LiveBlog: Italy-Ghana

June 12th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

An entertaining match ends with the favored Italy winning 2-0. Ghana held their own in this one and there was no shortage of action. Check out the play-by-play below and leave your thoughts about the match.

Live: Italy 2-0 Ghana

Full time Italy comes away with a deserved 2-0 win against a spirited Ghana side. Pirlo and Iaquinta are the goal scorers for the Azzurri who joing the Czech Republic atop the Group E table with three points. An impressive debut for Ghana but the Black Stars come up short. Thanks for joining us for today’s liveblogs. We’ll be typing like crazy until the end of the tournament so come back again. Be safe kids.

89:14 Things we learned from this match. Italy is strong. Ghana is better than anticipated. There is a player named Pimpong in the World Cup.

88:15 Ghana has nothing to be ashamed of from this performance. They played an on form Italy team very well. A couple of breaks either way in this might have been a different result.

87:03 Iaquinta picks up the yellow card for being a butthead.

85:13 Italy will play the next five minutes trying not to pick up cards. My on the spot analysis says they’ll have no problem against the US. Ghana might give the Czech Republic a game but I see the two European teams advancing at this point. Bold prediction, I know.

83:47 I feel bad for Ghana. They’ve played a great game and to make a mistake like that in the final minutes is heartbreaking. Italy deserves the win but still….

82:21 GOALLLL!!!! Italy. Horrible mistake by the Ghana defender Kafour leads to an Iaquinta goal. 2-0 Italy. Game over.

81:29 Del Piero on and Toni off. Very solid game from Luca Toni. What a luxury it is for Italy to have Del Piero come off the bench.

80:45 Essien with a long shot that isn’t close. If you don’t like this game then you should consider a new hobby. I recommend knitting.

79:46 Ghana fans and neutrals on their feet imploring their team to score a goal. Can they follow the lead of the Aussies and pull off a late game miracle?

78:03 Ghana player with a serious dive in the box. He split two defenders and then lept to the ground. Good no call.

76:31 Iaquinta gets the magic spray and he is ready to run back onto the pitch. I need some magic spray for my fingers. They ache.

74:45 Iaquinta breaks free but the flag is up. He was brought down by the Ghana player and now needs to have his leg amputated. Replay shows that he is a cm offside. That was as close as it gets.

73:49 Pimpong is bouncing all over the field for Ghana. Aha, finally had an excuse to write that.

73:02 Ghana leads possession 53-47 but Italy is ahead where it counts. 1-0 Azzurri on a goal by Pirlo in the 40th.

72:16 Ghana has twenty minutes to make history. Can you imagine how exciting it must be in that country right now. Ghana player pushed down in the box but no call. Probably the right no call.

70:01 It is killing me that Pimpong is playing in the latest game when I am tired and out of jokes. His name sounds awesome in German. Who knows how it translates.

67:50 Pimpong on for Amoah. They have a player named Pimpong. Wow, you have to love Ghana.

66:10 Perrotta with a dead on shot. Ghana keeper Kingston having himself a great game. Apologies for ripping on him earlier. He looks dodgy but in a good way now.

64:41 Asamoah gets a yellow card for a dangerous slide tackle. The yello cards are starting to come out in this one but the play isn’t especially dirty.

63:07 Appiah finds some space and rips a shot well wide. Ghana creating chances. Iaquinta in for Gilardino for Italy.

61:23 Camoranesi gets a yellow for tripping a Ghana player. He might also be penalized for having an out of control ponytail.

60:12 Every time I think Ghana is about ready to crack they start stringing together passes. They have kept their composure nicely and have put themselves in a position to get a result.

58:22 I’m starting to think that this game and the Argentina-Ivory Coast match have been the best played of the entire competition. End to end excitement in both games.

56:40 Totti with ice on his leg on the bench. I think he just got kicked and will end up with one of those ugly blue bruises. I have one myself from kicking a door the other night after a goal. Wasn’t a pretty scene here.

55:18 Totti gets cracked on the leg and he is being replaced by Camoranesi. Don’t think Totti is seriously hurt but given his injury history probably is a good move to get him out.

54:42 In my next life I really want to be a third string keeper. You sit on the bench picking grass without a worry in the world.

54:01 Ghana controlling the action the past few minutes. These Black Stars can play. Will they be the first African team to get a point this tournament?

52:32 Lots of back and forth action. This game has been played at a very good pace. Compared to the earlier matches today this one is much more entertaining. Still 1-0 Italy of a Pirlo goal in the 40th.

51:45If I haven’t thanked you already, I am much obliged for your comments and for you coming to World Cup Blog. We’re liveblogging every game so tell your friends and loved ones. Heck, tell your enemies too.

50:31 Gilardino breaks free and hammers a shot that Kingston kick saves away. The Ghana keeper has played a good game despite looking dodgy at times.

