Demons Exorcised

yup i got a Q..how’s sheva gonna kick tht ball when it doesn’t reach him???
we’ll see mate, i’m sure his shots will all be as awesome as his penalty kicks, good luck in the match though

Posted from  Australia

Nik and Forza, greats posts.

I felt so much for Australia when the match ended. The team did really well. And then all over forums and boards, I read posts by Italy haters screaming “Dive” and bascally bashing and name calling without basis. And that got to me. I have the greatest of respect for the Australian team. I have greatest respect to Hiddink who went over to the Italian dressing room to wish them well even though he thought it was not a penalty.

I don’t think the Azzurri’s 2002 defeat nor Kewell’s offside goal should matter here because those have no effect on this match whatsover.

1. As so many people have said, Italy played defensive because they were 1 man down for 40 minutes. The first half was a beautiful match, both sides equally matching one another. Materazzi’s red card changed that.

2. Australia just couldn’t make use of that advantage. Italy’s defense was impenetrable, thanks in most part to the magnificent Buffon. Their finishing was just not good enough.

3. Hiddink was clearly reserving his fresh legs in anticipation of extra time. That was what Australia was playing for. Hence, the lack of attack as oppose to just holding possession.

4. When I first saw Grosso go down and the referee blew the whistle almost immediately, I knew accusations of blatant diving would inevitable surface. In fact, I confess I was in doubt too. After all, the stereotyping of Italians as divers is alive and well.
I now agree with FORZA AZZURRI who said “Lastly, THE PENALTY KICK CALL WAS CORRECT!!!!!!!!!! Okay, so you have Grosso going around one guy. He starts coming in. The defender thinks he is going one way and slides just as Grosso turns the ball. As he does, he is just lying there and before Grosso can react, he is flying over the Aussie’s body. The defender impeded his progress at a clear goal whether intentionally or unintentionally but even unintentionally it would still be a goal. Totti takes the kick and nets it.”

Rules & Laws of Football:
Law XIV — Penalty Kick
If any of the nine major fouls are committed by the defending team in its own penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded to the opposing team.

The Nine Major Fouls
There are nine major offenses, or fouls, which result in either a direct free kick or a penalty kick, depending on the location of the offense.

1. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
2. Tripping an opponent; i.e., throwing or attempting to throw an opponent with the legs or by undercutting an opponent with the body.
3. Jumping at an opponent in a way that endangers the player.
4. Charging an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner.
5. Charging an opponent from behind unless the latter is obstructing.
6. Striking, attempting to strike or spitting at an opponent.
7. Holding an opponent.
8. Pushing an opponent.
9. Directing or stopping the ball by using the hands or arms. This rule does not apply to the goalkeeper within the penalty area.

Emphasis is on the word “attemping” in #2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJMGx8a3uMU&search=italy%2C%20australia%2C%20penalty%2C%20grosso

Watch from 30th second to 50th second. Grosso was pulled once outside the penalty area and regaining his balance, he charges in towards goal. Neill slides in front of Grosso. Grosso tries to jump over him with the right leg first. And that what most people including me saw and the next thing he fell to the ground. But one angle (the angle which the referee had, note his position) showed that as Grosso lifted his left leg, Neill turned over and his left hand made contact with Grosso’s left leg and made Grosso hesitate and trip over his body which was the obstuction.

I maintain that Grosso did not dive. Now, in some situations the referee would wave to play on. Yet I’ve seen penalties being awarded to far less. Ultimately it was the referee’s call.

It should also be borne in mind that according to the stats provided by FIFA, Australia tops the list for fouls committed.
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/stats/detail.html?section=tdc&sort=FC

There is no need to vilify the Italians, the fans of Italy by name calling.

Now lest I be branded an Aussie hater, let me just state that I cheered on the Socceroos in their matches prior to this. They impressed me as a team and I had great hopes for them. I still they are.

I was mad at Lippi for bringing on Iaquinta so early in the match. The very person whom Lippi with his own mouth said was a mistake when he brought him in the last time. Del Piero, totally ineffective. Pippo was in fine form and was peaking towards the end of the Serie A season and only needed 30 minutes to prove why he should be playing. Yet Lippi overlooked him. I was fuming mad at Lippi.

I apologise if my observations on the penalty is incorrect. After all, I don’t play football, what do I know. I’ve only been a fan of The Beautiful Game for 12 years and counting.

