Italy Vs Ghana :Worldcup Football 2006
Posted by Khushal Khan on June 13th, 2006
Italy beats Ghana 2-0 in their opening match against the African Champs.
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.
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Czech Republic Vs USA :Worldcup Football 2006
Posted by Khushal Khan on June 13th, 2006
Czech Republic beats the USA 3-0
Full time 3-0. Czech-mate (sorry).
90:00 (+1) Did Josh Wolff really come on? Where is he?
89:45 Czech fans “ole”ing their sides passes, just to underline how heavily they have outclassed the US.
88:30 Plasil shoots over after beating His Not So Holiness Eddie Pope to the ball.
87:40 Donovan pops up in the box, brings it down but has his shot blocked.
86:15 Good inswinging free kick from Donovan, but it’s cleared easier than a check from Bill Gates.
84:40 Patrick Swayze nails O’Brien. Nedved has been different class today. Balboa (ESPN commentary) just suggested persuading Nedved to play MLS. Think he might find it too easy, based on today’s game.
82:40 Maybe this is the result to make FIFA rethink their world ranking system. Silver lining and all that.
80:33 EJ shoots just over. He’s looked US’s liveliest player. I’d like to see him start next game.
79:20 Convey keeps crossing, but it’s not aimed at anyone. Unless he’s actually aiming for Czech defenders. If so, he’s having the game of his life.
76:40 Arena adds insult to injury by bringing on Josh Wolff for Brian McBride.
75:30 GOAL! Nedved plays Rosicky through, who flicks it past Nedved. Stick a fork in this game, it’s done.
74:24 Donovan has found the strings and started to pull. He found Convey wide who crossed, nearly finding Eddie Johnson. Can’t see the US scoring twice past Cech though. I spy Josh Wolff’s pucked eyebrows ready to come on.
72:45 Another aimless attack from US ends up in Cech’s hands.
72:22 A poorly thumb isn’t exactly a manly injury, but I imagine it’s painful.
71:00 Pope with a great sliding challenge on Nedved. Pope’s holding his thumb. Looks like it could be broken.
70:00 Johnson flashed one wide from outside the box. Sadly, that’s the US’s best effort since Reyna hit the post.
67:30 Rosicky strikes another beauty that hits the bar. That boy has some sort of laser guided system in his right boot. If Bush is watching he’ll be looking to buy that technology.
67:11 O’Brien and Balboa can’t decide if Group E is the group of death. Looks like it might be for the US.
66:00 Convey with flashy work, but Czech defence not buying it.
64:30 DMB takes the ball off Jankulkovski’s toe in the box. First good thing DMB has done. Corner.
63:00 More wasteful passing from US. Have they confused the World Cup with MLS regular season?
61:25 Poborsky hits the side netting with a volley from a tight angle. The CR’s passing is detroying the US. They look more organized and more confident.
60:10Plasil (Reyna’s victim) leaves on a stretcher.
58:00 Reyna must have set his watch wrong because that tackle was late. He gets a yellow.
55:15 Rosicky splits the US defence with a pass but Lokvenc is offside. Looked too easy though.
53:00 Reyna with a fairly harmless tackle on Nedved, who rolls around like he’s being electrocuted.
50:30 Ujfalusi goes close with a header from Poborsky free kick. Even without Koller they’re beating the US in the air.
49:00 Quick shot of Koller limping, waving to the crowd.
48:45 Convey nearly finds McBride with a low cross. McBride’s movement has been slow, like he’s got lead in his boots.
47:30 How long will O’Brien last? Place your bets now.
46:30 Looks like US will go 3 at the back. This could be a good second half.
45 Second half underway. If USA pull this back to 2-2 this will be the “Miracle on Grass”.
-Mastroeni and Cherundolo are out.
-Looks like Eddie Johnson and John O’Brien are coming in. Nice.
-I’d like to see Eddie Johnson ready to go second half, maybe Clint Dempsey too. USA need some of Dempsey’s attitude and Johnson’s recent form has been impressive.
-The Czech Republic have been absolutely outstanding. Rosicky’s goal was like a guided missile, and they’ve gobbled up some aimless US crosses without any trouble.
Half-Time 2-0 to CR, but Koller out injured. USA have to make serious changes for the second half.
45:00 (+1) Onyewu uses those pythonesque muscles to put in a massive long throw, but Cech picks it off.
45:00 Koller gets a round of applause as he leaves. Doesn’t look good for him, his tournament could be over.
43:14 Lokvenc to replace Koller. Feel for Koller, he’s a top man, but that’s a huge break for the USA.
