by Philip Mboya on July 13, 2010
Maicon’s sure transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid seems to have hit a snag-one i must say, makes me feel very relieved. Here’s why. The Brazilian defender had a great run towards the end of last season (who can forget the fantastic goal he scored against Juventus) where he was sort of Inter’s 4th striker as his constant runs up field terrorised many defenders.
It was this ability that caught Mourinho’s eye and made him consider taking Maicon along with him to Madrid. There was only one hurdle that prevented this deal from going down sooner-the World Cup. Read more... (433 words, 1 image, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on July 6, 2010
After having such a glorious year at club level, helping Inter Milan winning the treble last season, Dutch midfielder, Wesley Sneijder looks ready to lead his country for a World Cup glory in South Africa. This fine showing for both country and club have eventually set the midfielder as a top candidate to win the upcoming best player award, the new FIFA-Ballon d’Or, which recently has been combined into one award.
»crosslinked« Read more... (433 words, 2 images, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on July 4, 2010
Juventus Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo proved just why he was voted Serie A’s worst player for 2009. Melo was part of the Selecao’s World Cup squad that was bundled out of the tournament in the quarter finals for the second consecutive time.
As you would expect, fans are not taking that defeat too well. One fan in particular, told Melo not to return to Brazil for holiday. Three time world player of the year and record world cup goal scorer Ronaldo Nazariao da Lima wrote on his twitter account that Melo should come back to Brazil for holiday. Read more... (364 words, 1 image, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on June 27, 2010
If there is one thing i like about the Italian national side, it has to be there confidence. The Azzurri were so confident going into the World Cup that some of there players even had the word World Champions Tattooed on their arm. Imagine that!
Now that they are out of the tournament, Vicenzo Iaquinta will definitely be seeing his doctor as early as tomorrow to get it out. Italy arrived home to one of the most dullest and sullen receptions yet. Read more... (270 words, estimated 1:05 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on June 25, 2010
Italy‘s group stage World Cup exist marked the end of an era for its dominating golden generation that included star players like: Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Camoranesi and Buffon.
The 4 time World Champions learned their hardest lesson yet when a mixture of poor coaching decisions, old age and out of form players saw their 2010 campaign end in disaster as they exited the tournament bottom of their group and with just two points.
What’s even more shocking is the fact that the unfancied All Whites of New Zealand had a much better tournament than the defending Champions. Existing the tournament in the group stages, New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert is definitely a proud man. Read more... (339 words, 1 image, estimated 1:21 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on June 24, 2010
The shock of the World Cup has just emer
ged today as the defending champion, Italy crashed out from the tournament in a depressing and shocking fashion after loosing out to Slovakia 3-2 in a very intriguing and emotional game. The Azzurri just left everything late on the game which pretty much showed the outcome of the game as they have to trail twice and only came up close without manage to save the game, although there were some controversial decisions that could actually goes their way. Read more... (679 words, 2 images, estimated 2:43 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on June 23, 2010
After getting two disappointing draws in their first two games, Italy looks set to change their formation once again for the last group game against Slovakia. Reports from the journalist that witness the team’s training suggested that Marcello Lippi will get back to his old formation 4-3-3, as his final card in getting the best result against Vladimir Weiss’ squad. On training, Lippi doesn’t seem to change a lot of things especially upfront as he still puts Gilardino and Iaquinta with the addition of Antonio Di Natale. Read more... (523 words, 2 images, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on June 22, 2010
Despite having a bad world cup so far with most of the players seems under performing actually the Azzuri still have some exciting players to watch such as Ricardo Montolivo, Daniele De Rossi and surprisingly Gianluca Zambrotta. Both Zambro and Montolivo could very well be the surprise performers for Italy in this world cup as many fans pretty much would predict that De Rossi will be someone important for the team even before the tournament, which completely the opposite of the other two. Read more... (423 words, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on June 22, 2010
Italy‘s chance of advancing to the second round in the world cup is in jeopardy after getting two draws in their first two games at the tournament, not to mention failing to win on their last game against New Zealand seems to effect the players’ mentality. However, a little bright light set to spark for the Azzuri’s final game against Slovakia as they could very well have their most creative player in this World Cup, Andrea Pirlo, back on the field after recovering from his injury. Read more... (529 words, estimated 2:07 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on June 21, 2010
Defending Champions Italy do not look any bit the kings of football they were 4 years ago. Two 1-1 draws against Paraguay and New Zealand in Group F has left the Azzurri camp in sixes and sevens with some players falling short of calling for the removal of coach Marcelo Lippi.
Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is the latest player to express his unhappiness with Lippi’s formations.
“Here at the World Cup, many players are playing in roles they are not accustomed to,” Marchisio told TuttoSport. “The coach is making a lot of experiements. Read more... (440 words, 1 image, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)
