Group F Thread

[demonfan9]

LOL at all the hatred and bitterness at Italy. Seems some people are still bitter over 2006....

But in all seriousness well done to the Kiwis, they did what they had to do, and did it with grit and determination. Personally I thought the NZ goal was offside after seeing the replay, but thats football i guess, and it was balanced out by the De Rossi penalty. An excellent article on Zonal Marking sums up my thoughts: http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/06/20/italy-1-1-new-zealand-tactics/

Poorly coached game by Lippi, only has one more chance to get the results. Ridiculous that he went in with a 4-4-2 formation against a 3-4-3 NZ team. Am stunned that Iaquinta is in this team, cant see why he cant try a formation of Di Natale - Gilardino - Quagliarella with a Montolivo/ Pirlo playing behind in a trequartista role. Also disappointed at how vulnerable Italy looks at defending a set piece.

Anyhow Avanti Italia and look foward to having an anxiety attack in the Italy-Holland match when it goes down to penalties.....

Interesting read in that article.

About the anti-Italian sentiment, I can understand it after what happened at the last World Cup, but if people are going to harp on about this stuff, at least have the decency of discussing other controversial incidents that happened in the same game. For example, everyone remembers Grosso's penalty against Australia but nobody mentions the very harsh red card against Materazzi in the same match. Now they are complaining about De Rossi's penalty against NZ but ignoring the offside goal by Smeltz.

Cannavaro has been poor this tournament, particularly at the two set pieces Italy has conceded. He failed to jump against Paraguay and he muffed the clearance against New Zealand. Considering both opponents barely created any other opportunities of note, those little mistakes kill you.

I think the midfield has been decent. They've dominated possession in both matches, have protected the defence pretty well, but the link with the attack has been poor. It doesn't help that Pirlo has been missing, while every creative forward in Italy has been left at home.

The problem is the attack. Iaquinta is a battler but he gets more involved in the play than any other forward, which is why he starts. Gilardino and Pazzini are pure goal poachers - without service they are nothing. Di Natale should be starting as he is the top scorer and has some good tricks, but not quite as wide as he was against NZ. I'd like to see Quagliarella get some playing time, as he can link up between midfield and attack too.

It's not a good position to be in, but if Italy can't beat Slovakia then frankly they don't deserve to qualify for the next stage. Start well, score early and the rest will take care of itself.

 

[belfast_bomber]

I don't know how often I have to repeat that my distaste for being preached to by whiny, hysterical, delusional Italian supporters whose contempt for my country knows no bounds has NOTHING TO DO with a match four years ago.

 

[bisazc887]

Interesting read in that article.

About the anti-Italian sentiment, I can understand it after what happened at the last World Cup, but if people are going to harp on about this stuff, at least have the decency of discussing other controversial incidents that happened in the same game. For example, everyone remembers Grosso's penalty against Australia but nobody mentions the very harsh red card against Materazzi in the same match. Now they are complaining about De Rossi's penalty against NZ but ignoring the offside goal by Smeltz.

Cannavaro has been poor this tournament, particularly at the two set pieces Italy has conceded. He failed to jump against Paraguay and he muffed the clearance against New Zealand. Considering both opponents barely created any other opportunities of note, those little mistakes kill you.

I think the midfield has been decent. They've dominated possession in both matches, have protected the defence pretty well, but the link with the attack has been poor. It doesn't help that Pirlo has been missing, while every creative forward in Italy has been left at home.

The problem is the attack. Iaquinta is a battler but he gets more involved in the play than any other forward, which is why he starts. Gilardino and Pazzini are pure goal poachers - without service they are nothing. Di Natale should be starting as he is the top scorer and has some good tricks, but not quite as wide as he was against NZ. I'd like to see Quagliarella get some playing time, as he can link up between midfield and attack too.

It's not a good position to be in, but if Italy can't beat Slovakia then frankly they don't deserve to qualify for the next stage. Start well, score early and the rest will take care of itself.

Agree with everything you said, spot on

 

[bisazc887]

I don't know how often I have to repeat that my distaste for being preached to by whiny, hysterical, delusional Italian supporters whose contempt for my country knows no bounds has NOTHING TO DO with a match four years ago.

Probly a fair bit (re repaeat) cause the only ones who will care are those that feel the same as you, others wont, Italalian supporters wont care as they have now seen there fauvourite team or 2nd favourite team or whatever win a world cup, maybe even 2 if they were old enough in 82, the players couldnt care if they go out in round 1 as they will be taking the cant win them all attitude and getting home to their clubs, Ferrari's, and mansions and supermodel/supermodel quality girls....So as i said maybe repeat it if you want, people that feel the same to make you feel good by agreeing but otherwise your flogging a dead horse and none of the dark side will care less.

