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For someone who has watched many games over the years, this one had a special feeling. Especially when I remember the struggle for American soccer to be taken seriously abroad. At home, this is the desert of world football. Even after today's valiant display, the US team will vanish from the consciousness of the mainstream sports media in a New York minute.
The US team faces rare challenges within its own country. Frequently, the team and the sport are ridiculed in the press. In many cases, when the team plays a "home" game, it is treated as the visiting team.
Kaka': Simply the best.
The footballing world witnessed something for the ages tonight at Ellis Park. On a rugby union pitch with wailing horns and passionate fans hungry for what will arrive in greater detail in the next South African winter.
They saw an American team that played with conviction, heart, and skill against a team that was on the ropes, but found a way to deliver the knock-out punch after 86 minutes. This was not the usual Brazilian side of beauty and dazzling creativity. "Jogo Bonito" was a distant thought. Samba soccer was left back on the beaches of Rio. Tonight was about sheer force of will: 31 shots on goal. Tide after tide of attacks, along with endless crosses into the box that would have finished most teams much sooner. But the Yanks, led by Tim Howard in goal, held on until near the death.
The global profiles of Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan have risen.
The early goal by Clint Dempsey set the stage. Several minutes later, on a flawless counter-attack orchestrated by Landon Donovan and Charlie Davies, Brasil was facing more than a two goal deficit. They were facing a team that did not fear their reputations, history, or collective talent. Donovan's finish on the goal had what the Italians call, "freddezza." Coolness. Quality. Nerves of steel in front of the box to beat the keeper, in this case, the aptly named, Julio Cesar.
Donovan expertly finished a textbook counter-attack for the second American goal.
One can only imagine the discussions in the Brazilian dressing room at half-time. Their fiery coach, Carlos Dunga, no doubt lit a fire under the smoldering threat that faced him. A loss to the gringos. The ridicule from a nation of millions of futebol-loving fanatics. The amazement of the rest of the world.
Luis Fabiano was the leading scorer at the Confederations Cup. Tim Howard was named the Best Keeper.
But one sensed that the cream would rise. The first sign came in the form of Luis Fabiano's goal just after the half-time break. Back to the goal, marked tightly by Jay DeMerit, one of the relavations of this American side, he spun and shot through his legs and beat Howard to the corner. Then the apparent goal by Kaka' that was not awarded. The tide was turning, and Luis Fabiano, also known as "O Fabuloso," equalized a few minutes later.
Jay DeMerit, a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, showed true grit.
Lucio's emphatic header near the death was a cruel blow to the Americans. Brasil merited this win, but their shouts of joy may have been disguised as collective sighs of relief. They were pushed to the limits to win for the 14th time against Team USA, and to raise the Confederations Cup for the third time. We can also argue that the American team still needs room to grow. When you have one of the best teams in the world down 0 x 2 at the half, you have to find a way to close the game. Both on and off the pitch. But this game was part of the learning curve for US Soccer.
When I saw Clint Dempsey weeping at the end, it was reflective of how far the US program has come. Along with how far it still needs to proceed. The ball is round, and the game lasts 90 minutes. We will see the promised land. Tonight was an important step up the mountain.
Second place but not first loser.
Congratulations to the Selecao of Brasil and Mister Dunga. They showed us what great teams do: Find a way to win.
Congratulations to Mister Bob Bradley and his US Team.
"Hold your heads up, hold your heads up... hold your heads up."
Landon Donovan summed up the evening quite well:
"We don't want respect, we want to win."
A scene from a sports bar in Los Angeles during the game.
LOS ANGELES SOL DEFEATS THE CHICAGO RED STARS 4-0 AT
THE HOME DEPOT CENTER
CARSON, CA – Saturday, June 27, 2009 –The Los Angeles Sol (Women’s Professional Soccer) defeated the Chicago Red Stars, 4-0, at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University – Dominguez Hills in Carson on Saturday morning.
The Sol opened the scoring in the 14th minute when McCall Zerboni, making her first start of the season, found Shannon Boxx inside the penalty area. Boxx fired a shot past Red Stars goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson that bounced off the far post and into goal to give the Sol a 1-0 lead.
Five minutes later, the Sol added to their lead when French international Camille Abily scored her league leading eighth goal after receiving the ball at the top of the box from Aya Miyama.
Marta scored the Sol’s third goal in the 62nd minute after receiving a lead pass from Miyama in the box and slipping the ball in past Jonsson into the back right of the net. Miyama was credited with her second assist of the game on the goal.
In the 90th minute, Marta touched a pass from midfielder Aly Wagner past Jonsson for her second goal of the game, capping off the Sol’s 4-0 victory. With the goal, Marta tied teammate Abily for the league lead in goals scored.
