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Tastes Like Chicken…

June 27th, 2006 | By: Josh | 190 Comments »

…Who knew? But at the outset I’d like to note that when consuming kangaroo, it’s defintely better to go “medium well” as opposed to medium. Very tough meat but, perhaps unsurprisingly, tastes just like chicken. I mean, after all, that’s how the Aussie’s played isn’t it? They played a very “tough,” physical game, fouling us left and right, but ultimately lacked the guts (hence chicken) to press against a 10-man Azzurri side that had bravely used all its subs by the 70th minute. FORZA ITALIA.

Guus proved not to be so smart after all…. Aussies were clearly playing for penalty kicks, having not used all their subs, and thought they could beat us with their stamina. They could cry all they want about the penalty call (which was probably not a penalty in my opinion, and so I’d cry too) but the red card against Materazzi was far worse than the penalty. No question. And it had just as much an impact on the game as gli azzurri dominated the chances in the first 50 minutes, and had to employ a defensive, stagnating strategy (which made it incredibly painful — no, life-threatening — for most of the azzurri faithful to watch).

Having said all that, and believe me I could have said more, my heart goes out to the Aussies as two wrongs don’t make a right, certainly not when the world cup is at stake, and having been down that road in 98 and 02, I feel for them, I really do. The refereeing this WC has been absolutely dreadful. But the reason why is obvious: no Italian referees!

P.S. — Ludo: Materazzi sucks.

Tags: Australia, Chicken, Italy, Kangaroo, Socceroos

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Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 190 comments.

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By Diane | July 1st, 2006 at 9:35 am

Josh thanks for the blog, hopefully England Squad have a thing or two up their sleeves ( I”m praying anyway). In reality they really haven’t been put under too much pressure to date. However as always May the Best Team Win. It is a pity that the Portugal Team have so many Yellow and red cards, if England do win the supporters, I am sure, will immediately come back with “We didn’t have our best team out”.

I am just looking for to a good exciting match hopefully with no Diving, few fouls good sportsmanship and a match that fans can sit on the edge of their seats with excitment. Perhaps I”m asking too much lol enjoy the match have a nice day.

Posted from Japan

By Diane | July 1st, 2006 at 9:37 am

sorry about that Josh double posting didn’t think the first one had gone through, we had short power cut.

Posted from Japan

By John | July 1st, 2006 at 10:03 am

Sunny,
You’re right. I AM a MF.
Except I f***ed YOUR mother.
Me and 10 other guys. She was great – a real sport.

Who knows? I could be your real Dad.

Dont bother abusing me back – I wont be in here again.

See ya

Posted from Australia

By Gian Luca | July 1st, 2006 at 1:30 pm

Sorry, I had to come back to see if there were any follow ups.

Diane and Sunday: You are beautiful.

Posted from United States

By Diane | July 1st, 2006 at 1:41 pm

Gian Luca, thanks and same to you have a nice day

Posted from Japan

By Sunday | July 1st, 2006 at 7:22 pm

Gianluca – Right back at you.

BTW, concurred with your old post on the penalty shot. It was fair but it seems harsh because of the late timing in the game. The rules are the rules no matter when they are invoked in the game. I still would have preferred a different victory

Posted from Canada

By Sunday | July 1st, 2006 at 7:44 pm

Diane –

Hopefully my last post on the subject since I’ve made my points (as have you) and we can agree to differ and go off and watch some great soccer.

Sure the Brits have taken their share of abuse and slurs but which nation has not? So what’s the point? Is it that since you/ the Brits have endured these abuses and since there are some Italian supporters posting ignorant comments here, you feel free to stoop to their level? Your prerogative, sadly. Much as your choice of words were.

And I do take it on the shoulders, Diane, but I’m exercising my freedom of expression, much as you did after the Australia game. That’s all. It does not mean I can’t take it. Trust me, I’ve got a thick skin and luckily I can see where things are coming from and don’t take it to heart. I just don’t shut up easily, as my family will tell you

BTW, I’ve never blamed the Aussies for the red card, nor did I make disparaging comments or insinuate that they bought the call. None of my posts have been disrespectful to any team or country (we can talk soccer without resorting to name calling, everyone). The red card against Materazzi was a bad ref call. It happens. But why doesn’t your advise about blaming it on the Ref apply to the penalty call you dispute as well??? After all, the Ref made that call as well, didn’t he?