 

[GrandBlue]

Interesting read in that article.

About the anti-Italian sentiment, I can understand it after what happened at the last World Cup, but if people are going to harp on about this stuff, at least have the decency of discussing other controversial incidents that happened in the same game. For example, everyone remembers Grosso's penalty against Australia but nobody mentions the very harsh red card against Materazzi in the same match. Now they are complaining about De Rossi's penalty against NZ but ignoring the offside goal by Smeltz.

Wow lol, you don't get it.

There's a difference between the ref making a bad call and a player cheating to win a game. Was it Australia's descision to have that filthy dog Materrazzi sent off? No, it was the ref. Was it Grosso who decided to cheat in order to score? Yes, it's not like the ref told him to do so, he did it because he's a cheating dog. Likewise De Rossi.

You Italians can whinge about it all you want but you'll never change the way most Aussies feel about the Italian Soccer Team.

 

[bisazc887]

Wow lol, you don't get it.

There's a difference between the ref making a bad call and a player cheating to win a game. Was it Australia's descision to have that filthy dog Materrazzi sent off? No, it was the ref. Was it Grosso who decided to cheat in order to score? Yes, it's not like the ref told him to do so, he did it because he's a cheating dog. Likewise De Rossi.

You Italians can whinge about it all you want but you'll never change the way most Aussies feel about the Italian Soccer Team.

Post 754 re they couldnt care less

 

[demonfan9]

Wow lol, you don't get it.

There's a difference between the ref making a bad call and a player cheating to win a game. Was it Australia's descision to have that filthy dog Materrazzi sent off? No, it was the ref. Was it Grosso who decided to cheat in order to score? Yes, it's not like the ref told him to do so, he did it because he's a cheating dog. Likewise De Rossi.

You Italians can whinge about it all you want but you'll never change the way most Aussies feel about the Italian Soccer Team.

Not trying to change the way people feel about that, as I said I understand the bitterness. I'm referring to when people talk about the credentials of a side and they base it on one single incident ("Italy were lucky, Aus/NZ were robbed" and so on).

 

[demonfan9]

I don't know how often I have to repeat that my distaste for being preached to by whiny, hysterical, delusional Italian supporters whose contempt for my country knows no bounds has NOTHING TO DO with a match four years ago.

No one is forcing you to read and post in this thread.

 

[RobV]

Wow lol, you don't get it.

There's a difference between the ref making a bad call and a player cheating to win a game. Was it Australia's descision to have that filthy dog Materrazzi sent off? No, it was the ref. Was it Grosso who decided to cheat in order to score? Yes, it's not like the ref told him to do so, he did it because he's a cheating dog. Likewise De Rossi.

You Italians can whinge about it all you want but you'll never change the way most Aussies feel about the Italian Soccer Team.

It wasn't cheating, if the Australian player hadn't gone sliding in there like an overzealous school boy seeing his first pair of ****, then the Australian wouldn't of got the red card.

He impeded a clear goal scoring opportunity by tackling the Italian player incorrectly. Automatic red card.

Maybe if the FFA and the Australian Football team and their supporters want some respect on the world stage they will stop whining about every decision that goes against them that they think is in-correct, and start playing the ball.

They complain about every decision, that Italian penalty of 06, Kewell's red card, Cahill's red cad, etc.

Oh and I'm sure the Azzurri and their suppporters really care what Australia think of them, like demonfan said we are the current World Champions and nothing can change that till July 12.

 

[belfast_bomber]

Maybe if the Italian football association and their supporters want some respect on the world stage they will stop whining about every decision that goes against them that they think is in-correct, and start playing the ball.

 

[apollo_creed]

It wasn't cheating, if the Australian player hadn't gone sliding in there like an overzealous school boy seeing his first pair of ****, then the Australian wouldn't of got the red card.

He impeded a clear goal scoring opportunity by tackling the Italian player incorrectly. Automatic red card.

Maybe if the FFA and the Australian Football team and their supporters want some respect on the world stage they will stop whining about every decision that goes against them that they think is in-correct, and start playing the ball.

They complain about every decision, that Italian penalty of 06, Kewell's red card, Cahill's red cad, etc.

Oh and I'm sure the Azzurri and their suppporters really care what Australia think of them, like demonfan said we are the current World Champions and nothing can change that till July 12.

Well, I hear the Italian government is really normal.... and seeing as you hate Australia and love Italy so much why do you choose to live in the space of the country you seemingly detest?

This 'we' stuff. You're Australian you ****ing ********. We're not the enemy.

