Umleitung genommen (Predictions for the games of 6.17.2006)
Portugal v. Iran
Portugese fans have to be a little concerned after their team's more-expected-than-exciting victory over Angola. Much like England and the Netherlands, Portugal struck early and then appeared mostly lifeless on the front line for the rest of the game which left Portugal one mistake away from tying Angola. Iran, who couldn't pull much together in a 3-1 loss to Mexico, will be another sacrificial lamb for Portugal. But another 1-0 victory by Portugal makes fans wonder about the productivity of this team and concern for Portugal's final game in Group D against Mexico.
Italy v. USA
Uninspiring, lacklustre, deflated. How else to describe the USA performance in their opener against the Czech Republic? The United States looked lost, disorganized and nervous after they were scored upon early and, besides one good strike by Reyna, failed to have much offensive punch at all. The USA have been on the bubble as far as getting respect on the world stage but there is one thing that is preventing them from being considered a real and regular threat: their consistent inability to regularly beat European teams. The streak continues and the brutal questions come forth. Is the US side unprepared? Was the quarterfinal run in 2002 a fluke? Does that midfield want to win the ball? Do they need a shakeup in the lineup? Or are they just woefully outgunned? Unless the US comes up big against Italy with a minimum of a tie, it'll be time to say auf wiedersehen. On the other side of Group E, Italy got the job done against a stubborn squad from Ghana. Ghana gave Italy some problems and, up until the 83rd minute, the equalizer from Ghana was always a possibility. But Italy's star appears to be rising while the USA's is falling quickly. Unless the USA can make magic on the wings against the Azzurri it'll be a long 90 minutes for the Amis. The USA continues to crumble while succumbing 2-1 to Italy and are left wondering where it all went wrong.
Czech Republic v. Ghana
The Czech Republic lived up to their reputation of a team to fear in this tournament, opening their scoring against the US on a perfect header by Koller early in the game followed by a searing long range drive by Rosicky in the first half. Rosicky tallied again late in the game on a well-timed assist by Nedved. The Czech offensive machine may have some problems further on in the tournament if the hamstring injury sustained by Koller in the first half turns out to be serious. However, with a defense anchored by the keeper Cech, the Czech Republic should have a solid performance against Ghana. Ghana was hoping to be the star African team of the tournament but their loss to Italy in their opener now puts them against the ropes for a big upset against Czech Republic if they want to advance. More backline mistakes by Ghana allow the Czechs to tally twice, winning 2-0, and use this game as a tune-up for Italy.
Portugese fans have to be a little concerned after their team's more-expected-than-exciting victory over Angola. Much like England and the Netherlands, Portugal struck early and then appeared mostly lifeless on the front line for the rest of the game which left Portugal one mistake away from tying Angola. Iran, who couldn't pull much together in a 3-1 loss to Mexico, will be another sacrificial lamb for Portugal. But another 1-0 victory by Portugal makes fans wonder about the productivity of this team and concern for Portugal's final game in Group D against Mexico.
Italy v. USA
Uninspiring, lacklustre, deflated. How else to describe the USA performance in their opener against the Czech Republic? The United States looked lost, disorganized and nervous after they were scored upon early and, besides one good strike by Reyna, failed to have much offensive punch at all. The USA have been on the bubble as far as getting respect on the world stage but there is one thing that is preventing them from being considered a real and regular threat: their consistent inability to regularly beat European teams. The streak continues and the brutal questions come forth. Is the US side unprepared? Was the quarterfinal run in 2002 a fluke? Does that midfield want to win the ball? Do they need a shakeup in the lineup? Or are they just woefully outgunned? Unless the US comes up big against Italy with a minimum of a tie, it'll be time to say auf wiedersehen. On the other side of Group E, Italy got the job done against a stubborn squad from Ghana. Ghana gave Italy some problems and, up until the 83rd minute, the equalizer from Ghana was always a possibility. But Italy's star appears to be rising while the USA's is falling quickly. Unless the USA can make magic on the wings against the Azzurri it'll be a long 90 minutes for the Amis. The USA continues to crumble while succumbing 2-1 to Italy and are left wondering where it all went wrong.
Czech Republic v. Ghana
The Czech Republic lived up to their reputation of a team to fear in this tournament, opening their scoring against the US on a perfect header by Koller early in the game followed by a searing long range drive by Rosicky in the first half. Rosicky tallied again late in the game on a well-timed assist by Nedved. The Czech offensive machine may have some problems further on in the tournament if the hamstring injury sustained by Koller in the first half turns out to be serious. However, with a defense anchored by the keeper Cech, the Czech Republic should have a solid performance against Ghana. Ghana was hoping to be the star African team of the tournament but their loss to Italy in their opener now puts them against the ropes for a big upset against Czech Republic if they want to advance. More backline mistakes by Ghana allow the Czechs to tally twice, winning 2-0, and use this game as a tune-up for Italy.
posted by STB at
5:49 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home