The One & Only 2010 World Cup Topic

hamidsinisa wrote:

First Half: Slovakia 1 - 0 Italy

...

Italy play like sh*t. NO idea no nothing

Roman_Eagle wrote:

hamidsinisa wrote:

First Half: Slovakia 1 - 0 Italy

...

Italy play like sh*t. NO idea no nothing

and second half so far.... 2-0.......Bye Bye Italy..... what a shame.....

NOW THAT IS A GAME!! Italy were complete 0 until they had their fist decent attack and they scored for 2:1. Then again a stupid defensive error to get 3:1 down. Quag scored a brilliant goal and then Pepe showed he has no spot in the NT. The ball falls on your left and you try to hit it with the right leg? COME ON!

The assistant ref is a f*cking machine! Two brilliant calls to deny 2 goals.

This failure has Lippi's name written all over it.

The arrogance of players like Cannavaro was disgraceful.

It was a bit of a reverse to France who had the players to do well but didn't have the unity. We had the unity but the hunger and the talent wasn't there. Too many players were excluded that were needed to make a difference.

Commiserations to New Zealand. I was right behind you guys to beat Paraguay and go through. Wasn't to be but to leave undefeated is a great achievement. NZ had what we didn't, a coach with the best interests of his country and a captain who was motivated and humble to lead the team.

Now that's what I call a joy of football, great game by our NT, finally we played without fear and produced one of the biggest surprises in the history of WC. I guess comments like Slovakia are the weakest are completely forgotten now, team that beats Italy and scores 3 times against their defence can be proud of it, especially if it is a small country like us.
I have no high hopes before the Netherlands match, we have nothing to lose and can only gain something, just like today, and damn what an achievement this is.
I'm soo happy now, just like everyone around me, people shout in the streets... Nobody believed us, somebody even disgraced us, but now we are through and that is the best answer. Thank you Slovakians, poďme Slovenskoooo!!!

Caput Mundi wrote:

This failure has Lippi's name written all over it.

The arrogance of players like Cannavaro was disgraceful.

It was a bit of a reverse to France who had the players to do well but didn't have the unity. We had the unity but the hunger and the talent wasn't there. Too many players were excluded that were needed to make a difference.

Commiserations to New Zealand. I was right behind you guys to beat Paraguay and go through. Wasn't to be but to leave undefeated is a great achievement. NZ had what we didn't, a coach with the best interests of his country and a captain who was motivated and humble to lead the team.

Great assessment, agree wholeheartedly. I was always adamant that Italy would go out over the Argies or the French because while the others have dubious coaches, they had squads to contend. One of them has, the other hasn't. However, with the Azzurri, the talent is not there. Or wasn't brought/used.

Cassano, Miccoli and Pazzini all had to go and feature prominently. They didn't. Seeing Di Natale, Quagliarella and Pepe today made me wonder how progress can be expected of shining stars of teams that are midtable. I mean, how is Cannavaro there? I watched him countless times this season, he is woeful, compare him to Skrtel on the opposition and there can be no comparison. But, some overlooked factors like that.

Italy were left relying on Slovakia not turning up again. I was confident the Slovaks would progress but the team had spoke of nervousness before NZ and Paraguay are just quality, have been for the last 15 years. It was naive to think they would turn in another non-display. How many of their side have played European football recently? How many in the Italy squad will actually play regularly in Europe next season? That's my point.

2006 Finalists :


Exit 2010 :




... speaking about a shocker

Caxi wrote:

Caput Mundi wrote:

This failure has Lippi's name written all over it.

The arrogance of players like Cannavaro was disgraceful.

It was a bit of a reverse to France who had the players to do well but didn't have the unity. We had the unity but the hunger and the talent wasn't there. Too many players were excluded that were needed to make a difference.

Commiserations to New Zealand. I was right behind you guys to beat Paraguay and go through. Wasn't to be but to leave undefeated is a great achievement. NZ had what we didn't, a coach with the best interests of his country and a captain who was motivated and humble to lead the team.

Great assessment, agree wholeheartedly. I was always adamant that Italy would go out over the Argies or the French because while the others have dubious coaches, they had squads to contend. One of them has, the other hasn't. However, with the Azzurri, the talent is not there. Or wasn't brought/used.

