A chance for the underdog?
- 17 Jun 06, 12:42 PM
My pick for the first upset of the tournament (although I wish there'd been some already) is today's match between USA and Italy. It has to be said that the two Americans we had on the programme this morning were only cautiously optimistic, but surely the USA must improve over the performance against the Czech Republic.
One thing that was clear from today's programme was Africans' dissatisfaction with the refereeing, which many see as favouring the established nations. Numbi in Zambia sent this text:
Do African teams have to go to the World Cup knowing they'll be victims of preference by referees?The yellow and red cards have been unreasonable.
It's an issue we'll be coming back to. What do you think?
Ivory Coast played very well, but were cheated because Eboue was held down in the box in the first half, which was a penalty but the referee failed to award it.and the Netherlands' second goal was offside.
Anonymous, Gambia
Ghana should keep their composure against the Czechs. They have what it takes to beat them. But they should be wary of referee bias in decision taking.
Aliyu in Nigeria
With Ghana stuck like Ivory Coast in a very tough group, hopefully refereeing won't be an issue today. Certainly there has been lots of encouragement for the African teams:
Ivory Coast is the best team in the world. Despite the loss, we are very very proud of you. You have played better than any of the teams there! 2010 is yours.
Prince in Zambia
I am disappointed that African teams have failed to scoop points in this world cup. But one thing is obvious, they have played wonderful soccer.
James in Uganda
Africa needs a magic spell. Our teams are not too strong and we have been placed in tough groups.
Sheikh Kafumba in Liberia
But Tim in Nigeria has a message for the Italians:
Take it from me, this is Italy's world cup: they are compact. Brazil will not pass the semis. Argentina look good, but it's not their year.
A chance to respond
Argentina have thrown down the gauntlet with their 6-0 thrashing of Serbia and Montenegro - our callers today were very impressed - so can Brazil up their game on Sunday against Australia? Or could their footballing "most favoured nation" status be under threat?
Are Brazilians worried? We want to find out. And what about the neutral? Brazil is many fans' second team - will you be switching your allegiance?
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Argentina VS Serbia & Montenegro was brilliant. Mexico VS Angola was not great. It seemed like the struggle for one goal.
I am now watching Portugal VS Iran on Univision TV [US Latin TV Station] and on RDP [Portuguese Radio and TV] on the Internet. This is where the battle for Group D will be played out.
It seems Portugal and Iran are struggling for its goals during the first ten minutes into the match.
11:00 minutes: it appears that Iran is coming back to life after its loss to Mexico. Portugal is also struggling not to allow an Iranian Goal.
15:00 to 15:35: Still Goalless. Regardless it makes for an exciting game.
19:23: Nekounan [Iran] receives a Yellow Card.
20:00: No Goal but the game is exciting.
25:00: The same as 20:00 Minutes.
30:29: Iran almost scores.
31:24: Madanchi [Iran] receives a yellow card.
33:00: Iran is playing an aggressive game which is good in football. There is the heavy emphasis of defence and offence.
34:16: Portugal almost scores.
35:00: Figo [Portugal] accidentally receives a kick to the face but he comes back.
39:51: Nekounam [Iran] receives an accidental kick in the left ankle but returns to the game.
42:00: Miguel [Portugal] receives a head bump but retrurns to the game.
45:25: Pauleta [Portugal} receives a Yellow Card
There is no denying that Iran is playing at its best even though the first half is scoreless.
48:00: End of First Half
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I think Portugal could go very far. I would like to say that Portugal deserved to win and deserved its spot in Group D.
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At the present time 38:00 minutes: Ghana 1 Czech Republic: 0
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Ghana 2 Czech Republic 0 was a big surprise. Now for Italy VS United States. I heard part of this game on the radio.
The other half I saw on the TV in a shopping mall here in Miami. It seemed everyone was glued to the set after 1-1.
One employee asked me who was winning and I told him that Italy and USA were equalized on 1-1. He was very happy. Let us see what happens.
I agree with certain writers about the few games from Group E has the purpose of avoiding Brazil.
I would like to send my condolences to Brazil on the loss of one of their comedians while he was covering the World Cup.
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