The Los Angeles Sol hosts the Saint Louis Athletica on Wednesday, July 8 at 12 pm at The Home Depot Center on the Campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. For more information or to purchase tickets today, please call toll free at 1-877-4-SOL-TIX(476-5849) or visit www.LosAngelesSol.com.
“The team was very supportive of me starting today. The team has really good chemistry and they make it very easy for me to contribute on the field. I wouldn’t be doing what I am without them.”
Abner Rogers
“It was a big challenge today as it was our third game in seven days, but I thought we played very well. Obviously, the result speaks for itself. The number of opportunities that we created was very satisfying.”
Dan provided some thoughts on the recent developments at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. In this commentary, he discusses Italy, Brazil, the USA, and Spain.
Image courtesy of FIFA
The Tactics of Lippi and Del Bosque
Brazil used the same fast counter that the Dutch did in the last Euros when they ran all over Italy. Lippi just didn't have the foot speed to do the same, and it was his choice to feature the line-up that he did. Spain was also a bit too deliberate with their attacks when they had a chance at a quick counter against the USA.
Size but Lacking Pace for the Azzurri
Lippi had a lot of size, but not enough speed. Del Bosque - with two power strikers in Llorente and Güiza available on the bench - went with the smaller line-up, despite the US bunkering down and keeping 9 men behind the ball.
Tactical Formation of Brazil: 4-2-3-1 by Jonathan Wilson
In the formation that Mr. Wilson discussed in The Guardian article (please click the image to read it), the key here is Ramires. Elano couldn't handle the position due to his lack of speed, but Felipe Melo and Ramires are powerful. Otherwise, it's too many defensive midfielders. Parreira ran 3-5-2/5-3-2 in 2002 with Roberto Carlos and Cafu as his wingbacks.
Historic US Win Over Spain
The US have always played hard, except during the recent WCQ at Costa Rica, but they had played that way due to Bob Bradley. Things have totally fallen into place for him, even if he wasn't too quick, in my opinion, to see it. Frankie Hejduk pulled a hamstring, so he played Marvel Wynne at right fullback. Wynne gets destroyed in Costa Rica, and he finally played Jon Spector who was far superior at the moment.
Then he also tried Pearce, Bornstein and even Beasley at left back despite being able to slide Bocanegra there, a position he has been playing this season at Rennes in Ligue 1, while keeping Jay Demerit on the bench. Well, not only Demerit and Onyewu are a better coupling in the middle than Onyewu and Bocanegra, Demerit-Onyewu-Bocanegra provided a far superior play along the entire front than any of his other combinations. The same goes for Bradley-Clark in the middle where he had played Mastroeni, Donovan-Dempsey in midfield and Altidore-Davies on top. Bob just lucked into those spots due to injuries, but those guys should have been there all along.
He played what any basketball coach would call a match-up zone. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's not evolutionary or original. Bora (coach of Iraq) played it two games before against the same Spain side, and with the USA against Colombia at World Cup 1994. Every good coach should know how to beat it. Del Bosque didn't, even if he did try some things like moving Torres to the right against a much slower Bocanegra.
Spanish teams - Barcelona included - always play into feet and rarely over the top and/or into a target striker to suck in space. This is the same problem again, and was how Guus Hiddink kept Chelsea with a clean sheet at Camp Nou. At least Barcelona was in a 4-3-3, which spread its attack between Henry-Eto'o and Messi along the entire defensive frontage. Del Bosque was basically playing 3-5-2.
About the Author
Dan Leo is a freelance writer based from Miami, Florida. He has also written about international football for Soccerlens. For a link to his web site, please click here.
CARSON, CA – June 25, 2009 –Los Angeles Sol (Women’s Professional Soccer) forward Marta has been nominated for an ESPY Award, the club announced today.
The current and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Marta has been nominated in the category of Best Female International Athlete. She will be competing against Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa, Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice and Russian tennis player Dinara Safina.
The ESPYS are the one night each year where athletes from all sports join together to celebrate the best moments of the year. The ESPYS take place on Wednesday, July 15th at the Nokia Theater at LA LIVE and will be hosted by Samuel L. Jackson. The ESPYS will air on ESPN and ESPN-HD on Sunday, July 19th at 9pm EST.
Sol fans will have the chance to select the winners beginning today by voting online at www.ESPYS.tv. All proceeds from the ESPYS and related events benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research in memory of the late Jim Valvano.
The Los Angeles Sol hosts the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, June 27 at 10 am at The Home Depot Center on the Campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. For more information or to purchase tickets today, please call toll free at 1-877-4-SOL-TIX (476-5849) or visit www.LosAngelesSol.com.
"There are not words to describe Marta..." To repeat a phrase heard by the Brazilian announcer in the YouTube video.
