Who's Going to Win this Doorstop?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 11:19 AM
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
Contributors
Previous Posts
- Spain v. Italy Live!
- Brazil v. Uruguay Live!
- MUR With the LOB Shield
- Brushes with Greatness
- WTF Hits 400!
- A Classic Match-up!
- Protests in Brazil Cast a Shadow Over WC Preparations
- How Many Goals Will They Score?
- Today in Confederation Cup Action
- US v. Honduras Live!
520 Comments:
Good morning, Bob. Great post. I just got back from walking Sparky. It's overcast, so it's more tolerable outside.
This should actually be a decent third place match. Other than the semi, every match involving these teams have had three plus goals with 2-1 being the most common result.
Morning, MUR - I hope that you're nice and cool in your castle there in Harlingen. Looking forward to this one - the 3rd/4th place matches usually have some goals in them.
The ESPN boys have pulled their fingers out this time and are giving us at least 15 minutes of pre-match coverage.
Not too bad. Thanks for asking. Cooler today because it is overcast
Sounds good, mate.
Teams are out on the pitch now singing their various anthems.
The Third Place match is underway from Salvador.
Italy to get us underway in their white change strip.
Uruguay is wearing their 1930 uniforms. I can't tell the difference between those and the current version.
Here are the teams on display this afternoon:
Uruguay: Fernando Muslera, Diego Lugano, Diego Godin, Walter Gargano, Cristian Rodriguez, Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan, Maximiliano Pereira, Egidio Arevalo, Edinson Cavani, Martin Caceres.
Italy: Gianluigi Buffon, Christian Maggio, Giorgio Chiellini, Davide Astori, Mattia De Sciglio, Antonio Candreva, Alberto Gilardino, Stephan El Shaarawy, Daniele De Rossi, Riccardo Montolivo, Alessandro Diamanti.
A lot of praise for the way that the Italians played the other day against Spain, but I'm still unconvinced that this side can do any more than get into the latter stages. I can't see Italy winning next summer.
Is it me or does the camera seem a million miles away from the action here at Salvador?
It's too difficult to predict because a Confeds Cup performance doesn't always translate into a World Cup performance, but also the Italians are capable of making a run in the World Cup. You never know with the Azzuri.
It's a high shot . A weird camera angle.
Decent break from Uruguay through Suarez and his cross is volleyed wide by Forlan
Oh - that was quite brilliant from Uruguay. Suarez sold a dummy so well that allowed him to break and then send a great long ball over to Forlan. Cavani unfortunately wasn't on the same wavelength. He's been the liability in this tournament.
Yeah - almost a blimp cam. They'll need to sort that out for next year's coverage.
Nice football from Uruguay as a nice long ball from Caceres finds Suarez who has a nice give and go with Cavani , but the fin al cross from Suarez was a little off.
Maxi Perreira is booked for a foul on Candreva.
Maxi Pereira picks up a needless, early yellow. And Italy can swing free kick in.
Dangerous one too, with Chiellini flicking on at the near post.
Chiellini heads well wide from a nice free kick from Diamanti. He should have done better
As I expected this has been a decent start with decent footie.
I almost think that Uruguay would be better off replacing Cavani with a wide man and playing Suarez and Forlan through the middle as the main strike force. He's been rotten.
A shot from De Rossi nearly clears the stadium.
News out of Blighty this morning that Arsenal want both Rooney and Torres. How many strikers does Wenger need?
I am surprised because prior to the tournament he had been in excellent form and as I type Cavani wins a free kick just outside the box.
Cavani got lucky there. He had lost control of the ball but Davide Astori fouled him nonetheless.
Forlan steps up and drills a free kick under the wall. Buffon collects.
Easy save for Buffon off the free kick from Forlan.
I'm surprised too. He's in the shop window too, and you would imagine that he wants to maximize his contract terms with excellent performances in this tournament. I don't think he's scored in this tournament, even against bloody Tahiti!
I think he scored against Brazil in the semis. He was rested against Tahiti.
Easy save for Muslera from Candreva off a cross from Diamanti
Just checked - I am correct. Hernandez scored 4 against Tahiti, Suarez has 3 goals in three matches and Forlan, Lugano, Lodeiro, and Perez all have one.
Cavani and Forlan did not play against Tahiti. Suarez played only the last fifteen minutes.
You are correct - Cavani scored Uruguay's goal in the semis. That's one in four matches. If I were a top European manager, I wouldn't be impressed.
Fair point, mate. Do you want him at United?
Candreva shoots over from long range.
