LiveBlog: Italy vs Ukraine

June 30th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

Italy finished with an impressive win against Ukraine in their quarterfinal match. An early goal set the tone for Italy and helped to secure a spot for them in the World Cup’s final four. You can read the play-by-play below and leave your thoughts and comments about the game and the two teams.

Final: Italy 3-0 Ukraine

Full time It is all over in Hamburg. Italy comes out on top and punches their ticket to the semifinals where they will take on Germany. It was a commanding performance from the Azzurri against a Ukraine team that might have overachieved to make it to the final 8. Italy’s defense continues to put the lock on its opponents, yielding just one goal in five games.

89:23 Sheva goes diving in the box, but he should just worry about packing the bags and going home to his lovely wife. No call from the ref.

88:04 The referee did a nice job tonight. There. I said it.

87:35 The beer is out. Time to turn out the lights on this game. Maybe the Belgian ref will implement a reverse injury time to spare us all the next three minutes.

86:16 Italy hasn’t missed Nesta or De Rossi a bit in this game. Belik gets a head on one but Buffon isn’t going to let a shot like that beat him tonight.

84:04 Credit to Ukraine for making the quarterfinals, but really, did you think they were one of the top 8 teams in this competition? I didn’t.

82:49 Totti in the box but he is unable to put in a fourth goal. Maybe he was just being nice and saving Ukraine further pain.

81:12 All in all, this hasn’t been a bad day of World Cup football. We saw a penalty shootout after an entertaining first game and now we are seeing Italy showing its class. Tomorrow promises to be a good one too. I think I will keep watching this World Cup thing. At least for another week or so.

79:39 Free kick from Sheva from long range and Buffon is more than up to the task. Buffon has had a good second half after seeing no action in the first 45.

78:45 Blokhin shown looking at his watch. It looks like he wants this one to end so he can go party in Berlin. Oh wait, that is me. Carry on….

77:34 Public service announcement: We have liveblogged every game thus far so we aren’t going to stop now. Join us again tomorrow for a pair of interesting and exciting games. Same bat time, same bat channel. Thank you.

76:23 I think if you told Ukraine they would make the final 8 before the tournament started they would have been happy with that. Gattuso off for Italy and Zaccardo on. Lippi has used his three subs.

75:12 Italy now with nine goals in the tournament. They have only yielded one, an own goal against the United States in the opening round.

73:34 Hasn’t taken long for the chant of “Italy, you’re next” to start on the streets of Berlin. The way the Azzurri have played tonight I think the Germans might be in for a dogfight in Dortmund.

71:23 Ukraine’s World Cup debut likely to have but 20 minutes left. The second Italy goal really killed their chances to get back in the game. Olekcil Byelik coming in for Artem Milevskyy as Ukraine is looking for someone to provide a late game offensive spark. Ukraine has used all three subs.

70:02 Zambrotta made an excellent move to leave his defender behind and his touch pass to Toni made it easy for the striker to get his second of the match.

68:34 GOALLLL!!! Zambrotta sets up Luca Toni who simply has to direct the ball into an open Ukraine net. Italy headed to the final four.

67:12 Italy set to bring in two players off the bench. Yellow card shown to Milevskyy. Pirlo and Camoranesi off and Barone and Oddo on.

65:23 For the first 10 minutes of the second half it looked like Ukraine would have a chance but Buffon came up big and as has been the case this tournament the Azzurri took advantage of their chance. Camoranesi down on the pitch after running into the knee of a defender while trying to get a call in the box.

63:12 The Italy team we have seen tonight has played enjoyable football and would give Germany a run for their money in the semifinals. Ukraine still has time but not many people are rushing out to bet their pensions on a comeback.

61:45 Gusin with a header that goes off the crossbar. What a turn of events. Ukraine was this close to getting the equalizer and then Italy puts in a second goal.

61:02 Toni has been all around the goal this tournament and he finally gets his name in the books for scoring a World Cup goal. This one might be all but over with 30 minutes still left.

58:33 GOALLLLL!!! Luca Toni heads in a cross from Totti. Good finish.

58:12 Ukraine with a pair of great chances. Gusiev with a blast in the box that Buffon saves and the rebound is saved by the Italy defense on the line. This one isn’t over yet, folks.

55:34 Totti taken down outside the box and Italy with a good opportunity on a free kick. Perrota chips it in to Toni who is unable to get it on goal. Nice set play from the Azzurri.

54:45 Italy has weathered an initial attack by Ukraine and is back to muddling up things in the midfield. Totti gets off a shot and it is easily saved.

52:23 When Zambrotta is allowed to make runs forward for Italy it makes things that much more interesting. Italy with a pair of back heel passes at midfield and for a second there I thought I was watching the 1970 Brazil team. Back to reality, Ukraine trying to scratch back into the game.

51:23 Ukraine clearly got the memo at halftime that they need to play in their offensive end to score and that a goal is somewhat important to them this game. Buffon showed his class on the save from an solid header.

49:38 Buffon holding his head after he makes an excellent save against the post from a header shot from Gusin. Ukraine’s best chance yet.

48:40 Kalinichenko with a nice cross for Ukraine and the Italian defender almost sends it on goal. Ukraine showing signs of life to start the half.

48:12 Barzagli is down now for Italy but his reproductive abilities are not in jeopardy. He limps it off. Rough start for the players. Stay safe, kids.

46:23 Cannavaro takes a shot from the ball in, well, his reproductive area. There is no amount of magic spray that will make him sing anything other than soprano.

45:24 No changes from either side at the half. Ukraine has used two of their three subs and Italy has not used any. Same liveblogger here but we have a couple more standing by if I break a finger or something.

45:01 We are back underway in Hamburg with Italy leading Ukraine by a goal. The Azzurri are 45 minutes away from a semifinal showdown with Germany, but Ukraine still has something to say about things. Thanks again for joining me. Your comments are appreciated and your readership will earn you all medals of honor.

Halftime stats Ukraine leads possession 58-42%, both teams with three shots, neither team has a corner kick and Ukraine has picked up the game’s only two cautions. One beer down, another one in reserve and waiting to be enjoyed while I watch Lehmann’s penalty kick save for the 1,600,089th time on German television.

Halftime An early goal by Zambrotta has put Italy up at halftime. The Azzurri have been in control for most of the game and Ukraine will have their work cut out for them to get an equalizer. I’m going to go join the riot in Berlin. I’ll probably be back for the second half. Go ahead and leave your thoughts about the first half.

45 Vladislav Vashchuk on for Rusol as Blokhin is forced to make his second substitution of the match. All that magic spray and it still didn’t heal Rusol.

44:45 Rusol on the ground with his right boot off and he is getting a healthy dose of the magic spray. Wow, they are using a whole can. The ozone layer above Hamburg is not so happy right now. His foot is in tough shape but he is able to walk off under his own power.

44:02 Oleg Shelayev with a shot for Ukraine but it had no shot on going in. Lippi looking like he needs a halftime nap.

43:37 Anyone know the font Italy uses on their kits? I find it next to impossible to read, but I am dim witted that way. Italy with 2 shots on goal, Ukraine with 1.

41:32 Sheva with a shot that deflects off of Canavaro but Buffon is able to track it down. Sheva comes up limping a bit but appears to be fine, well as fine as someone who essentially has the weight of the world on his legs right now.

39:54 Italy attack looking beautiful in the midfield but breaking down in the final third. This is a much different Italy team tonight and one worth watching. Ukraine struggling to keep up.

37:56 Maybe they will call this one at halftime so I can go outside and burn cars and stuff as Berlin continues to celebrate Germany’s victory. Italy on the attack and Gattuso is stood up by the Ukraine defense, which is not having a bad game.

