View Full Version : The Semi Finals
Here we, this is where things get even more...shall we say interesting?
I'm finding the Final 4 teams to be quite an interesting lot. Of course I was hoping for Italy to still be in there, but I wasn't sure host Germany was strong enough considering how they played in firendlies. (4-1 loss to Italy especially) We'll see how luck continues to go for the host nation, won't we?
Then we have France and Portugal. I have to say I have a soft spot for the Portuguese b/c of Rui Costa, Baia and Couto. They're gone but Figo is still in there, driving the team on. I know some of you have said a few things about this team, to the negative, but I for one am enjoying their surprise success. Cristiano Ronaldo, come to AC Milan. France...not at all a favorite of mine, never shall be. But in this World Cup I was seeing Spain, France and Brazil as the teams to beat. Well...bye-bye Spain and so long Brazil! (yeeesssss!!!! goodbye flabaldo) And i suippose we'll have to hear the announcers continue their speils about "this could be Zidane's last game...." Please, I've heard this since Day One, could we change the tune?
So I'd be interested in hearing people's comments and analysis of our 2 match-ups!
NestaIsKing
01-07-2006, 18:56
My prediction for the semis:
Italy 2, Germany 0. Goals from Totti, and our future Rossonero Star Gilardino
Portugal 1, France 1. Goals from Ronaldo, Veira, Shootout to Portugal
Italy should be able to go through, especially if Totti continues to improve his form.
i really hope italy win this, and i know they can, but germany have a big advantage and they look alot different from the team that showed up in florence, i hope gattuso keeps ballack at bay because everything goes through him, canna to stop klose, nesta to stop podolski, and hopefully totti is back to his old form, italy have the better names and team, but germany have the fans and the amazing shooting which can be troublesome, inshallah italy win
the 2nd game is also close, i think if france can perform the way they have been vs spain and brazil they would go through, but portugal arent easy at all and now they welcome back deco, i really cant wait for the semi's may luck be on our side!
FORZA ITALIA!!
zlatanov
01-07-2006, 21:52
my money is on Germany and France for a "blitzkrieg"-type of a final
hhmm.. germany is not as strong as people think and their defence is played by the numbers game. As a matter of fact, they shouldn't even be in the semi's based on their performance on the pitch against Argentina. They were out-classed in all departments from attack, midfield and defence for practically the whole game before senor' Jose Pekerman commited Hari-Kiri by bringing in Julio Ricardo Cruz. Its understandable why he'd bring in Cambiasso for Riquelme ( he cant really defend ) but to bring in Cruz? Come on! the guy cant even break into Inter first team and is the fourth choice striker there.. He should have brought on Saviola instead as he can defend and attack well at the same time although he lacks height but argentina aren't really suited for aerial attack anyway and prefer the ball on the ground.. I'd expect Italy to boot them out as they are not Aerially Challanged and are also good on the ground.. Italy - Portugal final ! ! ! Forza Felipe Scolari ! ! !
my money is on Germany and France for a "blitzkrieg"-type of a final
unless the ref is helping germany, i can't see the germans going to the final. Their defence is :p146: . :delol:
im suporting itali in this WC ..
but i don't think they are going to beat german team :) they are helped by refs and already show great games
as for france portugal .. i think france will win no-one can stop them until finals
Kev Ryan
04-07-2006, 11:09
I think the Italy - Germany game will be very tight. Italy should create chances against a poor German defense. Germany will be coming up against a strong Italian defense and they will create chances will their all out attack style but their chances will be limited.
I'm predicting a narrow 1 - 0 win to Italy, maybe even after extra-time.
zlatanov
04-07-2006, 11:19
Not sure why you guys underestimate the German defence. the only week link in there if Friedrich but the Italians have Grosso too, who isn't exactly a Maldini heir or anything.
the Germans have two offense minded backs, much like the Italians, but aprt from that the CDs and the midfield provides some very good cover.
My prediction is 3-1 Germany and 1-0 France
well i hope lippi dosn't start this game with 4-4-1-1 and leaving Gila in bench
cuz that isn't going to be effective .. IMO italia should attack with 2 strikers and sometimes with Totti ..i hope lippi will put in first squad Gilardino cuz i think any team that plays against germany with only 1 striker is going to have a lot of problems ..