42:00 Replay shows his hamstring went, nothing to do with the challenge. That’s what happens when you pass 30. Koller leaves the field on a stretcher.
41:30 Onyewu floors Koller.
40:00 I’d settle for making it to half time at 2-0 now. Maybe Arena is working on a tactical masterplan for the second 45.
38:30 Karel Bruckner looking mean. He has nothing to complain about right now, and should cheer up.
37:20 Gooch not doing his reputation any favours with headers like that.
36:00 That’s depressing. Four years ago at this stage USA were 3-0 up against Portugal.
35:00 GOAL! Wish I hadn’t said that just. Onyewu heads it out straight to Rosicky who lashes it past Keller from 30 or so yards. I blame Bush. 2-0 to CR.
33:24 OK. Feeling more positive now. No longer fearing a repeat of 1990 (5-1 if you were wondering).
32:00 Dave O’Brien just used the word “defensing”.
31:00 His Holiness The (Eddie) Pope does a great job to muscle Nedved out of possession in the box.
28:50 DMB’s attempt to emulate Reyna’s shot is more than a little off target. They may never find that ball.
27:45 Reyna hits the post from distance after a good passing move. More short passing please.
26:30 Convey has the right attitude, but runs into a Czech defender.
24:15 Lewis crosses high towards no one.
23:00 Nedved with a nice outside of the foot cross, Grygera heads it just over. I’m fearing the worst.
22:00 Great cross from Reyna, but McBride looked at it like he’d never seen one before. Come on guys, sort it out.
20:00 Nothing convincing from the US. The counter attack game plan is no good if you’re losing.
16:33 Beasley losing possession. He’s looking poor. Again.
16:00 Donovan wins a free kick running at defenders.
15:00 Donovan hasn’t scored for 15 games. Now would be a good time to start up again.
13:30 US with possession, but CR sitting back. Just lobbing it into the box isn’t going to work. Donovan will never win a header and McBride can’t do it all on his own.
10:00 Lewis and Convey working together this time. They win a corner, Pope heads at goal from distance but it’s tame. He’s no Jan Koller.
9:30 Nedved offside from a one-two, but still had no trouble passing through the US defence.
7:23 That Czech goal was ruthless. It came from a Lewis pushing too far down the left side and they countered quickly. Wonder what Bush’s reaction was.
6:00 Terrible start from the US. Donovan goes down a la Nedved, but no free kick.
4:45 GOAL! Czech Republic. Koller got the wrong side of Pope to head in a cross from the right. Onyewu looked like he was lost.
3:50 Nedved goes down. Onyewu tackled him late and gets a yellow. Gooch lasted 4 minutes before being booked. The resulting free kick was harmless though.
2:50 Cherundolo floats a cross/shot over the bar. USA need his crossing to be better than that.
2:00 Grygera shoots but no danger.
1:00 US defend Czech free kick. Comes to nothing as Mastroeni is fouled.
0 We’re off!
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Australia Vs Japan :Worldcup Football 2006
Posted by Khushal Khan on June 13th, 2006
Australia beats Japan 3-1.
Full time A dull game turned into an exciting one with Australia pulling out the victory thanks to three goals in the final 10 minutes. Tim Cahill scored twice and John Aloisi finished off the scoring to lift the Socceroos to their first World Cup win in history. Three points to Australia. A tough loss for Japan.
91:57 GOALLLLL! John Aloisi scores for Australia on a great indiviual effort and this one is all but over. What a turn of events in the final 10 minutes.
90:00 Dramatic turn of events in the final ten minutes. Tim Cahill lifts the continent of Australia onto his shoulders and likely gives his team its first World Cup win ever.
88:47 GOAALLLLL!!! Wow, Tim Cahill hammers one from outside and gives his country the lead. Two goals in the past five minutes from Cahill. There is your hero for today.
87:47 Fukinishi almost drills one in for Japan. Wow, that was close. Suddenly this game has come to life.
87:00 Australia not satisfied with a tie continues to attack. They are the more aggressive of the two teams. Will we see a last minute hero emerge for either side?
86:23 Not the prettiest of goals by Cahill and perhaps a mistake by the Japanese keeper for leaving his line, but it gets the job done for Australia. This one should finish in a tie if the football gods are watching.
83:40 GOALLL!! Tim Cahill punches one home for Australia as there is a mad scramble in the box. 1-1
83:10 Australia with a free kick from 25 out. Aloisi drills it on goal and it is saved by the Japan keeper who bounces up to give his defender a joyous high five.