I suppose Italians have a history of siding with the wrong team.... so it's only true to form.

 

[demonfan9]

Maybe if the Italian football association and their supporters want some respect on the world stage they will stop whining about every decision that goes against them that they think is in-correct, and start playing the ball.

Well perhaps that's a message for all countries then, including Australia and Italy. Stop whining and get on with the game. I'm so sick of the bandwagon fans/media that have a sook every World Cup whenever a controversial decision is made. For example, some people at my work have been complaining "I watched the game last night and saw x happen. That's why I can't stand soccer." Well if you can't stand it, then STFU and watch something else. These incidents happen in almost every match and every country around the world - get over it.

 

[Leo Barry You Star]

Maybe if the Italian football association and their supporters want some respect on the world stage they will stop whining about every decision that goes against them that they think is in-correct, and start playing the ball.

... cause Australians never whine about decisions that goes against them lol

 

[belfast_bomber]

... cause Australians never whine about decisions that goes against them lol

Look at the post above mine. Look familiar?

 

[Leo Barry You Star]

Look at the post above mine. Look familiar?

No I've never seen it before. The small amount of time in between both of our posts would tend to indicate that I began my reply before the other was submitted.

 

[Public Enemy No1]

Wow lol, you don't get it.

There's a difference between the ref making a bad call and a player cheating to win a game. Was it Australia's descision to have that filthy dog Materrazzi sent off? No, it was the ref. Was it Grosso who decided to cheat in order to score? Yes, it's not like the ref told him to do so, he did it because he's a cheating dog. Likewise De Rossi.

You Italians can whinge about it all you want but you'll never change the way most Aussies feel about the Italian Soccer Team.

OMG....an example of bitterness and pure soccer ignorance.

It was a clear penalty..Grosso charging in on goal and Neil with a sliding tackle that clearly misses the ball and takes the players legs.

What annoys me most is whinging Australian supporters who think that a Socceroo player would not gone down after being tackled like that at the other end....STAGGERING IGNORANCE !!!!!

These once in every 4 years soccer supporters who base their opinion on stereotype make me laugh. The Aust sport media are not much better when reporting on soccer which probably explains the general inaccurate opinions that are voiced.

 

[sblack]

Lippi has ruled Pirlo out of the starting side for tomorrow night.

Will be on the bench, but questionable participation

 

[GrandBlue]

OMG....an example of bitterness and pure soccer ignorance.

It was a clear penalty..Grosso charging in on goal and Neil with a sliding tackle that clearly misses the ball and takes the players legs.

What annoys me most is whinging Australian supporters who think that a Socceroo player would not gone down after being tackled like that at the other end....STAGGERING IGNORANCE !!!!!

These once in every 4 years soccer supporters who base their opinion on stereotype make me laugh. The Aust sport media are not much better when reporting on soccer which probably explains the general inaccurate opinions that are voiced.

Since when did I say it was a legit tackle from Neil? Infact, if you actually read my posts, I thought it was a stupid tackle myself. The reason I'm annoyed is because the Italians, like the disgusting players they are, made an absolute meal of it. However, that's irrelevant to group F, if you watched the Paraguay match... or even the New Zealand match, you'll find that oxygen stealer, De Rossi actually did cheat by blatantly diving and crying over it.

Not going to bother arguing with you idiots anymore. Just pointless.

As for now, GO SLOVAKIA. STEP UP, HAMSIK, BURY THESE CHEATING ****S!!

 

[Public Enemy No1]

Since when did I say it was a legit tackle from Neil? Infact, if you actually read my posts, I thought it was a stupid tackle myself. The reason I'm annoyed is because the Italians, like the disgusting players they are, made an absolute meal of it. However, that's irrelevant to group F, if you watched the Paraguay match... or even the New Zealand match, you'll find that oxygen stealer, De Rossi actually did cheat by blatantly diving and crying over it.

Not going to bother arguing with you idiots anymore. Just pointless.

As for now, GO SLOVAKIA. STEP UP, HAMSIK, BURY THESE CHEATING ****S!!

Racist and ignorant...and u call Italians disgusting..

De Rossi had his shirt pulled and his legs taken from underneath. This is the same game that the NZ players spent the last 15 minutes rolling on the floor wasting time.
Like I said before...STAGGERING IGNORANCE !

 

[GrandBlue]

Racist and ignorant...and u call Italians disgusting..

De Rossi had his shirt pulled and his legs taken from underneath. This is the same game that the NZ players spent the last 15 minutes rolling on the floor wasting time.
Like I said before...STAGGERING IGNORANCE !

