2006 WORLD CUP - Round of 16 - ITALY-AUSTRALIA/UKRAINE-SWISS

FIFAworldcup.com ^ | 6-26-06 | FIFAworldcup.com

[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).

[wolf78]

Believe me, the word "soccer" makes me cringe too, but unfortunately "football" is already taken. We're working hard to take it back though...

Well, their both called football, one is called association or soccer football, the other one is called rugby football.

As soon as you guys start referring to petrol as gasoline. :)

More importantly, it's called aluminium, not aluminum. :)

[kevkrom]

I thought that the Mexico/Argentina match was excellent as well, though I'll admit I missed the first half.

[dfwgator]

All you needed to see was the brilliant Argie goal in OT. Now that is what * ahem * football is all about.

[rb22982]

I won't. I'd prefer a fair game that's slightly less boring than one won by acting & awful officiating. This coming from someone who played soccer for 11 years.

[bwteim]

"A sidleine to the excellent soccer we have seen to date is the equally excellent drama abilities.."

I know that the mods and soccer_maniac have been watching the keyword trolls on the soccer threads, but one keyword still gets me smiling. Just say it out loud;)

OWIEMYLEGOHIMOK

[dfwgator]

And there is no way if it was an Aussie in the same position as Totti, that Australia gets that call.

[jjbrouwer]

Yes and the winning volleyed goal from Argentina was fantastic, rather like Joe Cole's goal against Sweden but even better.

Spain have also played some really entertaining football.

The most disappointing teams left in the WC are Italy, France, Ukraine and, it pains me to say, England.

[notfornothing]

Blasphemy! If I could rid the world of American football in an instant by pushing a button, I'd push that button in a heartbeat. I actually like the game too.

[lainie]

When I first started watching the game, I hated the diving and acting. Now, I don't *like* it, but I understand more of how it's part of the game. The over-the-top players are still aggravating, but people need to remind themselves that there are times when a bit of acting helps make a call that wouldn't otherwise get made, deservedly in your favor. Also, there are times when the ref makes a poor decision, then later is inclined to cut you a break to make up for it...but not if you don't "ask" for it. There's more finesse going on, usually. The team also uses the break to grab a drink of water, catch their breath, all that sort of thing. It's not always cut-and-dried "oh they're such babies, what a bunch of sissies." Though some certainly are. :-) rb, if you could try to explain this to your friends, perhaps they can give it another try. Maybe they'll get lucky and find a classy team which will demonstrate the situations better and more honorably.

[romanesq]

Glad you celebrated so publicly the atrocious straight red and asked for the draw.

Now justice is done.

[kevkrom]

All you needed to see was the brilliant Argie goal in OT.

I saw it live, and about a dozen times so far on highlights and replays... my jaw still drops -- that was beyond brilliant, it was simply perfect.

[lainie]

stop-start inaction and boring tactics

What I can't stand are the commercial breaks. One of the best things about watching soccer is the lack of advertisement breaks.

[dfwgator]

If Portugal can survive their yellows I think they are going to be tough, don't underestimate Scolari. He is by far the best coach in this tournament.

[romanesq]

And there's no way the Aussies would go up on a straight red card gift.
Oh yeah, sorry, they did get that and still couldn't score.

Forza Italia!

[FostersExport]

I couldn't view the red. All I knew is it helped the chances of my bank balance growing.

So close too!

[dfwgator]

I liked the Aussies chances in extra time, they deliberately saved two substitutions when Italy had exhausted all of theirs. Italy would have been running on fumes by the 2nd extra period.

[notfornothing]

American football: three hours of non-stop excitement...if you are excited by beer commercials, truck commercials, and erection pill commercials.

[romanesq]

Dive? My regards to your next optomertrist visit. He'llf fix you up.

[jjbrouwer]

Agreed. That's why England wanted him to be our next manager. The Portuguese are very emotional so expect to see Scolari crying like a baby along with the wimp Ronaldo when we send them home.

[Eurotwit]

But, credit to the Italians for going all out in injury time.

I think it surprised the Aussies somewhat, who where probably looking ahead to extra-time...

Still, the penalty call was very harsh.