36:34 Italy with the 56-44% possession edge and more importantly the edge on the scoreboard. Free kick for Ukraine from wide of the box. It goes in and is booted away by about 27 Italy players.

35:02 Italy spending a lot of time on the ground but it is mostly earned. Not a lot of diving in this one to this point. In swinger on the free kick is cleared away by the Ukraine defense.

32:45 Anatoliy Tymoshyuk shows Ukraine is alive with a shot that goes wide of the goal. You have to shoot to score. At least that is what my coach told me when I was 6.

32:33 Perrotta down after banging knees with the Ukraine defense. That one hurts for about 25 seconds and then it isn’t too bad. Even though we are only one goal difference here this one has the feeling that it is over. Ukraine has plenty of time to prove us wrong.

30:46 You and I both have had as much work this game as Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon. He gets a front row seat to a World Cup quarterfinal. Lucky guy.

29:54 Luca Toni with his best Ronaldinho impression flicks on the ball but Totti is not able to get there in time. Blokhin looking nonplussed on the Ukraine bench. Maybe he will insert himself into the game in the next half. He might be the only one to crack Italy’s defense.

27:37 Ukraine finally gets it to their offensive box but they are met by a wall of blue shirts. Italy has only given up one goal in four games and there is a reason why. They are pretty nifty back there.

26:03 Barzagli and Sheva battle for the ball and it is the Azzurri player who comes out on top. Gattuso down after etting stepped on. His arm is looking a bit tender. He walks off without the aid of a stretcher, cruches or a wheelchair.

24:45 Ukraine having little success with the ball. Somewhere Switzerland is at home saying that they could play this poorly against Italy too.

22:54 Zambrotta has made a case for being on the all-tournament team with his play the last few games. There is a scrum in the box in front of the Ukraine goal but Perrota’s little fall to the ground is met with scorn by the ref.

21:12 An early goal from Zambrotta has put Italy in the lead and in control of the early run of play. Maksim Kalinichenko shown a yellow for a silly foul and Nedved-like hair.

19:23 Blokhin sporting his trademark track suit. He is going for an early sub putting in forward Andriy Vorobey for defender Vyacheslav Sviderskyy. He realizes he needs to beef up his attack.

17:34 A much different Italy team than the one that played in a defensive bunker against Australia. They are still organized in the back but are more willing to pressure the ball and go for the attack. Maybe Lippi read your comments after that game.

15:59 Totti with a long range free kick that is collected easily by the Ukraine keeper.

15:56 Ukraine without a shot on goal this game. Italy has jumped on things early and is playing like the more confident team. Yellow card shown to Vyacheslav Sviderskyy. Try saying that name three times.

14:12 Crowd with a nice round of Deutchland, Deutchland. Gatusso is down on the pitch and looking unhappy about the state of his health. A bit of magic rub has him up and walking again.

13:21 The referee tonight is from Belgium. He has not shown a card but now that the crowd is doing the wave he might give a caution to the 50,000 spectators. Lots of long balls and that is about it.

11:51 The president of Ukraine sitting in the stands looking like he would after a 20-hour session of parliment. Italy is much more fun to watch when Totti and Toni are paired together up front.

10:34 Ukraine fans trying to rally their lads. What a tough way to start a big game playing against a team that has a reputation for being a killer when it leads. Still a long way to go and this will force Ukraine to push forward. Some fans insist in chanting Lukas Podolski. He doesn’t appear to be on either team’s roster.

8:32 That goal even got Lippi jumping in the air. Didn’t think that was physically possible. We’ll see how content Italy will be sitting on the lead or whether they want to get another one. So far they seem buyoed by the goal and remain on the attack.

7:12 Zambrotta sending all of Italy into a fit of joy with an early goal. The task is going to be tough now for a Ukraine team that has been lacking in the attack much of the World Cup. Italy is always tough playing ahead.

5:12 GOALLLLLL! Gianluca Zambrotta makes a nice run from the back and blasts in a goal with his left foot just outside the box. Great strike.

4:45 Ukraine able to move it forward but the Italy defense is lined up like the Berlin Wall in the back. Ukraine showing no signs of nerves playing in their biggest game ever.

3:42 Italy already pressuring the ball more than they did last game against Austalia in the midfield. Both teams playing fast and with the play in the middle. Mauro Camoranesi with a shot wide for Italy.

1:35 Ukraine starts on the attack but it peters out. Ukraine missing Voronin up top putting even more pressure on Sheva to do the scoring. Grosso down early but he gets up.

0:23 Beckenbauer makes it to the stadium in time for kickoff. He is sitting next to the president of Ukraine and his new bride. The dude know how to live.

Kickoff: We’re underway in Hamburg. The winner goes on to face Germany in Dortmund. The loser heads for home. Thanks for joining me for the game. Your comments are appreciated. Keep the clean, have fun and try your best to love one another. Here’s a toast to an entertaining World Cup match.

4 minute countdown: Ukraine’s turn to stand and sing. The first stanza is: “Ukraine has not perished, neither her glory, nor freedom, Upon us, fellow–Ukrainians, fate shall smile once more. Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun, And we too shall dwell, brothers, in a free land of our own.”

There you have it. Death and vanishing of enemies. Both teams are properly fired up and so am I.

6 minute countdown: Italy national anthem is played. Players sing with pride. Did you know the final line is something like: Ready to die! Italy has called!? Let’s hope no one dies tonight.

8 minute countdown: The teams are lined up in the tunnel and they are led out onto the pitch. Ukraine wearing their yellow kits. Italy with whites shorts and a blue tops. A pleasant color combination for the eyes. Fabio Cannavaro reading something in Italian, presumably about fair play, racism, etc. Sheva doing the same in Ukrainian.

10 minute countdown: It is a cool night in Hamburg, a near perfect evening for football. There appears to be a large contingent of Italian fans in the stadium with a decent representation from Ukraine. They just showed Italy coach Marcello Lippi watching the penalty shootout from the last game. He was stoic throughout. Perhaps the only person watching who didn’t show much emotion. We’ll see how he holds up on the sideline with the equally steel glazed Oleg Blokhin on the Ukraine bench.

15 minute countdown: German television is continuing to replay the Lehmann save. You wouldn’t even know that there is another game coming up in less than a quarter of an hour. Sure this game wasn’t billed as the marquee match of the day, but it could turn out to be a dramatic, interesting contest. Ukraine is playing without the weight of the world on its shoulders. Italy always has pressure. I am usually wrong about these type of things, but I think this is going to good quarterfinal match. Either way, I’m enjoying a cold one and some good chatter with all of you.

20 minute countdown: The winner of this game knows its mission. It will have to play in Dortmund against a German team that has an entire nation behind it. We’ve already seen one game today decided by penalty kicks. Will this one follow suit? Ukraine has already won one game in this competition in a penalty shootout. Italy has taken part in more World Cup penalty shootouts than any other country. Would make for some good drama, although I’m not too sure how my heart and fingers would respond if we have back-to-back games decided by penalty kicks.

25 minute countdown: Italy and Ukraine have met on three previous occasions. The Azzurri won twice in Euro 1996 qualifying. The two teams drew 0-0 in a friendly before the start of the World Cup this year. None of that really matters today. Italy expected to make it this far. Ukraine is playing with house money. There will be no sleep in Berlin tonight as people are demonstrating just how loud car horns can be when a million are blown at the same time.

30 minute countdown: Italy will be without two players serving suspensions for cards, Daniele De Rossi who is out until the final and Marco Materazzi who must sit out this game. The Azzurri is also Alessandro Nesta who is injured. Ukraine will be without the injured Andriy Voronin and Dmytro Chygrynskyy. Here are the 22 men who will make you smile or cry at the start of the game.