48:45 If only Puma knew that Ghana would be so decent they might have spent a little more time designing a kit. These Ghana kits are boring with a capital ugly.

47:45 This is probably the best Italy has started a tournament in a long time. They are playing very well tonight against a Ghana team that is going to prove to be dangerous this competition.

46:31 Italy breaks free but the cross is just out of the range of Toni. Again he gives the constipated look. The Italian team is very dramatic. Makes me laugh every time.

45:13 For those scoring at home I am enjoying a nice Hefeweizen this half. God bless German beer. My apolgies to those of you who can’t drink and work.

45:01 Shillia in for Pappoe in the Ghana backline. Game is back on.

Halftime The first 45 minutes were quite entertaining with both sides having a number of chances to score. Italy looks solid and Ghana does not look like a minnow. The only goal is by Pirlo in the 40th minute. A real beauty of a goal. I’m off to get another beer and will be back right before the start of the half. What are your thoughts on the match thus far?

44:56 Rossi with a near goal but a diving Kingston breaks it up. Could have been a crushing goal before the whistle.

43:45 Ghana with space to operate in the midfield but Italy comes back to recover. Shouldn’t have much added time.

42:45 Referee largely a non factor to this point. Just the way it should be. There was a shot of a Ghana fan after the Italy goal and it was just crushing. We’ve all been there.

42:00 Ghana looking to settle the play down. Italy is always tough to come back on. My guess is this Ghana team will throw everything they have at the game.

40:29 A well earned goal by Italy. How will Ghana respond to the adversity?

39:15 GOALLLLL! Andrea Pirlo drills it from just outside the box right into the corner of the net. Very nice goal.

38:02 Essien wins the corner kick. Played into the box and Buffon comes down with it. Wow, that is an ugly keeper’s kits. What color is that?

37:25 So far a very cleanly played game with lots of pace. Both teams have attacks that are worthy. Italy playing a much more offensive style of football than in years past. Really quite refreshing to see.

35:12 Luca Toni continuing to wreak havoc but unable to put the ball in the goal. This game is being played in waves of attack.

34:24 If I am Ghana I don’t want to see Totti line up over a free kick. What a cannon of a shot he has.

33:25 Both sides could be on the board at this point. Lots of close calls. Still 0-0.

32:17 Totti knocked down by an indvertant elbow. Free kick Azzurri. Totti blasts it from 40 out and Kingston has to rise to knock it over the bar. This game is coming to life in a big way.

31:05 Papoe with another golden chance for Ghana. If the Black Stars would keep their shots down they might actually take the lead.

30:11 Essien breaks free but his left footed shot sails wide. Essien showing his skill in this one.

30:00 One third of the way through the match and Italy has had the better chances, but credit must go to Ghana for staying composed and making this a game.

28:22 Asamoah with a shot from long range and it is just off the mark. Buffon might not have gotten to that if it was on goal. Good action now.

26:54 That was just a splendid individual move by Toni. He beat his defender and nailed it but the bar is Ghana’s 12th man.

26:11 Ghana creating some chances but looks reluctant to shoot. Luca Toni goes one on one with the defender and he drills the bottom of the cross bar. How did that not go in? Close

24:01 Italy looking sharp. They also are on form with disappointed looks. The wave is going around the stadium and Ghana clears it out of their end. Italy smells blood.

23:05 Totti starting to come to life for Italy. He seems to be moving well coming off of that injury.

22:11 How about this Group E? Czechs looked great today and both Italy and Ghana look decent. Corner kick Italy and it is eaten up by Kingston.

19:50 Asamoah showing nice skill for the Black Stars. The German annoucer constantly refers to Essien as Michael Essien, Chelsea London.

18:34 In absolute contrast to Angola, Ghana looks comfortable playing in the World Cup against a good team.

17:34 No shock in this statement, but the Italian defense looks very well organized.

15:43 By this point last evening C. Ronaldo had already had 25 pouts. None on either side thus far. The Italian fans are singing a White Stripes tune. Bonus points for them.

14:59 italy free kick and it is blasted over the bar by Totti who also gives the I’m constipated and not feeling good about life look.

14:30 Anybody know what font they use on the Italy uniforms? Has to be one of the least readable choices out there.

13:00 Italy with the better run of play thus far but Ghana looks like they can play with the big boys. This one could be interesting if the Ghana keeper gets his head in the game.

11:50 Wow, this Ghana keeper Kingston is something to watch and not in a good way. He is all over the place and nowhere near the ball. My men’s league team keeper might be better.

11:15 Free kick for Ghana and it is booted away by Italy which races down the pitch. Luca Toni nearly hits in a cross and Ghana dodges a bullet.

9:40 De Rossi kicks the Ghana player down just outside the box and he is awarded with a little yellow card from the Brazilian ref.

8:45 I once knew a guy who got malaria in Ghana. John, if you are reading this I hope you are feeling better. Little action to this point.

