ya it wasn't offside.... they have been saying every game that to make the games more exciting that they would pretty much give the tie to the runner. They want to see more goals and costa rica was proof, to very close calls.
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The Official Italy WC Thread (41 Viewers)
- Thread starter Bjerknes
- Start date
ya it wasn't offside.... they have been saying every game that to make the games more exciting that they would pretty much give the tie to the runner. They want to see more goals and costa rica was proof, to very close calls.
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FA: I was asked to sack Lippi
Wednesday 14 June, 2006
Federation chief Guido Rossi has revealed he was put under pressure to sack Italy Coach Marcello Lippi ahead of the World Cup.
When Lippi was included in the Calciopoli investigation amid allegations he had picked players represented by GEA World, the agency linked with former Juventus director general Luciano Moggi, there were calls in the Press and behind the scenes for the tactician to be dropped just weeks before the start of Germany 2006.
“We had a great debut against Ghana, who showed such team spirit and really looked like a club side who has worked together for months. The work done by our Coach has been excellent – and to think I was pressured to sack him! It would’ve been absurd, as the magistrates confirmed to me that there was no evidence of his involvement. I am very glad I made that decision, as the scandal sits apart from this sport.”
Many feared the Azzurri would suffer under the spotlight of the Calciopoli inquest, but instead it appears to have pushed the players together in their 2-0 opening victory. The fans also showed they are behind them, as 23 million tuned in to watch the game.
“We all hoped the Nazionale could take an important role in the rebirth of our football, because that’s where it has to begin again,” Rossi told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport.’ “That certainly doesn’t mean the other issues will be wiped off the map. The fact the performances are the ones hitting the headlines now will give me the chance to work with slightly less pressure to get the investigation concluded in good time.”
The FIGC chief flew back from Hanover to Düsseldorf on the same plane as the Azzurri and admits he had special attention for one player. “It was an opportunity to show my respect for the players and get to know them a little better. Francesco Totti is an idol for my daughters, even though they support Inter, so I had to get his autograph for them.”
Rossi hopes he can bring good luck to the Italy side and looked to superstition to see him attend the Final. “I will be in Hamburg on June 22 for the Czech Republic match. I do have a special dream, as I studied and lived in Berlin for some time and adore the city. I’d like to return there soon, let’s just say July 9 would be a good date for a visit.”
Wednesday 14 June, 2006
Federation chief Guido Rossi has revealed he was put under pressure to sack Italy Coach Marcello Lippi ahead of the World Cup.
When Lippi was included in the Calciopoli investigation amid allegations he had picked players represented by GEA World, the agency linked with former Juventus director general Luciano Moggi, there were calls in the Press and behind the scenes for the tactician to be dropped just weeks before the start of Germany 2006.
“We had a great debut against Ghana, who showed such team spirit and really looked like a club side who has worked together for months. The work done by our Coach has been excellent – and to think I was pressured to sack him! It would’ve been absurd, as the magistrates confirmed to me that there was no evidence of his involvement. I am very glad I made that decision, as the scandal sits apart from this sport.”
Many feared the Azzurri would suffer under the spotlight of the Calciopoli inquest, but instead it appears to have pushed the players together in their 2-0 opening victory. The fans also showed they are behind them, as 23 million tuned in to watch the game.
“We all hoped the Nazionale could take an important role in the rebirth of our football, because that’s where it has to begin again,” Rossi told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport.’ “That certainly doesn’t mean the other issues will be wiped off the map. The fact the performances are the ones hitting the headlines now will give me the chance to work with slightly less pressure to get the investigation concluded in good time.”
The FIGC chief flew back from Hanover to Düsseldorf on the same plane as the Azzurri and admits he had special attention for one player. “It was an opportunity to show my respect for the players and get to know them a little better. Francesco Totti is an idol for my daughters, even though they support Inter, so I had to get his autograph for them.”
Rossi hopes he can bring good luck to the Italy side and looked to superstition to see him attend the Final. “I will be in Hamburg on June 22 for the Czech Republic match. I do have a special dream, as I studied and lived in Berlin for some time and adore the city. I’d like to return there soon, let’s just say July 9 would be a good date for a visit.”
Lippi slams De Rossi stupidity Saturday 17 June, 2006
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Marcello Lippi has bitterly criticised Daniele De Rossi for his dismissal, but insists he’s optimistic that the Azzurri can qualify.
