Italia-Ukraina

World Cup Quarter Finals – By Chris.

Germany - Argentina 2.75 - 2.95
It has been so easy for the Germans so far and they come into this quarter final with maximum self confidence. With this self belief and the home crowd behind them, I can only see Germany losing to a Brazilian side in top form. I have changed my mind about Germany. This untested side never was my favourite to start with, but I have seen enough of German football in my life to realise that they will be extremely hard to beat this time. When the wind blows the German way, the other teams better watch out. Their previously shaky defence has kept 3 successive clean sheets, their last game vs. Sweden was over after some 10 minutes and I have to say that everything looks perfect for the Germans ahead of this fixture. Both their strikers Klose and Podolski have already delivered the goals, and we are only waiting for their ace Ballack to play his best game again. I am sure that he will do just that on Friday. These two sides met twice last season, with both games ending in draws, it is worth remembering - Ballack, Klose, Lahm and Podolski did not play in any of those matches.

We certainly found out that Mexico knew exactly how to stop the previously impressive Argentinian offence. I guess that the other World Cup participants felt some kind of relief. I mean the Argentinian football against Serbia/M looked too good to be true. Their football show had something to do with a lousy S/M attitude as well, I should think. Anyway, the Argentinian defence had its flaws against Mexico, Riquelme was given no room to dominate and their striker Saviola rather poor up front. It could be that C Tevez will start this time alongside Crespo. Argentina will be at full strength on Friday, with both Burdisso and L Gonzalez available again. Burdisso most certainly in for the disappointing Scaloni. Argentina to beat Germany in Europe, in Germany? No, I do not think so! I will back Germany. (2.75)

Italy - Ukraine 1.62 - 7.00
Even after the far from convincing Italy win against Australia, I have to back the Italians again. (1.62) Seems to me that you always get some drama when Italy play their games these days. With Materazzi red carded, Italy were heading for an early return home. Australia looked strong at the moment of Materazzi's dismissal, but to the credit of Italians, the Aussies were not allowed to create any meaningful scoring chances. Strong Italian defensive display, marshalled by the immaculate Cannavaro. The Palermo defender Barzagli also had an impressive match, when he came on in the second half. He will replace the suspended Materazzi on Friday, as Nesta is not yet ready for action. I cannot imagine that coach Lippi will prefer Del Piero to Totti this time. Totti from the start and hopefully Toni as well. Toni really should have scored a couple against Australia. He usually buries those kind of opportunities and he is bound to come good. Will Lippi use 3 strikers again, or revert to the 1 striker system, with 3 behind? No way to know, but Totti will play from the start, that is for sure.

A pragmatic Ukraine have reached the quarter finals. Surely their fortunes will end here. Strong defence? Absolutely. Dangerous on the break? Yes. But, Italy demonstrated excellent defensive qualities against Australia, and dealing with counter attacks is an old Italian specialty. The way I see it, Ukraine rely on their defence and their counter attacks and have nothing more, but Italy have more resources than that - superior players first and foremost. The Ukranian defenders Rusol and Svidersky return for this match, meaning that the outstanding Gusev will return to their midfield. Unfortunately they have lost their hard working striker Voronin. Rebrov will play from the start, or maybe young Milevsky. Shevchenko had a poor game vs. Switzerland, and it will not be easier for him this time. Italy to win! (1.62)

England - Portugal 2.20 - 3.80
I have given up on England, and then you should know that I look at my self as a pro England type. "We will play better football", Eriksson keeps on telling us, but their match against Ecuador was the worst that they have played during this tournament. The players that I watch week in and week out, Gerrard, Lampard and the others, could not make a decent pass during the 90 minutes. And the tempo? There was no tempo at all. The players looked tired from the start, or are they too tied up in some strict system? I do not know, but their performance was pathetic. W Rooney however is looking great again and A Cole's form is improving. Ecuador were even worse, but that is another story. Gary Neville is expected back in the England defence on Saturday - definitely a plus factor.

Everyone will point out that Portugal will be without Deco and Costinha. I am the first to realise that it is a big set back for Scolari's side, but they will be able to handle this handicap. The way I see it, Portugal have some 15-16 first class players, all perfectly capable at this level. Just look at their bench vs Holland, with players like Simao, Tiago and Petit starting there. Portugal is first and foremost a true team, with the emphasis on team. Look at their players and see how they are running during a game and compare their workrate with that of some of the English players. Luis Figo has been cleared to play and Ronaldo is expected to be fit in time (80% chance of playing). England have to improve beyond comprehension to win this quarter final. OK, it has happened before, they have a certain W Rooney and this game is a new game and so on. I will back Portugal this time, at a remarkable price! (3.80)



Brazil - France 1.83 - 5.10
Winning it easy, taking it easy - the Brazilian way to success! I do not know how they are doing it, but so far it has worked perfectly for the world champions. Ghana were quite dominant in the first half, but 2-0 to Brazil after the first 45 minutes. Where is Ronaldinho? Somewhere on the pitch, but not involved. And Ronaldo? First ever footballer, who is practically not moving at all for long periods. Strange side, but so far in complete control.

They must all raise their game for this quarter final, because now we know that the French have woken up from their slumber. It was an excellent, tactical display by France vs. Spain and a much deserved win. They allowed the Spanish midfielders to play their fast passing game, and played it very safe with most of their players defending. Spain seldom threatened and it was always more dangerous when Ribery and his French colleagues counter attacked, with the Spanish defence never really looking comfortable. The Spanish midfielders tired in the second half and the late French goals were inevitable. In the beginning of the match it looked a bit strange with only one "white" player, Henry, in the Spanish penalty area, but after a while I came to understand the French tactics. I thought it was a beautiful piece of tactical football demonstrated by the French veterans, plus Ribery.

Can they stop Brazil? Well, we are in Europe, are we not, and Brazil have no record of success over here. I have tipped Brazil to become champions, and I never included France among my candidates. I wanted to see a strong French performance before I bought a French ticket. Now I have seen it, and I go against Brazil on Saturday. Both Emerson and Kaka have problems with knee injuries, and there is no guarantee that they will both be fit for this match. Robinho is available again. France it is then then! (5.10)

Chris.

kun pronssille on yltäny yllättäjämaita monesti.
Toisaalta Italia on aika taitavasti kans kolmansia sijoja vienyt, luulenpa, että Ukraina tai Italia, jompi kumpi on vuoden 2006 pronssimitalisti.

uiyguf hft kirjoitti:

kun pronssille on yltäny yllättäjämaita monesti.
Toisaalta Italia on aika taitavasti kans kolmansia sijoja vienyt, luulenpa, että Ukraina tai Italia, jompi kumpi on vuoden 2006 pronssimitalisti.

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Toi oli kyllä looginen selitys! Ihan oikeesti!