7:45 The Italy captian Cannavaro heads one over the crossbar and then gives the “I’m constipated and feeling bad” look.

6:55 Italy corner kick. This Ghana keeper Kingston looks unsteady. Hit over the endline for another corner, which is punched away by the Black Stars keeper.

5:45 Ghana standing toe-to-toe with Italy. They don’t appear to be overwhelmed by the moment.

4:00 I’ve decided that Luca Toni is my favorite name to hear in German. Followed closely by Eric Addo. Nothing happening to this point. For those of you at work this might be a good time to work on something.

2:39 Shot of Ghana coach who is known as Doya. The controversial Serb has somehow avoide being sacked before the World Cup. Not quite the mess of Togo but still not a good situation.

1:32 Luca Toni hits the turf. Ahhhh the familiar site of Italian players on the ground.

1:02 Both teams come out running faster than the ball. Lots of nervous energy. We’ve seen how important early moments in the games are this competition.

Kickoff We’re underway in the 11th match of the 2006 World Cup. Ghana makes its World Cup debut against 3-time champion Italy.

Pregame:

2 minutes: 4-3-1-2 for Italy and a 4-4-2 for Ghana

4 minutes to kickoff: Ghana players with hands over hearts. Singing but without the enthusiasm of Italy. Could this affect the outcome of the match? Probably not but I’m a little loopy after all these game.

5 minutes to kickoff: Italian anthem is played. The players are locked arm in arm and sing with much pride. Funny how some teams choose to sing and others are more reticent.

6 minutes to kickoff: Franz Beckenbauer is in the stands. Sitting next to Sepp Blatter. Beckenbauer is the man of the match before it even starts.

8 minutes to kickoff: The players are lined up in the tunnel. The referees lead them out and they line up on the pitch for the wonderful moment when the national anthems are played. Still gives me goose bumps each game. Italy is wearing their classic blue. Ghana adorned in very bland white Puma kits.

10 minutes to kickoff: Will Franz Beckenbauer be in the stands for this one? He was at the US match so his helicopter will have to race against time to deliver him from Gelsenkirchen to Hanover. Luckiest guy in the world getting to see all these games in person.

13 minutes to kickoff: Some cool shots of stands in the fans. Ghana might not have huge numbers but their supporters are very festive. The Azzurri has brought a good number to Hanover. Have to think a lot of neutral fans will be rooting for the underdog in this one.

15 minutes to kickoff: After two weeks in Germany I think I finally figured out the German words for “player” “team” and “coach.” Small accomplishments. With 54 more games to watch I’m still thinking I’ll be fluent by the end of this tournament. Nothing beats a football immersion language course.

20 minutes to kickoff: The sun is starting to go down and after a warm day in Germany it is finally cooling off. I’m still sweating buckets thanks to the massive heat given off by the projection screen tv at World Cup Blog HQ in Berlin. Probably just means I need to keep hydrated with more beer.

25 minutes to kickoff: Watching the Italian players warm up makes me feel very inadequate in the hair department.

30 minutes to kickoff: Shots of Ghana players on their hands and knees praying. Seriously.

The final game of the day. My fingers are fired up and ready to go. Get your predictions down now or forever hold your peace.

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

Abe

My prediction Italy 2-Ghana 0
goals by Totti and Toni.
black

Ghana 2 – Italy 1 . Folks are gonna be suprised tommorow.
http://www.yahoo.com zhunay

italy 2 – graha 1
kojo

ghana 2 – italy 1.

the italians are going to piss in their pants as they see the underdogs deliver the african samba.
Brandon

I think its going to be 3:1 Italy. First game jitters for Ghana.
Falcon

Ghana 2 italy 1. Italy has the worst play style of all. They gonna loose big time.
matthew

Ghana 2 – 1 Italy. It’s going to be a race to see who escapes Group E. Ghana or USA? Ghana probably. Italy might as well dive back to home. They’re good at diving I think…
http://Genrenation.com Jeremy

I am praying for a tie.
Vittorio

Wow, bitter anyone?

Italy traditionally starts slow. Should be 2-0 Italy, but I could see a 1-1 tie as well.
Nick

Lets hope for at least a tie so that the US still has a way to advance
Bidemi

This is going to be a low-scoring, physical affair. I think it will be 1-0 to Ghana.
James

again asking where can we find this game to watch on the net.

dont underestemate Ghana!
spence

james,

http://www.espn360.com if you have certain providers. If you’re at work, then it probably won’t work.
http://www.melissagalitz.com Melissa

I would like to see Ghana win this one and really shock some people, but I think Italy is going to come away with the win. I’m saying 3-1 Italy. (Let’s go USA, pull it together guys!)
http://www.melissagalitz.com Melissa

ps, this blog is great, thanks so much for the play by play for those of us who are stuck at work! we appreciate it, and you are really funny!
zé

