazza, I'm sure you've seen this... Secret Italian Training Video seriously though, it happens at all levels - they must teach the italians how to dive at a very young age. From the Italian kid on my high school team diving left and right to the italian guys I play indoor against 15 years later, you see a team diving left and right and chances are they're italian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted June 20, 2006 Share Posted June 20, 2006 National Holiday in Ghana for the US Game.... http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/5705876 Luca Toni is 6'4, not 6'7. This, and the previous last two world cup team for Italy are a disgrace to past Italian national teams that had an abundance of quality. I'm not saying they can't pick up their game, but they have not shown me anything, and I really don't expect them to. Unable to score against 9 men USA team? Shame. Gritty peformance by the US. I thought Donovan played great in the deeper midfield role. Convey also was very good. The Italians - no creativity, little skill, little imagination - a huge dissapointment. Will be an interesting game Ghana vs. USA. Thus far, the teams that look like they came to play - 1) Arg 2) Spain 3) Germans (not convinced they have enough talent) 4) Ghana 710847[/snapback] We'll see what happens. I have myself set up for the worst. I have some bad memories of the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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