We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Another day in the World Cup, another chance for some major upsets. The World Champions Italy go into this morning's match with Slovakia with the distinct possibility of crashing out of World Cup 2010. I'll be following the Azzurri on ESPN while dialing up Paraguay v. New Zealand on-line. Join me for all the thrills this morning.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:48 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
319 Comments:
Here's what Group F looks like before a ball is kicked today:
1. Paraguay GF 3 GA 1 GD 2 Pts 4
2. Italy GF 3 GA 2 GD 0 Pts 2
3. New Zealand GF 2 GA 2 GD 0 Pts 2
4. Slovakia GF 2 GA 3 GD -1 Pts 1
The teams for today's match:
Italy: Marchetti, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito, Gattuso, De Rossi, Montolivo, Pepe, Iaquinta, Di Natale
Slovakia: Mucha, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Zabavnik, Hamsik, Strba, Kucka, Stoch, Vittek, Jendrisek
All four of the teams in the group still in with a chance of progressing as of now and all sorts of crazy scenarios that I'll be updating through the matches.
Good morning Blue Devil. I am joining you from my brother's house in Florida.
It's a total clear out by Slovakian coach Weiss, who's dropped his son as well as leading scorer in qualifiers Sestak. Chelski's youngster Stoch is in.
Lippi has also made some changes with top scorer in Serie A Di Natale coming in for the woeful Gilardino. Gennaro Gattuso has also come in. And we may see injured playmaker Andrea Pirlo if things don't go well.
Morning, MUR! Great to have you on board. I'm hoping that you're enjoying some good weather in the Sunshine State.
As it stands right now, Italy and NZ are drawn on all tie-breaker mechanisms, both with a "0" goal difference, having scored two goals and having drawn their head to head match. They would draw lots if things stay the same. But they never do, do they?
The weather is slighter cooler than in Texas, but a few afternnon thunderstorms. I agree with Vladimir Weiss. Slovakia have been lacking something and the son has failed to deliver.
Hey Guys,
I am aroud
I have ten more minutes of students!!!!
Any thoughts about yesterday's exciting events, MUR?
Morning, UWS! I cannot believe that you're still at school on June 24th!
I have a feeling that the Azzuri will get their 1-0 win and wee will not need to worry. I kinow that that Ireland and Holland were tied for second in 1990 and the Irish were somehow awarded second place.
How about our resident Azzurri fan, Chelskilad - are you lurking out there somewhere Tony?
Good morning UWS! How have you been?
Yes, the Italians often leave plenty to do for the third match and somehow are able to get it done.
Blue Devil, it was an extremely dramatic day yesterday both in Group C and Group D. The Aussies and Serbs surprised me yesterday.
Oh - Hamsik should have done better there. Twelve yards out on the volley. Should have hit the target. Is he afraid that he'll face the same treatment that Ahn Sung Joo did after knocking Italy out of the 2002 WC?
I am fed up with being in school!!!
How are you watching the big games this weekend fellas?
What do you think of the second round draws?
I was really surprised by that Serbia v. Australia game too. I expected Serbia to put more pressure on the Germans.
England normally play up with better competition... of course, they usually lose on penalties
I should get home just in time to watch the U.S. vs Ghana. I will be on the plane Uruguay vs South Korea.
I'm really pleased by the way that the Round of 16 ended up for our teams. US get a big time Saturday afternoon slot on ABC TV that will draw a big audience for the game. And England get Germany. I'm assuming that the expectations will be ramped down for England and they may be able to go out and relax a bit.
England have have an intersting match against their arch rivals. I have a feeling that the match could go to penalties.
I've got some friends coming over for Saturday afternoon. I've gotten more anti-social over the years about watching England. I tend to like watching only with close England supporting friends or just watching on my own in a darkened room muttering at the TV.
Iaquinto has a goal called back for a push.
I agree, MUR. I hope Fabio is having them practice pens this week.
Miroslav Stoch over a free kick....
Good ball in and Marchetti punches out.
Rooling back the years. Former Rangers player Gattuso is recalled. He commits a foul and barks at a player. Stoch's free kick is punched over and the rebound is Jabulanied over.
Ian Darke confirms what I suspected - if we have identical draws today, FIFA would have to draw lots between Italy and NZ.
The Azzuri like to recall experienced players for big matches. I remember this as far back as my high school years.
Gattuso is one of my least favorite players.
Oh - Hamsik had a chance to find Vittek there in the middle. The keeper smothered it.
The Slovaks break, but Hamsik crosses at the Italian.