I read through all the comments above and The Beautiful Game truly does bring out the ugliness in us. I understand the fury and anger. It’s down to passion. But I don’t get the baseless namecalling and remarks. To the Australians and Australian fans who disagreed that it was a penalty, who are devastated and stated it and yet, accepted the outcome and wished the Italians the best, you are true fans of football.
I weep with you for the Socceroos.
I understand.
I was there in 2002.

Forza Azzurri. Ciao.

Posted from  Malaysia

there is no way ukraine will beat italy 4-1 . we have the best defence in the world and we were playing fine against australia until it got disrupted by a red card. we also have one of the best goalies. i hope the azzuri win the tournament to prove to all u haters wat a side we are.

Posted from  Australia

oh and also could all of u go and create a new blog so we dont need 2 waste our time defending our side and that penalty kik but can start focusing on the upcoming game

Posted from  Australia

I not a hater of Italy. I fan of S.S.Lazio one of the greatest teams in the world. Also i was crying when italy lose final euro 2000 on last minutes. I want say that this team not very good for championchip, Ukraine have chance 50/50.

Posted from  Ukraine

First of all Thanks Abe for the comment it was appreciated and i am glad i could clear some stuff up. Secondly to Anatoliy, I will not underestimate Ukraine but it seems as if they are struggling. Also, it seems that if Shevchenko is contained, the rest of the team falls. According to your own coach, ” We are two different teams- one with Sheva and one without”

now to fredemico, Italy did not play conservatively but played defensive which was understandable after getting a red card which can be a justified decision for the tackle.

To all those who claim Italian soccer is boring, it is not. It is just a tighter game with more man to man contact. Many people hate Italian soccer because of lack of goals. In English, Spanish or other types of soccer, there are more passes and often, there are more times when strikers can deke out two or three defenders or recieve a great through pass through then centre of the field. Italian soccer is so defensive that it is usually impossible to enter from center field. The defence in Italian soccer cover so well that not even the greatest strikers can dodge around them. Instead the ball is played to the wings and crossed in. It is not boring, it is more physical and defensive. Remember a great offense starts with a good defence. If you have noticed, many teams who play center field soccer such as the U.S who are not a wing based attacking squad. They had trouble on italy’s defence and tied only because of Zaccardo’s own goal. The same goes with the Czech but it has also happened in other groups- to other teams where they are used to playing the ball from the centre of the field and not the wings. Unfortunately, the defence is so tight-knit and it is difficult for them to get by.

No more claims that Italians dive please. Everyone embellishes a little no doubt about it. Brazillians, Australians Italians, they all do it. You guys who say Italians are divers are just one of many wannabe soccer fans who act like you know what is going on but really only watch soccer when the world cup is on.

FORZA ITALIA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fate schiffo azzurri!

Posted from  United States

Ok, il nostro gioco sta deludendo le aspettative un po’ di tutti, si gioca “male”… eppure non riescono a batterci, nemmeno se giochiamo sgangheratamente in 10. Ricordate che partite abbiamo fatto prima del campionato e che SPETTACOLO? Chi si ricorda “Italia 4:1 Germania” poco prima? Ora gli Azzurri hanno tanti di quei problemi che pressano sulle loro spalle che è già un miracolo potere essere arrivati sino a questo punto. Calciatori acciaccati, calcio scommesse, cattive notizie… Stiamo dimostrando di essere una Nazione, di essere compatti nei momenti più difficili e di cantare finalmente tutti assieme il nostro inno (il più allegro, uno dei più fieri). vi chiederete se non stia un po’ esagerando con questi discorsi, eppure credo che proprio da questo si possa constatare che siamo cambiati e che si creda di più nell’unità del Paese, Il Nostro Bel Paese. Ragazzi, una cosa è certa: all’estero non smetteranno mai di criticarci perchè in fondo in fondo ci invidiano… non lo ammettono ma criticandoci dimostrano l’esatto contrario: odiano sé stessi e il loro piattume. Sono state brutte partite queste ultime ma altrettanto emozionanti per il cuore e la tenacia che hanno dimostrato i nostri ragazzi. Grosso non ha finto ma è caduto davvero perchè si è trovato un ostacolo davanti correndo: questa è fisica! …e non veniteci a dare dei “cheaters”, “stealers” o “actors” perchè è l’arbitro che doveva capire quel che era successo per poi giudicare in maniera appropriata, non gli Azzurri. ITALIA; GRANDE NAZIONE E NAZIONALE!!! FORZA AZZURRI E UN ABBRACCIO A TUTTI GLI ITALIANI IN ITALIA E ALL?ESTERO!

