Group F Decided! The Repre And La Albirroja Advance

Marcelo Lippi's Italy struggled in this summer's World Cup finals. They even finished bottom in Group F with the surprise package, New Zealand in third place. The lack of creativity and quality became a real problem for the Azzurris. Paraguay looked set to progress but first they needed to fend off the Kiwis who, if they win, will advance to the knockout phase. Slovakia with one point after two matches, looked down and out, though still in with a distant chance.

Italy took on Slovakia in the final game with either side needing a win to try and make it to the last 16. Slovakia signalled their intent in the early stages of the game, with Marek Hamsik missing in front of goal. The Repre played the better football and it just goes to show how poor the Azzurris have been in this summer's football showcase. Italy was undone by their inability to beat New Zealand and had to face the dangerous Slovakia. Robert Vittek's two goals pushed him into the unlikely position of top goalscorer in the tournament together with David Villa and Gonzalo Higuain.

Only when the Italians were three goals down, did they manage to put to show any fight. The presence of midfield playmaker, Andrea Pirlo must have had something to do with that. The loss of Buffon quite clearly was a blow to the defence, as Marchetti is not as commanding as the Italian superstar. So a remarkable turnaround and a shocking defeat to Hamsik's side. Slovakia, unbelievably, took second spot in Group F.

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Kiwis Gains Point And Stuns Azzuris

Italian hearts were in their mouths as they saw 19-year old Kiwi giant, Chris Wood controlled the ball, turned Fabio Cannavaro stunningly and looked to have a clear shot on goal. Thankfully for the Azzuris, Wood dragged his shot inches wide of Marchetti's goal, preserving the 1-1 scoreline. The damage had already been done earlier. Shane Smeltz's first half controversial goal had given the Kiwis their second point in South Africa.

Mark Paston in goal had a barnstorming game, pulling off save after save denying and frustrating the Italians. New Zealand's "Thou Shalt Not Pass" ethos led by defiant captain, Ryan Nelsen held firm and were rewarded as Lippi's side ran out of fresh ideas.

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Reigning World Champions Expertly Marshalled By La Albirroja

Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz said that the current 2010 Paraguay squad is the best for years. The opening game performance against Italy fully backed up this claim. With this draw, La Albirroja has a decent chance of progress into the knockout phase.

This was a spirited, hard working and physical Paraguayan display. A setpiece headed goal in the first half stunned Italy.  Danielle De Rossi equalized and relieved the pressure on the Italians.

The criticism that the Italian media have had about the team being too old and aged holds water now. Italy were looking extremely tired and devoid of ideas. Marcelo Lippi's constant reluctance to include Francesco Totti is looking like a big mistake now. How Italy need a playmaker to provide a creative thrust. Andrea Pirlo will definitely find his way back to the Italian lineup soon enough.

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2010 World Cup Group F Head To Head

The defending champion, Italy is drawn in Group F with New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia. Marcelo Lippi is said to be struggling with his lineup and the general consensus is that as a powerhouse, Italy have regressed. Yet, history has taught us to write off Italy at our peril as they have the experience , mentality and tactical acumen to do well in competitions.

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Castrol Football Rates The 2010 World Cup Contenders

Just like the Barclays Premier League and others like La Liga, Calcio de Lega and Bundesliga, the World Cup tournaments are pretty dominated by four nations. These are the nations with the most World Cup wins in the history of the tournament. Brazil, Italy, Germany and Argentina are the most successful teams in the World Cup. Will these four be the likely victors of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? Most likely not, as I personally favour a Spain v. England final to be held at the newly constructed Johannesburg Soccer City stadium.

Castrol Football has done an extensive round of predictions and what-if scenarios, and the result are as seen below, quantifying the chances of the aspiring footballing nations.

Brazil

SpainEngland

This is the probable opponents for England when they make it out of the World Cup group stages. Qualifying first in their group should give England a simple path to the semifinals where they will have to beat Brazil and then Spain to end 43 years of hurt. Don Fabio has got the England team playing with determination and organisation. For the first time in years, England may have what it takes to win this tournament.

Holland

ArgentinaGermany

Italy

France

Portugal

Ivory Coast

The rest of the competing nations at a glance:

It looks to be a different World Cup altogether, as apart from Brazil, traditional powerhouses are not considered favourites this time around. In fact, England have possibly the best chance of all to capture their second Jules Rimet trophy.

If you are a football fan who travels a lot on business, it may be best to start thinking of alternative ways of watching the World Cup. Live streaming football on PC could be a great option.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Brazil 3 - 0 Italy

Brazil Cruises into the Semi finals, Sets up date with South Africa

Kaka shoots at Italian goal - Image from Reuters

Brazil maintained their 100% record at the 2009 Confederations Cup as they made light work of Italy, sweeping the World champions aside with ease in a commanding 3-0 win at the Loftus Stadium on Sunday night.

