Schneller, immer weiter (The games of 6.22.2006)
Czech Republic v. Italy
Italy is a top tier team that just doesn't look like it wants to win. Coming off their 1-1 tie with the US, Italy still sits atop Group E with 4 points. The Czech's are hungrier but trying to rebound after their shocking 2-0 loss to Ghana. Neither team wants to have to face Brazil in the first game of the second round. The action is wild in Group E with any team still able to qualify (or not qualify) for the next round. The Czech's are too banged up and their suspensions won't help them at all; Italy is content to sit on the pitch and won't take control either. With a US victory in the other game in Group E, a 2-2 tie puts both teams in the next round and gives the Czechs the unenviable position of facing Brazil.
Ghana v. USA
The Americans came up with a mixed result against Italy. A victory would've helped their cause more, but the Ghana upset of the Czech Republic still allows them a decent chance at advancement. Their ideal result in the remaining games would be a victory against Ghana and an Italian win against the Czechs. The USA looked much stronger against an Italian side that will eventually need to decide whether they want to constantly be crumbling to the pitch like wet tissue paper or stand up and play football. The first 20 minutes showed how much more prepared the Amis were against Italy; unfortunately the Azzurri struck first and, in a wild mix of action, the Italians then scored on themselves. The center referee Jorge Larrionda then appeared intent on ruinging the rest of the game for the 46K fans and the millions watching on TV. After a nasty elbow dished out to Brian McBride by De Rossi resulted in a warranted red card, the referee seemed intent on equaling the sides, showing red to Pablo Mastroeni after an ill-timed side tackle and then issuing a second yellow to Eddie Pope after a similar tackle. While these tackles were almost certainly fouls, they were hardly egregious or unsportsmanlike and the players hadn't even been issued a warning. However, they most certainly ruined the game. Perhaps this is expected from a referee that was banned from the last Cup for officiating irregularities but it's surprising that he was allowed on the pitch for any more games. This was clearly the most poorly officiated game of the tournament thus far and it's hard to imagine that FIFA couldn't find someone more qualified. The two goals scored in the first half would prove to be the only two goals of the game when a strike by Damarcus Beasley was called back due to offsides. The USA finally appeared aggressive, although their offense still left something to be desired. They will need it all against Ghana. Ghana will come into the contest riding high after upsetting the Czech Republic 2-0. However, they will have to stand without the goal scorers from the Czech match, Muntari and Gyan, after they accumulated a second yellow. A draw suits Ghana more than the US side but doesn't make their advancement certain; expect both teams to come out looking for a win. Key for the US will be setting the pace early like they did against Italy. The first team to score in this one will ride it all the way. It will be the USA coming out on top with a 2-1 victory and then they will rely on the Italians to get them into the second round. No matter who places second in Group E there will be little time for celebration as attention will immediately be needed to plan how to maneuvre around the Brazilians in the knockout round.
Japan v. Brazil
Brazil is coming off a 2-0 win against a suprisingly resilient Australian side. Japan stalemated against Croatia and walked off the pitch after the final whistle with a 0-0 tie. Expect Brazil to rest some key starters as they are almost certain to place 1st in Group F based on goal differential even if Australia wins against Croatia. Brazil's bench is still better than many of Japan's starters and Brazil continues in the tournament unscored upon in crusing to another 2-0 win against Japan. The Japanese are flying home after this one.
Croatia v. Australia
Croatia had a frustrating 0-0 tie against Japan and they need a win here if they want to advance. Australia came up with a late minute win against Japan and a 2-0 loss to Brazil which has them sitting nicely in second place in Group F. The Australians have surprised all but their most diehard fans with their stellar performance. However, Croatia puts it all on the line and comes away with an emotional 2-1 victory that vaults them into the second round.
Italy is a top tier team that just doesn't look like it wants to win. Coming off their 1-1 tie with the US, Italy still sits atop Group E with 4 points. The Czech's are hungrier but trying to rebound after their shocking 2-0 loss to Ghana. Neither team wants to have to face Brazil in the first game of the second round. The action is wild in Group E with any team still able to qualify (or not qualify) for the next round. The Czech's are too banged up and their suspensions won't help them at all; Italy is content to sit on the pitch and won't take control either. With a US victory in the other game in Group E, a 2-2 tie puts both teams in the next round and gives the Czechs the unenviable position of facing Brazil.
Ghana v. USA
The Americans came up with a mixed result against Italy. A victory would've helped their cause more, but the Ghana upset of the Czech Republic still allows them a decent chance at advancement. Their ideal result in the remaining games would be a victory against Ghana and an Italian win against the Czechs. The USA looked much stronger against an Italian side that will eventually need to decide whether they want to constantly be crumbling to the pitch like wet tissue paper or stand up and play football. The first 20 minutes showed how much more prepared the Amis were against Italy; unfortunately the Azzurri struck first and, in a wild mix of action, the Italians then scored on themselves. The center referee Jorge Larrionda then appeared intent on ruinging the rest of the game for the 46K fans and the millions watching on TV. After a nasty elbow dished out to Brian McBride by De Rossi resulted in a warranted red card, the referee seemed intent on equaling the sides, showing red to Pablo Mastroeni after an ill-timed side tackle and then issuing a second yellow to Eddie Pope after a similar tackle. While these tackles were almost certainly fouls, they were hardly egregious or unsportsmanlike and the players hadn't even been issued a warning. However, they most certainly ruined the game. Perhaps this is expected from a referee that was banned from the last Cup for officiating irregularities but it's surprising that he was allowed on the pitch for any more games. This was clearly the most poorly officiated game of the tournament thus far and it's hard to imagine that FIFA couldn't find someone more qualified. The two goals scored in the first half would prove to be the only two goals of the game when a strike by Damarcus Beasley was called back due to offsides. The USA finally appeared aggressive, although their offense still left something to be desired. They will need it all against Ghana. Ghana will come into the contest riding high after upsetting the Czech Republic 2-0. However, they will have to stand without the goal scorers from the Czech match, Muntari and Gyan, after they accumulated a second yellow. A draw suits Ghana more than the US side but doesn't make their advancement certain; expect both teams to come out looking for a win. Key for the US will be setting the pace early like they did against Italy. The first team to score in this one will ride it all the way. It will be the USA coming out on top with a 2-1 victory and then they will rely on the Italians to get them into the second round. No matter who places second in Group E there will be little time for celebration as attention will immediately be needed to plan how to maneuvre around the Brazilians in the knockout round.
Japan v. Brazil
Brazil is coming off a 2-0 win against a suprisingly resilient Australian side. Japan stalemated against Croatia and walked off the pitch after the final whistle with a 0-0 tie. Expect Brazil to rest some key starters as they are almost certain to place 1st in Group F based on goal differential even if Australia wins against Croatia. Brazil's bench is still better than many of Japan's starters and Brazil continues in the tournament unscored upon in crusing to another 2-0 win against Japan. The Japanese are flying home after this one.
Croatia v. Australia
Croatia had a frustrating 0-0 tie against Japan and they need a win here if they want to advance. Australia came up with a late minute win against Japan and a 2-0 loss to Brazil which has them sitting nicely in second place in Group F. The Australians have surprised all but their most diehard fans with their stellar performance. However, Croatia puts it all on the line and comes away with an emotional 2-1 victory that vaults them into the second round.
posted by STB at
7:30 PM
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