Italy
1. Gianluigi Buffon, 3. Fabio Grosso, 5. Fabio Cannavaro, 6. Andrea Barzagli, 8. Ivan Gennaro Gattuso, 9. Luca Toni, 10. Francesco Totti, 16. Mauro Camoranesi, 19. Gianluca Zambrotta, 20. Simone Perrotta, 21. Andrea Pirlo

Ukraine
1. Oleksandr Shovkovski, 2. Andriy Nesmachnyi, 4. Anatoliy Tymoshyuk, 6. Andriy Rusol, 7. Andriy Shevchenko, 8. Oleg Shelayev, 9. Oleg Gusiev, 14. Andriy Gusin, 15. Artem Milevskyy, 19. Maksim Kalinichenko, 22. Vyacheslav Sviderskyy

40 minute countdown: While today’s teams have not impressed offensively, they have been quite stingy on defense. Italy has yielded just one goal in four matches, an own goal against the United States. After letting in four goals in their opening match loss against Spain, Ukraine has gone three straight games without giving up a goal. Will we see a defensive battle today? My money says yes, but after a month in Berlin I am too broke to put my money where my mouth is. Starting lineups coming your way next.

50 minute countdown: The second quarter-final of the day has not received as much hype as the first, but hopefully it will have at least some of the drama. Italy is no stranger to playing in the final 8, while Ukraine makes its debut appearance today. Neither team has exactly lit it up on attack with Italy punching in six goals and Ukraine 5. It has been a few days since I have liveblogged but I am hoping it is like riding a bicycle and I will remember how. More tidbits and starting lineups coming up in a bit. Meanwhile, I will enjoy the sounds of Berlin going ballistic with joy.

Pregame: It will be tough to top that Germany-Argentina match. Who do you think will win this one?

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Honeyman

I’d like to go on record saying Bob is my favorite blogger.

Also, I’m gonna pick a stunner!

Ukraine-1 Italy-nil
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/preview-italy-vs-ukraine.html Preview: Italy vs. Ukraine – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] Other World Cup Stuff World Cup Store World Cup Betting Mobile Phone World Cup World Cup Photos World Cup Videos World Cup Marketplace World Cup Tickets Travel to Germany Add this blog to: MyYahoo, Google, Bloglines, Home » World Cup 2006, Game Previews « Liveblog: Argentina vs. Germany | Home | LiveBlog: Italy vs Ukraine » [...]
Vin

Hello, I just wanted to post before the Worldcupblog official Italy haters club arrives and ruins any semblance of a decent discussion.

FORZA AZZURRI!

Does anybody know where the game can be seen on the web?
Chainsaw Charlie

If this one doesnt turn into a regular snoozefest, it will be one of the surprises of the WC…

Italy 1-0 or probably 5-4 in the penalties(its time that curse is lifted for the Azurri, unless its a “curse with a geas” like “Italy will always loose in penalties unless they start playing some beatifull football”. Probably not, but the world would be a slighter better place if it where true.

Still, i’m rooting for the underdog and hoping for Ukraine causing a upset.
Sam

Alright guys:

FORZA AZZURI!

I’m predicting a 2-0 victory.

I expect most of the neutrals here will be for the Ukraine, as they’re the clear underdogs. That’s ok, I’d be rooting for them too if I weren’t rooting for the Italians. Best of luck to them, but not TOO much luck…

Also, hopefully this won’t get to penalties like this morning’s game did, or this web site will crash again as our “refresh” clicks overpower their servers…

So, 2-0? Heck, maybe Italy will surprise us completely and actually play a nice, attacking game for once. If they did so, I wouldn’t be surprised with 3-1.
Amma

I am rooting for the Italians because their so handsome — at least their football players are.

At this point, all the teams i initially supported are gone. So I’m now rooting for the team with hunkiest of them all! Go Italy!!!

So what the Italians dive a lot and flip flop all over the place??

At least they look quite handsome flipping and flopping!!
SeS

I like the Ukrainian team. ^^ I saw the profile of Shevchenko on ‘World Cup Live’ last night and it was really nice. Italy is a great team and all, but Shevchenko seems to want to win it for his entire country and family.

1-0, Ukraine. I know that it’s unlikely, but one can wish.
marlboroman

VIVA UKRAYINA
SeS

Yeah, I remember the site being down earlier. It was slightly frustrating as I wanted to see the reaction to the game and subsequent fight from everyone.
Honeyman

Bob, I insist you drink a vodka shot on behalf of the decided underdog Ukrainians!
dietmar

did anyone else think angela merkel was gonna have a corenary(herzenfakt?
Andreia & Alex

Honeyman, I hear ya we’ve been missing Blogger Bob over here too
Craig

dietmar,

yes, i did :)
though i must admit, her version of jubilation is charmingly restrained.
James

Has anyone figured out what it was Bierhoff said that got Heinze’s panties all in a wad?
diego

I’ll second Honeyman’s vote of confidence.
YAY Bob!
:)
Philip

Italy will win in regulation, no extra time needed for this one. Let the hype for Germany-Italy begin!
marco

tranquilli. andiamo a vincere.
vinlondon

No one is an underdog with Italy- they could lose anytime to anyone. Painful as it is, I remain loyal…. GO AZZURRI!
Forza Italia

Forza Azzurri!!! I’m so sick of Everyone hating on Italy. I hope we Kick major Ass today…and eventually make it to the final
DSacasa

Ukraine wins by a penalty on the 93rd minute… *wishes*, Italy really doesn’t deserve to be in the quarter finals.

I’m hoping that Schevchenko will show us what he can really do.
MilesDavis

It appears the Italians will have a new player inserted for this game based on historical game strategies , Greg Louganis.
Craig

ha — “Ukraine’s Glory Has Not Perished.” Indeed.
vinlondon

I’m w/ you, Forza Italia! I would love to see them kick serious butt
Sam

Offro una Birra Morretti a tutti i tofosi del’Italia se vinciamo!
Sam

Three of our players have yellow cards tonight. We’re going to have to play cautiously…
marco

We don’t lose since 2004.
Everyone seemed to love italian way to play during these 2 years.
We beated Germany 4-1, Holland 1-0. And so on. Beware.
Matt

Bob is showing quite a display of anthem knowledge. Offical translation of Italian National Anthem follows here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/national-anthem/rome-full.html
MilesDavis

Hopefully Italy will play like uomini and not donne. My hats off to them if they do not dive and win like men.
marco

eya!!!!!!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Italian language sounds so cool. I don’t what’s cooler to hear, italian or spanish.
Kristina

Let me begin by saying “I love u Germany!” You’ve got the cutest player(s) in the WorldCup:)–Michael Ballack &co.

So…I don’t really like Italy’s rather paced style (boring)…but good luck to both teams and I hope we get to se some more PKs:))) Oh yeah (I am mean:))))!

Go Germany!
Sam

Fratelli d’Italia,
l’Italia s’è desta,
dell’elmo di Scipio
s’è cinta la testa.
Dov’è la Vittoria?
vinlondon

Leave? are you on crack? it’s the world cup!
Sam

Unfortunately, I have to leave after 50 minutes…. Please please please lets be in a good position by then. I won’t know the final score for a few hours(!)
Sam

This early pace is much better than we might have expected, with these two low-scoring teams.
MilesDavis

This looks like a good game so far only one Grosso Dive so far
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

How lucky Italy can get !
vinlondon

YES!
MilesDavis

It’s Over
Sam

vinlondon: Somehow, other people think that life -

GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

How many will Italy score ?
Sam

WWWWOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phew! Pounding heart!
Forza Italia

its not about luck..we’re the Best!!!!!
Sam

Anyway, vinlondon: Somehow, other people think that life just goes on during a world cup. Mad, I tell you.