As for another game France-Spain as for me france was in final since wining against brazil ..
I'm pretty sure we're still without Nesta and I heard last night that Camorenese has a knee strain or something....
:w221:
Frings is suspended for Germany, FIFA handed down the ruling for his part in the skirmish after the Argie game.
King tiger
04-07-2006, 13:55
Im supporting Italia, Grosso was ok in defence, i hope Marco SerialKillerAzzi show his bright side, and i hope he wont get RC:( ,I hope Lippi wil start with Toni,Gila and Totti and Inzaghi as his first substitute instead of Iaquinta.Good luck Italy.
As ofr result i predict that we will witness something incredible, something that happens once in 10 million years, Italia will win on penalty kicks:D:D.
Well, that's just the problem! While I feel pretty confident about the game, I cannot shake the feeling that we'll go to PKs, and I'd really prefer not to have to do that. I'd vastly prefer togo the route of the Ukraine/Italy outcome...done and decided.... :devs: :devs:
I always supported 2 teams.....Germany and Italy.
So tonight I will be happy and sad the same time, because one team I support have to go.
I hope for a penaltyshootout.
As for Portugal vs. France.
I hope for France, but more because of Zidane. :) Zidane was :pr115: at the France game, beside that I dont like the arrogant and overhyped C. Ronaldo. His Diva-behaviour, before he shoot the penalty was bleh.
Pretty decent game so far. I hope Pirlo or someone else doesn't make the same kind of mistake, giving the ball way in midfield like that. Podolski should stop diving, Germany can do better with him scoring.
King tiger
04-07-2006, 16:52
Extra Time, i hope Italia wins before penalties:(
How can I continue watching...Lippi shouldn't be playing for penalties though, I hope not :undecide:
Forza ragazzi :)
Start of extra time...Gila hits the post, Zambro hits the cross bar....
Forza Grosso, forza Del Piero :proud:
King tiger
04-07-2006, 17:34
Forza Grosso, forza Del Piero
Lol i posted exactly the same post on another forum :ilol:
When Grosso scored i juped so hard and strained muscle in my neck so it hurts now:D
Forzza Azzuri, road to the world cup:D
Congratulations Azzurri, they took at least their chances to score :)
It was a good game and I am very proud of my team, we played a great tournament.
I hope for a final Italy vs. France, so Azzurri will take revanche for 1998 :)
I am Brazilian.
Since my family came from Italy and Portugal, this is my final.
Italy 2 x 0 ! Pirlo and Gillardino assists!
Forza Italia .. they deserve it :) ..
they all played well and im glad they'r going to be in Final
ACMILAN1983
04-07-2006, 17:40
What a match!! Brilliant, absoloutly brilliant!!! Best game of the cup!
Pace, strength, good tactical battle, technique, tension...everything!!
Milan players were fantastic, which makes me sooooooo happy! But most of all, credit to the two sides for bringing us a beautiful game!
Germany were great too, Italy were just the better though for me in a fantastic match.
Grosso's celebration was fantastic! Reminiscent of a certain Italian in '82 ;) .
Credit to Germany, Credit to Italia!
Thank you both for a wonderful match!!!
Graeme C
04-07-2006, 17:46
italy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
best game of the world cup! Italy played like Milan!! they were brilliant!!!!!!!!
great night for Italian football!!!!! great night for Italy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im on a huge high!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 :1ole:
zlatanov
04-07-2006, 17:55
What a match!! Brilliant, absoloutly brilliant!!! Best game of the cup!
Pace, strength, good tactical battle, technique, tension...everything!!
Milan players were fantastic, which makes me sooooooo happy! But most of all, credit to the two sides for bringing us a beautiful game!
Germany were great too, Italy were just the better though for me in a fantastic match.
Grosso's celebration was fantastic! Reminiscent of a certain Italian in '82 ;) .
Credit to Germany, Credit to Italia!
Thank you both for a wonderful match!!!
My words exactly, best and most dramatic game I've seen in quite a while.
i think either team would have deserved to go through. It was a tactical battle in which they cancelled each other out.