Strna is booked for a foul on Gattuso. Well done!
I agree with you Bob
I prefer watching England with the family.
Sorry, about the first England match. Having Dick over was fine but I am glad the kids went into the basement
I am mistaken . I tihnk Chiellini was fouled.
Zdenko Strba goes into Howard Webb's book for a foul on Gattuso there.
Pepe shoots straight at the keeper.
No need to apologize, Dave. I had a great time! If Rob Green had held onto the ball and Heskey had been less profligate, it would have been even better!
I guess I was correct about the foul. I don't see you complaining Blue Devil.
I disagree with Lippi. I would have liked to have seen Cassano and Balotelli in the Italian squad.
Twenty minutes gone. 0-0 in both matches. Get the lots ready!
I'm glad to hear that they're finally giving away tickets to student groups. There have been far too many empty seats in this WC.
Where's the quality, Dave?
GOAL! Robert Vittek scores! Terrible mistake at the back there.
Italy in trouble - 1-0 Slovakia!
That's a tremendous boost for this game, which had been flat with no one wanting to make a mistake.
THE ITALIANS HAVE FALLEN BEHIND!!
Three attempts on the Italian goal in three games... they have gone in
The picture now changes radically. Slovakia would now finish second behind Paraguay on goal difference.
GOAL 1-0 Slovakia Vittek scores after a horrible mistake by De Rossi. It seemed like a really soft goal as well.
Good Bye lots!!
New Zealand now have a real chance. One goal for them, and they'd go through TOP! Who predicted that scenario?
Not quite yet, MUR. If Italy equalized here and Paraguay and NZ also finished 1-1, we'd be back to lots.
If the Italians equalize then they are in second place with one more goal than the Kiwis.
Love it - the Italians handles the ball assuming a foul. Howard Webb calls it a handball on Italy. Love it.
Yes - that's correct, MUR. NZ would have to match the Italians efforts.
Quite true Blue Devil. We are matching yesterday for drama.
Yellow card for Italian skipper Cannavaro. Harkes is incorrect. That's Cannavaro's first yellow of the tournament. The only Italian in card trouble is Camaronesi.
Slovakians in card trouble: Durica, Sestak and Weiss.
Chiellini blocks after another Slovak effort. Where was the attack ni the previous matches. Much better tactics from the Slovaks.
Only two Slovaks are in card trouble as Weiss is on the bench. I expected more from him. He belongs on the bench after two mediocre performances.
I thought Weiss was reasonably good in the first match against NZ. I've been more disappointed with Hamsik, who is still in the side today.
Corner for Slovakia after a great save by the Italian keeper. He gathers the corner. Was that the first svae by an Italian keeper in this tournamnet?
I agree with your assessment of Hamsik. i guess the Weiss Sr. does nto feel that there is adequate depth at his position or an adequate replacement.
Agreed, MUR. It's been thrilling in this last round of matches. This afternoon, the Dutch still have some work to do. They've qualified for the next round but depending on results here, they may want to win their match. If the Italians finish second, though, will they throw their match?
I think Ian and John are writing the Italian obituaries too soon. I would be shocked if the Italians were knocked out this morning.
Montolivo tries one from distance. Well wide. He's been about the only Italian player, in a poor group, who has at all impressed me.
Montolivo shoots wide from long range.
In no way is that Landycakes goal the most important US goal. It's important, yes, but it pales in significance to Paul Caliguiri's Hail Mary goal away to T&T in 1989 that qualified the US for the WC for the first time in forty years. That changed everything about football in the US.
As poor as the Azzuri have been, they have the capability to have a strong second half and qualify. I am not countiong them out. Vittek, the scorer, is booked for a foul on Cannavaro.
Oh - Liverpool defender Skrtel nearly knocked it in his own net there! Corner.
Chiellini heads the corner over.
I have a feeling that Chelskilad is out there lurking somewhere but too gobsmacked to even comment on this dross.
Strba looks to be in trouble.
In the other match, it's still 0-0. Roque Santa Cruz has just been booked.
But does Oceania deserve two slots? That's the result of allowing the Aussies to qualify out of Asia. I don't know.
No surprise that it was Gattuso involved in that injury. For once, I don't really think he was to blame. Just a freak accident.
Unbelievably, Strba is continuing on, no doubt feeling that it is "merely a flesh wound."
Technically, Oceania has only one spot as the Aussies are not guarenteed qualification from the Asian groups. They are part of the Asian confederation, not the Oceania Confederation.
