Portugal are through after beating a very average Iran team 2-0. Iran actually hasn’t looked that bad in their two losses, but the promise of millions and their own villas from their dodgy president wasn’t enough incentive to get them out of the group stage.
Portugal, in their best imitation of England–loads of talent and still no offense, will advance. Or maybe they’re just imitating themselves. At any rate, they’ve only earned the privilege to be fodder for Group C anyway.
Pretty boy, Christiano Ronaldo, actually looked useful at times rather than just showing off. It’s Figo’s presence on the pitch that’s making the difference so far, though. Deco was the star today, but this team will only go as far as the old man takes them. They should be better, but they’re not. Loaded with guns. A great coach.
Two more matches to play, and they can head for the beach–that seems to be what they’re thinking.
Don’t underestimate Iran. These guys were probably playing for their lifes and as soon as they get home, they will be thrown to the lions for humiliating their home nation.
A win is a win, especially against guys who are playing with their lives on the lines.
“…. Don’t look now but Ghana is beating the Czech Republic and we are in the second half….. that might give a bit of a morale boost to the Red, White and Blue tonight should Ghana win!”
The Czechs are down to 10 men now with Ujfalusi getting a red card…. Looking bleak for the “best team in Europe”…
Let’s see if Nedved can pull one out of his hat here but Ghana are looking darn good right now.
it is over baby, Ghana wins 2 zip over the injury depleted and aging Czech Republic team. Nice win for the Africans
The USA has a very very very clear mission against Italia tonight.
Play for the 0 to 0 tie as if their life depends on it.
1 point for the US vs Italia will get us back in this now that Czech and Ghana have 3 points a piece.
Fantastic America in the first half vs Italy, guess what!!!!! This IS a war
Pity we are now 10 vs 10 but autogoal or not, the USA dominated the first half!!!!!!
hats off to Bruce Arena!!!!!
GRANDISSIMMA AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bruce Arena had a brilliant strategy and America is back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
italy 3 points
czech republic 3 points
ghana 3 points
usa 1 point
BUT……………………
if the USA Beats Ghana we are IN baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Italy had a 1 man advantage for 35 minutes and could do nothing against the grand USA
Landon Donovan was FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go USA
USA!
USA!
USA!
USA!
USA!
USA!
Italia returned to earth tonight…………………………
My cinderella, the USA was BRILLIANT!!!!!
Hats are off to Bruce Arena….. Italy needs to beat the Czech Republic or they are going home after round 1……
America needs to beat Ghana and they will have a great chance to go to round 2
WOW!!!!
Boy was I drunk when I made that last post but what fun it was to watch that game
Now that I am sobered up, Italy should get past the Czech Republic but they also can advance with a tie (albeit probably as second in group). For the US to advance Italy has to win and the US had to beat Ghana. A bit unlikely but at least we are still in the game!
The US was brilliant Saturday, Arena found the only tactic that could possibily allow the US to tie Italy, that is to foul, foul, foul and foul some more. USA had 8 fouls before Italy had their first. The DeRossi was goaded into a RED and by golly the US almost pulled this out. Nice self goal by Italy helped but clearly the US outplayed the Italians.
Croatia ties Japan today, that seriously injures their chance to advance and it really helps the Australians, another of my Cinderellas, maybe my best one!
Great strategy by the US. They completely neutralized Totti.
The calls were weak, but the US also got lucky with Italy’s own-goal.
They need to step it up even more against Ghana to get the win.