Italy did off to a relatively brisk start, possibly surprising their opponents with purposeful attacking play early on.

However, it was Brazil who had the first couple of chances in the game, the best falling to Robinho, who skewed his shot wide of goal after having been released into the box by Luis Fabiano’s nicely weighted sixth minute ball.

In the 15th minute Fabiano found himself through on goal, but Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon showed his experience, and excellent anticipation, as he raced off his line to intercept the ball.

The next chance fell the way of Italy as lively midfielder Mauro Camoranesi sent a cracking half-volley from 25-yards out just over the bar in the 31st minute.

The game continued to swing from end to end and Brazil nearly broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through an unlikely source – central defender Lucio. The Bayern Munich hard-man showed great skill to beat two Italian defenders inside the box, before sending an angled shot goal-wards, which struck Daniele De Rossi and deflected onto the upright.

By now Brazil were very much in the ascendancy, and took a deserved 35th minute lead when Fabiano slotted home with a clinical shot from eight yards out after the Italian defence had failed to clear their box.

A further two goals in quick succession then left Italy pretty much dead and buried as Brazil gave two examples of devastating counter-attacking play.

In the 43rd minute South American team broke with lightning speed up the field, the ball reaching Robinho, who played a one-two with Kaka, before the ball broke kindly for Fabiano to net his brace; 2-0 Brazil.

Barely a minute later Brazil added a third, Kaka again involved as he picked the ball up deep and set Robinho free down the left wing, who looked to try and pick out Fabiano. Italian defender Andrea Dossena managed to intercept the pass, but only succeeded in redirecting the ball past Buffon and into his own goal.

Azzurri were onto the offensive early in the second half as they desperately tried to force their way back into the game, with goal difference of crucial importance. Dossena put in a couple of dangerous crosses from the left, but it was from one such delivery that Brazil again countered with breath-taking precision, although Robinho’s poor finish meant there was no addition to the scoreboard.

Midway through the second half and Marcello Lippi’s side created a succession of chances, but Julio Cesar was up to the task, saving comfortably from Alberto Gilardino and Simone Pepe, before being more severely tested with a stinging drive from Giuseppe Rossi.

Again though Dunga’s charges showed their potential threat on the counter as Kaka came within inches of adding a fourth after yet another quick break up field in the 68th minute.

There was a chance for Azzurri in the 75th minute when some unorthodox goal keeping from Cesar saw the ball worked to Pepe, but his shot was blocked by a defender.

De Rossi and Dossena had late strikes but it just wasn’t Italy’s night as yet another effort from the European side failed to find the back of the net.

TEAMS

Brazil: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan (Luisao 23’), Andre Santos; Felipe Melo, Kaka, Gilberto Silva (Kleberson 85), Ramires (Josue 85’); Luis Fabiano, Robinho

Italy: Gianluigi Buffon; Andrea Dossena, Giorgio Chiellini, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta; Mauro Camoranesi, Riccardo Montolivo (Simone Pepe 46’), Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo; Vincenzo Iaquinta (Giuseppe Rossi 38’), Luca Toni (Alberto Gilardino 57’)

This report is featured at MTN Football.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Italy 0 - 1 Egypt

Egyptian Italian Job - Image from Associated Press

Egypt experienced one of their greatest moments on the international football stage when they upset World Champions Italy 1-0 in a Confederations Cup group B game played in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

It could well be argued that the African champions were full value for their half-time lead, but the second stanza was however a different story as the European side had numerous excellent scoring chances, only to be denied time and time again by sensational goal keeping by an inspired Essam Al-Hadari, who made several heroic saves to preserve the slender lead.

Opening stages of the match presented an evenly balanced contest and there was certainly evidence that Egypt were going to make the world champions work hard for their desired three points. The first chance of the game did however go the way of the team in blue as Giuseppe Rossi, handed a place in the starting line-up after his brace against the USA, was given space to shoot from inside the box, but his 12th minute effort flew well over the bar.

Ten minutes later Rossi tested Al Hadari from range, but the Pharaohs keeper did well to tip a powerful strike over the bar. With Andrea Pirlo struggling to find his range from free kicks, that was pretty much it as far as Italy’s first half attacking threat went as Egypt began to grow in confidence, steadily gaining momentum as the game went on.

