Posted on 06/25/2006 11:30:31 PM PDT by soccer_maniac
In two more days, only 8 teams will remain in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
TODAY'S GAMES: Italy-Australia (11:00AM EST) followed by Swiss-Ukraine (3:00 PM EST).
(Excerpt) Read more at fifaworldcup.yahoo.com ...
Well, he tackled Zambrotta as well :-)
He played for Everton, AND he has got nasty sideburns.
But, all that considered, I agree.
It was harsh.
Yellow? Yes.
Red? No way!
I still think it was harsh, but, in fairness, the TV here just replayed it from another angle and it did look worse than I initially thought. Still pretty tough decision though.
Extra-time anyone?
I though the refs might calm down after the complaints about last night’s match. Perhaps not.
The only stone cold straight red I’ve seen was Heinze’s tackle at the end of the first half on Saturday…but that one wasn’t given! The officials are making too many mistakes.
I thought even before the tournament that the Aussies were going to be this years version of the 2002 US team, and make it to the final 8, they've still got a shot.
I'm always surprised that a man down doesn't make a quicker difference - if at all.
Okay..that makes sense. Guess we'll have to wait & see.
Looked like a bogus red to me.. second-yellow ejection perhaps, if the guy had a yellow, but not a straight red.
I wouldn't be surprised if 0-0 will end this period. The Aussies aren't playing to win. They're holding back way too much IMO. I don't understand why..they're a man up. Get in there and fight for it, Roos!
Totti coming on.
Just had my Mum on the phone from up North. She just heard a Radio 4 report suggesting that a lot of Italian players are "breathing easier" tonight. Apparently, player prosecutions are less likely than they seemed a little while ago. A few club directors are still very worried though.
I'm always surprised that a man down doesn't make a quicker difference—if at all.Well, if you don't count the goalkeepers, it's just a 10% handicap.
True - and perhaps the 10 man team pulls together more to compensate.
You wouldn't choose to be down to 10. But at the end of the day, a good side with 10 usually beats an average side with 11.
The team with the advantage needs to use the extra man to put more pressure offensively. The Aussies have not been pressing the advantage until now. The risk is an Italian counter attack. I think the Aussies have the advantage in extra time. It is dangerous now for the Aussies.
I agree.
If Italy can hold on through OT, with Buffon in goal, they should be favored in a shootout
"I think the Aussies have the advantage in extra time"
I agree. When Materazzi went, I still thought Italy would win. But if it does go to extra-time, you would expect the 10 men to be less up for it.
Agree. If I were the Aussies, I would now play for extra time and then use my fitness and man advantage. A mistake now against the Italians and you have no chance to come back.
The Aussies still have two available substitutions, they will wait until the Italians are gassed, expect the Aussies to really push in the 2nd overtime period.
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