Here’s what’s interesting. You chose to quote a particular internet article on the undisputedly shameful Serie A scandal. If you had left it at that, then it could have been open to interpretation but you didn’t. Your first post speaks to the Serie A scandal to which you then say: “That tells the Aussies and the rest of the world an awful lot, we don’t even have to read between the lines” It’s on the internet for the world to see You are Professional Cheats!!!”

And then before posting the internet article on the site, you write: “Just to let you know, We know what you are all about now read on! FIFA have even sent your ref home because of this scandal and I think Italy should withdraw gracefully and leave the rest of the WC to honest players!” You made a clear link from Serie A to WC. Your words, not my interpretation

You tell me not to interpret your words, but I haven’t. You left little to be interpreted, Diane. In fact, you did a bang-up job about being clear on your position and there was no room for interpretation, mine or other. I quoted you per verbatim (the ease of cut and paste). If you were to take my words back to me, I would stand by them and if I no longer believed them, I’d acknowledge that as well. I wouldn’t deny what I said or try to deflect or deny. So now, do tell me how I should have interpreted your words because they were so brilliantly clear that I don’t see what else I could have read between the lines?

For your info, most Italians are disappointed in what is happening in their home league, just like most of my British friends are disappointed when they read about any new instances of British hooliganism or that their country is withholding passports for some. Not great moments for any nations and embarrassing. It does not mean the Brits are hooligans nor does the Serie A scandal reflect on Italians honesty in general.

Innocence until proven guilty but conversely “there is no smoke without fire”? Good luck getting the benefit of the doubt or a fair trial then. As for Serie A, yes, there is evidence for them to be in court and hopefully justice is served, and they get their just desserts soon (I never argued that. I have no sympathy for the bums and want them out). I’m just trying to understand how you make the connection from Serie A (which you do by your own words not mine) to “italy should withdraw gracefully and leave the rest of the WC to honest players”? What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Ah but there is that damn idea that where there is smoke there must be fire so why bother with a fair trial!

A sheltered life in Canada? Not. I was lucky enough to be born and raised in Canada, where I’ve had the blessing to have friends from different cultural backgrounds. Naive perhaps? I don’t think so but perhaps being a Canadian, I stupidly bought into the idea of respect for our differences and tolerance.

My 2 cents.

Great game against the Ukraine. Love that the Italians dedicated the game to Pessotto. Good wishes and prayers for Pessotto and his family

Happy Canada Day!

PS – Condolences on England’s lose, I was cheering for them.

Posted from Canada

By Diane | July 1st, 2006 at 8:01 pm

Thanks Sunday for your post, However I can’t and don’t agree with what you have stated. However I am prepared toleave it there and beg to differ and retain my opinion.

Thanks for the condolences both teams played well exciting match, misfortune that Rooney had to go one step further and ‘push’ few dives from the opposition however we dealt with them. Great saves by the Portugal goalie, for him it was all over the team cound not get through the England defence even with us only having 10 players so I hope they take the goalie out and buy him a beer.

Happy Canada Day to you enjoy the rest of the WC

Posted from Japan

By Sunday | July 2nd, 2006 at 11:32 pm

Diane –

Hope England doesn’t hang Rooney. He’s young and made a terrible mistake, over which I’m sure he is agonizing.

England actually played better when they were down a man, funny enough, and Portugal was unable to capitalize on the advantage. Penalty kicks is an awful way to lose. Italy has been there too many times and have the same luck of the English with PK.

Yes we can disagree … and so we shall amicably.