With five minutes to go before the interval, Azzurri shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon had his first real test of the night when he was forced to touch Hosni Abd Rabou’s swerving 25-yarder over the bar. Egypt made maximum use of the resultant corner, shocking Italy with the opening goal as Mohamed Homos timed his jump to perfection, nodding the ball into the back of the net, via the inside of the post.

Determined to bring the game back to level terms, Italy started the second half with purpose and five minutes after the break Daniele de Rossi looked to get his name on the score-sheet, but fired over the bar from 25-yards out.

Vincenzo Iaquinta had a great opportunity soon after for Azzurri when he went clean through on goal, but his control was less than perfect and Al Hadari was able to move quickly off his line and make a brave save.

The world champions continued to create the better chances and after Simone Pepe’s cross had narrowly elude...{Read more about how Egypt upset the World Champions}



This report is featured at MTN Football.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Italy 3 - 1 USA

image from Associated Press

World Champions Italy came back from a goal down to beat a spirited 10 man USA side by three goals to one in another great game of football at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria Stadium on Monday night. The crowd were once again amazing with a very cosmopolitan turn out of black, white, Indian, American and even Asian fans all joining together in celebration of the beautiful game.

The game itself turned out to be a great spectacle with both teams making their intentions clear from the kick-off. Italian centre back Nicola Legrottaglie had the first real chance of match when he found himself with a free header inside the box from a set-piece but the defender failed to hit the target as his effort went wide of the goal. The USA then had a great chance.

The USA then had a great chance to open the scoring through Michael Bradley who created some space for himself but with only Gianluigi Buffon to beat the midfielder fired in a tame shot which Buffon comfortably saved. Moments later Jozy Altidore failed to score from a similar position to the one Bradley found him in, but the big striker scuffed his shot which allowed Buffon to make another easy save. This was clearly not going to be a goalless game.

The match was then turned on its head when the referee gave Ricardo Clark a red card for a foolish lunge on Genarro Gattuso. It was a very harsh decision from the referee...{Read about this fantastic game}

This report is featured at SA Football Fans

South Africa 2009: Confederations Cup Preview

The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF), along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country.

This year, the Confed Cup will be held in South Africa - sort of a sneak preview of what's to come in the soon approaching 2010 World Cup Finals. This tournament will start on June 14th and end with the final on June 28th 2009.

Group A
Spain (UEFA European champions)

Coach: Vicente Del Bosque
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Jose Reina, Diego Lopez
Defenders: Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Joan Capdevila, Carlos Marchena, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Sergi Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Pablo Hernandez, David Silva, Juan Manuel Mata, Albert Riera
Forwards: Daniel Guiza, Fernando Llorente, Fernando Torres, David Villa

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Casillas — (D) Ramos, Pique, Marchena, Capdevila — (M) Alonso, Silva, Xavi, Fabregas — (F) Torres, Villa

Current FIFA Ranking: 1

Strengths:
Spain has strength, quality and depth in their squad. Virtually any player in the 23-man squad can be thrust into the team and will do well. Del Bosque has enough quality in this squad to field two similar strength teams. The confidence of this squad is well high right now having won the European championships. It is a team that has played together for two years now and so the players know each other's game very well.

Weaknesses:
No glaring weaknesses. A hint of the Arsenal about Spain i.e. because they are so good, there is that tendency to want to walk the ball into the net. Midfield is lightweight so opposition may want to stop the Spanish midfield by deploying a spoiler's game in the middle of the park.

Player to Watch: Xavi, Cesc Fabregas

Tournament Prospects:
Vicente Del Bosque and Spain have not lost a match since the 2008 European championships. Del Bosque have already stated that "we are here to win" and the confidence is sky high. An easy group A means that Spain will top this group and will face either Brazil or Italy in the semifinal. Spain will be favourites to win this tournament.

The Fans:

Iraq (AFC Asian champions)

Coach: Bora Milutinovic
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Kasid, Nour Sabri, Uday Talib
Defenders: Basim Abbas, Muayad Khalid, Isam Yaseen, Samir Saeed, Farid Majeed, Salam Shaker, Ali Hussein Rahema, Mohammed Ali Karim, Dara Mohammed Habeeb
Midfielders: Halgurd Mulla Mohammed, Mahdi Karim, Nashat Akram, Hawar Mulla Mohammed, Abdul-Wahab Abu Al-Hail, Salih Sadir
Forwards: Karrar Jassim, Emad Mohammed, Alaa Abdul-Zahra, Younis Mahmoud, Luai Salah

Current FIFA Ranking: 77

Strengths:
Although relatively inexperienced in the international arena, this Iraq team makes up for it through the experience of their Serbian coach. The core of this team have remained the same since they won the Asian Youth championship. As with Spain, these players are very familiar with the way each other like to play. Iraq plays well when the trio of Nashat Akram, Younis Mahmoud and Emad Mohammad combine well.