In the game of nerves, however, I think is where Italy won the game - it was great how Italy created the impression in the last 5-10 min of extra time that they were waiting for PKs and then made one final push for goal in the very end - I don't think it was by chance as Pirlo moved to a far more advanced position in those final minutes.
Great game by all Milan players. Happy to see Gila play so well once he came on. he played really, really well IMO and with Iaquinta coming on, Italy started playing like Milan ;)
NestaIsKing
04-07-2006, 18:05
My prediction for the semis:
Italy 2, Germany 0. Goals from Totti, and our future Rossonero Star Gilardino
Portugal 1, France 1. Goals from Ronaldo, Veira, Shootout to Portugal
OMG!! I gave myself 4 heart attacks during the game. so stressful. The World Cup is bad for your health lol.
I'm glad it went as predicted, even though I would have NEVER guessed Grosso would be the hero. What an incredible shot to the corner curling in! BEAUTIFUL!
Now I hope Italy will get Portugal in the final.
oh man what a great game!
Forza Grosso, forza Del Piero :proud:Mate, it was Pirlo and Gila who are the real heros. They did these brilliant assists Grosso/DP had only to kick it right there where ball belongs - Lehman's gaol :hihihi:
I am so glad to see germans out [after they kicked out my gauchos] that I even shouted louder then my bro who is un vero tifoso d'azzurri :D
Força Portugal
Not sure why you guys underestimate the German defence. the only week link in there if Friedrich but the Italians have Grosso too, who isn't exactly a Maldini heir or anything.
the Germans have two offense minded backs, much like the Italians, but aprt from that the CDs and the midfield provides some very good cover.
My prediction is 3-1 Germany and 1-0 France
where is the goals that is supposed to come from the germans? :devs:
My words exactly, best and most dramatic game I've seen in quite a while.
i think either team would have deserved to go through. It was a tactical battle in which they cancelled each other out.
In the game of nerves, however, I think is where Italy won the game - it was great how Italy created the impression in the last 5-10 min of extra time that they were waiting for PKs and then made one final push for goal in the very end - I don't think it was by chance as Pirlo moved to a far more advanced position in those final minutes.
Great game by all Milan players. Happy to see Gila play so well once he came on. he played really, really well IMO and with Iaquinta coming on, Italy started playing like Milan ;)
i am still thinking why toni is starting ahead of gila....Gila haven't put a foot wrong this WC and he is on the bench....
i think this game gave a lesson to lippi .. and next game will not make the same mistake
:p157:
Amazingly I stayed pretty calm during the game. Well...ahem....compared to whatI can be like, i was calm. Just alot of "get the ball the **** out of there" and "where the **** is the man for the rebound shot?" I just kept watching the clock, I knew we were headed for PKs. Thank the good Lord we didn't have to go there! :p017: It's always interesting to see who's going to step up and score.
As far as the Toni vs Gila question....as far as I'm concerned it's a total toss up. Everyone WAS on Luca Toni's case then he scored 2 goals, so then he was hero. Then true to form from the fans, he has a game where he doesn't score and they're back on his case. Gila...Look, the guy failed to impress me during the season, and I'm still not won over. Give me Pippo. In fact, I'd make sure to have Del Piero and Inzaghi in the next game...as subs, so they came on fresh and ready to change stur things up. That works, Lippi proved it.
I'm impressed with Zambrotta, Pirlo, Grosso, Buffon, Totti, Del Piero...and i'm especially impressed with Cannavaro and Gattuso !
And because of these two, i've changed my signature :)
Italy started playing like Milan ;)
I'll correct you on this one Zlat :
Offensively like Milan, defensively like Juve, and tactically like Milan and Juve !!!
That's why they are so strong ;)
zlatanov
04-07-2006, 18:51
I'll correct you on this one Zlat :
Offensively like Milan, defensively like Juve, and tactically like Milan and Juve !!!
That's why they are so strong ;)
not sure about this one, cause I didn't see any snoring fans in the stands. Plus the stadium wasn't 80% empty :diablo: ... just kidding, don't take it too seriously :devf:
zlatanov
04-07-2006, 18:52
where is the goals that is supposed to come from the germans? :devs:
Oh, come on, it's not like they didn't have chances in regular time. In fact, the whole second half was a pretty nervous one for Italy.
rae, watching game after game, not just at the world cup, I think finishing is the toughest even when it seems relatively simple...ofcourse Pirlo and Gila provided the decisive passes.