Anyway. Amazing start, and we’re seeing a much more attacking Italy than usual. Let’s hope that we keep this up — we definately want a second goal before we sit back.
Honeyman

Right you are, Miles.

Arevadercci, Ukraine!
MilesDavis

No competition. Italy blowout. They own everything from posession to shots on goal, to Grosso academy award. Poor Ukraine you are out matched today
Sam

I can’t wait to see a replay of the Zambrotta goal. He ran at least 40 yeards.
Sam

Bob has something against the wave. I wonder why? I’ve always loved being in a wave, and it brings both sides of the crowd together…
hoa

Look like it will be Italy solo performance today!!!!
Andreia & Alex

That was a great goal. GO Italy!
vinlondon

Italy def need another one- sooner the better. 1-0 is still nerve wrecking.

Sam- you need to move to Europe! They’re much more understanding about these things here…
MilesDavis

I am doing the wave here by myself. I am waving good bye to Ukraine.
vinlondon

of course, it is 8 pm on a friday night here.
Sam

Nice to see a but of Totti action. I want to see him create some magic with Toni.

Voglio un Totti-gol per la Roma!
vinlondon

Too funny, Miles
Honeyman

I have switched from vodka and have cracked a Stella Artois. There is no way Ukraine will get back into this game on their merits and my hope lies with the Belgian referee.
Roland

To think that Spain is home watching this Ukrainian team stink up the quarterfinals is beyond unjust – it is a tragedy.
Sam

Italy is just getting so many men forward. This is a completely different team from what we normally see. No wonder Ukraine is surprised — the expected the game to be played in Italy’s half.
hoa

When is the last time Ukraine touch the ball!!! any one?
MilesDavis

There has not been this much partying in Berlin and Rome since the beginning of WWII. The Axis powers have risen from the dust of Futbol past.
vinlondon

1-0 is nothing! But Italy is looking particularly on tonight. Maybe they won’t pull their usual “OK we scored now defend for 80 min”…
pf

“…To think that Spain is home watching this Ukrainian team stink up the quarterfinals is beyond unjust – it is a tragedy…”

I agree. After 25 minutes it seems that Ukraine is outplayed. Doesn’t seem like the contender for Italy.
Sam

Italy have a really fluid formation tonight. Does anyone stay in the same place for two minutes at a time?
Chainsaw Charlie

Jesus on a Pogo Stick! Did Italy actually decided to show up for the WC?!
laura pacchini

any diving today so far?
Tom

Man, I’ve only watched the last 5 minutes but Italy looks good. Then again Ukraine aren’t the most deserving squad…
Sam

Laura: Yes, plenty in the Germany game.
vinlondon

oh totti you master
Sam

Ooh… amazing Italian buildup.
vinlondon

My worse nightmare: Germany v England
Sam

Vinlondon: I’m strongly hoping it won’t get to that, for obvious reasons.

Italy vs England, now I could live with that.
Sam

Someone’s really got it in for Gattuso…

The UK announcer I’m listening to is saying that Ukrain is getting really undiciplined.
laura pacchini

on the front of the portugese consulate in san francisco this morning someone put up a make shift english flag and wrote GO ENGLAND – pretty funny!
MilesDavis

Will the retire the cup if Germany or Brasil win their 3rd WC like they did in 1970 when Brasil got #3?
laura pacchini

sam, i have to say that i agree
GT

Tell you what… the acting in this game is no where as bad as this morning. I had too many oscars to give out, I need to restock my supply.
MilesDavis

Let the diving begin.
Time for Italy to stall for time. Ashame since the own Ukraine and do not need it.
vinlondon

If England v Italy I’ll have to camp out at Bar Italia

Ukraine are falling apart
Sam

Miles, Italy hasn’t been diving at all, as even Bob our Blogger has confirmed. Must you keep with this constant refrain?
Tom

I’d love to see an Italy/UK game. I like both teams quite a bit.
Tom

Sam, people love to beat a dead horse. So many of the teams dive on a regular basis, I’m not sure why Italy gets singled out.

Notice the “divers” are all in the top 8…
P Diddy

Germany v. Italy
Portugal v. Brasil

Germany v. Brasil
GT

Hey, I want one of those refs shirts… they are mucho cool. That Italian pressure is building up, weak midfield on the Ukraines side.
laura pacchini

bravi azzurri!
MilesDavis

Germany v. Italy
England v. Brasil

Germany .v Brasil

I will be sad for I love The Great Britain.
Andreia & Alex

I’m impressed with Italy’s play today. I’m glad they haven’t let up
Sam

Ukraine are starting to look a little better. I think they’ve stopped being quite so overwhelmed by this unexpected Italian offence.
vinlondon

I would love to see France knock out Brasil…. now THAT’S a saturday night!
thom

Aah, Bob’s back; the Germany-Argentinia blog was awful …. So is this game. The Italian shirts look like they have sweaty armpits built in.
Got a TV gadget for my comp, no reason to come back unless Bob is blogging the interesting games…
Thanks, Bob, good job so far.
MilesDavis

How can I get some of the magic spray?

That stuff picks em up better than Viagra.
laura pacchini

Bob is great to read – while I’m “supposedly” working. How can I during this game?
James

I think the font is a puma thing. Seemed that all the other sides that wore puma have the same font.
san francisco

Bob, this is the second time that you’ve mentioned you can’t read the Italian jerseys – I will do some research for you.
jen

On ESPN2 they said that all the Italians are wearing #17’s shorts and they mentioned a reason…. did anyone happen to hear why? I missed it! Please let me know. Thanks.
Sam

Yeah, I noticed Bob’s continued problem with this.

Probably not a real font. Italy has way to many unemployed designers, graphic designers and such. I’m sure someone created it for the shirts. They look ok to me.
SeS

The Italians are doing a great job so far. I loved the early goal. The Ukranian coach needs to wake his team up if he wants to advance to the semis. Even if they don’t advance though, it’s an accomplishment to have gotten this far on a WC debut.
vinlondon

Bye Sam- thx for the beer!
Tom

Gianluca Pessotto attempted suicide. His number was 17.
Sam

Jen: that sounds strange. 17 is an unlucky number in Italy, much like 13 in other places. Are you sure they didn’t say that they *weren’t* wearing 17?
san francisco

I’m with you Sam on the shirts. Is the goal keeper wearing his gold? I love that.
jen

Thanks!
MilesDavis

Must have been the Juventus Game fixing Scandal.
Sam

Tom: Ah, thanks. I guess 17 really *is* an unlucky number…
marco

It’s awful not to see the match with my fellows!!!! Chickenpox!
san francisco

Does anyone remember why 17 is unlucky in Italy. Sam is right about that.
James

I think the font is a puma thing. Seemed that all the other sides that wore puma have the same font
Sam

Darn darn darn. Have to go now, and miss most of the second half. Maybe I’ll be able to check the score in half an hour, and then I have to go again before the end…

Terrible!

I was really hoping to have two goals securly under the belt before I had to leave… Someone finish my Peroni for me!
marco

absolutely unlucky. I think Simone Barone wears it.
Tom

Marco, da dove siete?
san francisco

17 was Pessotto’s number for Juventus – that is why they are wearing it.
marco

porto san giorgio 18000 inhab. Central eastern coast. It’s delightful at the moment. We’ve got turism.
Chainsaw Charlie

Man, Italy is really playing a fluid, controling game. great possesion and that midfield, man, when they turn it on they REALLY turn it on. Their passing accuracy must be around 85% or something. Although they like some depth in the lines because of the “looseness” of the midfield, which might explain the lack of shots on goal. Great game by Camoranessi, Perrota and Zambrotta. Toni seems the odd duck out thought
san francisco

marco, mi dispiace per te – - comunque azzurri fanno bravissimi adesso!
marco

no…pessotto’s number is 7. I definitely think it’s Barone’s number.
Tom

Ah, buono! :) Miei nonna e nonna hanno una casa in Sicilia.
http://www.angeloabruzzese Angelo Abruzzese

Don’t start running before the Starting whistle folks. We are up 1-0 but nothing is cemented in stone just yet.