If you haven't seen her play yet, please watch a WPS game. Either in person, on Fox Soccer and other cable outlets, or via streaming links. Both the WPS and LA Sol have been streaming selected games from their web sites.
Marta is a rare talent, and she is surrounded by a cast of very good players.
Riccardo Pratesi, a very skilled writer and presenter from La Gazzetta dello Sport, interviewed a few of the American players after their historic win last night over Spain.
Guess where they all want to play?
The Italian Serie A...
Which might surprise some in the American media who treat Italian football as the shoemaker's son, and promote the EPL and La Liga as the better leagues. American players have held different viewpoints for quite some time. For many, since they were young children.
howard — Procediamo con ordine. E partiamo dal portiere. Tim Howard ieri ha giocato un’ottima partita con la Spagna, nobilitata dal tuffo sul tiro di Villa ad inizio del secondo tempo.
"Guardavo il calcio italiano già da bambino, a New York, dove sono cresciuto. Il mio giocatore preferito era Paolo Maldini, e dunque adoro il calcio italiano. Ma ora gioco per l’Everton e sto bene lì. Chi preferisco tra Buffon, Julio Cesar e Casillas, i grandi portieri di questa Confederations Cup? Buffon mi è sempre piaciuto, ma Casillas ha dimostrato di essere il numero uno adesso. Loro due sono i primi al mondo. Ormai da anni".
Tim Howard (Everton): Let's go in order and start from the keeper. Tim Howard yesterday played an excellent game against Spain, notably with his dive on the shot by David Villa at the beginning of the second half.
"I used to watch Italian soccer since I was a kid, in New York, where I grew up. My favorite player was Paolo Maldini, and therefore I love Italian football. But now I play for Everton and I am fine there. Who do I prefer between Buffon, Julio Cesar and Casillas, the great keepers of this Confederations Cup? I have always liked Buffon, but Casillas has demonstrated to be the current #1. Both of them have been the best in the world. For years, now."
onyewu — Poi c’è il ministro della difesa americano. Questo colosso di 27 anni che ha giganteggiato contro Fernando Torres e Villa. Di testa le ha prese tutte lui. Che dice: "Grande vittoria. Ora vogliamo vincere il torneo. Se vorrei giocare in serie A? Certo, se ne avessi l’opportunità. Giocavo in Belgio (Standard Liegi, n.d.r.), ora sono svincolato, magari dopo questa coppa qualcosa succederà".
Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege): Now the minister of the American defense. This colossal player who is 27 years old towered over Fernando Torres and David Villa. He won all of the balls in the air. He said:
"Great victory. Now we want to win the tournament. If I could play in Serie A? Surely, if the opportunity presented itself. I was playing in Belgium, and now am out of contract, but after this Cup anything can happen."
dempsey — Corre come una maratoneta sulla fascia, che si è scambiato più volte con Donovan durante la gara con la Spagna. Nella quale ha piazzato pure la "zampata" del 2-0 (facendo il bis della rete all’Egitto), che ha praticamente chiuso i conti con i campioni d’Europa. Ha 26 anni, e gioca nel Fulham, in Inghilterra. "Successo incredibile. Ora vogliamo sfruttare l’opportunità che ci siamo conquistati. Sto bene al Fulham, ho altri due anni di contratto, ma un giorno mi piacerebbe giocare in serie A, perché fin da ragazzo ho seguito il calcio italiano".
Clint Dempsey (Fulham): He runs like a marathoner on the flank, and switched many times with Donovan during the game with Spain. He also scored the knock-out punch for the 2 x 0 (he also scored against Egypt), that practically closed out the game against the European champions. He is 26 years of age, and plays for Fulham in England.
"Incredible success. Now we want to take advantage of the opportunity that we have learned. I am doing well at Fulham, I am contracted for two more years, but one day it would please me to play in the Serie A, because since I was a boy, I have followed Italian soccer."
donovan — E’ il giocatore più rappresentativo degli Stati Uniti. 113 presenze, 39 gol. 27 anni, ha giocato in Bundesliga col Bayer Leverkusen, e, in questa stagione, nel Bayern Monaco. Ora è tornato ai Los Angeles Galaxy. Seconda punta, rifinitore, esterno offensivo: è giocatore duttile e di grande qualità tecnica. Aveva impressionato contro l’Italia, segnando tra l’altro su rigore. Con la Spagna si è ripetuto come prestazione. "Una notte importante, siamo orgogliosi di questa vittoria. L’Italia è un Paese fantastico, se ne avessi l’opportunità penserei seriamente di giocarci".