Weaknesses:
They may have won the 2007 Asian Nations Cup but they will not be representing Asia in the 2010 World Cup. The confidence is not high, they have not performed well since that unexpected Asian Nation Cup win in Malaysia.

Player to Watch: Nashat Akram

Tournament Prospects:
Cannon fodder for the Spanish Machine, may beat South Africa and will get 3 points against New Zealand.

The Fans:

New Zealand (OFC Oceania champions)

Coach: Ricki Herbert
Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne, Glen Moss, Mark Pasto
Defenders: Andrew Boyens, Tony Lochhead, David Mulligan, Steven Old, Aaron Scott, Ben Sigmund, Ivan Vicelich
Midfielders: Andy Barron, Leo Bertos, Tim Brown, Jeremy Christie, Simon Elliott, Chris James, Duncan Oughton
Forwards: Kris Bright, Jeremy Brockie, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Jarrod Smith, Chris Wood

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Paston — (D) Mulligan, Lochhead, Old, Sigmund — (M) Elliott, Oughton, Brown, James — (F) Smeltz, Killen

Current FIFA Ranking: 82

Strengths:
The strike partnership of Chris Killen and Shane Smeltz have produced 25 goals for the national team. The duo are arguably the two best players in this Kiwi side. They will be looked upon to drive the team forward in this competition.

Weaknesses:
New Zealand lack world class players and so will look to build on team experience here. They will use this tournament to prepare for the World Cup play-off with the fifth best Asian nation. The loss of the excellent Ryan Nelsen will not help the Kiwi's cause or hopes.

Player to Watch: Shane Smeltz, Leo Bertos

Tournament Prospects:
No chance and no points in this tournament.

The Fans:

South Africa (Host country)

Coach: Joel Santana
Goalkeepers: Brian Baloyi, Itumeleng Khune, Rowen Fernandez
Defenders: Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa, Morgan Gould, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Bryce Moon, Bongani Khumalo
Midfielders: Lance Davids, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Teko Modise, Steven Pienaar, Macbeth Sibaya, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Benson Mhlongo, Elrio van Heerden, Innocent Mdledle
Strikers: Bernard Parker, Katlego Mphela, Thembinkosi Fanteni, Katlego Mashego

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Baloyi - (D) Masilela , Moon, Booth, Gaxa - (M) Modise, Mokoena, Pienaar, Sibaya - (F) Mashego, Mphela

Current FIFA Ranking: 72

Strengths:
South Africa will have home ground advantage for this tournament. The fans will definitely get behind the team and spur them on. The team can rely on Steven Pienaar's industry and hard running in midfield, giving them a creative outlet. Aaron Mokoena provides protection for the back four by breaking up opposition plays in midfield with his tough tackling and physical style.

Weaknesses:
Not recalling Benni McCarthy leaves the South Africans short of attacking options. There is no recognised striker within the team squad. Goals may be hard to come by.

Player to Watch: Steven Pienaar

Tournament Prospects:
Being in the easier group A will surely help the Bafana Bafana. Joel Santana will want to use this tournament to prepare and assess his squad's capability for the 2010 World Cup. The team has the quality to beat New Zealand and Iraq to finish second and qualify for the semifinals. That's when the journey ends for South Africa. Unless witchcraft is used....

The Fans:



Group B
Brazil (CONMEBOL South American champions)

Coach: Carlos Dunga
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar, Victor, Heurelho Gomes
Defenders: Maicon, Daniel Alves, Alex, Juan, Lucio, Luisao, Kleber, Andre Santos
Midfielders: Anderson, Gilberto Silva, Josue, Ramires, Elano, Felipe Melo, Julio Baptista, Kaka
Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Luis Fabiano, Nilmar, Robinho

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Cesar — (D) Maicon, Juan, Lucio, Alves — (M) Kaka, Silva, Baptisa, Elano — (F) Pato, Robinho

Current FIFA Ranking: 5

Strengths:
A squad which has quality, strength, skill and depth. Like Del Bosque, Dunga has a squad in which he could field two teams capable of winning the Confederations Cup. That's the level of strength that Brazil possesses. For once, goalkeeping is no longer a weakness with the formidable Julio Cesar in goal. Defence is solid and physical. The team is packed with creativity and flair both in midfield and in attack. A magical team.

Weaknesses:
Overconfidence is a worry for Brazil. No doubt, they can beat anyone on paper but it's about getting it done on the pitch as well.