I don’t care if we are in control without that assurance goal anything can happen.

Can’t wait to get home to watch this on the DVR.
Keat

italy rules…
will hit 1 more goal in the second half !!!!

italy Ukraine
2 – 0
san francisco

i don’t know – my husband is torinese and 10,000% a juve fan – he insists it is 17
san francisco

Dove in Sicilia, Tom?
marco

you have to know that we actually wanted to spare efforts for most important matches.
The fact that we finished in 10 against australia complicated everything.
I would really like they slow down, even if I have bet on Italy’s win more than one goal.
MilesDavis

ouch
ETucker

If there is divine justice, then Ukraine will get a bogus penalty call.

I believe in Karma from game to game…and Italy needs to be worried!
Tom

Siracusa
marco

David Trezeguet is 17.
vinlondon

oh man. I need a drink
pf

It’s not a good day to be a goalie…
Honeyman

I haven’t seen so many Italians drop at one time since the third season of The Sopranos.
hoa

that hurts!!
marco

I love this. Catenaccio and contropiede.
ETucker

Argentina tried to win 1-0 earlier today….but then again, the 1-0 is Italy’s forte.

I bet they pull it out.

FORZA ITALIA
hoa

Ukranie is not going away just yet!!!
Roland

Hey, it almost looks like Ukriane realizes this is a qurterfinals all of a sudden.
Sam

GOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!!!!!

I came back in the nick of time! What timing! Good job by Toni too…
hoa

I think Ukraine was asleep during the 1st half due to the over $8 millon award they got after their last win. But they are awake now, it is a good thing.

P.S.: Ukraine fans! don’t be upset, I was just kidding.
vinlondon

omygod I will not survive this
GT

Now that was a good attack.. problem is .. no GOAL!
Roland

Actually it was offsides, but it wasn’t called.
marco

Great! I love it
Tom

Damn, Buffon is awesome.
hoa

Italy is blessed today.
marco

I LOVE IT!!!!! ITALIA
GT

… and Italy closes the door. Can you hear the lock click!
Andreia & Alex

GOOOOOLLLL, Love me some Univision
Roland

Oh man, that set piece defense was even worse than England’s!
vinlondon

TONI YES!!!!!!!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Uhn.. are they really wearing #17 shorts? I see normal numbers on them.
GT

Funny thing, that was another header. I think today is the day of the head.
matthew

Germany vs. Italy
England vs. France

Germany vs. England
Sam

Wow… My “goal” comment went way up on the message board. Perhpas I was psychic?
Andreia & Alex

I actually thought Ukraine was going to get a goal when they were down at the other end though…
hoa

The defense was just really really bad!!
Andreia & Alex

The #17 seems to be on the other side of the shorts than their regular number (It is smaller than their regular number)

We have a small TV though so it could be we’re seeing things…
WOO HOO

Italy are kinda lucky here.
Tom

Wow, Italy can’t let up.
norm

Oh no…as an Australian,looking at this game now makes that loss to Italy hurt even more. I think Australia would have done well against Ukraine! :(
Vin

Luca Toni!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY!!!!!!!!
ETucker

Italy are masters of the suckerpunch.
pf

There seems to be some kind of a number on their right leg…. is it 17?
Sam

ALLEEE, ALLE ALLE ALLEEEE…

FORZA AZZURRI! Toni, you are a beautiful, beautiful man.
GT

Might as well start the party. We know who got this game. Pity though they’ve scored so many. Now the excitement will drop.

Viva Brasil!!
Sam

Clear foul on Cameranesi. The commentators are shocked.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

pf: hah, I was wondering if that was the source of confusion. It’s their football association symbol (the same from their chest), AND it looks like 17 from a distance. :)

I saw a close replay here and thought “hm yes.. they have the #17 there.. but wait? there’s a #3 the other side!”
marco

how many penalties were worth on Camoranesi for you?
hoa

If Italy win this game after the 90 mins. They will definitely have a better edge physically over Germany for the sem-final match!
matthew

why are my posts going up like 10 posts previous to when i post them?

Germany vs. Italy
England vs. France

Germany vs. England
matthew

If Italy win this game after the 90 mins. They will definitely have a better edge cheatingly over Germany for the sem-final match!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Matthew: it happens all the time when people are posting too fast :)

Wow, 3-0
marco

grande italia. che ne dite amici miei?
Sam

Matthew: this server is weird. But didn’t you just post that exact same post half an hour ago?
victoriaronaldo

GOOO ITALLYYYYY
WOHOOOOOOOOOO

BEAT GERMANY AT THE SAMI FINALS
vinlondon

yeah, the posts are doing that once in awhile…. Germany v England?! Noooooooo- oh YESSSSS! goal!!!!!
pf

Ze, I have to agree… now after a replay of a foul, it’s clear that it is not a number but some kind of insignia.

So you are probably right, that could be a source of confusion.

I guess we can say that they are wearing pink underwear and have the entire world focus on that! Urban myth in the making!
hoa

What an effort from Zambrotta!
vinlondon

Italia I love you for not punishing us tonight!!
Tom

Italy Vs. Germany on the 4th of July? I’ll be eating hamburgers and screaming loudly!
matthew

Sam: I posted that 20 seconds before the second one. I was surprised once I looked and it was above all the comments I had read just before writing the 1st one. Thanks though.
Sam

Hoa: Italy have also have a lot of good player resting on the bench tonight. I think they’re saving their strength for Germany.
Sam

GGOOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!!!

Stupid 15 second rule on posting! I’ve been trying to post this for three minutes!

Dominating!
Vin

HE’S ALIIIIIIVVEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Luca Toni Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The floodgates have opened.
pwnawannab

Great – Ukrain-Spain allover again
Tom

I wonder if Brazil will fall to a surging French team…
vinlondon

Maybe now that they’ve done it, Italy will try to score more than once in the rest of the matches
SAMI~xoxox

THIS GAME IS DOPE~ AWWWWWWWWW YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY VIC~ WE’RE WINNNING~ SOOORY UKRAINE~ LUVERZ~
Sam

Questa e une squadra bellissima! Che gioia!
Cancer

UKR 0 – 3 ITA

Italy is meeting Germany in Semi finals
victoriacristianoronaldo

YAY SAMIRA ITALY WINSSSSSSSSss

WOHOOO

VIVA ITALIAAAAa
Tujeni

Semifinals:
Germany vs. Italy ; 2-0
France vs. Protugal; 1-0

Finals:
Germany vs. France; 0-1

Why? Because Germany kicked Italy’s b$##, and Portugal dissapointed the Queen’s men.
Also France outplayed the amazing Amazonians, and Italy outclassed the Ural Mt. dwellers.
And Finally, the sophisticated French were just too good for the brutes from Bavaria.

And there, in a nutshell, you have it…
ETucker

Italy vs. Germany is going to be an amazing match.
Andreia & Alex

Ze, thanks for the info on the 17….(Now that I’ve discovered World Cup, we need to discover a larger tv)
Forza Italia

IN YOUR FACE BITC$%^!!!! 3-0 VIVA ITALIA!!!!!!
P Diddy

Brasil will clean house with Les Blues.

Beckham won’t be able to carry England past this round.