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy): He is the most capped player for the USA. 113 caps, 39 gols. He is 27 years of age, has played in the Bundeliga with Bayer Leverkusen, and last season, with Bayern Munich. Now he has returned to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Second striker, offensive winger: he is a very useful player with great technical quality. He impressed against Italy, scoring a penalty kick. Against Spain, he repeated his performance.
"An important night, we are proud of this victory. Italy is a fantastic country, if I had the opportunity, I would seriously think of playing there."
altidore — Infine Altidore, il centravanti boa degli Usa. Classe 1989, è strapotente fisicamente, come ha dimostrato spazzando via Capdevila in occasione dell’1-0. Sembra Heskey, il centravanti dell’Inghilterra di Capello, con la differenza anagrafica a suo favore: il potenziale è enorme. "Una notte speciale. Cosa penso di Rossi, di cui sono stato compagno di squadra al Villarreal? Una grande persona, un grande giocatore. So che vuole tornare in Italia, se lo farà sarò contento per lui. La prossima stagione farà molto bene. Ha giocato una grande Confederations Cup, anche se sfortunata nell’ultima partita. Se mi piacerebbe giocare in Italia? Perché no? Grandi club, grandi giocatori. Come mi descrivo? Un centravanti di potenza, ma anche mobile. Se mi piace la comparazione con Heskey? Certo, è un ottimo giocatore, ma io voglio migliorare ancora".
Jozy Altidore (Villarreal): Finally, Altidore, the big center forward of the USA. Born in 1989, he is physically imposing, as he demonstrated by pushing away Capdevilla for the first goal. He resembles Emil Heskey, the center forward of Capello's England, but there is a great difference: his potential is enormous.
"A special night. What do I think of Giuseppe Rossi, of whom I've been a teammate at Villarreal? A great person, a great player. I know that he wants to return to Italy, if he does it I will be happy for him. He will do well next season. He played a great Confederations Cup, even if the last game did not go well.
Would it please me to play in Italy? Why not? Great clubs, great players. How would I describe myself? A center forward with physical presence, but also mobile. Do I like the comparison to Heskey? Surely, he is a great player, but I want to still improve."
Yesterday, the Italian Under 21, or the Azzurrini, advanced to the semi-final round of the UEFA U-21 Championship in Sweden by defeating Belarus, 2 x 1. Robert Acquafresca, who is owned by Genoa but will be loaned out next season with Atalanta of Bergamo, scored a brace.
Robert Acquafresca played with Cagliari last year, and scored 14 goals.
Italy has an excellent record in this competition. Since 1978 when the competition began, they have won it 5 times. Most recently, in 2004.
Semi-Finals on Friday
On Friday, they will face Germany in Helsinborg. In the other semi-final tie, England will meet Sweden. The final will take place next Monday in Malmo. The Azzurrini are managed by Gigi Casiraghi, who played professionally for Chelsea, Juventus, and Lazio. He was also capped many times for the Azzurri. In my opinion, he stands a very good chance to succeed Marcello Lippi on the senior bench when the great Mister ultimately retires.
Gigi Casiraghi at World Cup 1994.
This event is a showcase for future talent at the senior level. For example, many have already called for Mister Lippi to draft in current U-21 talents such as Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan), Marco Motta (AS Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), and Acquafresca.
Mario Balotelli is a prodigious but hot-tempered talent for Internazionale.
"Italian football is represented by the National Team."
For any fan of calcio and the Azzurri, the last week was very painful to endure. Another quick exit from a major tournament, but this time, with our tails between our legs.
Let me throw my 2 Euros into the mix.
The Major Problems in South Africa
Too slow: Outside of Giuseppe Rossi, Simone Pepe, and Riccardo Montolivo, the Azzurri roster was extremely predictable. As in "piano piano." This was apparent even against 10 man USA, but was extremely exploited by more talented sides such as Egypt and Brasil. Mentally and physically, there was no speed in this side.
Wrong tactical formation: Mister Lippi is a master tactician; however, the 4-3-3 fit this team like a leisure suit from the 1970s. He did not have the requisite speed on the flanks to make this formation succeed, and perhaps expected too much even from very capable players. A 4-3-1-2, 4-3-2-1, or 4-2-1-2-1 would have worked better. Especially with an in-form talent such as Rossi up front.
Disorganized back four: A hallmark of Italian teams is defensive prowess, but the side in South Africa left it back in bella Italia. There were too many ball control mistakes, lack of proper marking (evidenced by the free header by Homos of Egypt), and a comical own-goal (a sacrilege in Italian football) by Andrea Dossena. Against Brasil, the Azzurri defenders looked as if they were jet-lagged or fixed in a time warp.