81:46 Australia ahead in shots 15-5 but the score still is in Japan’s favor. This game certainly hasn’t been one for the ages, especially the second half. Let’s hope the next two matches are more interesting.
80:19 Josh Kennedy has come on to create some chances up top for Australia but other than Viduka’s shots there hasn’t been much from the Socceroos attack to this point.
79:57 Japan starting to knock the ball around and look like a football team. It has taken 80 minutes to see some decent passing.
77:57 Australia is a continent, right? Does that mean that Australia is the first continent to play in the World Cup? Ono on for Yanigasawa for Japan.
76:43 Aloisi is in thee game for a couple of minutes and picks up a yellow card for a slight shiver to the back. Great bit of gymnastics there.
75:45 Takahara might be man of the match for Japan. He continues to extend the Australia defense but is unable to connect with his mates up top. He also might make our all-tournament worst hair team.
74:27 Aloisi in for Wilkshire for the Socceroos. Australia looking for an offensive spark up front.
73:00 Neither team has really controlled this game. A tie might be the fair result but first Australia must figure out a way to crack the Japan defense.
71:32 Australia starting to mount an attack behind the bull of a player Viduka but Japan has the back fairly bottled up.
70:00 Twenty minutes to go. Does Australia have anything left to even this one up?
68:16 Australia good free kick opportunity from just outside the box straight on goal. Viduka blasts it on the ground and a great save from the Japan keeper. Wow, he stretched out to save that one and keep his team in the lead.
66:16 Public service announcement: We’re liveblogging the US-Czech game and Italy-Ghana. Thanks for spending part of your day/evening/morning with us. I truly value your comments and passion for the game. Let’s keep the comments clean. Love one another my friends.
64:48 Japan attacking again. They move into the shadow and hide from sight. Australia able to clear. This has been one of the most boring 2o minutes of football thus far in the tournament.
63:15 For those who have never seen a black hole, the shadow in the Australia box is what one looks like. My eyes hurt trying to find the Japanese players when they run in there.
62:16 Anybody think either of these teams will edge out Croatia or Brazil? From what I have seen today I think the answer is probably no.
60:00 Josh Kennedy on for Craig Moore. Smart move with Moore already having a yellow. Kennedy is going to play in the Bundesliga next year. The German announcers are very proud of having a Kennedy in Germany again.
58:59 Japan having the better run of play. Australia looks to be deflated after giving up a weak goal midway through the first half.
57:12 Craig Moore with a yellow for Australia. The shadow continue to read its ugly head and I can’t even see Japan when they are attacking in the box.
56:45 This game has lacked action since the start of the second half. I’m starting to get a little jealous of those of you who are at work. You can entertain yourselves with something else.
55:24 Tanaka on for Tsuboi. The Japanese fans chant Tanaka’s name.
55:06 Hiddink still very upset on the sideline. His face is permanately pink. Tsuboi cramping up for Japan. Has to come off to the side.
52:04 Cahill on for Bresciano for the Socceroos. A good move by Hiddink if you ask me, but you didn’t, did you?
51:37 Japan with a soft cross into the box and Schwarzer plays it. Not a bad thing to try since it worked once already.
50:17 Both teams trying to feel one another out in the start of the second half. Japan is usually one of the more fit teams around so it will be interesting to see if that comes into play.
49:04 What are you people doing at work? Don’t you know this is the friggin World Cup? No work for you, folks.
47:56 Not the prettiest of football in this game, but both teams are fairly even. Wow, Takahara can really motor in the frontline for Japan.
46:18 Japan has a strong midfield but I though they were outplayed in the first half. Japan’s forwards showed great work rate and created the opportunities.
45:01 We’re underway in the second half. Will Australia be able to come back in this one or will Japan close it out?
Still halftime Interesting post on our referees blog about the lack of controversy with refs so far. Ironic considering your comments on this game.
Halftime A fairly entertaining first half of World Cup football with lots of up and down the field action. Australia had its chances but it was a crossed ball from Japan’s Nakamura in the 26th minute that is the only goal. I’m off to get a refill on the beer. I’ll be back at the start of the second half. What are your thoughts on the first half?
43:02 Australia leading the possession time 54-46. Seems about right. They have had the better opportunities but Japan is leading on the scoreboard thanks to a stange goal.
42:46 This might be the most poorly called game so far. The refs have been ok in the tournament but the crew today seems a bit lost and I am completely neutral here.
40:46 Australia free kick from outside the box. It just goes wide. Brescinao better be wearing sunscreen with that bald head of his. Nice kick.