The final stage has been set with the German win over Argentina. Now the games before the final is for our entertainment, Brasil v. Germany in the final.
ETucker

Italy and Brazil have been the most impressive so far…both have clinical finishing.
Sam

Well. I did say right at the begining that if Italy were to play offence thnat they’d put away three goals.

Italy came attacking right out of the gate, and guess what we have? Three goals!

Oh please please please play like this against the Germans, and don’t fall back to your old defensive style!

I think Italy have a very strong chance against the Germans.
Tujeni

Dream on, just because you’re running over the coal miners doesn’t mean you are going to the finals. GERMANY will kick ITALY’s #%$$, period!
hoa

After today the WORLD Cup = (Europe + Brazil) Cup.
Sam

“Germany kicked Italy’s b$##”

How many years ago was that then?
Honeyman

Tom,

Perkerman just resigned.
EL GUAPO

BRAZIL ALL THE WAY.
I love ITALIA, but Brazil will beat Germany in the final.
Viva ITALIA.
By the way, Español suena mas sexy.
Spanish is do DARN SEXY.
But I love my Italian WIFE AND DAUHGTHER (MI FRANCESCA TE AMO)
Tujeni

France will prove that age doesn’t matter! Vive la France!!!!!!!!!
Tom

If Italy plays this way against Germany they have a great shot at putting them away.

Argentina lost because of their coach, plain and simple. They got up a goal and played defense, subbing out their players for mediocre defenders.
Tujeni

Italy has been very lucky so far. With their diving skills, which are worldclass I may add, they were very fortunate up to now. They’ll face real men now, and they will go down!. Germany will show them! Deutschland uber alles!!!!!!!!!!!!
vinlondon

Luck? you call that save luck? Tujeni you aren’t watching the match!
Tom

Tujeni, Germany dove big time today. Try again.
EL GUAPO

DUSHLAND will loose!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VIVA ITALIA.

FRANCESCA MO A CHUISLE MO CHROI
hoa

Italy just simply outmatched Ukraine today.

Schevchenko did not play well despite all the hype about him. I guess it may be due to the fact that he just came off injury before the cup or he had a better support at AC Milan.

I would love to see how he play at Chelsea.
Tujeni

I agree there was a bit of amateurish diving from the German side today, because they felt everyone else is doing it, why not them? Nevertheless, no other team can beat Italy – in DIVING!
ETucker

Italy may not have faced traditional soccer powers, but Ghana and the Czech Republic aren’t exactly pushovers.

They just had a difficult group, so in the second round they were rewarded with some easier draws (not easy…no team is easy at this stage)
Tom

Uh, Tujeni, your logic is mind boggling. And by mind boggling I mean retarded.
Tujeni

The second goal against Ghana was practically a give away from Ghana. That mistake sealed Ghana’s fate – they are ones who should be playing the mountaineers right now.
vinlondon

Tujeni now you’re just talking rubbish. Have another drink and chill
Forza Italia

Bob your Great! you make not being able to watch the game not so bad-Thanks!
Tom

Tujeni, are you kidding me? Ghana lost 2-0. How the hell does that make Ghana the rightful semifinalists?
SAMI~xoxox

VIC ~ YOR PREDICTIONS HAVE BEEN RIGHT SO FAR~
DAMN ITALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~ BABY~
vinlondon

Italy v Germany! shit, what have we done?

GO ITALIA!
EL GUAPO

HEY Tujeni!
GERMANY SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
SORRY, I COULD NOT HELP IT.

GERMANY SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
SORRY, I COULD NOT HELP IT.

GERMANY SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
SORRY, I COULD NOT HELP IT.

EL GUAPO AND ITALIA RULE
Tujeni

The Queens’s men should stay out of this, this is real business we are talking about now!
vinlondon

oops sorry for swearing, bob
Amma

but the french will win the cup.
hoa

Italy played well and deserved their victory. It is nice to see them coming off attacking, going against their tradition of heavy defense.

Ukraine was unlucky with some of the chances they had. But they still had a great experience in this cup overall IMO.

It was nice seeing players exchanging shirts, shaking hands at the end instead of throwing punches and kicks and all yelling, shouting at the end of Germany and Argentina match.
Tom

This is a tough game to gauge. Spain whooped Ukraine 4-0. Ukraine couldn’t do anything against a not-so-good Swiss team.

Hmm…
Tujeni

We are digressing here…GERMANY will kick Italy’s behind, and then FRANCE will outplay the Germans for the Cup. And that’s the truth!
P Diddy

You guys cant be serious with your predictions…!!

Brasil v. Germany in the final. No doubt.
SAMI~xoxox

HAHHAHAAHAH I AGREEE WITH EL GUAPO YA BABY~ HAHAHAH AWWWWW GERMANY SAY BUBYE~ TO YOUR CHANCE’Z LOL WE HAVE THE BEST GOALY NUMBER #1 IN THE WORLD ~
victoriacristianoronaldo

yayayayay
SEMI FINALS

GERMANY VS ITALIA
PORTUGAL VS BRASIL

FINALE

ITALIA VS PORTUGAL

WORLD CUP WINNER:

FORCA PORTUGAL
Vico

The rigful semifinalist(s) is whoever advanced to the second round and wins their match. Period. There should never be any “oh they deserved to win, or if it hadn’t been for this or if they had just scored then…” comments. Futbol is simply about winning by scoring more goeals than your opponet! Ghana just weren’t able to find the net enough times.
Tom

Vico, well said.
SRP

I think Italy vs. Germany will be a interesting game. A little rough maybe, but worth watching.
victoriacristianoronaldo

hahaha EL GUAPO UR soo funnny are u really EL GUAPO
Tujeni

Italy should thank their stars that Ghana was demoralized by the second own goal! They don’t deserve to be around still. But Germany will take care of that mistake. Go Germany!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EL GUAPO

HEY Tujeni!

YOU AND YOUR DUSHLAND GERMANY SUCK! THE WAY NOONE EVER SUCK BEFORE!!!!!!!
SORRY, BUT THAT IS THE WAY I FEEL TODAY.
HERE IT IS AGAIN:
YOU AND YOUR DUSHLAND GERMANY SUCK! THE WAY NOONE EVER SUCK BEFORE!!!!!!!
YOU AND YOUR DUSHLAND GERMANY SUCK! THE WAY NOONE EVER SUCK BEFORE!!!!!!!
Tujeni

Sorry, no amount of diving will save the professional DIVERS (i.e. Italy) anymore. This is crunch time now!
SeS

Fantastic game by Italy. I was really impressed with the GK and the various defenders. It’s going to be a great showdown between Germany and Italy.

Let’s pray that there will be no fighting and decent refereeing in tomorrow’s matches. Brazil-France should be interesting, but I’m thoroughly anticipating Portugal’s offense against England.
victoriacristianoronaldo

SAMIRA WHERE ARE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUu

ITALIA WON

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooo
Craig

I gotta say that while I’ve been loathe to praise Italy’s side most of this Cup, they definitely just plain outplayed Ukraine tonight.
Catherine

Tujeni? Ghana? What are you talking about??? they werent even going to play each other and they both made it out of the group!!! If Ghana had beat Brazil like they should have then they’d be playing Frnace not Italy, idiot! Learn your soccer before coming to the blog!