Cassano, Miccoli and Pazzini all had to go and feature prominently. They didn't. Seeing Di Natale, Quagliarella and Pepe today made me wonder how progress can be expected of shining stars of teams that are midtable. I mean, how is Cannavaro there? I watched him countless times this season, he is woeful, compare him to Skrtel on the opposition and there can be no comparison. But, some overlooked factors like that.

Italy were left relying on Slovakia not turning up again. I was confident the Slovaks would progress but the team had spoke of nervousness before NZ and Paraguay are just quality, have been for the last 15 years. It was naive to think they would turn in another non-display. How many of their side have played European football recently? How many in the Italy squad will actually play regularly in Europe next season? That's my point.

After having read the post match comments by the players its all the more evident.

Daniele De Rossi came right out nd said it:

“We were laughing and joking before the game, as I never for a moment believed we'd go out in the first round. It seemed impossible.

“If we'd gone out in the final 16 or the quarter-finals against Brazil or Spain, we could analyse a bit clearer why we went out.

“Against these opponents, quite frankly, logic appears to have gone out the window.

“Of course I want to get back out there and play for Italy. There will be great moments in future with the Nazionale, I'm sure of it.”

Now De Rossi is probably the only Italian player I've actually gained respect for during this World Cup. But his comments show exactly why this group of players failed.

Caput Mundi wrote:

Caxi wrote:

Caput Mundi wrote:

This failure has Lippi's name written all over it.

The arrogance of players like Cannavaro was disgraceful.

It was a bit of a reverse to France who had the players to do well but didn't have the unity. We had the unity but the hunger and the talent wasn't there. Too many players were excluded that were needed to make a difference.

Commiserations to New Zealand. I was right behind you guys to beat Paraguay and go through. Wasn't to be but to leave undefeated is a great achievement. NZ had what we didn't, a coach with the best interests of his country and a captain who was motivated and humble to lead the team.

Great assessment, agree wholeheartedly. I was always adamant that Italy would go out over the Argies or the French because while the others have dubious coaches, they had squads to contend. One of them has, the other hasn't. However, with the Azzurri, the talent is not there. Or wasn't brought/used.

Cassano, Miccoli and Pazzini all had to go and feature prominently. They didn't. Seeing Di Natale, Quagliarella and Pepe today made me wonder how progress can be expected of shining stars of teams that are midtable. I mean, how is Cannavaro there? I watched him countless times this season, he is woeful, compare him to Skrtel on the opposition and there can be no comparison. But, some overlooked factors like that.

Italy were left relying on Slovakia not turning up again. I was confident the Slovaks would progress but the team had spoke of nervousness before NZ and Paraguay are just quality, have been for the last 15 years. It was naive to think they would turn in another non-display. How many of their side have played European football recently? How many in the Italy squad will actually play regularly in Europe next season? That's my point.

After having read the post match comments by the players its all the more evident.

Daniele De Rossi came right out nd said it:

“We were laughing and joking before the game, as I never for a moment believed we'd go out in the first round. It seemed impossible.

“If we'd gone out in the final 16 or the quarter-finals against Brazil or Spain, we could analyse a bit clearer why we went out.

“Against these opponents, quite frankly, logic appears to have gone out the window.

“Of course I want to get back out there and play for Italy. There will be great moments in future with the Nazionale, I'm sure of it.”

Now De Rossi is probably the only Italian player I've actually gained respect for during this World Cup. But his comments show exactly why this group of players failed.

De Rossi was shockingly bad today. Then again so were most Italian players. Only Quagliarela and sometimes Di Natale seemed to give a damn about this game. Lippi should be welcomed in Italy by rotten eggs and tomatoes thrown at him.

Matrim wrote:

Caput Mundi wrote:

Caxi wrote:

Caput Mundi wrote:

This failure has Lippi's name written all over it.

The arrogance of players like Cannavaro was disgraceful.

It was a bit of a reverse to France who had the players to do well but didn't have the unity. We had the unity but the hunger and the talent wasn't there. Too many players were excluded that were needed to make a difference.

