Jetzt geht's los! (The quarterfinals, part 1)
Germany v. Argentina
This is the biggest clash in the tournament to date and this game is not to be missed regardless of who you are supporting. Germany comes into this game riding high on the wave created by their shelling of Sweden while Argentina went the distance with Mexico and pulled off a win with a strike deep in overtime. This match is already an instant classic which will be won or lost in a classic fashion with controlling the midfield, well-timed runs and taking advantage of dangerous set plays. One problem that Germany has had in past tournaments has been the reluctance to press the ball forward, instead being content to sit back a bit and play more conservatively. That certainly hasn't been a problem thus far and their strategy has been well managed by Juergen Klinsmann. Mexico proved that an aggresive team can put Argentina on its heels, temporary as that may be. This game is truly anyone's game. The nod goes to the Germans who will be playing on friendly turf. Germany pulls off a 2-0 thriller with the outcome in the balance until Germany gets their second strike late in the second half!
Italy v. Ukraine
Both of these teams have to be happy that they are at this stage in the tournament. Neither has looked entirely impressive and both have stumbled quite a bit in their trek to the quarterfinals. Nonetheless, here they both stand and one will be in the semi-finals. Ukraine had a tough game against the Swiss that went all the way to PKs. Can Shevchenko and co. pull off another mild upset and advance? The time to strike is now with Italy slightly vulnerable since two players (De Rossi and Materazzi) are sitting the sidelines due to yellow card accumulation. Also, Toni has had some brilliant shots but hasn't found the net yet. Will the quarterfinals be his time to shine? The luck has run out for the Azzurri. Ukraine wins a 1-0 victory with an inspirational blast that is heard round the world.
This is the biggest clash in the tournament to date and this game is not to be missed regardless of who you are supporting. Germany comes into this game riding high on the wave created by their shelling of Sweden while Argentina went the distance with Mexico and pulled off a win with a strike deep in overtime. This match is already an instant classic which will be won or lost in a classic fashion with controlling the midfield, well-timed runs and taking advantage of dangerous set plays. One problem that Germany has had in past tournaments has been the reluctance to press the ball forward, instead being content to sit back a bit and play more conservatively. That certainly hasn't been a problem thus far and their strategy has been well managed by Juergen Klinsmann. Mexico proved that an aggresive team can put Argentina on its heels, temporary as that may be. This game is truly anyone's game. The nod goes to the Germans who will be playing on friendly turf. Germany pulls off a 2-0 thriller with the outcome in the balance until Germany gets their second strike late in the second half!
Italy v. Ukraine
Both of these teams have to be happy that they are at this stage in the tournament. Neither has looked entirely impressive and both have stumbled quite a bit in their trek to the quarterfinals. Nonetheless, here they both stand and one will be in the semi-finals. Ukraine had a tough game against the Swiss that went all the way to PKs. Can Shevchenko and co. pull off another mild upset and advance? The time to strike is now with Italy slightly vulnerable since two players (De Rossi and Materazzi) are sitting the sidelines due to yellow card accumulation. Also, Toni has had some brilliant shots but hasn't found the net yet. Will the quarterfinals be his time to shine? The luck has run out for the Azzurri. Ukraine wins a 1-0 victory with an inspirational blast that is heard round the world.
posted by STB at
10:56 PM
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