Congrats team!!! FORZA ITALIA!!!
Vico

Tujeni, I am rooting for Germany vs Italy, however, Italy does deserve to be in the semis b-e-c-a-u-s-e they have done what it takes to get there. Why do you keep saying that they don’t???? The rules are the same for everybody… do your best mentally and physically AND score enough goals to get over the other team and you can continue to move on! Enough with this ‘whoud’ve, could’ve shoudl’ve’!!!
alan

that was a nice game!!!!!!!! but italy the will never make it after today, any how wee will see the next game
Vico

Well said Catherine!!! :-)
SES

Tujeni -

I understand that you’re probably upset over the win by Italy, but they were the better team tonight. A lot of people are disgruntled over Italy’s various tactics, but the game tonight was clean. Suffice to say, the Ukranian team lacked experience against the Italians.
marco

sam, are you still there?
Tujeni

Catherine, had Ghana won their group by beating Italy, they wouldn’t have played Brazil. Too bad my analysis is too deep for your “soccer knowledge”. But I can spell it out for you………………..
Tujeni

I don’t care abaout the game tonight between Italy and Ukraine. Ukraine is a good team, but they trip-staggered to this stage. It was no surprise win! C’mmon!
EL GUAPO

HEY victoriacristianoronaldo!

I AM EL GUAPO AND,
SO DIRTY AND SO DARN SEXY!!!!!!

CANADA IS REALLY COOL TOO BABYYYYYY
EL GUAPO

YEAH, SAMIRA WHERE ARE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUu

ITALIA WON

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooo
Tujeni

The outcome tonight between Italy and Ukraine is no news. Had it been the other way, then yes. Italy deserves the win tonight, I agree – because it was a no contest game. But they don’t deserve to be here!!!!!!!!!
SAMI~xoxox

VICY~IM HERE~ SÌ SÌ SÌ ABBIAMO VINTO! ITALIA LUNGO VIVO~ AWWWW che PARLO IN GERGO GERMANIA DI ATTESA ED ITALIA~ GERMANIA SPIACENTE IL SUO FUORI~ DIO DI RINGRAZIAMENTO PER BUFFON~ ED I TONI

HAHAHHAHA OR MUUUUUUUUUHAHAHAH~ (EVIL LAUGH)
SAMI~xoxox

VICY~IM HERE~ SÌ SÌ SÌ ABBIAMO VINTO! ITALIA LUNGO VIVO~ AWWWW che PARLO IN GERGO GERMANIA DI ATTESA ED ITALIA~ GERMANIA SPIACENTE IL SUO FUORI~ DIO DI RINGRAZIAMENTO PER BUFFON~ ED I TONI

HAHAHHAHA OR MUUUUUUUUUHAHAHAH~ (EVIL LAUGH)

BUT SERIOUSLY IM SORRY IM ALL FO BRASIL~
SES

Tujeni -

Just let it go and stop griping about the match. Italy won.
Tujeni

Ok, you’re right SES. I yield.

BUT GERMANY WILL WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
victoriacristianoronaldo

ITS TIME TO BEAT GERMANY.

VIVA ITALIA.
EL GUAPO

LOS ALEMANES (GERMANS) VAN HA COMERSE UNA CARRETADA LLENA DE MIERDA CONTRA BRAZIL!!!!

BRAZIL GANARA
BRAZIL ALL THE WAY

SAMIRA WHERE ARE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUu

ITALIA WON

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooo
SAMI~xoxox

EL GUAPO~

HAHAHAH
IM RIGHT HERE LOL
OMG I LOVE THIS AWWW

SERIOUSLY THIS IS LIKE MY EVERY 4 YR RELIGION~

AND I HAVE VIC TO LOL HAHAHA AND IT LOOKS LIKE 1/2 THE WORLD TO BUT ITS U AND I DUDE!
BRAZIL~ BUT FOR PPL THAT NO WHAT IM SAYING GO BRASIL~

ORDEM E PROGRESSO~ È IL MATTO E BRASILE VA VINCERE COSÍ TUTTE IL LEI PERSONE PARTONO ADESSO!
marco

Tujeni, maybe we lose against Germany. But, don’t you think that for 4 days there will be a lot of sh*t in the Germans’ panties?
They have lost any important match in the last 40 years with us. They suffer us, even our personality. There’s a story in Europe.
Germany always wins with France. France always wins against us.
We always win against Germany.
They will definitely have a lot of sh*t in their panties.
Vico

A team advances not based on how good it looks on paper or how far their reputation takes them. It does that by playing on the field and scoring. Whether a team gets and easier group to compte in or not should not devaluate their accomplishments in advancing to the next round. They got the points, they got the wins they then did that better than the once who faltered. The winners deserve to be at the semis, the loosers do not. Spain as good of a team as it has been lauded are not and shluld’ve not deserved to have gone past the round of 8 becasue thy failed to prove their mettle when it counted. Ukraine, as so-so a team as it might mbe did what they needed to do against Switzerland, regardless of how good or bad the Swiss team is… and so it goes and applies to everyone!
EL GUAPO

SAMIRA WHERE ARE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUu

ITALIA WON

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooo
victoriacristianoronaldo

MARCO POLO
ITALY WILL BEAT GERMANY.
thats right.

UKRAINE GO HOME.
t’was a good game though. gotta admit. you guys fought hard. but not hard enough.
http://www.crashutah.com/blog tech guy

That was a nice win for Italy. They definitely beat Ukraine fair and square.

However, I still can’t help but say that this video
http://usa.worldcupblog.org/group-e/secret-italian-training-video.html
rings even truer after watching the game. Italy has a flair for the dramatic.
Colin D

The farther Italy goes, the less bad the Americans look…

I think England and Portugal are playing for 4th place tomorrow – Germany-Italy will be a fabulous game, hopefully the winner will have something left for the Brazillians.
victoriacristianoronaldo

TO EL GUAPO

GOOD TO KNOw ur EL GUAPO HAHAHAHA

IM LA BONITAAAA
BELLA BELLA BONITAAAA

CANaDA IS THE BESTTTTT

CONGRATULATIONS ITALY.
SAMI~xoxox

OMG EL GUAPO IM RIGHT HERE AHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAH

DAMN VIC I THINK WE’RE RUNEING THIS BLOG HAHAAHHA
OMG

NO NO BUT WE’RE TALKING BOUT FUTBOL~
SAMI~xoxox

WHAT DO YOU PPL THINK BOUT THE FAN OF THE MATCH?
LOL I LUV WATCHING THE FANS HEHEHE LETS SEEE… IM OFF TO THE PORTUGAL BLOG BUBYE OR VENGONO SU MOLLA.. MA A TUTTO IL LEI italiano FA VENTO ARRIVEDERCI~

LETZ GO VICY~
EL GUAPO

FRANCESCA MO A CHUISLE MO CHROI
EL GUAPO

HEY victoriacristianoronaldo

ARE YOU ALSO DARN DIRTY AND SEXY LIKE EL GUAPO?

VIVA ITALIA

GERMANY AND SPECIALLY FRANCE REALLY SUCK!!!!!!!!!

BRAZIL! ME LOBE YU LON TINE!!!
ME A GOOD FAN
John

Italy still hasn’t given up a goal scored by an opponent in this Cup. Germany better find some better offense before Tuesday or they could go down. But I agree with those saying Ukraine was not really a good test of where Italy is at this point. Ukraine was very soft in their own third, whereas Germany’s about as tough as any team in the world in their own third.
VictoriaCristianoRonaldo

In all seriousness. Italy may have been diving for the past 2 weeks but they did a really good job today. They didn’t just win because of a bad call which ended up in a penalty kick. They won fair and square.

I’m all for Italy when it comes to the Semi. KICK Germany’s Ass.

Looking forward to the Games tomorrow. Portugal might not have their best players because of the suspensions by that stupid REFEREE IVANOV but They are going to WIN against England. FORCA PORTUGAL. GOO CRISTIANO RONALDO

Brasil will win over France for SURE. GO BRASIL.

Ciao
Vico

Ciao

Bye

Adios

Adieu

Au revoir

See you all tomorrow!! Go World Cup!
EL GUAPO

ADIOS PEACE OF TOAST.