“Undoubtedly, we all expected something better than this. I think, and I can tell this to fellow Italians, that tonight we paid for the great tension and energy we used up against Ghana,” he said after the 1-1 draw with the USA.
“I’d had a few warning signs during the week, but it was certainly a below-par performance with a side that was determined not to go out of the competition. It was a crazy game with so much end to end football and three red cards with the situation in a constant state of flux.”
De Rossi was sent off after just half an hour for elbowing Brian McBride, then the Americans played the entire second half in nine men following the dismissal of Pedro Mastroeni and Eddie Pope, but Italy couldn’t find a way through.
“I am very sorry, because he is a good lad, that De Rossi did yet another stupid thing,” slammed Lippi. The fiery young Roma midfielder is certainly not new to losing his temper and lashing out foolishly, so this lack of self-control could well put back his international career.
“I was also disappointed that straight after I put Alessandro Del Piero on to take advantage of the extra man and push Simone Perrotta wide, he got injured and did very well to stay on the field in that condition.”
Roma midfielder Perrotta took a heavy knock to the thigh and could barely run for the last half-hour, but had to stay on as all three substitutions had been completed. Following De Rossi’s red card, Gennaro Gattuso was introduced in place of Francesco Totti, who had already been booked.
“I had only three choices, to take off the strikers, and as Totti is not 100 per cent fit, it was logical he should leave the field. I wasn’t influenced by his yellow card, not at all.”
Now Group E is wide open and only a victory against the Czech Republic will guarantee their passage to the second round, although a draw could also see them through if Ghana fail to beat the USA.
“We have two results out of three to qualify, so I am optimistic, then we’ll see what happens. Straight after the wave of enthusiasm of the Ghana game, people have to understand how much effort they put into that and we still hadn’t recovered. It’s time for our character and many other things to come out.”
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Marcello Lippi has bitterly criticised Daniele De Rossi for his dismissal, but insists he’s optimistic that the Azzurri can qualify.
“Undoubtedly, we all expected something better than this. I think, and I can tell this to fellow Italians, that tonight we paid for the great tension and energy we used up against Ghana,” he said after the 1-1 draw with the USA.
“I’d had a few warning signs during the week, but it was certainly a below-par performance with a side that was determined not to go out of the competition. It was a crazy game with so much end to end football and three red cards with the situation in a constant state of flux.”
De Rossi was sent off after just half an hour for elbowing Brian McBride, then the Americans played the entire second half in nine men following the dismissal of Pedro Mastroeni and Eddie Pope, but Italy couldn’t find a way through.
“I am very sorry, because he is a good lad, that De Rossi did yet another stupid thing,” slammed Lippi. The fiery young Roma midfielder is certainly not new to losing his temper and lashing out foolishly, so this lack of self-control could well put back his international career.
“I was also disappointed that straight after I put Alessandro Del Piero on to take advantage of the extra man and push Simone Perrotta wide, he got injured and did very well to stay on the field in that condition.”
Roma midfielder Perrotta took a heavy knock to the thigh and could barely run for the last half-hour, but had to stay on as all three substitutions had been completed. Following De Rossi’s red card, Gennaro Gattuso was introduced in place of Francesco Totti, who had already been booked.
“I had only three choices, to take off the strikers, and as Totti is not 100 per cent fit, it was logical he should leave the field. I wasn’t influenced by his yellow card, not at all.”
Now Group E is wide open and only a victory against the Czech Republic will guarantee their passage to the second round, although a draw could also see them through if Ghana fail to beat the USA.
“We have two results out of three to qualify, so I am optimistic, then we’ll see what happens. Straight after the wave of enthusiasm of the Ghana game, people have to understand how much effort they put into that and we still hadn’t recovered. It’s time for our character and many other things to come out.”
Gila rues Italy errors Saturday 17 June, 2006
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Alberto Gilardino scored his first World Cup goal, but realises this was a wasted opportunity for Italy.
“We found a tough and determined team, but we knew that already and that this was a crucial game for both teams. There was some rough play, but we could’ve won it and put ourselves in a good position. Now we have to win the last match,” he said after the 1-1 draw with the USA.
Gilardino’s header had given the Azzurri the lead, but Cristian Zaccardo’s comical own goal and Daniele De Rossi’s shameful elbow on Brian McBride turned it into an uphill struggle.
