June 12.
Unknown quantity, uncharted waters.
I was unconvinced by Japan's credentials coming into Germany 2006. They seemed to have reached a plateau during Japorea 2002 and have failed to improve since then. Boasting strong technique and steady athleticism, they seemed tidy and competent but lacked the killer touch or explosiveness to take their peformance to the next level. The jury is still out on their prospects.
Australia on the other hand are, in my opinion, a bunch of over-enthusiastic bits and pieces footballers. However, in Tim Cahill they have one top-class striker who is capable of turning matches. Cahill is a poor man's version of Fillipo Inzaghi, small and slight, but tireless in his running and ability to bundle the ball in over the line from headers, angled shots and volleys.
I pegged this match to be a 1-1 draw between 2 teams struggling to find rhythm, Japan's skill matched by Oz physicality (notably brought to light with their thuggery in the friendly against Holland a couple of weeks prior).
Intruigingly this match was a slow attritional game of cat and mouse. Japan struggled to find any rhythm while making good use of space and pace, Australia marking tightly and ever on the lookout for the quick shunt up to Bresciano, Aloisi or Kewell.
Eventually, the match looked headed Japan's way - Nakamura scoring in the first half off an error from a strangely nervous Mark Schwarzer. Japan looked somewhat in control as the match wore on.... However Zico gambled badly. With the stifling heat and humidity slowly taking a toll on the smaller Japanese, their passing and running fell. Hiddink meanwhile brought on Cahill. Despite Japan looking in control, Australia slowly asserted themselves, now rousing themselves for a final effort in the face of a gradually weakening opponent.
When Cahill, fresh legs taking their toll, finally equalised in the 84th minute you sensed Japan was there for the taking - and they were. Sensationally carved up by Australia over the last 10 minutes, they succumbed to a late sucker punch from that ever threatening jack-in-the box Cahill, as he collected his second following a rebound that should have been cleared. Aloisi then got rewarded for his game long toil with an injury time safety marker to put the game beyond doubt. The fact that it was another ugly goal resulting from a goal mouth scramble only rubbed salt in the wounds of Japan. Rubbish use of subsitutes by Zico, Coup-de-grace by Hiddink. In an absorbing game of ebb and flow, Australia laughed last, Japanese legs simply did not last.
Endnotes:
Could Hiddink be about to guide another underdog to the World Cup semifinals ?
Japan 1 - Nakamura
Australia 3 - Cahill 2, Aloisi
Simply outclassed.
The Czech Republic proved the gulf in class between the USA and top European nations while making a mockery of USA's FIFA rankings in a 3-0 thrashing of the Bruce Arena's team. Jan Koller's bullet header started things off and although the Americans could point to Reyna's hitting of the crossbar midway the first half, they were simply outmatched. Rosicky, effervescent as the epitome of the attacking midfielder, scoring two and rifling a pile driver off the cross bar.
Team USA are regarded by many hacks in North America to be one of the favorites to go all the way. They point to their quarterfinal finish at Japorea 2002 as evidence that they are a rising power in world football. I don't contest that they are a decent outfit, clean, tidy and competent in the simple things.
However rankings alone do not impart tactical savvy. In this, the Americans were cruelly exposed. The single biggest aspect of the World cup is that teams often rise to the occasion and step up a gear, meshing together teamwork, individual brilliance and tactical know-how. The Americas have the teamwork but seem at sea when it comes to controlling the tempo, marking tight or using space. Route one and hard running only gets you so far - ask Alan Curbishley and Charlton.
The Czechs on the other hand have had something of a consistent decade. Teeming with talented and technically gifted players, they are seen as outside bets for the whole thing. Again. Barring any unlucky goals ala Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 they should go far. They have the personnel and the attitude. They handed the Americans a lesson in attacking football, cleverly using both the space at the front of the penalty area as well as the flanks. Some of their linkup play between Nedved, Rosicky, Janukolovski and Grygera was sublime. Their long range ball control and positioning, top notch. Deserved winners, they delivered a powerful opening act in what should be an interesting tournament for them.
Endnotes:
None, other than the fact that the commentators on ABC spent more time discussing their lunch menus than the actual game. Poor Niall.
Jan Koller looks even scarier with a shaved head.