GUYS, I love the World Cup.
Every for years, it get us together.
This game does the impossible!
STOPS STUPID WARS,
STOPS A COUNTRY
AND UNITE US.

REALLY, I mean it.
I love the sport.
I love ITALIA and BRAZIL.
Lots of love to my beatiful FRANCESCA (my daughter) papa te amo.
Love you all in my own special way.
http://chezmamamia.com/blog/2006/06/12/running-commentary/ tidBiTs » Running commentary

[...] Italy played beauuuutifully tonight. Lots of deft little moves and flowing, attacking play, while still keeping their defence tight. Luck was on their side too, as Ukraine’s attempts on goal ended up hitting the crossbar or going just wide or landing at a defender’s feet at the goal-line. 2 goals from Luka Toni after an opening long-range beauty from Zambrotta. Some commentary: 15′: Yellow card shown to Vyacheslav Sviderskyy. Try saying that name three times. 26′: Gattuso down after etting stepped on. His arm is looking a bit tender. He walks off without the aid of a stretcher, cruches or a wheelchair. 30′: You and I both have had as much work this game as Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon. He gets a front row seat to a World Cup quarterfinal. Lucky guy. 75′: Italy now with nine goals in the tournament. They have only yielded one, an own goal against the United States in the opening round. 82′: Totti in the box but he is unable to put in a fourth goal. Maybe he was just being nice and saving Ukraine further pain. -Bob [...]
carl

rematch of Italy vs Brazil 1970 or 1994
I think not
It will be Italy vs France in 2006
Luca

I think Italy Germany will see the two teams studying each other for 15 minutes, then the Germans will strat pressing like crazy pushed by the 50000 german supporters. Who will win? God knows. I hope the best wins, not the luckiest. I am italian by the way, so I hope my team will be the best. But may the best win. The German press has been a little bit offensive lately saying that the italians are all parasites nd only able to suck from mama’s boobs and that the italain girls get married and become whales. I hope they can swallow this claims . We’ll see
carl

Anybody remember World Cup Final Gamne of 1982. Maybe because Im old but I do think it was

ITALY 3

GERMANY 1
Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen

UKRAINA!! MOYA LUBOV MOYA KROF!

Did anyone notice how the Italians feel down and cried everytime they were barely touched?? Honestly… play the game like real men and don’t yellow card the other team to death!!!

Ukraine will ALWAYS be a winner… no matter what the outcome…. and how dumb is the girl that goes for the other team just because they’re cute? Get serious.

Win goes to italy … but VICTORY goes to Ukraine always and forever!!

XOXOXO UKRAINA!
Margarita~
Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen

victoriacristianoronaldo
you’re a complete idiot! Who cares about canada anyway? They are home… in beautiful Europa! …. MOYA UKRAINA!
VictoriaCristianoRonaldo

PLEASE UKRAINE.
YOU GUYS LOST.

GO HOME.
GO HOME.
GO HOME.

TRY AGAIN IN WORLD CUP 2010.

BUT IM SURE YOU GUYS WILL LOSE AGAIN. BUT MAYBE THEN YOU GUYS WILL LEARN TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT YOU GUYRS ARE LOSERS.

VIVA ITALIA.
VictoriaCristianoRonaldo

UKRAINE HAS NEVER EVEN WON A WORLD CUP.

THEREFORE YOU GUYS DON’T KNOW THE MEANING OF VICTORY.

ITALIA BEAT YOU GUYS.

ITALIA IS BETTER THAN YOU GUYS AND JUST ACCEPT IT
VictoriaCristianoRonaldo

VICTORY? HAHAHAHAH..

GO HOMEEEEEEEEEE
go italy

TO: Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen

“and how dumb is the girl that goes for the other team just because they’re cute? Get serious.”

and how dumb is the girl that goes for the TEAM that always loses??? you must be ugly
SAMI~xoxox

TO: Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen

Im sorry gurl calm down damn and seriously seriously know ur shyt b4 u spit ur shyt~ Awwwww atleast VictoriaCristianoRonaldo knows what the hell shes talking about awww this isnt a place to bash ppl ~ we’re here to talk about futbol~ heheh awwwww anywho im with you VIC AND GO ITALY~
Umberto

Great Italy, semifinals well deserved.

I hope on Tuesday Italy will enter the door of their 6th World Cup final. And win their 4th world title.

Ukraine fought well, but Italians were simply superior and had the initiative most of the time.

Italy has a great soccer tradition and in the World Cup they have 2 victories and two draws against germans.
momo

italianos mafiosos thats the only way they win
momo

italianos cheated australia i guess they pay somebady to win australia played way better
tim

Ukraine, congratulations for going so far first time.
Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen

I am rooting for Germany to stomp italy!

to “go italy”: I will say the same for you when italy loses to germany!

and ugly is what you have in your country buddy, in Ukraine we don’t even know the word.

MOYA LUBOV MOYA KROF! ;)
go italy

to: Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen…wat happend to ur precious Ukraine?? are u confused?? do u not kno wat team ur rooting for??

and for that whole ur country doesnt know wat ugly is…dont u live in the united states?? WHY dont u live in Ukraine?? were u too UGLY. did they have to kick u out???

HAHA GO BACK HOME LOSER.
U SHOULD JOIN UR TEAM ON THEIR FLIGHT HOME.

UR TOO UGLY TO BE LIVING IN THE STATES
SAMI~xoxox

WOW ITALIA~ DID AWSOME~ TONI TONI TONI HEHEHE YAAAAAY AND SERIOUSLY OUR GOALY AGAIN IS THE BEST…

OMG PPL IN THIS BLOG : WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THAT “Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen”

THOUGHT BEAUTY QUEENS WERE SAPPOUSE TO BE NICE AND REPRESENT THERE COUNTRY… BY THE LOOKS OF IT IDENTITY CRISIS…
Tom

Italy deserved to win the game, but c’mon guys (and ladies), Ukranian and Italian women (and their respective languages) are among the most beautiful in the world. I can’t remember the last time I saw an ugly Italian or Ukrainian woman, so knock it off, all of youse.
enrico

Hey momo you’re so stupid!!! Forza Italia
Ukrainian Born Beauty Queen

I love it when people come on these things and then diss the other country and don’t expect to get the same back! You talk about Ukraine expect the same back!

I’m sooooooo looking forward to seeing italy going home!

And as far as the uglyness you have no idea what you’re talking about! Miss Ukrainian-American 2005 ;) Always Ukraina!
skillz

All I can say is Italy and Bafoon were really lucky to have the all those ukrainian shots on net hit the post otherwise ukraine would have easily won.
Patrizio Italiano!

For all you naysayers, Italy has proven that are the best in the tournament with only 1 goal against… not only that, but an own goal! No one has scored against them. That said, France has looked impressive and if they score first, they MAY be able to shut down the attacking might of the Italians (5 goals in 2 games baby!). I’m looking for an Italian win 2-0 but I won’t be surprised if France wins. FORZA ITALIA! FORZA AZZURRI!
Patrizio Italiano!

One more thing: VictoriaCristianoRonaldo, your hero SUCKS and is full of himself for NOTHING. The Italians have proven their strengths as a team and Stupido Ronaldo has proven he’s anything BUT a team player… no wonder they lost in the semis. Meet you at Sticky Wicket on Sunday, I’ll be the one with the gorgeous Italia jersey!

VIVA ITALIA!
Patrizio Italiano!

VictoriaChristianoRonaldo, I can see that you have been supporting Italia, so I appologize for bashing your player so harshly… I just don’t like the way he plays and his attitude. But come down to the Sticky Wicket on Sunday and we’ll cheer Italia on together!

Ciao e a presto! VIVA ITALIA!