Lippi is one of the most tactfully adept coaches going to this world cup. Its going to be interesting to see what he can muster up. Hopefully the Jules Rimet.
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World Cup 2006 Draw (1 Viewer)
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Pelé Gives Japan Kiss Of Death?
12/13/2005 8:04:00 PM
Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the sort of guy that everybody wants to ask opinions about football for two reasons. Firstly, he’s a living legend; ‘O Rei’; the inventor of the ‘Jogo Bonito’. Secondly, he’s notorious for picking football favourites that then crash and burn ingloriously – at best chalking up noble failures, and at worst starting national depressions. Is Pelé Nostradamus in reverse?
Today, the 13th of December 2005, saw 65 year-old Pelé giving another one of hot tips,
this time for the World Cup. Questioned about Japan’s chances in Germany next year, Pelé said that he had a hunch that Japan would improve on 2002’s performance where the rising sun set against Turkey in the last 16.
“I hope that they go further this time. Their national squad has a lot more experience now, and they’ve been very well trained by Zico (one of the few Brazilian number 10’s that Pelé talks highly of) and nowadays is a little above South Korea in my opinion”.
Zico, 52 years old, played three World Cups and is an idol in Japan where he marked an era at the Kashima Antlers – Club that has honoured him with a statue. Japan is the third adversary of Brazil in a Group F that also counts on Croatia (general favourite for second place) and Australia (the dark horse).
Whether or not he’s slapping his forehead and cursing softly right now is unknown, but when Pelé points you out as his favourite then it’s time to take a deep breath and work as hard as you can against fate. In a sport where players have all sorts of ‘lucky routines’, charms and habits to defeat bad luck, nobody has yet to find the cure for being given the thumbs up by Pelé.
12/13/2005 8:04:00 PM
Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the sort of guy that everybody wants to ask opinions about football for two reasons. Firstly, he’s a living legend; ‘O Rei’; the inventor of the ‘Jogo Bonito’. Secondly, he’s notorious for picking football favourites that then crash and burn ingloriously – at best chalking up noble failures, and at worst starting national depressions. Is Pelé Nostradamus in reverse?
Today, the 13th of December 2005, saw 65 year-old Pelé giving another one of hot tips,
this time for the World Cup. Questioned about Japan’s chances in Germany next year, Pelé said that he had a hunch that Japan would improve on 2002’s performance where the rising sun set against Turkey in the last 16. “I hope that they go further this time. Their national squad has a lot more experience now, and they’ve been very well trained by Zico (one of the few Brazilian number 10’s that Pelé talks highly of) and nowadays is a little above South Korea in my opinion”.
Zico, 52 years old, played three World Cups and is an idol in Japan where he marked an era at the Kashima Antlers – Club that has honoured him with a statue. Japan is the third adversary of Brazil in a Group F that also counts on Croatia (general favourite for second place) and Australia (the dark horse).
Whether or not he’s slapping his forehead and cursing softly right now is unknown, but when Pelé points you out as his favourite then it’s time to take a deep breath and work as hard as you can against fate. In a sport where players have all sorts of ‘lucky routines’, charms and habits to defeat bad luck, nobody has yet to find the cure for being given the thumbs up by Pelé.
If Italy can't beat the USA 2-0 at least, I don't see the point in advancing to the next round. Sure, the USA aren't a bad team, but it's very unlikely they're going to be even close to winning the WC. If they can hold Italy to a draw, the Italians might save themselves any further embarassment and just go home.
I wrote in another thread that i believe that USA will make it to probably semi and at least quarterfinal. They have a better team then last worldcup and will be underrated. The underdog situation is great for them.
NOTE: Italy has never played well or cared about the groupstage. If your about to loose a game in the WC you better loose it before the playoffs.
NOTE: Italy has never played well or cared about the groupstage. If your about to loose a game in the WC you better loose it before the playoffs.
Bruce Arena maybe good Rochembeck, but you've got to take into consideration the line up at his disposal. Of course, on paper, it doesnt seem threatening enough, but I'm sure he'll make it work. I actually even see the US hold Italy to a draw. The crunch though is the Czech Republic since the Azzuri already know that opponent all too well, they've got the law of averages in their favour, and I see that match to be the make or break for Lippi and his men. The US and Ghana however are both capable of turning this group on its head. But I know Lippi offers a fabricated strategy for each individual game. And that should suffice, hopefully.
italy are notoriously slow starters at major compeitions.so i wont be surprised if they do leave it to the last moment to qualify for the 2nd round.the best of italy imo,will be seen in the knockout stages.and im guessing that italy will be pushed forward by the individual brilliance of one player rather than the while team,just like at spain '82,italia '90 and usa '94.id have my money on totti or del piero - two players who have very much underformed(minus totti at euro 2000) in the azzuri jersey till now.
italy 0-1 czech
italy 0-0 usa
italy 2-0 ghana
thats my prediction.
italy 0-1 czech
italy 0-0 usa
italy 2-0 ghana
thats my prediction.
I'm afraid that start wont be good enough to make the next round AXL. I actually see it the other way around. I see a tie against Ghana and maybe even the US. But I think the Azzuri will be best prepared to face the Czechs for some reason, mentally and physically and eke out a victory. They're going to need at least 5 points to make it to the next round.
As for individual brilliance, I dont think its going to come from the most expected sources. For the Azzuri, I see Gila, Toni or even Cassano if he makes it to Germany, as the ones who could make this cup one to remember.
As for individual brilliance, I dont think its going to come from the most expected sources. For the Azzuri, I see Gila, Toni or even Cassano if he makes it to Germany, as the ones who could make this cup one to remember.