I wanted to see how the new age Italy would do but I’ll be stuck in traffic. What a bummer.
James

that wont work for me, thanks anyway.
there was a link posted last night (during the Portugal and Angola game) which worked great!
anyone know what the site is and if its working tonight.
looking forward to a cracker! watch out for Essien and Toni
http://www.graemetower.com Graeme

2-1 italy… Goooo Italia!
Jen

I’d like to see Ghana win, but in reality… I think Italy will win. Maybe Ghana can pull off an upset like the Ausies did against Japan. Italy to win 2-0.
Nick

Its funny how in the matter of one game, I have become a Ghana fan…
Football Freak

It should be 2 – 0 to Italy. Imagine the match between Italy and Checz . Wow !!!!!!!!!!
Jen

For the US’s sake… I hope for a tie like most US fans.
Jen

Italy 3-1.
Gino Vaselino

Even if Italy had the refs in their hip pocket for this game, they would still screw up! After watching The Trinidad and Tobago -vs- Sweden game….anything is possible. And especially with Italy….the team with the worst luck every World Cup….I wouldn’t be surprised if Ghana made headlines! After the travesty of Korea eliminating Italy in 2002….and Baggio missing the penalty kick in the 1994 final….Italy has the reputation to shock the world for all the wrong reasons. Today may be no exception! Ghana will probably will pull this one out! My prediction….Ghana 1 Italy 0
Jen in Boston

Uh oh. Two Jen’s here. I’ve changed my nic.
zé

Will the current scandals make or break Italy this WC?
James

anyone knows where to watch this game? 15 mins to go, im getting desperate
Roland

We’ve had our upset for the day. Italy 4 – 2.
http://liberidallaforma.blogspot.com Antonio

Italy 3 – Ghana 2
Goals by De Rossi (2) and Toni
sol

not sure what the upset was!
watch out for Ghanas midfield!
Brandon

This was the link from the Portugual Link. None of them seem to be working but I am at work so it could be my computer.

http://www.a7lakalam.com/worldcup2006/live.htm
Futahaguro

James – Google TVAnts and download it. Then find one of the many CCTV5 streams and double click on it. Hopefully it will work.

After the US match, I could care less if they don’t get out of the group. What in the hell were they doing? They had concrete in their shoes! Run after the damn ball!
Roland

Franz Beckenbauer is the man. Gasoline well spent.
Roland

I’m referring to the first game today, but it is an arguable point.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

James ..if u r in India its on ESPN
Bidemi

wow, I have a feeling Ghana is actually Krypton. these guys are strong.
zé

The referee and the assistants are brazilian. I hope they don’t do many mistakes on this match.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Gonna go Italy, 1-0
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Wish I had the laundry contract for Italia; the way they’re flipping and flopping, I’d be washing up all day.
SOKOLATA

I ALWAYS PRAY FOR THE UNDERDOG. BESIDES, A WIN FOR LES NOUVEAUX LIKE GHANA, TOGO, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO WILL BE GREAT FOR THESE COUNTRIES…

ALL I WANT IS FOR TRINIDAD & TOBAGO TO KICK THE BULLIES ENGLAND’S ARSE (ESPECIALLY PRETTY BOY BECKS)!! LET’S SEND THE GREEN STREET HOOLIGANS HOME TO BLAIR CRYING LIKE PUCCEES…
Rino Sciani

Start the thing already
Roland

The pace is intense so far. Ghana looks good.
madlink

Work? What’s that? :-)
Nelson B.

I´m hoping that Italy will beat Ghana. I don´t understand why Inzaghi and del Piero won´t play at the kickoff
Roland

Italian pressure intensifying.
Roland

Good call on de rossi.
araba

SHOCKER!!! 2-0 Ghana
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

first blood for Italy…yellow will go nice with their blue :)
Roland

Unbelievable! Ghana saved.
anthony

how do we not score there?!?!?!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

How could Italy miss that ???
Roland

Ghana goalkeeper looking very shaky.
littleguy

Sadly, the US doesn’t look close to either of these two teams. Looks like 3 games and out and maybe zero goals the way we are(nt) finishing. Oh….this is dreadful.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

When it comes to football, Italy are Europe’s American in this one sense: Overconfident, oversexed, underachieving. They’re supremely un-Italian in this respect: conservative, dull, tasteless but for the swarthy sweaty-hair look. Luckily for them they’re facing sacrificial-lamb Ghana. But don’t underestimate Italy’s magical ability to insist on 0-0 ties. (Not likely here).
More Pierre uncensored & TOTAL FOOTBALL…
Roland

I like the way Ghana is playing. Definitely holding their own.
Rino Sciani

wat the hell is going on
Lionel Messi

Watching the game online at worldcupwatcher.com

seems to be a close game
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Ratomir Dujkovic.
Serbian coach of Ghana.
First name: Ratomir.
In Serbian “Rat” is war.
“Mir” is peace.