“I hadn’t seen the elbow on the field, but the replays clearly show it was the right decision. It was a masculine game and both sides didn’t hold back.”
The Americans played for the entire second half in nine men following the dismissal of Eddie Pope and Pablo Mastroeni.
“Goals are always important, but a victory would’ve been better. Now we have to prepare over the next five days and are all determined to put in a great performance against the Czech Republic. We had problems in the first half in passing the ball around and finding space, then clearly with them in nine we found it a little easier.”
Ghana’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic means Group E is wide open and any of the teams could still qualify. Italy will be through on top if they win the final match against Pavel Nedved’s men, but anything less than that leaves them open to the risk of a second round meeting with Brazil or even a shock First Round exit.
“We were not influenced by the Ghana result earlier today, though we now know what is to be done: beat the Czech Republic,” concluded Gilardino.
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Alberto Gilardino scored his first World Cup goal, but realises this was a wasted opportunity for Italy.
“We found a tough and determined team, but we knew that already and that this was a crucial game for both teams. There was some rough play, but we could’ve won it and put ourselves in a good position. Now we have to win the last match,” he said after the 1-1 draw with the USA.
Gilardino’s header had given the Azzurri the lead, but Cristian Zaccardo’s comical own goal and Daniele De Rossi’s shameful elbow on Brian McBride turned it into an uphill struggle.
“I hadn’t seen the elbow on the field, but the replays clearly show it was the right decision. It was a masculine game and both sides didn’t hold back.”
The Americans played for the entire second half in nine men following the dismissal of Eddie Pope and Pablo Mastroeni.
“Goals are always important, but a victory would’ve been better. Now we have to prepare over the next five days and are all determined to put in a great performance against the Czech Republic. We had problems in the first half in passing the ball around and finding space, then clearly with them in nine we found it a little easier.”
Ghana’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic means Group E is wide open and any of the teams could still qualify. Italy will be through on top if they win the final match against Pavel Nedved’s men, but anything less than that leaves them open to the risk of a second round meeting with Brazil or even a shock First Round exit.
“We were not influenced by the Ghana result earlier today, though we now know what is to be done: beat the Czech Republic,” concluded Gilardino.
Gattuso advises De Rossi Saturday 17 June, 2006
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Gennaro Gattuso and Demetrio Albertini have told off Daniele De Rossi for his dismissal, but also reassured the Roma youngster.
Gattuso came on for Francesco Totti after just 35 minutes and tried to reassure De Rossi, who could be facing a lengthy ban for elbowing Brian McBride.
“I gritted my teeth to be here today and help my teammates, as I was recovering from a serious injury. De Rossi made a stupid mistake and he knows that. He felt very badly afterward.”
Former player Albertini, who is now working for the FIGC, also tried to explain De Rossi’s behaviour.
“It was a mistake and certainly not a good image for Italian football, but he is a smart boy and will get over this error. I hope he’ll be able to play more games in this World Cup.”
Gattuso recovered from a thigh injury sooner than expected and was thrown on to reinforce the midfield following De Rossi’s foolish red card.
“We weren’t all that sharp, but even then there is regret, as we really wanted to get the three points. We tried to keep our feet on the ground after that great opening result, but it’s a World Cup and there are no easy games,” said the Milan man.
“We certainly didn’t make calculations before the game and won’t do that before the final round either. The 3-0 defeat the US suffered against the Czechs was very harsh and didn’t show their true quality.”
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Gennaro Gattuso and Demetrio Albertini have told off Daniele De Rossi for his dismissal, but also reassured the Roma youngster.
Gattuso came on for Francesco Totti after just 35 minutes and tried to reassure De Rossi, who could be facing a lengthy ban for elbowing Brian McBride.
“I gritted my teeth to be here today and help my teammates, as I was recovering from a serious injury. De Rossi made a stupid mistake and he knows that. He felt very badly afterward.”
Former player Albertini, who is now working for the FIGC, also tried to explain De Rossi’s behaviour.
“It was a mistake and certainly not a good image for Italian football, but he is a smart boy and will get over this error. I hope he’ll be able to play more games in this World Cup.”
Gattuso recovered from a thigh injury sooner than expected and was thrown on to reinforce the midfield following De Rossi’s foolish red card.
“We weren’t all that sharp, but even then there is regret, as we really wanted to get the three points. We tried to keep our feet on the ground after that great opening result, but it’s a World Cup and there are no easy games,” said the Milan man.