Lack of finishing by the strikers: During World Cup qualification, the Azzurri have not scored more than 2 goals. In South Africa, they managed 3 against 10 man USA, and none after that. There were countless "palle gol," which is Italian for goal scoring opportunities. But outside of Rossi (and De Rossi), nobody took the initiative to shoot on target. Much less score. Vincenzo Iaquinta, Fabio Quagliarellia, and Luca Toni are great players. But for their club sides. They don't raise their games with the necessary consistency at this level. They are "punto pesante" or the big men. Who should complement smaller, more gifted and technical players such as Rossi and Antonio Cassano (should Mister Lippi draft the skillful Sampdoria talent into the mix,) But they don't fit the equation because they are very predictable, and don't maximize what few chances they create to score. Especially Toni, whose form has dropped significantly since the last World Cup.
No balance in the midfield: Andrea Pirlo is a maestro, but he can't carry the load by himself. De Rossi and Gattuso, both hard workers and fine examples, never have been the type of players to grab the game by the neck. Well, Rino grabs the necks of opponents and coaches. ;-) Montolivo is young and still very inexperienced at this level. The midfield bridges the back four and the front line. It was woefully deficient in South Africa.
Too much reliance on the old guard: Mister Lippi demands respect and rewards loyalty. But in this case, some of the World Cup heroes of 2006 need to retire from international play. If he is to become only the second manager to lift the World Cup consecutively, he will need to make some difficult decisions ahead of the September qualification games. There are younger talents waiting to step in, but they need exposure ahead of the 2010 competition during the South African winter.
Mister Lippi has won the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and 5 Serie A titles. If anyone can steer the Azzurri ship out of their current deep waters, it is he. He must make changes to fit the available pool of players in order to compete with the likes of Brasil and Spain.
Giuseppe Rossi against the USA: One of the few positive developments in the recent South African experience.
Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta at The Emirates.They were teammates at FC Barcelona and now play together for AC Milan.
Image courtesy of FIFA
At 2030 local time in Pretoria, the classic of world football, Italy x Brasil, will kick off with much at stake for the Azzurri. Even if Italy win, they are not guaranteed a spot in the semi-final round. All depends upon the result between Egypt and the USA which kicks-off at the same time.
To say that these two teams are well-acquainted would be an understatement. Many have played with and against each other in Germany, Italy and Spain. There will be no secrets tonight in Pretoria.
Historic Record
Brasil has won 6, Italy has won 5, and there have been 2 ties. This is the first time that both fabled sides have met twice in one year. Last February, Brasil defeated Italy, 2 x 0, at The Emirates. Before that game, their last meeting was in 2000. This will be the first competitive game between both countries since the 1994 World Cup final in Pasedena, California.
At the pre-game press conference, Mister Lippi was not in a good mood. He wasn't pleased by the criticisms leveled at his players by the Italian media.
"Riferito sui giornali agli azzurri dopo la gara con l’Egitto? Poca fantasia, ma nessun effetto. Comunque a volte anche le mummie sciolgono le bende. Questa squadra ha ancora voglia di vincere, come ai Mondiali".
"Referring to the newspapers (the Azzurri were asleep like mummies) after the game with Egypt? A little fantasy, but no effect. Sometimes, even mummies take off their bandages. This team still has a thirst to win, just like at the World Cup."
JULIO CESAR — "Ha detto che l’Egitto ci ha battuti perchè ha corso molto? Il loro portiere ha corso molto, da un palo all’altro".
"He (Julio Cesar, the keeper of Brasil) said that the Egyptians beat us because they ran a lot? Their keeper ran a lot, from one pole to another."
LA SCONFITTA CON IL BRASILE — "Se pesa il k.o. di Londra in febbraio? No, era un’amichevole. Qualche giocatore allora giocava una gara così importante per la prima volta, abbiamo pagato questo".
"Does the loss from London in February still hurt? No, it was a friendly. Some players played in an important game for the first time, and we paid for this."
CLASSICA — "Quale precedente mi ricordo? Italia-Brasile 3-2 del Mondiale 1982. E’ il 21 giugno, il giorno in cui l’Italia perse con il Brasile nel Mondiale del 1970? Sì, ma di quel campionato mi ricordo la vittoria con la Germania. L’Italia aveva speso quasi tutto in quella partita, contro quel Brasile non le era rimasto nulla".
"Which game from the past do I remember? Italy 3 x Brasil 2 from World Cup 1982. It is the 21st of June, the day in which Italy lost to Brasil in the World Cup final of 1970? Yes, but from that competition, I remember the extra time victory against West Germany. Italy left everything out on the pitch in that game, and against Brasil, nothing was left."
Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 20 June 2009.
Julio Cesar on Tactics
Julio Cesar plays in Italy for Internazionale.