This guy’s got internal conflict coming out the wazoo. So, unpredictability with game planning and substitution is guaranteed.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

yeah Ghana looks better than Angola
Roland

Ohhhh! Italy was so close!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Italy all over Ghana there
Luis

Where is the finishing? Should be 2 – 0
Roland

Italy weathered a great Ghana press there. This game is great!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Czechs were better than Italians
Roland

UNBELIEVABLE!!!! THE BAR!!!!
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Could it be? Ghana is doing the allegedly impossible: it’s holding off Italy, controlling the ball half the time, and just now Totti played an inexcusably slapdash act inside the Ghana box, mulling over what should have been a direct kick for goal. Instead, he gave Ghana time to set up for a successful block. Totti’s corner sailed into keeper Kingston’s hands. The Italians attack again, scrum in the middle of the Ghana box, kick feebly, again Kingston grabs it. But Italy has turned it on now. Three, four straight attacks, dumping the ball deep in the Ghana half from afar, and going for it. Ghana is against the wall. Goal Italy, at this rate, within moments.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Crossbar saves Ghana
Luis

Big News for stage 1

“Africa for real!”
Roland

The pace of this game is spectacular. Both sides going full out, the back and forth is something to watch.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

great effort by Ghana….the action is fast now
Raybron

What a wonderful match. I feel bad for the US fans who tuned out after the awful US-Czech match.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Clearly Ghana is not overawed by Italy’s reputation
Terry T.

Gee, the Ghatnaians look formidable. They should be leading. USA is cooked.
Roland

Italy fighting for its life now. Ghana is bringing it big time.
Raybron

Ghana not bowing down at all. They look confident and are countering incredibly well.
Luis

great Save!
Roland

He is so dangerous from that range.
Terry T.

Ghanaians. Ghanaians. The Azzurri bring a load too, though. USA is cooked.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Ghana goal under pressure, but great save by GK
Roland

Here comes another Totti free kick.
Roland

Italy went right back to the same play. They need to show more respect to Ghana’s defense.
Dave

so anyone with a website to watch this game on, sounds like a great game
Raybron

Ironically, E might really be the Group of Death if it weren’t for the US. Ghana have looked better than CIV (who I thought played quite well) and S&M.
pf

What an amazing game.

Ghana’s keeper needs to stay closer to his goal. This might cost them the precious goal that they can not afford!

I seriously don’t know who to cheer for — both teams are putting on quite the show!!!
Roland

I just got a good luck at the Italian fans. They look very worried.
http://asd123 Peter

ITA 2-1 GHA

if everything is normal

The “azurra” is one of the best teams here. let’s see if they demostrate it.
Roland

GOOOLLLLL!!!!! ITALIA!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

What a goal this !!!
ETucker

Dave-

you can try CDN right now (google.dr it and click on the live broadcast)…but it is really really congested right now

et
Terry T.

What a brilliant strike!
Dave

where are you people watching this game?
HELP!
Roland

Oh man, that was a heartbreaking shot of that young Ghana fan.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

the ball just kept curling in…
Raybron

There’s that lovely Italian flopping.

*pull down*
*writhe in excrutiating agony*
*yellow card*
*look up, keep going*
http://aol.com Christian

Italy just scored!!! doesn’t look good for the USA… its better if Ghana & Italy tie so only one point is gained instead of three… c’ mon GHANA!!!
pf

It had to happen…. the italian firing squad is out in full force. let’s see how (and if) Ghana answers. They definitely can not afford to give any corner kicks to Italy!
Roland

Mid distance shot on the counter attack. Ghana inexperience costs them.
Rino Sciani

sorry roland
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

top quality goals today in all the matches
http://asd123 Peter

wonderful shot!
Raybron

What is the over under on Italian Death Throes of Agony now that they are up 1-0?

I’ll say 15.
http://EstadosUnidos Terry T.

Entertaining football throughout. Don’t count the Ghanaians out.
Raybron

Good half. Will be hard to score for Ghana unless they can take better advantage of their numerous opportunities.
Roland

What do you mean sorry? I predicted Italy 4 – 2.

I’m just a sucker for underdogs.

But this is good. Because if Italy does manage to somehow get past Brazil, I’m looking forward to Spain taking them apart in the Quarterfinals.

And that’s the half. A good one.
Rino Sciani

lol get real
Terry T.

A very different Azzurri side than we’re accustomed to seeing. A pleasure to watch the combinative skill of both sides. Group E looks like the true Group of Death, with one side already assuming room temperature.
marina

l hope italy score more goal ..
http://www.melissagalitz.com Melissa

does anyone have a site/online radio station that you can listen to the game?! this is killing me!
Heike

Thanks to your blog I am getting a play by play at work! Thanks to you my fellow collegues and I are up to date with your witty take on the games! Probst!
Akbar

Agree with Terry. Both sides are playing nice entertaining football, especially Italy.