Posted from  Italy

Billy you’re an idiot, Italy deserved to win because you couldn’t find the net against ten men in nearly a whole half, that my friend is pathetic which is what I think of your socceroos, I mean socceroos? haha what a stupid name, you shouldn’t even be in the world cup with a name like that. Us italians out played you in the first half and in the 2nd we merely had to defend well as we were down to ten men. You ask any real soccer pundit, when you’re a man down you have to defend well and subsequently the flare of the game suffers. We whipped Ghana 2-0, whipped the czechs 2-0 so we are capable of doing damage. All aussies should go back and concentrate on what they are good at…The ashes.

Posted from  United Kingdom

Gran bel post qui Italia, peccato che la maggioranza qui parli solo inglese e non lo possa capire. Sono d’accordo su tutto quello che hai scritto.

Posted from  Italy

i donno who this other marcos is *although he does sound a litle like me) but im the original marco whos been posting on here for a couple months now haha .. by the way FOERZA ITALI E VA FANKULO AGLI AUSTRALIANI .. Also i seemed to notice how you all had a problem wit the other marco .. why?? any way i all the men in here wouldnt have the guts to say any of that stuff to my face .. you as we all know the pure australians are just bitches lol

Posted from  Australia

Yeah The aussies are bitches!

Forza Azzurri

Posted from  United Kingdom

Thank you, Jan, for say “Congratulations to Australia and the Socceroos for putting up a vicious fight- hopefully this tournament serves as a platform for 2010″. I admire someone who is not bias, such as your colleague Josh. Your comments are much appreciated and belie some of the statements made by a few narrow-minded bloggers.

Posted from  Australia

Sorry, typing error, meant Jay, not Jan.

Posted from  Australia

Patrick, Jay you have to admit that the aussies are bitches though. Come on admit it you Socceroos!

Posted from  United Kingdom

Come on Australians, don’t complain. You are nice guys and your contry is beautiful! Don’t complain your soccer team played well. Sometimes soccer is also good and bad luck. Italy has been lucky this time and your team will be lucky in the next Fifa world cup!
Forza Italia!! And come on Australia! See you soon!

Posted from  Italy

Victoria you’re too soft on these kangeroo munching suckeroos. They need to “F” off. My girlfriends australian and I show her whos boss every night.

Posted from  United Kingdom

patrick is a moron by the way haha .. also get out of the italian blog or at least talk about the current topics tou stupid morons

Posted from  Australia

Marco man I like your style, I guess you must be italian! Lets go to work on these suckeroos!

Forza Azzurri!!!

Posted from  United Kingdom

Seriously people, Australia did well? Please man, they were very average against 10 men who have not hit anywhere near form yet. Italy had the best chances and were unlucky not to be 1-0 up in the first half. Australia had done absolutely nothing by then.

The red card = ridiculous. The penalty = very harsh. Therefore: HONOURS EVEN! The best team won and that’s that. I am glad for the ozzies; they did well and will improve from here. Knowing them, they will become very, very good at this game if they persist. But it takes GENERATIONS to develop the sort of pedigree Italy has. That’s why they made 11 men against 10 look average. That’s why the Italians are SO hard to beat. When the italians hit form there will be no-one who will be able to defend and attack in the same game as they do, and when that happens, it’s all over.

Game, set and match.

Lets hope they peak soon Toni needs to find net

Well, if you are not able to win 11 against ten in 40 minutes, you cannot claim you were the better side. Australia played well, but italy had a lot of occasinjs. And if it wasn’t for the penalty, it would have proceeded other 30 minutes. This does not mean automatically that Australia would have won. I also think that it is not fair to say that the italians are cheaters. If they are then who isn’t? Italy has suffered 4 disallowed goals in 2002 and unfair red cards. What would have you said had that happened to you then?

Posted from  United States

I think the referrees were BRILLIANT because italy completely deserved their penalty kick. All the Italy haters need to pry their foots out of their mouths because Italy went all the way and won the cup as expected of their phenomenal team.

Posted from  United States

EASY EASY EASY —– iTALY — BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD

Posted from  United Kingdom

Their are only 2 ppl in this world italians and people that wanna be italian VIVA ITALIA