Candreva pops up in the nosebleed territory and launches one well over the top. The jury's out for me with that guy. Not even sure where he thinks he's playing.
Suarez is down with a head knock now - really feeling it.
I do not want him at United. Cavani has one in three matches as does Forlan. Take away the Thaiti match and that's what Suarez has. Other than Tahiti a similar performance for the three Amigios.
Nice Italian move again and Diamanti wins the first corner of the match.
Muslera punches away the corner then it is kadoomphed away
Caceres with a foul on Diamanti, the former Hammer.
GOAL! And there's the opener. Astori taps in the rebound after De Rossi had beaten Muslera with the free kick that ricocheted off the post.
GOAL !!!! ASTORI SCORES A BIZARRE GOAL TO GIVE ITALY A DESERVED LEAD.A FREE KICK FROM DIAMANTI CAME OFF THE INSIDE OF THE POST , OFF THE BACK OF MUSLERA AND THEN WAS SHOT IN FROM ABOUT AN INCH OUT BY ASTORI.
I think that was a miss hit free kick by the ex Hammer. I think he meant it as a cross, not a shot off the inside off the post. However, it did work/
Muslera must hang his head in shame as he'd cheated well off his line and got fooled by De Rossi direct shot on goal. Astori, an unlikely scorer, would presumably have been in an offside position when the free kick was struck. But he won't score an easier one.
1-0!
You're absolutely right, mate. It was Diamante rather than De Rossi. I think he might have intended that one, seeing Muslera off his line. Either that or it was a horribly mishit cross.
A deserved lead for Italy , who under Prandelli, have abandoned Cattenaccio, and have been a decent team to watch
End to end action now with Suarez's shot saved by Buffon and then a quick break. And Cacares is off with a head wound. Uruguay down to ten.
I think it was mishit cross.
I have a feeling that the much anticipated final will be a cagey affair as Caceres gets a head bandage applied.
I'm not sure that they've entirely abandoned catenaccio. We'll see here if they push for a second goal or sit back and try to absorb Uruguayan pressure.
I'm afraid so. Spain are really tedious to watch these days. They try to choke the life out of the match from the off.
They did against Italy as the Italians actually were the more attacking team. You may be right about Cattenaccio, but credit to Prandelli who has tried to make Italy a more attacking side.
Oh - shame. Cavani nods home but from an offside position. Great ball in from Forlan.
Cavani has a headed goal disallowed for offside from the Forlan free kick and the replay showed he was level as should be the score at this time. A horrible error from the linesman
The Cockatoo - El Sharaway rifles one that Muslera is able to scramble away for a corner. Good match now.
Great save by Muslera from El Shaarawy as the corner comes to naught.
It looked like Cavani was onside when he headed the goal. Definitely unlucky.
Lovely chipped ball by Diamante to Gilardino, who was a bit static off the blocks there.
I'd like to see that replay again - I thought he was just a touch off.
Now we have a Uruguayan foul throw. Rare at this level.
A long range effort from Forlan is deflected straight to Buffon after a shot by Cavani was blocked.
Messi and Friends? Sounds like a bad reality show idea.
A shot from Maxi Perreira is tipped out for a corner after a pass from Cavani.Nice pass from Suarez to Cavani. The corner from Forlan is cleared
Sounds like a horrible show. I'd be better off watching one of those stupid reality shows.
FIFA officials are crediting Diamante with the goal? Ridiculous.
A long range effort from Forlan is easily saved. I bet he wished he had that ball from the last World Cup.
You know what, though. I'm so footie starved in the summer months that I'll watch Kevin Doyle and Friends.
I agree. A bunch of idiots. They have goal line technology. They need to bloody well use it.
Big shout for handball against Chiellini but the ref waves on.
The Gold Cup starts next Sunday and the Confeds Cup has kept us occupied.
Maggio has a chance to cross but wastes it.
That is true - thank goodness for the Confeds and Gold Cups. Otherwise I'd have to watch the MLS more often.
Are you going to travel to watch any Gold Cup matches? There seem to be a few decent ones that are about an eight hour drive from Fred Town
Two minutes of stoppage time.
Into two minutes of stoppage time and then it's lunch time for Bobby.
I ate brekkies about an hour before this match, so my lunch will probably be at the end of this match and dins will be once the Final ends.
Half-time - Not the goal-fest that I'd hoped for but entertaining nonetheless. Back in a tick.
Halftime and 1-0 to Italy.
The second half is underway
Back after a quick bite for the second half here from Salvador.
No changes as of yet by either side.