If Italy can polish the rough ends, they’re going far.
Roland

LOL

I can’t wait til the 14th…
http://asd123 Peter

I would like to know who do you predict to be the champion

for me:

Brazil
Rino Sciani

ill be here roland when del piero shows ol santiago where the ball is supposed to stay out of.if they make it that far which I doubt
http://liberidallaforma.blogspot.com Antonio

Totti non ce la fa…
http://asd123 Peter

hey people, Criterias !!!
predictions!!!!

thanks
Rino Sciani

mio culo no le fa
ETucker

Hefeweizen is soooo good.

I recommend the Pyramid Apricott Wheat (Pyramid is a San Fran brewery but with national distribution)…it is delicious!

Any bluemoon fans out there
http://aol.com Christian

A tie in the ITALY/GHANA game would be most beneficial to the US squad since the teams would only get 1 point instead of 3… so go GHANA!!!
Roland

I’m glad to hear that Rino, victory is worthless without an audience.

If you guys think you can beat La Seleccion this time, you better clone Baggio and Bergomi, you’re going to need them, lol…
Frank

maybe i can try qq-live or
pp-live
I don’t konw if there is any other way too watch this game
now i am watch the show in the education network
Roland

Man, Italy could have scored twice in the time I typed that last post.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

very good game thus far, IMO. As Ghana’s keeper comes up big again, i’m thinking this is one of the most entertaining games thus far. Sweet goal by Pirlo!
Terry T.

Contingency rules life. Expectations are fated to be thwarted. Unanticipated consequences should, paradoxically, be anticipated. Brasil is the universal favorite and thus cannot prevail. Holland or Italy, but let’s see how Azzurri do against Czechs, who didn’t have to show much against USA. They’re smart, disciplined, and talented.
Rino Sciani

hey rolly i’ll call dino zoff maybe he could play goal for spain
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Italy has shown us some good energy here and there, Luca Toni and Totti have done the job, as has Piero obviously, but it’s been a matter of splash and dash rather than sustained pressure and certain victory. Ghana’s energy on the other foot has been more sustained and full of surprises, liuke this smashing sudden strike from Essien far outside the middle of the box, forcing a fabulous save. All around one of the more entertaining games so far.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
Roland

Dig up Rossi while you’re at it. We’ll play the whole ‘82 squad and the 2006 one at the same time. It won’t make a difference.
http://aol.com Christian

Its good to b mexican-american, if one team falls u still hav another team to root for, im not giving up on USA though,i know they still have what it takes to change soccer in America
Terry T.

Well said, pierretristam.
pf

Ze..

btw.. the ref seems to be quite fair.

Too bad he won’t be refing the finals!! ;-)
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

No wonder the US team lost: President Bush, ESPN commentator just said, called the team before the game. What else do you need to be deflated? He probably thought they were playing the kind of football they play in Houston.
Pierre Uncensored… http://www.pierretristam.com
Frank

The result is till in doubt.
Totti had hurt
Ghana is becoming much more
precise than the first half
Terry T.

Italy now conceding too much midfield space. Ghana will break through.
Terry T.

Knock knock knock.
ETucker

Christian-

being mexican-american is the best until they play against one another…which hopefully will never happen again in the World Cup (qualifiers is okay, because they always split)
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

At this point in the game we don’t quite have a second-half lull, Ghana won’t let that happen, but we do have an Italy side that has fallen back to its old Italian dullard ways of squashing down and playing like a heavy wet sponge in back of its own end. If Ghana’s Essien keeps getting fed those balls, even from far out, he’s going to land one of those in back of the Italian net.

TOTAL FOOTBALL UNCENSORED http://www.pierretristam.com
ETucker

30 minutes to play and Italy is already putting up the defensive wall?

Interesting…of course, they have won three world cups playin like this (but two of them before World War Two)
Roland

Fantastic save!
Rino Sciani

the 82 team could beat spain right now,If they could get out of the rest home
ETucker

I hope Asamoah and Essien both get booked this game AND the next game…then the US would have a hope of tying at least one game…
Terry T.

Au contraire. Iaquinta replacing replacing Gilardino means Azzurri looking for two-goal cushion. But Kingston is brilliant today.
Roland

Barely offsides. Italy looking to put Ghana away.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

i like the way italians are running
Raybron

I wonder if Adu wishes he would have retained his Ghanaian citizenship at least until the end of this Cup.
pf

with amoah out now the game might just get better.. ;-)

franky, I wasn’t that impressed today with the man behind the legend.
bande

Is anyone out there using http://www.satellitepcchannels.com/ ? Is this for real and can you really watch the games for $30
Roland

Hah! Maybe if the Spanish team bus falls off a mountain on the way to the match.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

OK, I have to agree with 58 million Italians here: it was too close to call an off-side on an Italian break-away, and the rule book says: when in doubt, abstain from raising the flag. The line judges always read that rule backward. They’re as itchy to use their flag as trigger happy cops are itchy to use their Tasers. It immobilizes games, to no one’s pleasure but the line judge (and the defense).
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
Roland

Italy looked confused on defense there. Lucky not to be tied.
Terry T.

