italia vs Czech Republic(22/06/2006) (15 Viewers)

[Bozi]

..or he is playing out of his position...seems that he is a victim of the tactics,which is quite unusual for the Brasilians.

Adriano and Ronaldo are paired in the attack while it looks that Ronaldinho is not even a striker support....Kaka looks me much more offensive while Ronaldinho seems to have an allround midfield task....It looks me like that.

Maybe. He is used to be almost a second striker in barça. He only has Eto'o in front and Deco at his side. Now he has Ronaldo and Adriano in front and Kaka (I mean KAKA!!!) at his side. Its very different from how he is used to play. You are right once again Gio

you are both spot on, it seems like ronnie is being asked to be aplaymaker and it really does not suit his game. he is too constricted playing here and needs the freedom that barca afford him. we also see the same problem with france and henry, in that henry is playing up top on his own, which he did at arsenal in the CL but then he had flooding support from midfield, something that is badly lacking with this france team

 

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[giovanotti]

you are both spot on, it seems like ronnie is being asked to be aplaymaker and it really does not suit his game. he is too constricted playing here and needs the freedom that barca afford him. we also see the same problem with france and henry, in that henry is playing up top on his own, which he did at arsenal in the CL but then he had flooding support from midfield, something that is badly lacking with this france team

Exactly,Bozi!
Ronnie is being asked to play like a playmaker...and I agree about that henry situation as well.

 

[Bozi]

Exactly,Bozi!
Ronnie is being asked to play like a playmaker...and I agree about that henry situation as well.

the strange thing with henry is that it is so bloody obvious that he needs a partner up top and to be given a little freedom. why dominech wont give trez, the most natural finisher and goal poacher, a run out is beyond me and must be a personal situation. sometimes coaches cant see that the players on the bench are the ones that could make a difference on the pitch

 

[Azzurri7]

We’ll qualify, pledges Gattuso Tuesday 20 June, 2006
Italy’s World Cup campaign will not come to an end this week, combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has promised.

“We respect the Czech Republic, but we don’t fear them and are certain that we are staying in Germany for a little longer,” he predicted on Tuesday.

Gattuso has played through the disappointments of 2002 and 2004, an extra incentive to make sure his side net at least the draw they need later this week.

“It is inevitable to think about our exits from the past, but we need to focus on the present now,” he stated.

“We know that it will be a very hard game for us in terms of what we will have to do physically for 90 minutes.”

The tough-tackling midfielder also added fuel to the fire when asked about Pavel Nedved’s supposed 'diving’ antics.

“He is a great player,” he noted. “I have a tendency to gesticulate a lot on the pitch, while he likes to fall to the ground.

“I’ve been angered by him on a few occasions in the past, even if I repeat that he is a fine player.

“But let’s not judge others, we need to just think about ourselves at this time.”

Gattuso was rushed back into the side following injury during the American game once Daniele De Rossi had been sent-off.

“I felt no pain or had any problems against the USA and that is positive,” announced the former Rangers man. “I’m not at 100 per cent, but I’m fine.

“De Rossi’s elbow? I can’t give him any advice, that needs to come from somebody who is a little calmer than myself,” he smiled.

 

[giovanotti]

We’ll qualify, pledges Gattuso Tuesday 20 June, 2006
Italy’s World Cup campaign will not come to an end this week, combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has promised.

“We respect the Czech Republic, but we don’t fear them and are certain that we are staying in Germany for a little longer,” he predicted on Tuesday.

Gattuso has played through the disappointments of 2002 and 2004, an extra incentive to make sure his side net at least the draw they need later this week.

“It is inevitable to think about our exits from the past, but we need to focus on the present now,” he stated.

“We know that it will be a very hard game for us in terms of what we will have to do physically for 90 minutes.”

The tough-tackling midfielder also added fuel to the fire when asked about Pavel Nedved’s supposed ‘diving’ antics.

“He is a great player,” he noted. “I have a tendency to gesticulate a lot on the pitch, while he likes to fall to the ground.

“I’ve been angered by him on a few occasions in the past, even if I repeat that he is a fine player.

“But let’s not judge others, we need to just think about ourselves at this time.”

Gattuso was rushed back into the side following injury during the American game once Daniele De Rossi had been sent-off.

“I felt no pain or had any problems against the USA and that is positive,” announced the former Rangers man. “I’m not at 100 per cent, but I’m fine.

“De Rossi’s elbow? I can’t give him any advice, that needs to come from somebody who is a little calmer than myself,” he smiled.

I hope that we are staying for a little longer in Germany...and that we will avoid Brazil.

I hope that Gattuso will not do a stupid thing like De Rossi...

 

[JCK]

I hope that we are staying for a little longer in Germany...and that we will avoid Brazil.

I hope that Gattuso will not do a stupid thing like De Rossi...