Good game, I'm glad that Italy won.
Good goals, great assists by Pirlo and Gila.
I'm just sorry that Pirlo didn't score.
Gila deserves to play in first squad, he plays better than Toni on this WC...
oh man... im still not over it... one of the best games ive ever seen in my life, definatly the best international game for me so far, im so happy, i always felt we can take it, no one gave italy a chance, all my friends who support brazil were watching it to annoy me, theylle have to wait another 4 years if we win the final inshallah, we destroyed them, excellent football, excellent coaching by lippi, great game by everyone, finally we very close to taking it!!! ... the ref was a complete *******, giving every call to the germans, it was driving me nuts, but i couldnt ask for a better ending for the game, the germans were playing dirty and were taking advantage of the refs biasism, thankfully italy for once kept a cool head and ignored and played on and won it deservedly, we outplayed them for 120 mins, we shut them down completely and you can tell that they grew frustrated, ballack is an assssssss, actually im really happy we didnt sign him, hes a good player but not milan calibre personality wise, gattuso is the king, cannavaro too, buffon excellent, great game by grosso too, same with zambrotta and materazzi too... totti was poor and so was camoranesi and toni, i thought lippi was taking too much of a risk when he put on del piero and iaquinta and gila and took out midfielders playing with 4 very attack minded players in gila, iaquinta, totti and del piero, it payed off thankfully, gila looking great (i think he should come off the bench in the final too) del piero hopefully can gain confidence after the goal... great game by pirlo too, excellent pass for the goal... man i cant stop talking...
FORZAAAA AZZZZZZZZZZUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!
Brilliant match. Best of the WC for me. I agree with those who say Gila should start. Gila's assist was sweet.
zlatanov
04-07-2006, 21:55
oh man... im still not over it... one of the best games ive ever seen in my life, definatly the best international game for me so far, im so happy, i always felt we can take it, no one gave italy a chance, all my friends who support brazil were watching it to annoy me, theylle have to wait another 4 years if we win the final inshallah, we destroyed them, excellent football, excellent coaching by lippi, great game by everyone, finally we very close to taking it!!! ... the ref was a complete *******, giving every call to the germans, it was driving me nuts, but i couldnt ask for a better ending for the game, the germans were playing dirty and were taking advantage of the refs biasism, thankfully italy for once kept a cool head and ignored and played on and won it deservedly, we outplayed them for 120 mins, we shut them down completely and you can tell that they grew frustrated, ballack is an assssssss, actually im really happy we didnt sign him, hes a good player but not milan calibre personality wise, gattuso is the king, cannavaro too, buffon excellent, great game by grosso too, same with zambrotta and materazzi too... totti was poor and so was camoranesi and toni, i thought lippi was taking too much of a risk when he put on del piero and iaquinta and gila and took out midfielders playing with 4 very attack minded players in gila, iaquinta, totti and del piero, it payed off thankfully, gila looking great (i think he should come off the bench in the final too) del piero hopefully can gain confidence after the goal... great game by pirlo too, excellent pass for the goal... man i cant stop talking...
FORZAAAA AZZZZZZZZZZUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!
Oh, man, to tell you the truth, this is one of the most biased and unobjective posts I have read from you in a long time.
This was one of the most ballanced games of the whole WC, especially in regular time. I just don't know how you could say that one team, Italy, outplayed the other in any way. Whoever would have gone through, would have hardly been undeserved.
As for the refereeing, I don;t know what is between you and referees, you have been bashing them from day one, and often with a point I have to say, but this guy showed probably the best judgement I have seen by any ref in any game in any competition in along, long time. He hardly ever shoed any bias towards any team and I am slightly surprised by that because it's usually the case when the hosts of such events, whoever they are, are often at least slightly favoured by the refs. Tonight, no fan, from either side, as long he is remotely capable of objective judgement, cannot complain from the ref's decisions as the refereeing was as close to exemplery as it gets. And he greatly contributed with his decisions to one of the best and most fluent games in recent WC history and not only.
Please try to be more fair and non-biased in these things. I know it's not an easy thing to do when you have a favourite team but it's not that hard either, you just have to want it.