Czech Republic 3 - Koller, Rosicky 2
USA 0
Strong Azzuri Start.
Despite constantly boasting strong teams littered with superstars and world class players, the Italians have underachieved over the last decade. Runners-up in 1994 they have failed to get past the round of 8 at subsequent tournaments. Notorious slow starters they seemed to be a little out of their stride, with playmaker Totti injured and a plethora of young guns playing their first international tournament. De Rossi, Zaccardo and Grosso may be competent choices but their lack of experience exposes certain cracks in the lineup.
Ghana are finally gelling together as a team, boasting a solid midfield with Essien and Appiah (ex-Juventus) patrolling the centre whereas they have the experienced Sami Kuffour marshalling the back 4. Strong physical and capable of throwing the Italians off their stride. The match seemed evenly poised - although the Italians retained a slight edge - especially when Totti was declared to start.
That however was not to be. Ghana devolved into a crude outfit, playing way out of their depth. Nnervous, rough and devoid of any serious creativity, they spent the whole game resorting to brutish tactics, upending the Azzuri and shooting from a distance. What a waste of talent. On paper and form they seemed to be one of the better underdogs and Africa's second best team - on this performance they looked like Bolton Wanderers.
Italy deservedly went ahead through the ever brilliant Andrea Pirlo. Surely one of the game premier playmakers, he should use this year's tournament as a canvas to showcase his skills. Ghana kicked Totti out, crude challenges coming thick and fast. Such a shame that the combined experience of Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah, supplemented by the Oddo brothers, had to resort to this.
Whereas after the initial goal Italy seemed to go from strength to strength, Ghana lost the plot completely, their humiliation complete when Sami Kuffour, another experienced stalwart passed back to the poaching Vincezo Iaquinta. Slotting home to make it 2-0 the Azzuri had just completed their best start to a tournament in recent memory.
Comfortable, complete and frighteningly composed, the Italians are definitely contenders.
Endnotes:
Unlike Germany - Italy decided to start a less-than-fully-fit captain in Totti. Italian emotion contrasted with German practicality ?
Italy 2 - Pirlo, Iaquinta
Ghana 0
Unknown quantity, uncharted waters.
I was unconvinced by Japan's credentials coming into Germany 2006. They seemed to have reached a plateau during Japorea 2002 and have failed to improve since then. Boasting strong technique and steady athleticism, they seemed tidy and competent but lacked the killer touch or explosiveness to take their peformance to the next level. The jury is still out on their prospects.
Australia on the other hand are, in my opinion, a bunch of over-enthusiastic bits and pieces footballers. However, in Tim Cahill they have one top-class striker who is capable of turning matches. Cahill is a poor man's version of Fillipo Inzaghi, small and slight, but tireless in his running and ability to bundle the ball in over the line from headers, angled shots and volleys.
I pegged this match to be a 1-1 draw between 2 teams struggling to find rhythm, Japan's skill matched by Oz physicality (notably brought to light with their thuggery in the friendly against Holland a couple of weeks prior).
Intruigingly this match was a slow attritional game of cat and mouse. Japan struggled to find any rhythm while making good use of space and pace, Australia marking tightly and ever on the lookout for the quick shunt up to Bresciano, Aloisi or Kewell.
Eventually, the match looked headed Japan's way - Nakamura scoring in the first half off an error from a strangely nervous Mark Schwarzer. Japan looked somewhat in control as the match wore on.... However Zico gambled badly. With the stifling heat and humidity slowly taking a toll on the smaller Japanese, their passing and running fell. Hiddink meanwhile brought on Cahill. Despite Japan looking in control, Australia slowly asserted themselves, now rousing themselves for a final effort in the face of a gradually weakening opponent.
When Cahill, fresh legs taking their toll, finally equalised in the 84th minute you sensed Japan was there for the taking - and they were. Sensationally carved up by Australia over the last 10 minutes, they succumbed to a late sucker punch from that ever threatening jack-in-the box Cahill, as he collected his second following a rebound that should have been cleared. Aloisi then got rewarded for his game long toil with an injury time safety marker to put the game beyond doubt. The fact that it was another ugly goal resulting from a goal mouth scramble only rubbed salt in the wounds of Japan. Rubbish use of subsitutes by Zico, Coup-de-grace by Hiddink. In an absorbing game of ebb and flow, Australia laughed last, Japanese legs simply did not last.