«Se l'Italia verrà avanti, come io credo - dice ancora Julio Cesar - noi possiamo infilarla perchè abbiamo giocatori molto tecnici e veloci come Robinho e Kakà, che sono pronti ad infilarsi negli spazi lasciati liberi dagli avversari. Ricordatevi cosa abbiamo fatto in Cile, Venezuela ed Uruguay (tre vittorie nelle qualificazioni mondiali n.d.r.). Loro venivano avanti e noi abbiamo vinto».
"If Italy comes forward, as I believe, we can infiltrate them because we have very fast and technical players such as Robinho and Kaka', who are ready to penetrate the spaces left vacant by the opponents. Remember what we did in Chile, Venezuela and Uruguay (3 wins in the 2010 World Cup qualification round). They came forward and we won."
Italian Source: Corriere dello Sport, 20 June 2009.
In 14 World Cup qualification games, Brasil has only allowed 6 goals. Julio Cesar has been in great form, and it will take a perfect game by the Azzurri to beat him and Brasil.
Lineups: 4 Changes for the Azzurri, and one for o Selecao
ITALIA (4-3-3): Buffon; Zambrotta, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Dossena; De Rossi, Pirlo, Montolivo; Camoranesi, Toni, Iaquinta.
BRASIL (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Andre Santos; Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva; Ramires, Kakà, Robinho; Luis Fabiano.
Source: Corriere dello Sport
First Half
The field conditions were dry, and the weather was announced at 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria.
Initially, the Azzurri showed more urgency, organization, and pressing than in their previous two games. Unfortunately, it would not last long. In the 6th minute, Luis Fabiano, who would cause the Italian defense significant problems, struck the right post. Brasil looked very fast and dangerous on the attack. The Azzurri absorbed the pressure, but looked as if they could not hold the seige forever.
Kaka' had a good chance saved by Buffon, and then he saved very well on an onrushing Luis Fabiano who was hurled over head. The only Italian chance came in the 28th minute. Camoranesi struck a right footed volled that grazed close to the crossbar with Julio Cesar beaten.
The Azzurri looked very disorganized in defense. They slipped on the turf, and also commited ball control errors. Brasil was ready to pounce. In the 33rd minute, Lucio took the ball down the left wing and struck the crossbar on a deflection. Then was saved a minute later by Buffon, who was screaming at his defenders. But it would be to no avail.
In the 37th minute, Luis Fabiano, from a pass by Robinho, beat Buffon on a perfectly placed right diagonal shot. Giuseppe Rossi then came on for Iaquinta. In the 43rd minute, Robinho passed to Luis Fabiano, but the ball was put into the Italian goal by Dossena.
Brasil had too much speed and class. The half ended, 0 x 3, with a potential embarassing result on the horizon...
Second Half
Simone Pepe came on for Montolivo, and a few minutes later, Gilardino for Toni. The Azzurri pushed forward, but didn't have their first goal-scoring opportunity until the 63rd minute. Camoranesi crossed a perfect ball for Pepe, but he slipped in front of Julio Cesar. Then more good chances arrived. Giuseppe Rossi forced Julio Cesar into two saves, and Gilardino also had two good chances.
Kaka' had the best chance for the 4th Brasilian goal, but his curled effort went just wide of the post. But in all frankness, they took their foot off of the pedal during the second half. This game was decided in the first 45 minutes. The game ended, 0 x 3, and the USA (3 x 0) over Egypt advance on goal difference to the next round at the Azzurri's expense.
Questions remain over Mister Lippi's selections, the lack of speed on the current Azzurri squad, along with unusual defensive lapses. Over three games, they were shut out twice, conceded five, and scored three times on a 10 man USA. The Azzurri created many chances, but the finishing was very poor. Once again, Luca Toni failed to score or add much to the flow of play.
Brasil was clearly superior in all facets of the game, and now has given the Azzurri two footballing lessons in the space of four months.
The next friendly for the Azzurri will be in August against Switzerland. In September, World Cup qualification resumes with games against Georgia and Bulgaria, respectively.
Marcello Lippi After the Game: "Let's Go on Holiday and Reorder our Ideas."
"Il Brasile è una delle squadre più forti del mondo e noi ci siamo presentati in condizione non brillante". Marcello Lippi commenta così lo 0-3 contro la il Brasile che ci costringe ad abbandonare la Confederations Cup. "Siamo fuori e ci dispace molto ma il nostro cammino prosegue", aggiunge il c.t. azzurro. Lippi si toglie anche un sassolino dalla scarpa: "Dall'esterno - dice riferendosi alle tante polemiche sui media - devono stare calmi e non spingere con i giovani, perché ci vuole personalità, esperienza, una certa abitudine a certe partite. Questo è quello che possiamo fare adesso. E ho detto adesso. Non vuol dire che anche in futuro sarà così. Certo ora non ci meritavamo di più. Andiamo in vacanza e riordiniamo le idee".