38:57 Australia starting to accumulate fouls as Japan is eager to spend their time on the ground. Takahara gets a yellow for tossing the ball away after being called offside. He deserves a red for his rooster like hair.
37:24 The ubiqitous German shadow starting to creep onto the pitch. I read today they will be closing the roof in Frankfurt next time there is a game there to block out the sun and heat.
35:43 Yangisawa down in pain. Do you think he is a natural purple haired dude? Socceroos eagerly gulping down water while they can. Hot day here in Germany.
34:24 Socceroos continue to create opportunities but a little too eager when they are near the goal. Japan falling back to play a defensive game with the breakout counters. Takahara has some great pace to his game.
33:15 Grella shown a yellow card for a questionable tackle. Didn’t look like a yellow to me.
32:45 Hiddink very upset on the sideline. The 4th official has to restrain him. What’s that all about?
32:13 Both teams looking a little too eager. Australia expended a lot of energy early to try to get the equalizer. Japan has had troubles scoring so a soft goal early is welcome news for them.
30:03 Australia with the corner and it is headed away by Australia. The replay of that goal shows the Japan players clearly blocking Schwarzer. Tough no call.
28:26 Still kind of stunned that a quality keeper like Schwarzer would let that one in. Japan has an extra bounce in their step now that they are up a goal. Somehow I don’t think the scoring is done in this one. Wide open game.
27:00 Harry Kewell nearly answers for Australia. Tough break for the Socceroos who were playing well but get burned on a soft goal.
25:49 GOAALLLLL!! Nakamura with a cross that sales over the head of Schwarzer who was being blocked by a pair of Japan players. Strange goal
25:22 Since when did Viduka learn to pass like Zico? The big man has been impressive.
24:12 Viduke sets up BRESCIANO who hits a point blank shot right at the Japan keeper. Should have scored on that one. Australia with the better chances thus far.
23:15 Japan apparently doesn’t care much about free kicks. There efforts so far have been less than pathetic. Not a bad game as far as action though. Anyone else having fun with this World Cup?
21:45 Takahara with an excellent move to free himself and he blasts a shot just wide of the goal knocking over the keeper’s water bottles. He would have scored if his hair wasn’t so out of control.
20:15 Socceroos doing a nice job stringing together passes but having problems in the final third. They should be using their height more to their advantage. Maybe they’ll hire me after Hiddink leaves.
17:56 Free kick for Australia into the box and cleared away without a worry. Japan quickly back on the counter. That seems to be their strategy today. Will Australia’s defense hold up in the heat? You’d think so.
16:26 Japan not looking as well organized as they did in 2002. Australia looking much better than in 1974.
15:03 For those scoring at home I am enjoying a nice Erdinger white beer for this contest. It is early in the day and hot so trying to pace myself. Looks like Viduka has had a few beers in his day.
13:52 Australia finding some success on the left side but Bresciano is unable to put it on net. He hit that one all the way to France. Australia looking the better of the teams at this point.
11:56 Nice flick on in the box for Australia but it is all for nothing. The Socceroos are creating some chances but Japan is able to race right back and Fukunishi skies a shot over the bar.
10:41 Who would win a steel cage match? Viduka or Schwartzer? Both are big boys.
9:36 YANAGISAWA bringing some serious speed for Japan on the left flank. The game is starting to open up with lots of space in the midfield. Japan earns a corner.
8:15 A shot of Guus Hiddink on the Aussies sideline. I wonder how those Russian lessons are coming along. I’m willing to be he’ll lead Russia to the next World Cup. He is a quality coach.
7:02 Viduka making his presence felt early. He looks like he is stronger than Japan’s backline. As is usually the case though, you never know if Viduka can give the effort for a full 90. Good start for him though.
5:47 Viduka with not one, but two shots on goal but he is denied by Japan’s keeper. Great chances from the captain.
4:57 Australia looks like it placing Aussie rules. They could be kicking Japan all day. Might be the strategy or just their style of play.
4:03 Australia discovers the Japan end of the pitch but decides to spare their Asian friends from falling behind. Alex takes a tumble after getting chopped down by Wilshire.
2:27 In case you are curious the Japan player Alex is not originally from Japan. He is Brazilian and apparently was forced to go elsewhere since his one name is not that interesting or flashy. Not a bad player though.
1:02 Free kick opportunity for Japan right out the box. Smacks the Aussie wall right in the face. You can’t pay me enough to stand in a wall these days.
Kickoff We’re underway in a Group F clash between Australia and Japan. The Socceroos make their first World Cup appearance since 1974. The Brazilian legend Zico leads Japan into the World Cup for the second time in a row.