A brutal obstruction, play on. Augh. Should’ve been a penalty.
Raybron

Wow that should have been a penalty for Ghana.
Rino Sciani

if they had a bus
Roland

Well, maybe the Italians need to escape mighty Ghana before we determine if they’re ready to make it to the quarterfinals.

And our bus may have been stolen by that Sicilian, but I can assure you, we’re going to get it back.
Raybron

Hahahahahahahaha omg classic Italy fake agony.

Flag was up, idiot.
pf

speaking of 1982

Can we replace the polish team while we are at it? They used to be so much better (ha!)
Heike

lmao how can u refrain from typing an n!!!!!!
Terry T.

Appiah working his ass off, coming back into the corner to win the ball.

Was that truly offside?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

we are on game 11 and still not one penalty…i wonder why
Rino Sciani

its the bus we use,but we dont let the sicilian drive.
madlink

Speaking of offsides, I have seen
some pretty awful offsides calls
so far in the World Cup. The
linesmen need to be reminded just
exactly what offsides means.
Raybron

Ghana denied another possible penalty. Wish I had seen another replay to see if it was a flop.
Roland

Wow, it shows that most of Ghana’s team play in the Italian League. They’re dangerous.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

nice try Ghana !
Terry T.

Brazilian referee apparently has wager in for Italy.

This one should end 1-1.
Raybron

I will say right now this deserves to be 1-1; Italy will be very lucky to cling.
Karl

Penalty for Ghana please!!
hilary

Hi, who will tell me what CAPS are when they show the stats of a player?
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

A Ghanian player is taken down, tripped, smashed by an Italian player in the box, and the ref shakes his finger no no no! what the blessed virgin’s frock! Botched call, bitchy response, Ghana has the right to an uprising now.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
Roland

There it is. About time.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

that was a long awaited GOAL !!!
Rino Sciani

here comes the man
Raybron

Too bad for Ghana. One too many defensive lapses but they played to win, so I salute their effort.
Terry T.

Caps represent number of appearances for national side.
Frank

Ghana needs more cooperation and bravery
oh my god
one more lose
Trav

Hilary – a player earns a cap for each international game they play for their home country.
saeed

sorry little late… but download this player

http://www.shareup.com/TVUPlayer-download-47142.html

you can watch all the games live. Enjoy!
pf

really poor play by Ghana’s defense. Sadly, they deserved that one. :-(
Terry T.

Finito.
Roland

Ghana has played valiantly, but in truth Italy should have scored at least two more by now. Team Italy lucky they weren’t made to pay for their mistakes.
Raybron

I can’t wait to see the US get destroyed by these teams. I guess it’s good they deflated the fans’ hope completely w/ the pitiful performance against the Czechs b/c they truly have no chance in this group.
Roland

But then luck is an Italian specialty in the World Cup…
Rino Sciani

there goes the african sambra lol
hilary

THank you Terry and Trav for answering my question. Hilary
Brandon

Wow. I made it home from work to catch at least one goal scored today. Good job Italy.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

we have seen two good teams in top form today – Czechs and Italians
Roland

Great fun everyone! Look forward to tomorrow. Rino, don’t forget to show up for our victory march;) C-Ya!
Rino Sciani

hey rolly see u at the spain italy game can’t wait
littleguy

Italy is going to destroy the US based on what we’ve seen today, Italy 4 US 0, Ghana 2 US 0 Arena gets a nice A League job somewhere away from US Soccer
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Italy vs CZE….that will be a match to die for !
Matt

http://www.cctv.com/sports/01/index.shtml

I am watcing it on this site
Karl

Why are the African teams getting cut short when it comes to penalties in their favor? We saw it with Angola and now Ghana is getting the shorthand when it comes to calls. Booooooooo…
Dan

Italy needs to stop pretending like their leg is broken after every tackle. It really gets annoying.
Lainary

Go Italy, go! No mercy for Ghana – most disrespectful team on this WC so far.
Rino Sciani

wat calls, goals are wat count excuses are like a holes everybodys got one
Trav

A dreadful day for my World Cup pool. Tomorrow is another day (it better be). I hope…
amina

Ghana did better than i thought. WHo do you think will win the Ghana v. U.S match?
Terry T.