“We certainly didn’t make calculations before the game and won’t do that before the final round either. The 3-0 defeat the US suffered against the Czechs was very harsh and didn’t show their true quality.”
De Rossi apologises to Italy Saturday 17 June, 2006
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Daniele De Rossi’s World Cup could be over after his red card for elbowing Brian McBride, but he insists it wasn’t intentional.
“I was trying to be careful and didn’t intend to hurt him, let alone get sent off. I must’ve jumped like that a million times and very rarely hit anyone. I didn’t want to be dismissed or damage the entire team. The disciplinary commission will evaluate it, but I really hope they saw that it was unintentional. I was just trying to protect myself.”
The Roma midfielder was sent off after just 29 minutes and is certainly not new to this sort of behaviour on the field. Coach Marcello Lippi told off the fiery youngster for the terrible foul that left the Azzurri in 10 men for an hour, but Giallorossi captain Francesco Totti tried to console his charge.
“Totti told me to relax and that he has gone through bad times like this, warning I’ll be treated very badly in the Press. He was the first to comfort me. I have to think about this and am fully aware I hurt the team. I’m the first to be disappointed with what happened.”
De Rossi’s World Cup could well be over, as a heavy ban is undoubtedly on its way for the elbow on McBride.
Totti, himself no stranger to controversy in international tournaments, spoke from experience.
“I told him to relax. He knows he’s made a mistake that the whole team paid for, but I have been in his position and realise these things can happen. As players, we all have to stand by him and not turn him into a scapegoat,” said Totti.
“My misdemeanours are water under the bridge now and the same will happen for him eventually. It was an instinctive move to defend himself with two players coming in, but he did lift his elbows a bit too much. It’ll be tough for him to be here at the tournament and not be able to play for an idiotic thing he did. We hope to keep going as far as possible so he can play again in this World Cup.”
The Roma captain was the one substituted after De Rossi’s dismissal to make way for Gennaro Gattuso.
“I couldn’t express myself as well as usual, as their Number 4 was man-marking me very tightly and always attached to my ribs. I thought Lippi had replaced me because I was on a yellow card. He said it was because I wasn’t 100 per cent fit? That’s worse, then! I didn’t think my foul deserved a booking, to be honest.”
The head of the Azzurri delegation, Giancarlo Abete, was particularly harsh in his criticism of De Rossi.
“It was a serious error, as Lippi pointed out, and certainly affected the entire team. It was all in quick succession, with Cristian Zaccardo’s own goal and De Rossi’s horrible mistake changing the whole face of the game. It’s perhaps best this has happened now, as we can try to reflect and build on this to create a great Italy performance against the Czech Republic.”
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Daniele De Rossi’s World Cup could be over after his red card for elbowing Brian McBride, but he insists it wasn’t intentional.
“I was trying to be careful and didn’t intend to hurt him, let alone get sent off. I must’ve jumped like that a million times and very rarely hit anyone. I didn’t want to be dismissed or damage the entire team. The disciplinary commission will evaluate it, but I really hope they saw that it was unintentional. I was just trying to protect myself.”
The Roma midfielder was sent off after just 29 minutes and is certainly not new to this sort of behaviour on the field. Coach Marcello Lippi told off the fiery youngster for the terrible foul that left the Azzurri in 10 men for an hour, but Giallorossi captain Francesco Totti tried to console his charge.
“Totti told me to relax and that he has gone through bad times like this, warning I’ll be treated very badly in the Press. He was the first to comfort me. I have to think about this and am fully aware I hurt the team. I’m the first to be disappointed with what happened.”
De Rossi’s World Cup could well be over, as a heavy ban is undoubtedly on its way for the elbow on McBride.
Totti, himself no stranger to controversy in international tournaments, spoke from experience.
“I told him to relax. He knows he’s made a mistake that the whole team paid for, but I have been in his position and realise these things can happen. As players, we all have to stand by him and not turn him into a scapegoat,” said Totti.
“My misdemeanours are water under the bridge now and the same will happen for him eventually. It was an instinctive move to defend himself with two players coming in, but he did lift his elbows a bit too much. It’ll be tough for him to be here at the tournament and not be able to play for an idiotic thing he did. We hope to keep going as far as possible so he can play again in this World Cup.”
The Roma captain was the one substituted after De Rossi’s dismissal to make way for Gennaro Gattuso.
