Day18: Italians did it again!

[Hajagha]

[VivaItalia]

At least someone looks at the games carefully!

I still think that Italy has a lot more to offer. Totti has just came back. He came in for the last 15 min of the Autralia game and he showed what a classy player he is. Just watch that 15 min one more time. The pass to Grosso (his name is Grosso Haji jan) was a master piece by Totti. and the penalty was superb.

The game was in Italy's control until the ref unfairly showed the red card to Materazzi. I think it was Australia who was lucky that day! They produced no danger in the first half and a little in the second despite being one player up.

yes again, Italy should show their best game againt Ukraine. Totti is fit and his morale is high. the team is in a good spirit after this win (although some players are worried about Pessotto's condition), there is only one thing missing: Toni and Gilardino need to score.

So let's wait and see. I think this Italy can play a good final with the winner of Brazil/France.

[Ali Chicago]

Team Speed (Italy's Achillis heal)

I didn't see the second half of Italy -Austraila game, but I gracefully disagree with your comment about Italia was in control of the game until their men were sent off.

I think Italy will have a lot of problems against teams with high team speed (i.e. US) and it showed against Australia which have a high team speed. I have no dobut Italy would have killed a team like Mexico, but beleive me Italy will have problem against a team like South Korea or even Japan. Dont' let that 2-0 win against Ghana fool you. I am not saying Italy was lucky in that game by any means. But it just wasn't Ghana's day.
Only time will say.