Hope you didn't get offended by any of the above as, I hope you know, I do consider you one of the most stable posters around ;)
Peace :hug:
Pirlo, Man of the tournament.
Gatuso, fighter of the tournament.
Cana, CD of the tournament.
Buffon, GK of the tournament.
Zampa, Right wing of the tournament.
Grosso's, goal of the tournament, we should get this man.
Lippi, Coach of the tournament.
Italy, Team of the tournament.
a Vietnamese behind Italy.
I think tactically a very intensive game. once again, Lippi shows why he is on top of Klinsman. Still, heads off to the Germany coach.
:p157:
Amazingly I stayed pretty calm during the game. Well...ahem....compared to whatI can be like, i was calm. Just alot of "get the ball the **** out of there" and "where the **** is the man for the rebound shot?" I just kept watching the clock, I knew we were headed for PKs. Thank the good Lord we didn't have to go there! :p017: It's always interesting to see who's going to step up and score.
As far as the Toni vs Gila question....as far as I'm concerned it's a total toss up. Everyone WAS on Luca Toni's case then he scored 2 goals, so then he was hero. Then true to form from the fans, he has a game where he doesn't score and they're back on his case. Gila...Look, the guy failed to impress me during the season, and I'm still not won over. Give me Pippo. In fact, I'd make sure to have Del Piero and Inzaghi in the next game...as subs, so they came on fresh and ready to change stur things up. That works, Lippi proved it.
trust me, i prefer inzaghi to any other strikers in the squad but we know Lippi won't go for it. Toni has been playing quite crap for the whole WC regardless of goals while at least gila did play pretty decent and hold the ball up well unlike toni who keep losing the ball. inzaghi>gila>toni and Iaquinta.
Oh, man, to tell you the truth, this is one of the most biased and unobjective posts I have read from you in a long time.
This was one of the most ballanced games of the whole WC, especially in regular time. I just don't know how you could say that one team, Italy, outplayed the other in any way. Whoever would have gone through, would have hardly been undeserved.
As for the refereeing, I don;t know what is between you and referees, you have been bashing them from day one, and often with a point I have to say, but this guy showed probably the best judgement I have seen by any ref in any game in any competition in along, long time. He hardly ever shoed any bias towards any team and I am slightly surprised by that because it's usually the case when the hosts of such events, whoever they are, are often at least slightly favoured by the refs. Tonight, no fan, from either side, as long he is remotely capable of objective judgement, cannot complain from the ref's decisions as the refereeing was as close to exemplery as it gets. And he greatly contributed with his decisions to one of the best and most fluent games in recent WC history and not only.
Please try to be more fair and non-biased in these things. I know it's not an easy thing to do when you have a favourite team but it's not that hard either, you just have to want it.
Hope you didn't get offended by any of the above as, I hope you know, I do consider you one of the most stable posters around ;)
Peace :hug:
i do agree wholeheartedly, the ref did a great job there, letting the game flow and didn't show much bias for any side. the italians was better in the 1st half and slow down in the 2nd, it seem to me that italy is holding for xtra time.
trust me, i prefer inzaghi to any other strikers in the squad but we know Lippi won't go for it. Toni has been playing quite crap for the whole WC regardless of goals while at least gila did play pretty decent and hold the ball up well unlike toni who keep losing the ball. inzaghi>gila>toni and Iaquinta.
I think Gila is quite unlucky overall this year. He has missed 2 big shots: 1) Against German (hit the post); 2) Against Barcelona (guess what, hit the post).
I think we can rest in peace because these 2 most important goals are absent not because of ability but because of luck.
Time, patience...
rahul.acm
05-07-2006, 05:44
I was expecing Inzaghi to come in and deliver the goods as he is well known for his performances in tight matches (esp. against germans) but I was upset to see Iaquinta and Gila take the charge. But as the game progressed I actually liked their inclusions because they were lot pacier and stronger than luca "sloppy joe" tony. They controlled the ball much better and energized the attack.
Anyway I am freaggin happy! What a match! I love to say Italy NAILED IT...yeah woooooooohoooooooooooo. I love to see that arrogant bollocks down and crying!