Slovakia have a late chance to double their lead
HT in the other match
Another Slovakian free kick here. Another goal here and I'm not sure that there would be a way back for Italy.
comes to nothing
Half-time between Paraguay and NZ - 0-0 there.
great attempt by the slovak.. just wide
That's half time
I am off to get changed at home for the promotion this afternoon
59-59 has just restarted
Half-time here. 1-0 Slovakia. Wow! How much worse can Italy get?
Free kick to Slovakia.The free kick from Stoch goes horribly wrong as it goes striaght in to the wall . A long long range affoert goes just wide.Then Montolivo shoots well over. Halftime and the Slovaks have a deserved 1-0 halftime lead.
The holders are 45 minutes away from elimination. They need a massive improvement in the second half.
60-59
My only concern for the Slovaks is that they have have conceded both goals in the last ten minutes of each match and the Azzuri have come from behind in both matches.
61-61
Inter Milan won the treble with no Italian players in the starting lineup. Balotelli was a role player. There are a good number of Juventus players in the Italian squad after a disappoiniting Juventus season. Are we discovering the source of the Azzuri's problems.
As with yesterday, I'm ignoring all non-World Cup sports updates. :-p
Two changes for Lippi in the second half. Gattuso and Criscito off for Quagliarella and Maggio. Those appear to be defensive changes. I don't get it. Italy needs goals!
As it stands, Paraguay qualify top of the group and would play Denmark or Japan in the next round. Slovakia would qualify second and face the gleeful Dutch, who must have thought they were staring down the barrel of a second round match against the World Champions.
Any replacement for Gattuso must be positive. He was clearly off the pace. That must be his swan song.
Skrtel is up after a clash wit Iaquinta.
The Slovaks have conceded late in the previous two matches and the Azzuri have come from behind in both matches.
Bloody hell - a free header there for Iaquinta and he completely missed it.
Pekarik is booked for a foul on Quaglierella. Ia quinta diverts a header well wide. That must count as a missed opportunity.
Mucha has stayed down and Howard Webb is telling him to get up. Good refereeing.
Have the Italians had a chance on goal yet, MUR? I can't remember one. Remarkably poor performance from them.
Agreed. The phantom injuries definitely need to be addressed.
We haven't had the same reports of in-camp intrigue and in-fighting as we did with France and England, but this subdued performance suggests that things aren't right in the camp. This is abject.
They Italians have had shots off target, but none on target that I can recall. The Italian keeper made his first save of the tournament in the first half.
One more roll of the dice and it's the wily old campaigner Andrea Pirlo. Not fully fit but boy do they need his inspiration now.
Another poor finish by DiNatale there. Incredible.
Di Natali shoots wide. Pierlo os warming up .
Ryan Nelson picks up a yellow card against Paraguay. He would miss the next match if NZ were to qualify.
Mucha has yet to make a save.
I am home
No change?
64-64
Pirlo lets the ball go out of play. That's not what the gaffer ordered.
No change in the football, mate. Welcome to the summer!
Still 0-0 between New Zealand and Paraguay.
Happy Summer Vacation,UWS.
Yes, I am almost there!
I do have to go in for a breakfast tomorrow morning!
Italy need one goal to move into second place.
65-64
Still no sense of urgency from the Azzurri. You would expect at this point that they'd be bombarding the Slovakian goal. But no....
It just had a graphic that I missed
When is the last time Italy didn't advance?
An hour gone. Still 0-0 Paraguay v. NZ. I'm a bit surprised that Paraguay haven't put NZ to the sword. The Kiwis still have a chance. One goal and they would top the group!
Would a draw do?
Would a draw do?
Di Natale forces a save from Mucha. Italy last failed to advance from the group stage in 1974.
65 65
Yes, a draw for Italy would put them through second on superior goal difference - +1.
Yes Italy moves into second place with a draw. Shades of'82?
I forgot that one, MUR. Well done with the archival work.
That's really what I'd expected from this match - that they would be professional enough to eke out what they needed. This is shocking.
Bloody hell - off the line by Skrtel!
off the line? I don't think so
More discussion of goal-line technology again on that one.
66-65
Nearly 1-1 as Quaglierella sees his shot cleared off the line by Skrtel as Mucha misses the cross.
Slovakia break with Stoch, but he shoots wide of the target.
Twenty minutes left to play for Italy.
Useless pass by Pirlo
Quaglierella is down after that industrial challenge.