A valiant performance by Ghana. Non-Euros acquitting themselves well in this Cup, with one gigantic exception. USA the only team to offer no competition whatsoever, with possible exception of Costa Rica, which laid back for entire match and played to counterattack (and finished 2 of 4 tries).
hilary

Anyone tell me about the ball? How long have they been playing with that kind of ball? It’s not round is it?
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Ghana did not play badly. This game is over, but these black stars can beat the United States, and they will even have a good chance against the Czechs if they play like this for their next two games–and if they manage to calibrate Essien’s shots about five to eight yards closer in. Italy was good here and there, nice energy, but still lacking in the sort of team play that can take them all the way. Flash without depth for now (as opposed to Brazil’s Flash AND depth). This group is nowhere near decided despite Italy and Czech atop it with three points each.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
Rino Sciani

Moldovia is cool
pf

Sadly, acting is part of fighting for the ball too!

No offense to Paraguay, but they are holding the WC 2006 trophy for best acting so far. Or is it the oscars that they are aiming for?
Lainary

If i were a refery i would have shown a red card for whole Ghana team )
Frank

game over
Italy win the game
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Impressive Italy
Rino Sciani

black stars lol
hilary

I love this commerical it’s my favorite commerical of all time
Terry T.

Italy got away with murder. Almost inconceivable that it committed only 8 fouls to Ghana’s 22.
amina

Italy played a good game — i hoped for an upset, but italy deserved their win– but only by a little.

With a little more experience, the Ghanaian can match the Italian team. They are athletic and spirited and had more energy than the Ivorian team.

I see it being Italy and Czech from this group. Lets wait and see though
Rino Sciani

terry terry terry always next cup
Sam

hilary, the ball is very round. Too round, according to some. Search “world cup ball” or something on Google News
http://www.melissagalitz.com Melissa

wow, how disappointing. not only was my prediction wrong, but usa didn’t get its’ tie. how sad.
Sam

Amazing all the Italy haters from the States. Nothing to do with Italy and CR being the favorites to win the group, right?
Terry T.

Next cup? The future is now. A grim, disastrous day for US program.
amina

I watched the game at a bar with tons of italians and almost got eaten alive by the Italians as they snarled at me with each cheer i gave to Ghana– lol
Rino Sciani

i dont know wat the argument is italy has the more experience.talent,drive and better coaching that the whole african continent
Terry T.

Sadly we Azzurri lovers were distraught to see US and Italy in same Group, which looked like the Group of Death on the day of the draw and looks more so today. Ghana can defeat the Czechs if they can avoid atrocious defensive miscues like the one that produced the second goal.
Raybron

My prediction is Italy 2-0 over US (since they will just sit back after going up 2-0 before the half) and Ghana 4-2 over US.
pf

Aminaa… LOL. Make sure that they don’t know where you live!

Wonderful game, amazing effort by both teams. As in any world cup, sometimes a tiny mistake will cost you the cup. No matter who advances or stays, the teams deserve some respect for a game of champions!

(applause!)
Sam

And you’ve been commenting from a bar?
Terry T.

Well said, pf. One of the most entertaining, creative, exciting matches of Cup so far.
Raybron

imo it was the match of the Cup so far, which is remarkable considering the 2-0 outcome.
amina

Sam yes —

i watched the game at lunch and took my office computer with me. lots of professionals take their laptops to lunch (they’re probably not blogging the worldcup though!)
amina

italy has the more experience and the better coaching i’m sure. I don’t think Italy has the more talent or the more drive though.
Zero

Ghana really impressed me. Some Italian scouts in Africa said theyr best players were only on midfield and also said theyr keeper was their weak point along with their defense, but actually the keeper isn’t bad at all and their midfield is very good (Essien and Appiah were great tonight)

Now let’s what we can do with US
Pogue Maghon

Nice job by both sides. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Italy play so well with a lead before. Very enjoyable match.

The US should be quite fresh for the Italian game, since they expended no energy against the Czechs today. Or will we keep saving up our energy until the Ghana game?
http://www.worldcupblog.org/daily-wrap-up/june-12-the-daily-world-cup-wrap.html June 12: The Daily World Cup Wrap – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] Italy vs Ghana | LiveBlog [...]
sylvestre

i want tge refery to be honest on africa time,because is like every africa time play ther is to much yelow card,and to much fever for other time.
http://www.voodoo4football.com VooDoo

Africa involved into results of World Cup 2006.
According to unexpected results of the football matches, african magicians are working hard in their magic area.
See the results on http://www.voodoo4football.com
Is it possible in our modern life?
michel platini

i anticipate that the czech – italy game on the 22nd will be the best game of the group stages.

the team that loses plays brazil. yikes
LordKrandel

Sincerly… USA suck at football. They are Basket and Baseball masters and American Football too, but leave football to brasil, italy, sweden, england etc…
http://zip.blogsome.com jilal

Ghana c’est une bel equipe elle fera la surprise
http://www.yahoo.com akhtar

world cup does not come in uae
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006 Ernest Afrane

WE SHOULD ALL PUT OUR FLAGS UP AND SUPPORT GHANA BLACK STAR TEAM TODAY!!! LET’S HOPE THEY DO US ALL PROUD!!