"Brasil is one of the strongest teams in the world, and we didn't present ourselves in brilliant condition... We are out and we are very sorry but our road continues... From the outside (journalists), you have to stay calm and not call for the younger players, because it takes personality, experience, a certain way to handle specific games. This is what we have to do now. And I said it now. I don't want to say it will be this way in the future. Surely, now we don't deserve anything more. Let's go on holiday and reorder our ideas."
Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 22 June 2009.
Gigi Buffon After the Game: "We Are Not Competitive"
«È giusto uscire: dobbiamo meritarci le cose senza aspettare aiuti dagli altri. È stato meglio così, perchè siamo in un momento delicato e non siamo competivi». L'analisi a caldo di Italia-Brasile fatta da Gigi Buffon ai microfoni di RaiSport è impietosa: il portiere azzurro non cerca scuse e spiega che «quando facciamo pressing e mettiamo l'anima siamo una grande squadra, ma senza queste caratteristiche diventiamo vulnerabili. Tenete comunque conto che Cannavaro non si allenava da un mese e mezzo e che Gattuso tornava dopo sette».
"It is right to go out: We have to deserve it without waiting for help from others. It is better this way, because we are in a delicate moment and are not competitive... When we press and put our soul into it, we are a great team, but without these characteristics we become vulnerable. You have to take into account that Cannavaro hasn't trained in a month and a half and Gattuso just returned after seven months."
But Gigi, Gattuso didn't play tonight, and Cannavaro wasn't the one who kicked the ball into his own goal... Italian Source: Corriere dello Sport, 22 June 2009.
CARSON, CA – June 21, 2009 –The Los Angeles Sol (Women’s Professional Soccer) blanked FC Gold Pride (Bay Area) 2-0 at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University – Dominguez Hills in Carson on Sunday afternoon.
The Sol remains comfortably atop the WPS standings with an 8-1-4 record (28 points), while FC Gold Pride falls to 3-6-3 (12 pts.). Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made three saves to register her WPS-leading ninth shutout, while midfielder Camile Abily notched her league-best seventh goal of the season.
The Sol opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Aya Miyama’s corner kick from the right side was cleared to the edge of the area finding Sol defender Martina Franko. She then volleyed the bouncing ball, hitting a slow, arching shot that was deflected on the goal mouth by Abily and nestled itself the far corner of the goal and somehow getting past Gold Pride ‘keeper Nicole Barnhart.
Marta doubled the lead in the 25th minute, collecting a long Shannon Boxx pass shy of the area on the left, dribbling into the box and putting her low, left-footed shot past a diving Barnhart and into the goal. It was the fifth goal of the season for the Brazilian and her first since a 1-0 defeat of Sky Blue FC on May 15 at The Home Depot Center.
Los Angeles had three chances just seconds apart in the 71st minute, as Han Duan, Aya Miyama and Marta all had point-blanks cracks at the cage, but each was turned aside. Both clubs had chances in the final twenty minutes, but none hit home as the Sol walked off the field holders of an eight-game unbeaten streak and improved their home record to 6-0-2.
The Los Angeles Sol hosts the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, June 27 at 10 am at The Home Depot Center on the Campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. For more information or to purchase tickets today, please call toll free at 1-877-4-SOL-TIX(476-5849) or visit www.LosAngelesSol.com.
Tomorrow in Pretoria, Italia and Brasil meet in another world football classic.
Here are a few of their most famous encounters from World Cup history:
21 June 1970: Estadio Azteca in Mexico City: World Cup Final: Brasil 4 x Italy 1
After defeating West Germany in an extra time classic (4 x 3), Italy faced arguably one of the best national teams ever assembled. Carlos Alberto, Gerson, Jairzinho, Pele’, Tostao, and Rivelino were names known to every schoolboy around the world. Brasil scored first on a header by Pele’. Italy equalized after an errant back heel by Clodoaldo gifted the goal to Roberto Boninsegna. Then Brasil gave a second-half clinic with goals by Gerson, Jairzinho, and a classic strike by Carlos Alberto who was lead perfectly by Pele’. Becoming the first country to win the Jules Rimet Cup three times, Brasil retired the trophy.
Pele’s Commentary
“Rivelino crossed a high ball over the heads of the Italian defense, and I jumped higher than the defender, and headed the goal over the fingertips of Albertosi… Twenty-one minutes into the second half, with the defense bottling up Jairzinho and me, they allowed Gerson to come through the center from midfield and boot a powerful kick past a surprised Albertosi. From that point on there was no doubt what the final result would be. Five minutes later, Gerson took a free kick, passed it to me, I touched it to Jairzinho, who was momentarily unguarded, and he slid it into the net. Then, with only three minutes left in the game, I laid the ball off on my right as Carlos Alberto drove in at top speed; he kicked the ball on the dead run past Albertosi for the final goal.”