Commiserations to New Zealand. I was right behind you guys to beat Paraguay and go through. Wasn't to be but to leave undefeated is a great achievement. NZ had what we didn't, a coach with the best interests of his country and a captain who was motivated and humble to lead the team.

Great assessment, agree wholeheartedly. I was always adamant that Italy would go out over the Argies or the French because while the others have dubious coaches, they had squads to contend. One of them has, the other hasn't. However, with the Azzurri, the talent is not there. Or wasn't brought/used.

Cassano, Miccoli and Pazzini all had to go and feature prominently. They didn't. Seeing Di Natale, Quagliarella and Pepe today made me wonder how progress can be expected of shining stars of teams that are midtable. I mean, how is Cannavaro there? I watched him countless times this season, he is woeful, compare him to Skrtel on the opposition and there can be no comparison. But, some overlooked factors like that.

Italy were left relying on Slovakia not turning up again. I was confident the Slovaks would progress but the team had spoke of nervousness before NZ and Paraguay are just quality, have been for the last 15 years. It was naive to think they would turn in another non-display. How many of their side have played European football recently? How many in the Italy squad will actually play regularly in Europe next season? That's my point.

After having read the post match comments by the players its all the more evident.

Daniele De Rossi came right out nd said it:

“We were laughing and joking before the game, as I never for a moment believed we'd go out in the first round. It seemed impossible.

“If we'd gone out in the final 16 or the quarter-finals against Brazil or Spain, we could analyse a bit clearer why we went out.

“Against these opponents, quite frankly, logic appears to have gone out the window.

“Of course I want to get back out there and play for Italy. There will be great moments in future with the Nazionale, I'm sure of it.”

Now De Rossi is probably the only Italian player I've actually gained respect for during this World Cup. But his comments show exactly why this group of players failed.

De Rossi was shockingly bad today. Then again so were most Italian players. Only Quagliarela and sometimes Di Natale seemed to give a damn about this game. Lippi should be welcomed in Italy by rotten eggs and tomatoes thrown at him.

Agree with Matrim on that, De Rossi can speak of complacency because he didn't bother his backside marking for the first and third goals. Easy for him to say and he exemplifies what I still would argue is the problem; he is vastly overrated. He fights in 1 out of 3 or 4 games which makes him look like a bull but sometimes he just isn't arsed. Rioma lost so many big games with him just not turning up and players, like that, are detrimental. Pirlo, Gattuso, Cannavaro are all past it. The players just ain't there. They really aren't.

...and tomorrow...bye bye Spain...?

Italy was a disaster this time around, and only a donkey can be more stubborn than Lippi. What a shame, what a disgrace, what a complete failure.

Japan impressed me massively tonight looking over the 90 minutes. The game between them and Paraguay will be super interesting as both teams have been showing some great tactical games, as well as showing that they are ready to work for the team and see past individual success. (Uruguay vs S.Korea is somehow a similar encounter).

Still though, I think this tournament sux badly. Such a boring WC, in a totally misplaced part of the world (in the middle of their winter) and with refs that screw up every second game...so far.

Cash wrote:

...and tomorrow...bye bye Spain...?

Who knows? So far only the Germans and English coped with the stress TO WIN the last game, and they did, something that the French and the Squadra could not overcome.

If Spain can't beat Chili on the day, well, then this is what the WC is about, to beat teams like N Zealand to Chili to Brazil.
So far only 2 teams came out to play proper football from game 1, from minute 1 till the last, and that's Argentina and Spain.

Cash wrote:

Japan impressed me massively tonight looking over the 90 minutes.

Me too. I knew Honda was a player and a half but they have more substance than I thought. Can someone like them go all the way? I mean, seriously...big guns have been no better over 3 games.

Dutch have sneaked through suspiciously...

As for Spain, Chile can beat them but I expect different. Only thing is, Spain under Del Bosque look so dubious when they go behind. In Confed Cup, they couldn't get back at USA and already the Swiss in this tournament. If they go behind tomorrow, it could be game over.

I feel so sad for the Italy fans.

Matrim wrote:

Caput Mundi wrote:

Caxi wrote:

Caput Mundi wrote:

This failure has Lippi's name written all over it.