Enjoy the rest of WC

Posted from Canada

By Diane | July 3rd, 2006 at 12:27 am

Thanks Sunday, I don’t think the Press or the Fans are only gunning for Rooney, yes he is young but his temper has gotten him into a lot of scrapes in the past. You earn that sort of money and have the honour of representing your country then there has to be standards. However I think the fans according to reports in newspapers and internet etc are more angry at Ronaldo for his antics when Rooney was sent off. We believe he should not have gotten involved in the incident the ref was there. His winking and smiling at his team mates and bench as Rooney is shown the Red card was unappropriate and send the wrong message. These guys play together at Man U would hate to be there when they get back together, however one report I read from Alan Shearer was disgraceful and hopefully not typical of all supporters.
I understand that Ronaldo must from his heart play for his country but he must also remember who pays his ‘bread and butter’ and hopefully have a little respect for his opponents and team mates, just my opinion
Have a good Day regards

Posted from Japan

By Diane | July 3rd, 2006 at 12:28 pm

Sunday one last thought, If as it is stated Rooney stamped on the portugal players private parts,wouldn’t you think that the guy would be rolling around in agony, feeling physically sick and just wanting to sit on a bucket of ice besides being carried off on a stretcher (according to the men in my life) but no, as soon as Rooney is shown the red card the portugese player is up running around. Funny my son says the pain should have crucified him and he wouldn’t have been able to play for a while. Just don’t think it happened as portrayed. My personal opinion is that Rooney under attack from two players was off balance and tried to put his foot down, you can see him look back to try and find space and he may have just caught him whilst trying to keep his balance. Then Rinaldo comes along with his tuppence worth and the red card is shown, then you see Rinaldo smile and wink at the bench and players. I feel if Rinaldo hadn’t been instigating things Rooney would still be on the pitch. I have watched this episode 8 times and the more I see it the less I think it was intentional. I think the Portugal team had already decided to rile Rooney (known for his quick temper)before the match started, then they had no threat from the English side, after all 10 men held the Portugese side to a nil nil draw because they couldn’t get through the defence. Just my thoughts
Have a good day

Posted from Japan

By Sunday | July 3rd, 2006 at 9:57 pm

Diane,

You would think … most men I know tell me that it is excruciating to be hit in their privates.

I can’t read the way it all went down. It is unclear to me (only saw replay twice). First comment … Rooney could not have hit him in the privates or – to your point – he would have been in serious pain. Rooney hit him on the thigh. Not sure whether it was intentional or not … these moments happen in split seconds so it’s hard to say. It certainly wasn’t premeditated in my mind and if he did do it, it was a split-second decision. I just don’t know

Nonetheless I do agree that Rooney was targeted. He is known to have a short fuse and the Portuguese would have known this. They might have wanted to get under his skin to get him hot-tempered and more prone to foul, which he unfortunately did

I did not like the wink and smile by Ronaldo to his teammates on the bench. It bothered me and I’m likley interpreting, but it was the “cat that swallowed the canary” kind of action / smile and seemed to say “We got him”

Has Rooney said anything about the incident? Went to the Guardian and BBC but have read nothing.

Posted from Canada

By Diane | July 3rd, 2006 at 11:41 pm

Hi Sunday its great we agree on something lol. Yes read all the newspapers etc, He has said it was not intentional, he tried to keep his balance. He has been interviewed by Sven and will be by FIFA. However I am worried by the English supporter who are absolutely fuming at Rinaldo,they don’t want him back at Man U unfortunately he has a contract until 2010. Rinaldo has also spoken out and said he did not ask for his team mate from Man U to be sent off he says he just pointed out to the ref it was a foul. Hello the ref was standing right next to the incident, it didn’t need Rinaldo to point anything out. I hope everything turns out ok I am worried as you know there are a lot of people in English soccer who will jump on the bandwagon just to cause trouble etc and they give us all a bad name. Just have to wait and see, Have a good day.

Posted from Japan

By Sunday | July 4th, 2006 at 12:45 am

Of course, we can agree. We just had to find the right subject

I did go back to the BBC and saw the article where Rooney says it was not intentional. He also said he was disappointed that Ronaldo chose to get involved in the discussion with the Ref.

At this point, whether intentional or not, it is still disappointing for England since the result is the same.

England seemed to play better with the man down (strange) and Portugal was unable to beat them. Unfortunately, the better team on the pitch doesn’t always win.