Do you think it is an indictment on the Italian side that there is not ONE member of the squad that is on the treble winners
Under 20 to go
Italy qualified from the group stage in'82 with three draws. They were level on goal difference with Cameroon, but scored one more goal. They drew 1-1 with Cameroon in the final gorup match, and won the tournamnet. Will we see a repeat this time.
It certainly does indicate again that Serie A has dropped off in quality. Mourinho chose not to include any Italians in his squad, even in defense. That is notable.
67 66
I definitely don't think it was over the line!
How has Howard Webb doing?
I agree with you UWS. At halftime I stated that many Italian squad members came from Juventus, who finished seventh in Serie A.
ITS THERE!!!
SLOVAKIA ARE TWO UP!!
ITALY ARE IN DEEP SHTOOK
GOAL! Vittek again! Italy must be out now!
2-0 Slovakia!
Dear oh dear. Both Chiellini beaten to the ball and Marchetti not covering the near post. That is shocking defending.
2-0 Slovakia As Slovakia score off the corner. Lazio's Hamsik passes to Vittek who finishes at the near post.
First time in history that both finalist from the previous Cup would be eliminated in the first round
Where are you Tony?
I think Howard Webb has done well today. You, MUR?
In any case, that goal-line decision has to go down to the linesman on that side. I can't tell even after having seen numerous replays.
Now it's Simone Pepe into the book.
Pepe booked for a nast foul.
Chelskilad is hiding. I don't blame him. I would have been yesterday if England had bollixed it up.
Will Lippi have the class that Domenech didn't to shake Weiss's hand at the end of the match?
68-67
Howard Webb has had an excellent match. I agree with the goal line decision as the entire ball must cross the line.
Only two goals scored in this tournament for Italy. One from a goalkeeping error from a corner and one from a dodgy penalty.
Has Vittek scored three goals? if so, he is joint top scorer with Higuain.
Roque Santa Cruz nearly scores for Paraguay. In on goal there.
Slovakia are in second behind Paraguay?
Good call, MUR. Vittek scored one against NZ in the first match. He is joint top. Anyone pick him?
mucha blocks from Di Natale, but he is flagged offside.
Yep, UWS. Paraguay have five points to Slovakia's four.
GOAL! DiNatale scores after a rebound.
2-1 Game on!
The Italians have scored and now the Italian is trying to win an Oscar in the net... Oh no he is okay...there's a shocker
GOAL!!! 2-1 SLOVAKIA
DI NATALE SCORES ON THE REBOUND AFTER A GREAT BLOCK FROM MUCHA
And it's all kicking off now, with two players in the net along with the ball. It looks like Mucha was trying to delay Italy restarting. Mucha punched out. He should go off for that!
He did punch off by the Italian acted like he was SHOT!!
68 68
Wow - only a yellow for Mucha. He's a lucky, lucky boy, especially after getting a bollocking from Webb about time wasting earlier. Quagliarella also got a card.
love 30 for the Frenchman
Mucha is booked after the altercation. Quaglierella is booked as well.Another late goal is conceded by the Slovaks.
The Slovakians are getting VERY nervous
Finally some urgency from the Italians. Desperate defending now from Slovakia.
GOAL! No - it's called offside. Wow! Real controversy here late on.
IT IS IN THE NET!!!
Called back... he is off
I think the linesman got that right. A shoulder off.
Nearly 2-2 as Quagliarella's goal is called back for offside.
He held... 69-68
The Kiwis bombarding the Paraguayan goal now. They know that one goal could change the whole complexion of this group. They would go through top and Paraguay would be second.
NZ go very close!
Four minutes plus stoppage time now....
Kopunek is on for Strba.
Paraguay are through no matter what unless Italy win.
Correct
No doubt that the Italians will whine about Howard Webb after this if they're knocked out. One off the line and now one ruled out for offside.
69-68
15-30
Yes - correct.
30 all
Kupunek has scored and knocked the World Champions out!
3-1!
SLOVAKIA WRAP IT UP!!!
Cool finish
MATCH POINT TO THE AMERICAN!!
GOAL!! 3-1 slovakia as Kopunek scores with his first touch. A nice finish.
Italy have conceded five goals from six shots on target.
IT IS OVER!!!!!
ISNER beats Mahut
6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68
ANOTHER FRENCHMAN GOES HOME!!!
WOW!!
GOAL! What a goal from Quagliarella. Straight out of the top drawer!
Game on - 3-2!
ITALY SCORE!!
ALA CANTONA!!
They have two minutes to rescue it now. They must get the ball back.
GOAL 3-2 SLOVAKIA!! Quagliarella chips over Mucha. 0-0 in the other match.
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