Hello Bob. How was lunch?
UWS is continuing his boycott of the Confederations Cup. Not sure why.
Uruguay will feel that they are still in this match despite being outplayed.
Lovely - I'm on a peanut butter and Nutella kick these days.
You stated that he was busy working on the new house earlier this week is that part of it?
That is nice lunch.
Yeah - I think so.
The "experts" at the studio mentioned the empty seats and the possibility of abandoning the third place final. This one has been decent so far
Perhaps you and him can see a double header in East Hartford on July 16th.
Overcooked cross by Forlan but better football from Uruguay
Can't do that one - I'll be teaching on Tuesday, July 16th. I'll have to watch that one at the new Blue Devil HQ. Hope to have the cable up and running by then.
I hope so. I hope everything works out. There is a double header on Sunday July 21st in Baltimore that you and the Gooner can watch. It's two of the quarterfinals.
Decent effort there by Arevalo but Buffon was well behind it.
Yellow card for the assassin Chiellini. I'm surprised that it's taken this long.
Dangerous free kick now. Needs to go in.
Chiellini is being booked as he gets his requisite yellow for a foul just outside the box.
Christian Rodriguez trots off to be replaced by Alvaro Gonzalez. Like for like.
Alvaro Gonzalez on for Christian Rodriguez.
Suarez...into the wall. Shame. Italy are starting to revert to form and Uruguay will need to take the game to them.
Into the wall by Saurez unlike the beauty against Spain a fortnight ago.
I am still not sure if I will go up to Dallas to watch the double header on July 24th . It's the two semis. There are two potentially dull matches that I am skipping in Houston.
The reason that I'm arguing that this new Prandelli side hasn't entirely given up on catenaccio is that this Italian side very rarely wins by more than one goal.
GOAL . BOB'S LEAST FAVORITE PLAYER TIES IT UP WITH A NICE FINISH
GOAL! Cavani comes good with the equalizer! Boy - the game really needed that.
Gargano with a great run and pass to Cavani who opened his body up and sidefooted past Buffon into the right side of the net.
1-1!
Nice run by what looked like Gargano as the ball broke to him in midfield A pass was intended for Suarez and Cavani got in front of him to a lot it in the corner. That's two in two.
Cavani with two in two matches against two of the better sides in the tournament. He's a game changer despite some of his short comings.
Suarez booked for a foul on Montolivo
Suarez picks up an unnecessary yellow card there.
Suarez is suspended for the next competitive match, which is a vital World Cup qualifier vs Peru in the battle for that fifth place playoff spot.
I've always been impressed by him for his country and for Napoli up until this tournament. He was poor in the group games but seems to be warming up now.
That's a key match and Suarez's indiscipline doesn't help their efforts.
It sure doesn't. Discard the Tahti match and Cavani is the top scorer for Uruguay in this tournament.
Uruguay win a corner as they have been the better team this half.
A poor corner is headed away by the first man.
This is what must dishearten Azurri fans. They were in control of this match in the first half but have allowed Uruguay back into the match in this second half. There's no need for it but laziness seems to be bred into Italian players.
Oh - Buffon with a super double save from Forlan to keep Italy in it!
Even Suarez had to congratulate Buffon for those saves. Wow!
WOW! Great double save by Buffon, both from Forlan. The first blasted at him then a kick save from the rebound for a corner/
Long cross from Forlan that Lugano nods back but no one was there to nod home.
Diamanti clears a header from Lugano off the corner.
Alberto Aquilani about to be introduced by Prandelli now.
Forlan wins a corner that is taken short and a long range effort from Alvaro Gonzalez is just over.
Alberto Aquilani on for De Rossi. An attacking move.
Good to see that attacking move from Prandelli. They need it.
I think the laziness is as much a contributing factor as the Cattenaccio. According to my handyman, who used to work for the government it seems to be part of their culture. He had problems with that when doing some work over there and trying to get anything done when dealing with government contracts.
El Sharaaway picks up a cheap one there. It looked as if he'd kicked the ground as he shot.
El Shaaraway wins a free kick just outside the box as he was stamped on when shooting.
I can only imagine. I remember during family holidays that it was impossible to get the basic things done.
Looked like a cheap one.
GOAL! Diamanti comes up trumps again!
2-1!
GOAL !!!! 2-1 ITALY AS DIAMANTI CURLS IN A BEAUTIFUL FREE KICK.
Left-footed over the wall, curling away from Muslera. Lovely stuff.
Too bad he couldn't replicate that form at Upton Park.