However Italy can crush this Brasil in a game much easier than the one against Ghana.

 

[AlexTheGreat]

However Italy can crush this Brasil in a game much easier than the one against Ghana.

agree
the brazilians absolutly out of form at the moment

 

[giovanotti]

However Italy can crush this Brasil in a game much easier than the one against Ghana.

Jack,I hope you're right,but I would never underestimate Brazil.

They didn't concede a goal,so far and scored 3 goals(which is quite unusal for them).
Anyhow,people think that they are not giving their maximum(only 50% of their capabilities),and that they are playing precisely what they need to secure wins in the group stage.

 

[JCK]

Jack,I hope you're right,but I would never underestimate Brazil.

They didn't concede a goal,so far and scored 3 goals(which is quite unusal for them).
Anyhow,people think that they are not giving their maximum(only 50% of their capabilities),and that they are playing precisely what they need to secure wins in the group stage.

No one is underestimating Brasil but look at it this way. Let us say Italy and Brasil meet directly after the group stage.

Italy have played Ghana, USA and the Czechs and none of these is an easy match. The Italians have tuned in and have faced tough opponents. They are in it. Brasil have played Croatia, Australia and Japan. Seriously none of these teams is compared to Italy's opponents. Moreover, Brasil haven't got the vibe yet, they will when they face a stronger opponent. And by a stronger opponent I mean something like Czech Rep. or Ghana, not Spain, Italy or Argentina because any of these would just run over Brasil at the moment.

 

[giovanotti]

No one is underestimating Brasil but look at it this way. Let us say Italy and Brasil meet directly after the group stage.

Italy have played Ghana, USA and the Czechs and none of these is an easy match. The Italians have tuned in and have faced tough opponents. They are in it. Brasil have played Croatia, Australia and Japan. Seriously none of these teams is compared to Italy's opponents. Moreover, Brasil haven't got the vibe yet, they will when they face a stronger opponent. And by a stronger opponent I mean something like Czech Rep. or Ghana, not Spain, Italy or Argentina because any of these would just run over Brasil at the moment.

I think that Croatia is a very good team,which constantly miscarries against the easy opponents such as Japan,but they are able to give they maximum against the strongest teams.

So,you think that it is good for Italy to face Brasil,and you didn't find any weakness of our team,watching the game against the USA?

 

[JCK]

I think that Croatia is a very good team,which constantly miscarries against the easy opponents such as Japan,but they are able to give they maximum against the strongest teams.

So,you think that it is good for Italy to face Brasil,and you didn't find any weakness of our team,watching the game against the USA?

The US team is physically superior. I did not see the whole game but from what I saw in it was that the USA were better in fitness and in physical play. Of course other things are there but they are minor and don't forget that the USA had lost their first game and losing their second would mean exiting the tournament.

Croatia are supposedly a very good team, but in this tournament. They were good defensively against Brasil but that was it.

Then look at Brasil, they seem to suffer timpose their game on the field. Quite honeslty, I see no harmony in their front four. Maybe with small changes things can become totally different, but does their coach want to make these changes? Domenech does not want to, for example.

 

[AlexTheGreat]

IMO, this brazil team would be nothing without kaka.

 

[giovanotti]

The US team is physically superior. I did not see the whole game but from what I saw in it was that the USA were better in fitness and in physical play. Of course other things are there but they are minor and don't forget that the USA had lost their first game and losing their second would mean exiting the tournament.

Croatia are supposedly a very good team, but in this tournament. They were good defensively against Brasil but that was it.

Then look at Brasil, they seem to suffer timpose their game on the field. Quite honeslty, I see no harmony in their front four. Maybe with small changes things can become totally different, but does their coach want to make these changes? Domenech does not want to, for example.

True,for exmple,Ronaldinho is playing totally out of his position,like I said before he is a victim of the tactics.They need to change a style of the play,that's for sure but maybe they are saving that part for the stronger opponents...and Domenech is securing only the draws,so far,you are right,he is not using a full potential of the team he has at disposal,but Brazil is winning while Domenech is a sufferer.
To be honest,I didn't see any coach with a laptop except Perreira...is that a sign of a new approach of the Brazilian team,using tactics instead of their "magic"?
I'm pretty much confused watching them,but I think they can transform,very easily in the opponent we used to watch before,with Ronaldinho as a striker support and Robinho instead of Ronaldo.
That's what I'm afraid of.

 

[Holdon]

As long as I don't see Zaccardo's name on the starting line up, I'll be alot more confident.

 

[Vinman]

I really think we need to stop thinking about the next round, and get focused on whats going to happen on thursday against the Czech's

I am getting this feeling that we may not come away from this game with a victory

I also think Baros will start this game

 

[JCK]

I really think we need to stop thinking about the next round, and get focused on whats going to happen on thursday against the Czech's

I am getting this feeling that we may not come away from this game with a victory

I also think Baros will start this game

This is why I am talking about facing Brasil. Getting a draw in the game with Ghana winning sees Ghana taking the first spot and Italy second and facing Brasil.