The arrogance of players like Cannavaro was disgraceful.

It was a bit of a reverse to France who had the players to do well but didn't have the unity. We had the unity but the hunger and the talent wasn't there. Too many players were excluded that were needed to make a difference.

Commiserations to New Zealand. I was right behind you guys to beat Paraguay and go through. Wasn't to be but to leave undefeated is a great achievement. NZ had what we didn't, a coach with the best interests of his country and a captain who was motivated and humble to lead the team.

Great assessment, agree wholeheartedly. I was always adamant that Italy would go out over the Argies or the French because while the others have dubious coaches, they had squads to contend. One of them has, the other hasn't. However, with the Azzurri, the talent is not there. Or wasn't brought/used.

Cassano, Miccoli and Pazzini all had to go and feature prominently. They didn't. Seeing Di Natale, Quagliarella and Pepe today made me wonder how progress can be expected of shining stars of teams that are midtable. I mean, how is Cannavaro there? I watched him countless times this season, he is woeful, compare him to Skrtel on the opposition and there can be no comparison. But, some overlooked factors like that.

Italy were left relying on Slovakia not turning up again. I was confident the Slovaks would progress but the team had spoke of nervousness before NZ and Paraguay are just quality, have been for the last 15 years. It was naive to think they would turn in another non-display. How many of their side have played European football recently? How many in the Italy squad will actually play regularly in Europe next season? That's my point.

After having read the post match comments by the players its all the more evident.

Daniele De Rossi came right out nd said it:

“We were laughing and joking before the game, as I never for a moment believed we'd go out in the first round. It seemed impossible.

“If we'd gone out in the final 16 or the quarter-finals against Brazil or Spain, we could analyse a bit clearer why we went out.

“Against these opponents, quite frankly, logic appears to have gone out the window.

“Of course I want to get back out there and play for Italy. There will be great moments in future with the Nazionale, I'm sure of it.”

Now De Rossi is probably the only Italian player I've actually gained respect for during this World Cup. But his comments show exactly why this group of players failed.

De Rossi was shockingly bad today. Then again so were most Italian players. Only Quagliarela and sometimes Di Natale seemed to give a damn about this game. Lippi should be welcomed in Italy by rotten eggs and tomatoes thrown at him.

The interesting thing is that Quagliarela was Lippi's last choice, and he played much better than Gilardino, Iaquinta, Pazzini and Di Natale!

Don't know what to say about Italy. Its a real shame the way their World Cup went. This tournament underlined why players like Cannavaro need to go, as well as over rated players like Pepe, De Rossi and Iaquinta. Good to see Lippi leave and I'm certain Italy will have further great moments in their history but it will take time to rebuild. I honestly believe Prandelli is a good choice and I hope to see them challenge well at the next WC and even the 2012 Euro's.

As for the NZ vs Paraguay game I'm still heartbroken. It wasn't the most exciting football to watch but I'm unbelievably proud of what NZ achieved on the world stage, and proved that this small nation can achieve further football success. Ricki Herbert and the boys will leave the tournament unbeaten with 3 terrific results against quality opposition, who no one thought we'd achieve, and with their heads held high. Well done lads! You've done NZ proud!

Only thing I still wonder about is what would have happened if Vittek's offside goal against us was ruled out, or the penalty against Italy was not given. Sadly we'll never know.

Bobbi wrote:

Don't know what to say about Italy. Its a real shame the way their World Cup went. This tournament underlined why players like Cannavaro need to go, as well as over rated players like Pepe, De Rossi and Iaquinta. Good to see Lippi leave and I'm certain Italy will have further great moments in their history but it will take time to rebuild. I honestly believe Prandelli is a good choice and I hope to see them challenge well at the next WC and even the 2012 Euro's.

As for the NZ vs Paraguay game I'm still heartbroken. It wasn't the most exciting football to watch but I'm unbelievably proud of what NZ achieved on the world stage, and proved that this small nation can achieve further football success. Ricki Herbert and the boys will leave the tournament unbeaten with 3 terrific results against quality opposition, who no one thought we'd achieve, and with their heads held high. Well done lads! You've done NZ proud!