Uruguay will feel aggrieved as that was a cheap free kick.
Diamanti fouled by Gargano, but needs to shut it as he needs to let the ref do his job.
Muslera spills a long range effort from Montolivo, but offside is called.
Cavani wins a free kick due to a stupid foul by Aquilani
Now Cavani has a chance to equal Diamanti's efforts...and does so!
GOAL! Another brilliant free kick!
Desmond!
GOAL ! DESMOND AS CAVANI SSCORES WITH A SUPERB FREE KICK IN THE UPPER 90.
On the replay, I thought Buffon could have done better with that one. It was pretty close to him. But full marks for the strike by Cavani.
Desmond's first match of the tournament and what a match he picked.
A little over ten minutes now to settle this one.
I agree, Bob. I think the pace caused Buffon problems.
Maggio heads wide from a corner.
Ambitious chip from Candreva and several feet over.
Montolivo is booked for a foul on Maxi Perreira.
Diamante looks disappointed to be subbed as he is replaced by a striker in the form of Giaccherini.
Fatigue may be factor as this match is being played in the middle of the afternoon and it is little warm.
Will we have thirty minutes of supplementary footie?
I don't know - maybe?
Maxi Perreira wins a corner off of Astori
Forlan take it short, but the corner is cleared/
Astori seems to be down with cramp, which is to be expected in mid afternoon on a warm, humid day
Into stoppage time.
Three minutes of stoppage time plus any time added on for the Astori stoppage.
Unfortunately, I have to take a bike over to a friend's house so I'll miss the extra time festivities.
A late Italian counter and El Shaarwawy wins another cheap free kick
Candreva takes and it beats everyone and goes out for a goal kick. That should about do it.
A Poor free kick from Candreva as extra time is about to expire.
If I'm quick about it, I may make it back in time for the penalties.
You will be missed, but hope you have a good time. Will you be back for the final?
It finishes Desmond as we face extra time. Cheers Bob.
The first half of extra time is underway.
It's 82 and humid. Also Italy is playing two consecutive ET games in four days, so that may favor Uruguay
Itsly make their last change as Bonnucci is on for Astori. Prandelli would do well not to permit him to take a penalty if it comes down to that
Suarez wins a corner off a nice give and go with Cavani
Uruguay shout for a hand ball off the corner from Forlan. The ref is having none of it.
Nice through ball from the left back to Suarez, but he should have shot first time , but instead, dribbled it out for a goal kick.
Suarez wanted a pen, but it was a fair shoulder charge by Chiellini.
One minute of stoppage time.
It's halftime of extra time and still Desmond.
Players are getting hydrated on this warm, humid afternoon.
The second half of extra time is underway.
The last change for Uruguay as Diego Perez is on for Egidio Arevalo
The announcer stated that Italy have been involved in more penalty shootouts in FIFA tournaments than any other side.
A long range effort from Candreva is wide but Muslera seemed to have it covered.
Suarez is tripped up from behind by Montolivo just outside the box and is sent off for his second yellow. A really dumb decision by Montolivo
Cavani to take , but not this time as he blast the free kick well over.
A long Uruguayan possession and Forlan blasts over from long range.
Cavani shoots well wide from a difficult angle.
Five minutes remaining for one of these teams to score a late winner or else it's the dreaded penalty shootout.
Shot well over from Cavani off a pass from Suarez.
Hiya, MUR - as promised, I'm back in time to see the penalty shoot-out in a few minutes.
Was the Montolivo two-yellows a reasonable decision?
Forlan has a cross come off of Maggio for a corner that leads to a possession in the Itlaian box and eventually caught y Buffom
Great save by Buffon from Gargano's blast.
Great save by Buffon, but Cavani shot the rebound well wide.
The Uruguayans definitely seem to be going for it rather than relying on pens.
Welcome back, Bob. It was technically correct to give the second yellow, but slightly harsh. It was a foul from behind, but not a harsh foul
That's it - penalties it is. On the past history, I'd have to say that this favors Uruguay.
It is the dreaded shootout and I would I agree that it favors Uruguay as Italy is not facing England , but Italy showed against spain that they can take penalties.
Italy with their second penalty shootout in four days.
Forlan to take first....
Buffon saves! Poor penalty.
Away we go. Forlan to take.
And it's saved by Buffon. Not the best penalty
Acquilani now for Italy....
Top right corner. 0-1 Italy
Now it's Liverpool reject, Aquilani,
1-0 Italy as he puts it in the corner. Great pen.
Post a Comment
<< Home