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Day 9 Italy and the USA Sees Red
Posted by Carlito on 2006-06-18
In the first match of the day, confident Portugal beat Iran 2-0 and qualified for the next phase of the Germany World Cup 2006. It was really all Portugal with Iran only getting a couple of chances. However, Iran held strong in the first half and Portugal weren't able to take the lead.
The second half saw Deco score thanks to a great 20m strike. Later in the game, Figo was brought down in the box, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the ensuing penalty kick.
The Czech Republic played very well against the United-States, but it was a different affair against Ghana. Call it a humbling lesson. Ghana beat the Czech 2-0 and it could have been worst if it wasn't for Petr Cech. The fast African team dominated the game and scored early in the first half through Asamoah Gyan and late in the match through Sulley Muntaru.
The Czech were without Koller and Baros, both injured, and had a man sent off in the second off - Gyan hit the post from the ensuing penalty kick.
In the last match of the day, the United States gave an inspiring performance to snatch a point from Italy. Three red cards were shown in that game, the first to an Italian player, De Rossi, for a violent elbow to McBride, the other two to United States players, Mastroeni and Pope.
Although Italy took the lead first in the first half, thanks to Gilardino, it was the US who played better and they equalized quickly when a Clint Dempsey cross was put in his own goal by Italian defender Zaccardo. Dempsey was inspiring for the US, creating many chances for the Americans until he was replaced by Beasley. But with only 9 men in the second half, the Americans had to hold on to prevent Italy to take a valuable additional 2 points.
This group is turning out to be the most interesting. With two matches left in the group, everything is still up for grab, and we will have to wait for the final whistle to see who goes through.
Posted by Carlito on 2006-06-18
In the first match of the day, confident Portugal beat Iran 2-0 and qualified for the next phase of the Germany World Cup 2006. It was really all Portugal with Iran only getting a couple of chances. However, Iran held strong in the first half and Portugal weren't able to take the lead. The second half saw Deco score thanks to a great 20m strike. Later in the game, Figo was brought down in the box, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the ensuing penalty kick.
The Czech Republic played very well against the United-States, but it was a different affair against Ghana. Call it a humbling lesson. Ghana beat the Czech 2-0 and it could have been worst if it wasn't for Petr Cech. The fast African team dominated the game and scored early in the first half through Asamoah Gyan and late in the match through Sulley Muntaru.
The Czech were without Koller and Baros, both injured, and had a man sent off in the second off - Gyan hit the post from the ensuing penalty kick.
In the last match of the day, the United States gave an inspiring performance to snatch a point from Italy. Three red cards were shown in that game, the first to an Italian player, De Rossi, for a violent elbow to McBride, the other two to United States players, Mastroeni and Pope.
Although Italy took the lead first in the first half, thanks to Gilardino, it was the US who played better and they equalized quickly when a Clint Dempsey cross was put in his own goal by Italian defender Zaccardo. Dempsey was inspiring for the US, creating many chances for the Americans until he was replaced by Beasley. But with only 9 men in the second half, the Americans had to hold on to prevent Italy to take a valuable additional 2 points.
This group is turning out to be the most interesting. With two matches left in the group, everything is still up for grab, and we will have to wait for the final whistle to see who goes through.