Only thing I still wonder about is what would have happened if Vittek's offside goal against us was ruled out, or the penalty against Italy was not given. Sadly we'll never know.

De Rossi is not overrated. Let's be honest here, Italy need him. He played shite last night along with almost every other player but he's a key man in this side.

Sadly my phones battery died when i was taking a pic of that long waited take-off when italy and france went home. Anelka lived on that jet for 6 days.
Good luck mr. stupido lippi.....Maradona is right....European football is dead!!!!!!!!!

[quote="Caput Mundi"]De Rossi is not overrated. Let's be honest here, Italy need him. He played shite last night along with almost every other player but he's a key man in this side.[/quote]

It's true. De Rossi is an important part of the italian squad but most of the players that Lippi called didn't deserve to play in the WC. There were so many players from Serie A who should have been called by Lippi but he's an idiot and took all the sh*t players from Serie A including all of the players called from Juventus (without Buffon). I'm sorry only for players like Di Natale, Quagliarella, Buffon, Marchetti, Pirlo and Pazzini.

Kris wrote:

pazke wrote:

CHE CANNAVARO, CHE CAPITANO....NO?

I think they are looking for something.....

pazke wrote:

Cash wrote:

...and tomorrow...bye bye Spain...?

Who knows? So far only the Germans and English coped with the stress TO WIN the last game, and they did, something that the French and the Squadra could not overcome.

If Spain can't beat Chili on the day, well, then this is what the WC is about, to beat teams like N Zealand to Chili to Brazil.
So far only 2 teams came out to play proper football from game 1, from minute 1 till the last, and that's Argentina and Spain.

Chile has been great in handling the ball and keeping control of the games in the two games played, but they have been too poor at scoring at that might actually be what makes the Chileans crash out despite getting 6 points. I am more or less sure that Switzerland will beat Honduras with at least two goals (that actually have a slight slight chance to get through) and Spain will go through if they grab 3 points. They are capable, of course, but this will be a test in par with what England had to pull through against Slovenia, and Germany against Ghana, only I feel Chile is better than both those teams. It will be highly interesting to see how things end up in that group, but Spain definetely must score on their chances and not go wasting the way they did against the Swiss, and at parts in the Honduras game.

Caxi wrote:

Cash wrote:

Japan impressed me massively tonight looking over the 90 minutes.

Me too. I knew Honda was a player and a half but they have more substance than I thought. Can someone like them go all the way? I mean, seriously...big guns have been no better over 3 games.

Dutch have sneaked through suspiciously...

There was a brilliant comment by one of the Japanese players before the Denmark game, where he said something like "we know we are physically inferior to almost all teams in the world, therefore we also know that we have to work harder than any other team". Their coach then filled in by saying that all his players are ready to run at least 1 km more than than the opponents they are facing. The stats shown on telli last night confirmed that the Japanese are giving everything; so far in the three games: Against Cameroon they ran 7 km more than the Africans. Against the Dutch 4.5 km more (or something like that) and yesterday, despite leading almost all through the game, and being the team that would have gone through in case of a draw, they ran around 5 km more than the Danes. (The numbers might not be 100% accurate, but still...)

The Dutch havent been tested yet. They were lucky against Denmark with the own goal, and against Japan because of that fuck up by the Japanese goalie. I didnt watch the game yesterday, but as strong as they are in attacking, they are week in defence and that is why I think that the Dutch (just like the Argentinians) can not be fully assessed before they face a team that actually puts them under pressure.

The play offs look very strange considering that England, Germany, Argentina and Mexico all are on the same quarter, while Uruguay, S.Korea, Ghana and USA are on the other quarter. Funny that one of the last four mentioned will make it to the semis

Did any of you watch the press meeting after the Italian game? Lippi "taking all the blame" blablabla..what an idiot...

Whats the rules for the yellows this WC? I read somewhere something about changing the rules on cards being brought from the group stage to the eliminations rounds, but cant really remember where I read and and what it was I read...can anyone clarify, please...

Roman_Eagle wrote:

Kris wrote:

pazke wrote:

CHE CANNAVARO, CHE CAPITANO....NO?

I think they are looking for something.....

Yes, their BALLS