05 July 1982: Barcelona, Spain: World Cup Second Round Group Game: Italy 3 x Brasil 2
Argentina, Brasil, and Italy were drawn into the second round “Group of Death.” Brasil and Italy defeated Argentina, respectively; however, Brasil had the better goal difference. They only needed a draw to advance to the semi-final round. The atmosphere at the Sarria (also known as the “Candy Box”) was electric and full of anticipation. Both sides did not disappoint in one of the most memorable games of the modern World Cup. Many pundits did not give Italy a chance; however, Paolo Rossi, the formerly disgraced striker who had just returned from a two year betting scandal ban, had a game for the ages.
Rossi, who became known as “Pablito” for his Spanish exploits, scored early in the game on a header to give the Azzurri the lead. Shortly thereafter, Socrates (a medical doctor off the pitch) beat Dino Zoff to the near post with an excellent finish. Then, after a defensive lapse, Rossi struck again with a shot into the corner past Valdir Peres. Italy went into the half with the lead, 2 x 1.
In the second half, the Brazilians pressured for the equalizer which finally came by Roberto Falcao, who played his club side football for AS Roma. He took a ball at the top of the box, went to his left, and fired a shot past a sprawling Dino Zoff. Even though a draw would have eliminated the Italians, the Brazilians continued to press forward. Zoff made several key saves, and then in the 74th minute, Rossi shot an arrow through the heart of the Brazilian supporters. After a deflection by Marco Tardelli from a corner kick, Rossi flicked the ball past Valdir Peres, who in a very sporting gesture, retrieved the ball from the back of the net, smiled, and handed it to him.
Commentary by Tele Santana and Enzo Bearzot, the Respective Managers
“All the best Brazilians were in Spain, I have a clear conscience on that. We just made the mistake of trying to mark Rossi man-to-man.” — Santana
“He had been very good alongside Roberto Bettega at the 1978 World Cup, but Bettega wasn’t there anymore. Rossi was the only one left, and I can honestly say that if I’d had another alternative I wouldn’t have called him up. It was a huge risk gambling on him being able to get into the rhythm of such a demanding tournament and on his desire to make up for past mistakes. But I needed a goalscorer, someone to poach for goals in the box in a way that suited the style of play I wanted. I knew that if I didn’t take him, I wouldn’t have a player capable of causing trouble in the area, a crucial role in any team."
“The fact it took Rossi some time to explode into life during the tournament was partly due to our physical preparations, which prioritised fitness at the expense of speed. At the start, he was sluggish, but he kept getting better. In the area, he was extraordinary: very lively, always ready to pounce on the slightest mistake and never ceasing to put defenders under pressure. Ultimately, that translated into glory for himself and the team.” — Bearzot
17 July 1994: Rose Bowl, Pasedena, California: World Cup Final: Brasil 0 x Italy 0 AET (Brasil won the penalty kick shoot-out, 3 x 2).
In a very disappointing game played by two teams seemingly afraid to lose, Brasil won their fourth World Cup. Neither team created many chances, and Robert Baggio of Italy played the entire game with a visibly taped hamstring injury. But he would become the protagonist for another reason. He missed his first and last spot kick in an Azzurri shirt as Brasil won the only World Cup final ever decided on penalties, 3 x 2.
Commentary by Roberto Baggio
“As for the penalty, I don’t want to brag but I’ve only ever missed a couple of penalties in my career. And they were because the goalkeeper saved them not because I shot wide. That’s just so you understand that there is no easy explanation for what happened at Pasadena. When I went up to the spot I was pretty lucid, as much as one can be in that kind of situation. I knew Taffarel always dived so I decided to shoot for the middle, about halfway up, so he couldn’t get it with his feet. It was an intelligent decision because Taffarel did go to his left, and he would never have got to the shot I planned.
Unfortunately, and I don’t know how, the ball went up three metres and flew over the crossbar. As for taking the penalty in the first place, I was knackered, but I was the team’s penalty taker. I’ve never run away from my responsibilities. Only those who have the courage to take a penalty miss them. I failed that time. Period. And it affected me for years. It was the worst moment of my career. I still dream about it. If I could erase a moment from my career, it would be that one.
What is sometimes forgotten is that even if I had scored, Brazil could still have won with the last penalty because before me Baresi and Massaro had both missed. That’s part of the game. I missed the last penalty, thereby ‘cancelling out’ those by Baresi and Massaro. They had to chose one image from the finals and they chose my mistake.”
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