“I couldn’t express myself as well as usual, as their Number 4 was man-marking me very tightly and always attached to my ribs. I thought Lippi had replaced me because I was on a yellow card. He said it was because I wasn’t 100 per cent fit? That’s worse, then! I didn’t think my foul deserved a booking, to be honest.”
The head of the Azzurri delegation, Giancarlo Abete, was particularly harsh in his criticism of De Rossi.
“It was a serious error, as Lippi pointed out, and certainly affected the entire team. It was all in quick succession, with Cristian Zaccardo’s own goal and De Rossi’s horrible mistake changing the whole face of the game. It’s perhaps best this has happened now, as we can try to reflect and build on this to create a great Italy performance against the Czech Republic.”
wat a game and a joy to watch...
all the 3 refs were just way too poor, half of the offsides against italy were not offsides and then main ref stops giving fouls when he feels like it and gives them when he wants to. Just bizzare this refferee.
abt italy, i didnt think that Lippi would take out totti, i thought he would take toni or gila out. Cuz italy needed some quality upfront, someone that could hold the ball and make some intelligent plays and get some fouls.
I thought alex would do that later on but the US team was just congested in their half.
i was really impressed by th fitness of the americans, really impressed.
all the 3 refs were just way too poor, half of the offsides against italy were not offsides and then main ref stops giving fouls when he feels like it and gives them when he wants to. Just bizzare this refferee.
abt italy, i didnt think that Lippi would take out totti, i thought he would take toni or gila out. Cuz italy needed some quality upfront, someone that could hold the ball and make some intelligent plays and get some fouls.
I thought alex would do that later on but the US team was just congested in their half.
i was really impressed by th fitness of the americans, really impressed.
i really cant understand why lippi made the other two subs, ok i agree he is human and makes mistakes but i honestly think he should've pushed in cammo, to replace perrota, and then push in inzaghi instead of iquanta.
as for zaccardo i can accept an own goal but not they way he got in to our own goal i mean that was a six year old tryingto kick the ball out of the area!!!!
as for zaccardo i can accept an own goal but not they way he got in to our own goal i mean that was a six year old tryingto kick the ball out of the area!!!!
Italy qualify if… Sunday 18 June, 2006
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Italy just need a point against the Czech Republic to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, but there are other options. Here are all of the scenarios…
If Italy win:
An Italian victory against Pavel Nedved and Co will give the Azzurri top spot in Group E and lead to a second round match with the runners-up in Brazil’s Group F.
If Italy draw:
A point with the Czechs will also be enough for qualification as Italy would move on to five points, leaving their opponents on just four. However, such a result could see Italy surrender top spot in the group to Ghana if they beat America in their last game. If that tie ends all square, Italy would remain first leaving the Czech Republic and the African nation to decide qualification on goal difference. A USA win would still see Italy top the group.
If Italy lose:
All would not necessarily be lost if the Azzurri taste defeat on Thursday. They could still finish second if the other game ends in a draw or if a victorious America don’t go on the goal rampage against the Black Stars.
channel4
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Italy just need a point against the Czech Republic to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, but there are other options. Here are all of the scenarios…
If Italy win:
An Italian victory against Pavel Nedved and Co will give the Azzurri top spot in Group E and lead to a second round match with the runners-up in Brazil’s Group F.
If Italy draw:
A point with the Czechs will also be enough for qualification as Italy would move on to five points, leaving their opponents on just four. However, such a result could see Italy surrender top spot in the group to Ghana if they beat America in their last game. If that tie ends all square, Italy would remain first leaving the Czech Republic and the African nation to decide qualification on goal difference. A USA win would still see Italy top the group.
If Italy lose:
All would not necessarily be lost if the Azzurri taste defeat on Thursday. They could still finish second if the other game ends in a draw or if a victorious America don’t go on the goal rampage against the Black Stars.
channel4
Lippi: De Rossi has to learn Sunday 18 June, 2006
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Marcello Lippi has warned Daniele De Rossi that he has to change his attitude or risk ending his international career just as it’s beginning.
“I haven’t spoken to him personally yet. I’m letting him stew in his own juices,” said the Coach in today’s Press conference. “Daniele put himself in this situation, but it’s one that started long before last night.”
The Roma midfielder is only 22, but already well known for his fiery temper and tendency to commit reckless fouls. His World Cup could be over after he elbowed Brian McBride just 29 minutes into the 1-1 draw with the USA.