Posted from Canada

By Diane | July 4th, 2006 at 2:51 am

Thanks Sunday, we are not the only team to suffer under dubious circumstances still really gutted for Aussie after the Italian farce. Still think there should be a ref watching video, the ref has head phones and could get the result in seconds. The ref is one guy on the pitch watching 22 players and if he was in any doubt he could have consulted the linesman. Hey these are guys and who are we as mere females to suggest anything. It is amazing how many times I have posted my opinion re, the agony of being stepped on and surprise surprise only one guy has come back and said You are right why has nobody picked up on it. Maybe they don’t like the truth being pointed out by women lol. It’s a mans world. Cheers

Posted from Japan

By Diane | July 4th, 2006 at 6:10 am

Sunday, sorry sory sorry, the mention of the Italian/Aussie game was not a dig, it was mentioned in passing only. Cheers

Posted from Japan

By Sunday | July 4th, 2006 at 1:02 pm

Diane,

Accept that it was not said as a dig. We can disagree about our interpretation of the event.

I know Blatter was upset about the Refing after the Portugal – Netherlands game but I have not heard him state anything on the overall refing as of yet. There has been talk of overhauling / tweaking the system but it always falls to the wayside.

Men think it’s a man world. Us women shape the world … often behind the scenes

Posted from Canada

By Diane | July 4th, 2006 at 1:23 pm

Sunday, Hi I read a report or statement somewhere on the internet where the ref of the Pot vs Neth said it was the worst match he had ever been ref at. Im still looking and hopefully will post it for you to read. Have a good day

Posted from Japan

By Diane | July 4th, 2006 at 2:10 pm

Sorry Sunday can’t find the report, hoever and please don’t quote me on this he said something along the lines of, he had never heard so much abuse as from the Netherlands players, he expected dirty tricks from the portugese as they are renowned for it etc it was the hardest match of his life, poor guy 9 yellow to Portugal and seven toNetherlands plus 2 red card each, would have been a nightmare for him. This is were a second video ref would have been useful. Anyway bed time here, must get up at 3q.m. to watch the semis. Catch u later.

Posted from Japan

By sunday | July 5th, 2006 at 3:43 am

Diane, on a side topic, there has been a recommendation to have the corrupt teams in Serie A demoted (Milan to Serie B and Juventus to Serie C, for example). The clean-up is good news for all Italian soccer fans

Just wanted to let you know since most Italians are happy to see these clubs get their just desserts. The player Gattuso was quoted as saying (pre recommendation): It is right that who errs should pay. I was happy to hear him take this position

Good game today for both sides, but I am happy and proud of the income, of course. It was an exciting game.

This blog looks like it is now archived … any way take care and good luck. Perhaps we’ll get the chance to chat in 2010 or on another blog subject

Posted from Canada

By Diane | July 5th, 2006 at 6:52 am

Sunday thanks for the info that is good news. Extremely good game and good result for the Italians. Anyway I found the report I was lucking for:

Ivanov defends ‘worst match of my life’

Wednesday June 28, 2006
The Guardian

The Russian referee Valentin Ivanov said the stormy World Cup match between Portugal and Holland was the most difficult of his professional career. Ivanov has been criticised for his performance in Sunday’s secondround clash, won 1-0 by Portugal, which saw a World Cup record four red cards shown. Eight other players were cautioned.
“Probably, from the point of view of rudeness, it was the worst match I ever had,” the 45-yearold referee was quoted as saying by the Russian daily Izvestia yesterday. Ivanov said the rough tactics of Dutch players took him by surprise. “You would expect some dirty tricks from the Portuguese. They are known for time-wasting or hitting from behind,” he said. “But I was unpleasantly surprised by seeing such things from the Dutch. What’s more, they were the instigators.”

Anyway it has been good chatting, enjoy life stay safe and four years isn’t too long. Enjoy the final think it will be Italy/france. Hope so anyway.

Be happy cheers

Posted from Japan

By Sunday | July 5th, 2006 at 3:55 pm

Same to you, Diane. Stay safe

Posted from Canada

By Raquel Lopes | July 9th, 2006 at 5:20 pm

Azzurro…simply, The Best…Show us the true football and all your love for your country…all that brazilian’s team hide from the world…was showed for U…

And Fabio Cannavarro…
the best player!!!

Posted from Brazil