 

[Eddy]

I find that better, for once let Brazil get knocked out early.

 

[Stephan]

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Baros eyes comeback against Italy

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Czech Republic striker Milan Baros returned to full training on Tuesday after struggling with a foot injury and could play in Thursday's Group E match against Italy.

"There is a chance Milan Baros will be fit for the Italy game," coach Karel Bruckner told reporters.

The return of Baros would be greatly welcomed by the Czech team, who are much depleted ahead of the match, which they need to win to guarantee a place in the knock-out stage.

Baros, top scorer at UEFA EURO 2004, had not trained properly since sustaining the injury in a 3 June friendly and it had looked at one stage like he might not play in the tournament at all.

The player himself said his foot felt much better, but declined to say whether he thought he would definitely play.

"I'm not thinking about the game on Thursday yet because I've just had the first training today and I'll see what's going to happen tonight," he said, referring to how his foot would react to the training.

Injuries and suspensions have limited Brueckner's options for the game, particularly among forwards as Jan Koller has a hamstring injury and his replacement, Vratislav Lokvenc, picked up two yellow cards over the first two games.

Baros has great pace and his return would provide a lift for the team after the surprise 2-0 defeat to Ghana on Saturday.

Despite the frustration of watching both matches so far from afar, Baros was philosophical about his bad luck.

"This is football, this is life. Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. Unfortunately this happened at the worst moment, at the World Cup," he said.

 

[Stephan]

Bruckner: We're the underdogs

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Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner has made his side the underdogs for their crucial final Group E game against Italy on Thursday.

The eastern Europeans need a win to guarantee qualification to the World Cup's last 16, while Italy could go through with a draw, and Bruckner fears the worst after his team's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Ghana.

"Italy are an experienced side with a great defence - they are the favourites," the wily Czech boss stated.

The Azzurri top the group with four points and have been solid defensively, but attacking midfielder Andrea Pirlo is taking nothing for granted.

"We always play to win," he explained. "That's always been our approach, to walk out onto the field to play a winning game. So that's what we'll do against Czech Republic."

Defender Gianluca Zambrotta is expected to move into the left-side of midfield to replace the suspended Daniele De Rossi, and combat the threat of Juventus team-mate Pavel Nedved.

"We have to be careful because the Czechs have a lot of experience and have played together for many years," Zambrotta commented.

But The Locomotive will be without defender Tomas Ujfalusi and forward Vratislav Lokvenc who are both serving suspensions, while main front-men Milan Baros and Jan Koller are still racing to get fit.

With USA and Ghana both also in a position to qualify from the group, Thursday looks set to be a thriller with all four sides going out for the win.

skysports

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[Stephan]

We need to be more Italian, says Cannavaro


DUISBURG (AFP) - Fabio Cannavaro has said that his Italy team need to revert back to their old ways of cynical defending if they are to go further at the World Cup.

Italy face the Czech Republic in Hamburg on Thursday needing a draw from the final group game to reach the last 16, and much will depend on the Azzurri backline.

Uncompromising defending was the cornerstone of past Italy triumphs, and Cannavaro believes the current team need to tighten up at the back.

"We have to start being more Italian, more cynical," said the 32-year-old Italy captain.

"The secret to going a long way in the tournament is to revert back to a more typically Italian defensive approach.

"Our formation is an attacking one, but we mustn't forget how to defend."

Italy defeated Ghana 2-0 in their opening match before being held to a 1-1 draw by the United States.

The performance against the Americans drew heavy criticism from the Italian press, but Cannavaro insisted they would bounce back against the Czechs.

"After the victory against Ghana, it was only natural that we were expecting to produce a good performance against the US, but that didn't happen," said the Juventus defender who took over as Italy captain after Paolo Maldini retired in 2002.

"Against the US we weren't able to impose our kind of play. We were too passive and we were surprised by their initiative. Now we have a chance to put things right against the Czechs."

Cannavaro expects the Czechs, who need to beat Italy to guarantee qualification for the second round, to be formidable opponents despite their ageing squad and a string of injuries to key players.

"They are an organised team with great experience and will be very difficult to beat," he said.

"We've watched videos of them and they are very dangerous on the counter-attack."

Cannavaro stressed the need to shackle Czech playmaker Pavel Nedved, his Juventus team-mate.

"He is an annoying player to play against," he said.

"He has a great spirit and an innner strength that is an example to others. He's a real pro and a player to fear."

Asked if he had spoken to Nedved, Cannavaro replied: "Not yet, but I will phone him tomorrow.

"I have a good relationship with him and we joked about this match when we were in Turin. I'm sure we will wind each other up some more."

AFP

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