Oh my god. I said I wouldn't bother anymore but jesus christ. You really are a ****.

So you think I'm being racist by calling the Italian players disgusting? If I was talking about their race, maybe, but I'm only referring to their Football players. Why? That's because they're cheaters, diving cheaters. My god you're utterly stupid, so stupid I can't believe it, even by Bigfooty standards.

and way to go, further proving your stupidity by trying to defend De Rossi's blatant dive against New Zealand? What about the dive against Paraguay where he recieved no contact? Are you going to defend that too?

 

[XFactor1979]

Go New Zealand!

although i feel like i am setting myself up for tragedy to invest support for my country of birth

 

[dipper86]

Since when did I say it was a legit tackle from Neil? Infact, if you actually read my posts, I thought it was a stupid tackle myself. The reason I'm annoyed is because the Italians, like the disgusting players they are, made an absolute meal of it. However, that's irrelevant to group F, if you watched the Paraguay match... or even the New Zealand match, you'll find that oxygen stealer, De Rossi actually did cheat by blatantly diving and crying over it.

Not going to bother arguing with you idiots anymore. Just pointless.

As for now, GO SLOVAKIA. STEP UP, HAMSIK, BURY THESE CHEATING ****S!!

You're an absolute petulant little child, not to mention hypocritical.

NewsFlash everyteam dives including our nation, Its not just Italy its the game. The Australian media have a vendetta for Italy and you like many of the other sheep fall for it. You play the victim and brand Italy as the big bad cheaters.

Time to get a grip, you're bitterness and hatred from 4 years ago is embarrassing.

 

[RickSanchez]

I have a strange view with Italian football. I think the fans (not saying you Italian fooball bf posters) but just some that I come across. Biggest tryhards, once every 4 years, arrogant ********s. I'm not discounting the fact that their is no other fans like that of other nations I just seriously haven't come across any as I have with a lot of Italians. The only other supporters I have known to be that arrogant are seriously WC fans, but I actually have some WC fans that are pretty level headed and not totally bitter at Freo winning, anyway thats another argument. I do like Juventus so its somewhat hypocritical of me to say that I dislike the amount of corruption in Italian football and the brand of football they play. Every country does dive but they have such a reputation for it which disappoints me. I dislike the way they play their national football and the league, yet somehow I've always liked Juve (of course disappointed at the scandals and all). Probably makes me hypocritical but whenever I watched them play, probably mainly Nedved, made me like Italian football for 90 minutes. The likes of Inter and Fiorentina play some OK football but mainly, it doesn't appeal to me. Spanish football doesn't appeal to me a lot of times, but I will watch Barcalona when I get the chance as they are mainly good to watch, and I like the national team as well. Doesn't mean I hate Spain. Very strange relationship between I and Italian football, and yeah at first I was like "****ing diver" for like a week before i got over it and realized it was stupid of Neill to make the challenge and most players would've made a slight tumble as to take advantage of the unnecessary challenge.

Italian football fans on bf - I can see where you're coming from with some people but don't just use the one or two fans that seem to dislike italy/may seem bitter as a basis for thinking everyone that doesn't like Italian football hates Italy. Heck, I dislike the A-league - I don't hate Australia?


Good luck, if you do go through I just hope you deserve it, you actually looked OK against Paraguay (more attacking) just some selection choices in the forwards may have hurt you a bit. However I will be rooting for the underdog New Zealand to go through.

 

[dipper86]

Lol. Judging a team based on their ranking is stupid. France aren't the 9th best team in the world.

Yeh you're right, Brazil Spain Germany Netherlands Portugal Argentina among other are in the top 10, they should be replaced by Iraq Iran San Marino and Papua New Guinea.

8 out of the 9 countries in the top 10 that were represented in the world cup should make it through, not a bad strike rate or indictaion to which teams are the best in the world.

 

[GrandBlue]

You're an absolute petulant little child, not to mention hypocritical.

NewsFlash everyteam dives including our nation, Its not just Italy its the game. The Australian media have a vendetta for Italy and you like many of the other sheep fall for it. You play the victim and brand Italy as the big bad cheaters.

Time to get a grip, you're bitterness and hatred from 4 years ago is embarrassing.

Oh well if it isn't another BigFarty Italian whinger.

News flash, what happened 4 years ago isn't relevant. Maybe if you didn't hide in shame during the New Zealand game, you'd be aware of the fact that people such as myself are getting annoyed with Italy's filthy tactics, like blatant diving to win a soft penalty.

Get over it you whinger. Australian supporters arent the only ones who hate the Italian side. They're reknowned for being diving cheaters in general. Suck it up.

Go Slovakia!