Totally disagree with you mk about the ref. He was excellent as were all the officials and he was completely unbiased. There was hardly any diving or rolling around by either team and most players just got up and got on with it.
It was a very even game also. Germany played well in patches but just couldn't get enough quality in the last third when they came up against the Italian wall. When they did get through Schneider, Podolski x 3 & Freidrich they either missed the target or found Buffon in top form. The same could be said of Italy for until extra time they didn't have any real clear goal scoring opportunities ... Perotta 1v1, a Camoranesi header and not much else. If anything their delivery was poor from set pieces as for about 5 or 6 corners/free-kicks in a row Lehman just plucked the ball out the air unopposed.
But all this made it such a tense game and so enthralling. It was fantastic to watch and a great spectacle. Italy's midfield link-up play was great with some neat passing triangles and interchanges. Gilardino also did really well playing up front by himself and linking well with the others.
A wonderful match and thankfully it was decided before penalties and at least there can be no arguments about the quality of the goals. They would have graced any match.
I'm not Germany's biggest fan but my last thought is for them and the fantastic way they've hosted this world cup. They've been excellent to watch at times and have really installed some belief and pride back into their fans. For these things they should be congratulated. It should also be reminded that there are German fans on this forum, so a little decorum and grace in victory should be displayed by posters.
For Susi :hug: :)
NestaIsKing
05-07-2006, 10:14
Oh, man, to tell you the truth, this is one of the most biased and unobjective posts I have read from you in a long time.
This was one of the most ballanced games of the whole WC, especially in regular time. I just don't know how you could say that one team, Italy, outplayed the other in any way. Whoever would have gone through, would have hardly been undeserved.
As for the refereeing, I don;t know what is between you and referees, you have been bashing them from day one, and often with a point I have to say, but this guy showed probably the best judgement I have seen by any ref in any game in any competition in along, long time. He hardly ever shoed any bias towards any team and I am slightly surprised by that because it's usually the case when the hosts of such events, whoever they are, are often at least slightly favoured by the refs. Tonight, no fan, from either side, as long he is remotely capable of objective judgement, cannot complain from the ref's decisions as the refereeing was as close to exemplery as it gets. And he greatly contributed with his decisions to one of the best and most fluent games in recent WC history and not only.
Please try to be more fair and non-biased in these things. I know it's not an easy thing to do when you have a favourite team but it's not that hard either, you just have to want it.
Hope you didn't get offended by any of the above as, I hope you know, I do consider you one of the most stable posters around ;)
Peace :hug:
I like the ref in this game. He let many fouls go which other refs have called and given yellow cards for. I applaud him for that, as it let the game flow very nicely and gave it a great pace. Very few whistles, therefore lots of end-to-end action
I hope for a final Italy vs. France, so Azzurri will take revanche for 1998 :)
And also for the Euro 2000 final ;)
Kev Ryan
05-07-2006, 11:17
What a great game. Italy were thoroughly deserving in their win. Lippi's tactics were spot on again. He went all out in extra time and it paid off. Both goals were superb too!
Italy will definetly win the whole thing now in my opinion.
King tiger
05-07-2006, 11:30
I just hope that they wont mess up in the Final:(
NestaIsKing
05-07-2006, 20:15
they won't mess up
Oh, man, to tell you the truth, this is one of the most biased and unobjective posts I have read from you in a long time.
This was one of the most ballanced games of the whole WC, especially in regular time. I just don't know how you could say that one team, Italy, outplayed the other in any way. Whoever would have gone through, would have hardly been undeserved.
As for the refereeing, I don;t know what is between you and referees, you have been bashing them from day one, and often with a point I have to say, but this guy showed probably the best judgement I have seen by any ref in any game in any competition in along, long time. He hardly ever shoed any bias towards any team and I am slightly surprised by that because it's usually the case when the hosts of such events, whoever they are, are often at least slightly favoured by the refs. Tonight, no fan, from either side, as long he is remotely capable of objective judgement, cannot complain from the ref's decisions as the refereeing was as close to exemplery as it gets. And he greatly contributed with his decisions to one of the best and most fluent games in recent WC history and not only.
Please try to be more fair and non-biased in these things. I know it's not an easy thing to do when you have a favourite team but it's not that hard either, you just have to want it.