“I will speak to him, as he’s a fantastic lad who has the trust and respect of everyone here, but he has got to change his attitude, or he’ll create a nasty reputation for himself. Italian players do have an unfortunate habit of jumping with their elbows out to protect themselves and it’s a difficult tendency to shake off. However, it’s not true we’re the only ones with bad habits. In this tournament, for example, I have regularly seen players of other nations prompt the referee to book an opponent.”
There were three red cards in this game, which Lippi admits was a disappointing performance and a step back after the 2-0 victory over Ghana.
“I tell the Italians not to lose faith in this squad. They’ll see that their confidence will be repaid in full. We want to go as far as possible, but never thought we’d dominate seven matches and always play at the best of our abilities, as we’re not robots. It’s part of our DNA that we usually follow a highly praised performance with one below par in terms of concentration. In any case, a victory wouldn’t have changed a great deal in terms of the Group.”
A draw against the Czech Republic in the final Group E match would be enough to ensure qualification, but a victory is needed to be certain of top spot – therefore avoiding Brazil in the second round. Going into the final tie, all four teams are still in with a chance.
“I am convinced that our team has a mentality which suits knockout rounds – either we’re in, or out. Our game against Ghana wasn’t all that exceptional and perhaps the praise poured on us by some journalists was exaggerated. The satisfaction of doing well and facing a USA side that had just lost 3-0 made us complacent.”
Lippi held up his hands and admitted that the showing in Kaiserslautern last night was well below par, especially as they were playing against nine men for the entire second half.
“Of course there is bitterness and disappointment, not so much for the result, but because we expected to play a very different game. Now the top spot in the group depends entirely on us.”
The Coach also confessed that he had made a tactical error in the second half. "When I saw Bruce Arena order his players to sit back, Pippo Inzaghi would've thrived in those circumstances. Unfortunately, I had already completed my substutions."
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Marcello Lippi has warned Daniele De Rossi that he has to change his attitude or risk ending his international career just as it’s beginning.
“I haven’t spoken to him personally yet. I’m letting him stew in his own juices,” said the Coach in today’s Press conference. “Daniele put himself in this situation, but it’s one that started long before last night.”
The Roma midfielder is only 22, but already well known for his fiery temper and tendency to commit reckless fouls. His World Cup could be over after he elbowed Brian McBride just 29 minutes into the 1-1 draw with the USA.
“I will speak to him, as he’s a fantastic lad who has the trust and respect of everyone here, but he has got to change his attitude, or he’ll create a nasty reputation for himself. Italian players do have an unfortunate habit of jumping with their elbows out to protect themselves and it’s a difficult tendency to shake off. However, it’s not true we’re the only ones with bad habits. In this tournament, for example, I have regularly seen players of other nations prompt the referee to book an opponent.”
There were three red cards in this game, which Lippi admits was a disappointing performance and a step back after the 2-0 victory over Ghana.
“I tell the Italians not to lose faith in this squad. They’ll see that their confidence will be repaid in full. We want to go as far as possible, but never thought we’d dominate seven matches and always play at the best of our abilities, as we’re not robots. It’s part of our DNA that we usually follow a highly praised performance with one below par in terms of concentration. In any case, a victory wouldn’t have changed a great deal in terms of the Group.”
A draw against the Czech Republic in the final Group E match would be enough to ensure qualification, but a victory is needed to be certain of top spot – therefore avoiding Brazil in the second round. Going into the final tie, all four teams are still in with a chance.
“I am convinced that our team has a mentality which suits knockout rounds – either we’re in, or out. Our game against Ghana wasn’t all that exceptional and perhaps the praise poured on us by some journalists was exaggerated. The satisfaction of doing well and facing a USA side that had just lost 3-0 made us complacent.”
Lippi held up his hands and admitted that the showing in Kaiserslautern last night was well below par, especially as they were playing against nine men for the entire second half.
“Of course there is bitterness and disappointment, not so much for the result, but because we expected to play a very different game. Now the top spot in the group depends entirely on us.”
The Coach also confessed that he had made a tactical error in the second half. "When I saw Bruce Arena order his players to sit back, Pippo Inzaghi would've thrived in those circumstances. Unfortunately, I had already completed my substutions."
Channel4. Even that article is simply translated from sports.it.http://sports.alice.it/it/cmc/mondiali2006/200624/cmc_97416.html