Endnotes:
Could Hiddink be about to guide another underdog to the World Cup semifinals ?
Japan 1 - Nakamura
Australia 3 - Cahill 2, Aloisi
Simply outclassed.
The Czech Republic proved the gulf in class between the USA and top European nations while making a mockery of USA's FIFA rankings in a 3-0 thrashing of the Bruce Arena's team. Jan Koller's bullet header started things off and although the Americans could point to Reyna's hitting of the crossbar midway the first half, they were simply outmatched. Rosicky, effervescent as the epitome of the attacking midfielder, scoring two and rifling a pile driver off the cross bar.
Team USA are regarded by many hacks in North America to be one of the favorites to go all the way. They point to their quarterfinal finish at Japorea 2002 as evidence that they are a rising power in world football. I don't contest that they are a decent outfit, clean, tidy and competent in the simple things.
However rankings alone do not impart tactical savvy. In this, the Americans were cruelly exposed. The single biggest aspect of the World cup is that teams often rise to the occasion and step up a gear, meshing together teamwork, individual brilliance and tactical know-how. The Americas have the teamwork but seem at sea when it comes to controlling the tempo, marking tight or using space. Route one and hard running only gets you so far - ask Alan Curbishley and Charlton.
The Czechs on the other hand have had something of a consistent decade. Teeming with talented and technically gifted players, they are seen as outside bets for the whole thing. Again. Barring any unlucky goals ala Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 they should go far. They have the personnel and the attitude. They handed the Americans a lesson in attacking football, cleverly using both the space at the front of the penalty area as well as the flanks. Some of their linkup play between Nedved, Rosicky, Janukolovski and Grygera was sublime. Their long range ball control and positioning, top notch. Deserved winners, they delivered a powerful opening act in what should be an interesting tournament for them.
Endnotes:
None, other than the fact that the commentators on ABC spent more time discussing their lunch menus than the actual game. Poor Niall.
Jan Koller looks even scarier with a shaved head.
Czech Republic 3 - Koller, Rosicky 2
USA 0
Strong Azzuri Start.
Despite constantly boasting strong teams littered with superstars and world class players, the Italians have underachieved over the last decade. Runners-up in 1994 they have failed to get past the round of 8 at subsequent tournaments. Notorious slow starters they seemed to be a little out of their stride, with playmaker Totti injured and a plethora of young guns playing their first international tournament. De Rossi, Zaccardo and Grosso may be competent choices but their lack of experience exposes certain cracks in the lineup.
Ghana are finally gelling together as a team, boasting a solid midfield with Essien and Appiah (ex-Juventus) patrolling the centre whereas they have the experienced Sami Kuffour marshalling the back 4. Strong physical and capable of throwing the Italians off their stride. The match seemed evenly poised - although the Italians retained a slight edge - especially when Totti was declared to start.
That however was not to be. Ghana devolved into a crude outfit, playing way out of their depth. Nnervous, rough and devoid of any serious creativity, they spent the whole game resorting to brutish tactics, upending the Azzuri and shooting from a distance. What a waste of talent. On paper and form they seemed to be one of the better underdogs and Africa's second best team - on this performance they looked like Bolton Wanderers.
Italy deservedly went ahead through the ever brilliant Andrea Pirlo. Surely one of the game premier playmakers, he should use this year's tournament as a canvas to showcase his skills. Ghana kicked Totti out, crude challenges coming thick and fast. Such a shame that the combined experience of Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah, supplemented by the Oddo brothers, had to resort to this.
Whereas after the initial goal Italy seemed to go from strength to strength, Ghana lost the plot completely, their humiliation complete when Sami Kuffour, another experienced stalwart passed back to the poaching Vincezo Iaquinta. Slotting home to make it 2-0 the Azzuri had just completed their best start to a tournament in recent memory.
Comfortable, complete and frighteningly composed, the Italians are definitely contenders.
Endnotes:
Unlike Germany - Italy decided to start a less-than-fully-fit captain in Totti. Italian emotion contrasted with German practicality ?
Italy 2 - Pirlo, Iaquinta
Ghana 0
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