Hope you didn't get offended by any of the above as, I hope you know, I do consider you one of the most stable posters around ;)
Peace :hug:
maybe ur right, but im not being biased, and you know im not that kind of a person, i try to give credit where its due, and it was a great game, probably the best international game ive ever seen, but my thing with the ref of this game was that he gave alot of wrong calls though not big ones to the germans, and he didnt give any that were alot harsher to italy, examples, the free kick he gave to germany in the 80th minute which ballack squandered, while he failed to give one to totti who was clearly tripped in the same spot during ET, another call is when del piero put the ball between friedrichs legs and the german defender obstructed him yet the ref waved play on, though this ref is clearly better than most refs in the tournament, i dont see why he couldnt call fouls on instants like these, german players made use of it and started playing dirty (for example ballack stomping on gattuso's leg) ... watch the game again and look at the fouls he failed to call, but overall great game, thank god italy won it, and goodluck to germany in 2010
Pirlo, Man of the tournament.
Gatuso, fighter of the tournament.
Cana, CD of the tournament.
Buffon, GK of the tournament.
Zampa, Right wing of the tournament.
Grosso's, goal of the tournament, we should get this man.
Lippi, Coach of the tournament.
Italy, Team of the tournament.
a Vietnamese behind Italy.
I disagree on the grosso having goal of the tournament,
lippi and italy as coach/team of the tournament.
Goal of the tournament should be Maxi Rodriguez.
Scolari as Coach of the Tournament (beat england without deco,costinha?!)
and France as the team of the tournament.
French started out slowly(damn slow to be precise!) but now that they have the confidence in each other, they are starting to look like the class of '98.. esp with Zizou back to his best.
That being said.. no team/team combo can be better than Juve def + Milan offence.. that said, F-O-R-Z-A !-!-! A-Z-Z-U-R-I !-!-!
i think lippi is the coach of the tournament hands down... scolari beat england without costinha and deco, but was also helped by rooney's RC and ricardo's heroics, lippi calculated every move that happened during the tournament and was right with most decisions
goal of the tournament is cambiasso's vs serbia (2nd goal of the game), maxi's was more jaw dropping, cambiasso's was the best example of team work
Looks like i had to eat my words about Germany, but its perfect, the best words i've ever eaten.
Our italian half got control of all of us yesterday, we whwre all supporting the azzurri.
Forza Italia in the final!!!
The ref. in the Germany vs. Italy match is Mexican (Archundia)... he established a new record with 5 games in one WC... so I guess that makes it almost impossible for him to be in the final...
in that case, who do you think will ref. the final?
I propose Roberto Rossetti ;)
zlatanov
05-07-2006, 22:33
Based on merit, I think the final should go to either Rosetti or Archundia for me. With Italy being in the final, anyone dare guess the chances of Rosetti being chosen ;).
Also that guy from Argentina - Horacio Elizondo (sp?) - from portugal-England did a pretty good job too IMO. The Belgian ref De Blekeere (sp?) was also pretty good in Ukraina-Italy.
With the rumours of Merk being so close with FIFA officials, I won't be surprised to see him officiate one of the remaining games, provided that he is still kept in the loop, that is, but I doubt it after that Ghana-USA game.
Ask Moggi to call Blaster to arrange a referee for the WC final and Italy will be the winner.
The referee for the final can not be Merk for sure after the Barca-Milan return game and more so now that Italy defeated Germany.
zlatanov
05-07-2006, 22:35
Ask Moggi to call Blaster to arrange a referee for the WC final and Italy will be the winner.
that's assuming he has not done so already :firedev:
NestaIsKing
06-07-2006, 14:49
Elizondo arbitrerà Italia-Francia
6 Luglio 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com
La FIFA ha scelto l'arbitro che dirigerà la finale di domenica tra Italia e Francia. Sarà l'argentino Horacio Elizondo, l'unico con il messicano Archundia ad aver già diretto cinque gare in questo mondiale.
Elizondo, che ha diretto anche l'incontro di apertura tra Germania e Costa Rica, sarà assistito dai guardialinee Dario Garcia, Rodolfo Otero, entrambi argentini, mentre il quarto uomo sarà lo spagnolo Medina Cantalejo, arbitro di Italia-Australia.
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