Player to Watch: Alexandre Pato

Tournament Prospects:
Need to fight it out with Italy for the group B leadership. Semifinalist for sure but may not be able to beat the Spaniards. Losing finalists this time around. At least the fans will enjoy a dream final - Brazil vs. Spain.

The Fans:




Italy (World champions)

Coach: Marcello Lippi
Goalkeepers: Amelia, Buffon, De Sanctis
Defenders: Cannavaro, Chiellini, Zambrotta, Dossena, Legrottaglie, Gamberini, Grosso, Santon
Midfielders: Camoranesi, De Rossi, Pirlo, Gattuso, Montolivo, Palombo
Forwards: Gilardino, Iaquinta, Pepe, Quagliarella, Toni, Rossi

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Buffon — (D) Cannavaro, Chiellini, Zambrotta, Grosso — (M) Camoranesi, De Rossi, Pirlo — (F) Quagliarella, Toni, Gilardino

Current FIFA Ranking: 4

Strengths:
An Italian squad filled with experience and world class talent. This team know how to shut out a team, stifle an opposition's creativity and win a game the Catenacchio style. Strong at the back, creative and tough to get past in midfield and sharpness in attack. All these are hallmarks of a tactically well organised Italian side.

Weaknesses:
Lippi takes with him an aging squad for this competition. A better option for him was to inject some youthfulness into the team. Athleticism and mobility are areas lacking in this Italian squad.

Player to Watch: Giorgio Chiellini

Tournament Prospects:
A first-time semifinal appearance for the Italians in South Africa. Will have to negotiate past the unpredictability of Egypt and the athleticism of USA.

The Fans:

USA (CONCACAF North American champions)
Coach: Bob Bradley
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Luis Robles
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, Marvell Wynne, Jay DeMerit, Danny Califf, Heath Pearce
Midfielders: Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Sacha Kljestan, Jose Francisco Torres, Benny Feilhaber, Ricardo Clark, DaMarcus Beasley, Freddy Adu
Forwards: Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Conor Casey, Charlie Davies

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Howard — (D) Hejduk, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Pearce — (M) Bradley, Beasley, Kljestan, Dempsey — (F) Ching, Donovan

Current FIFA Ranking: 14

Strengths:
Bob Bradley have forged a team with defensive solidity marshalled by the excellent Tim Howard in goal. Midfield will be infused with discipline and positional responsibilities. Freddie Adu's brilliance on the ball can make a difference in tight matches. Athleticism, stamina and endurance are the key qualities of this USA team.

Weaknesses:
This is a USA team that will work hard and chase every ball. Unfortunately at the highest level of international football, a creative spark is required. The Americans do not have this creative or unpredictability element in their ranks.

Player to Watch: Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley

Tournament Prospects:
USA should not be expected to shake up the competition. They have traditionally performed well in the Confed Cup but this will not be the same. Third placing in the group could be a possibility.

The Fans:

Eqypt (CAF African champions)
Coach: Hassan Shehata
Goalkeepers: Essam Al Hadari, Abdul Wahed Al Sayed Mohamed Sobhi, Al Hani Soliman
Defenders: Hani Said, Mahmoud Fathallah, Wael Gomaa, Sherif Abdul Fadhil, Ahmed Said, Ahmed Al Muhammadi, Sayed Moawad, Hazem Emam, Ahmed Samir Farag
Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Shawki, Hosni Abd Rabu, Ahmed Khairy, Mohamed Soliman, Abdul Aziz Tawfiq, Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Aboutrika
Forwards: Ahmed Eid, Mohamed Zidan, Mohamed Abougreisha, Ahmed Abdul Ghani, Ahmed Raouf, Ihab Al Masri, Amr Zaki

Probable starting formation:
(GK) Al Hadari - (D) Al Muhammadi, Moawad, Said, Gomaa - (M) Fathi, Hassan, Shawki, Aboutrika - (F) Zaki, Zidan

Current FIFA Ranking: 40

Strengths:
A very talented Egyptian side combining youth and experience. The Egyptians are familiar with this tournament and will have the desire to prove that they are more than just confederations winners. There are a number of European-based Egyptians in this squad, they will be expected to use their big-game experience to inspire the team.

Weaknesses:
Due to behavioural problems, Mido was omitted from this squad. Egypt's attack is greatly diminished without Mido. Amr Zaki will be asked to shoulder a lot more responsibility which may reduce his goal scoring abilities.

Player to Watch: Mohamed Zidan

Tournament Prospects:
Unpredictable. A giant in African football but hardly produce the goods on the world stage. Will be challenging for the group third placing with USA.

The Fans:

TheFlatBackFour prediction:
Winner: Spain
Runners-up: Brazil
Third Place: Italy
Semifinalist: South Africa