[Blue Blood]

Unsung Frings in the thick of things

A tidal wave of optimism has broken over the host nation ahead of their quarter-final against Argentina on Friday at Berlin's Olympiastadion. The popular euphoria, leading a majority of Germans to believe their side can go all the way and win the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, is mainly traceable to the team's exuberance and attacking flair at the tournament, something which has been sadly missing in recent years. Also lacking in recent times had been the team’s defensive solidity – normally a strong point of Germany sides – with the situation reaching its nadir on 1 March this year in a demoralising 4-1 friendly defeat in Italy. Experts and fans alike were unable to believe Jurgen Klinsmann's men had it in them to meet the target set by their head coach, to win the Trophy on home soil.

It is hard to find a critical voice now, however, as the hosts have strolled into the last eight and have not conceded a goal in their last three games. The headlines have focused on the deadly duo of Miroslav Klose, already up to four goals for the tournament, and strike partner Lukas Podolski, whose double saw off Sweden in the Round of 16. However, there can be no doubt that holding midfielder Torsten Frings has made an enormously significant if largely unheralded contribution to the team's current run.
The Werder Bremen player represents the heart and soul of the German defensive effort, giving orders, directing team-mates and maintaining discipline. He also has the ability to push up in support of the attack, and is not afraid to fire off a long-range shot or two. One of those resulted in one of the most spectacular goals at the finals so far, when Frings lashed in a fierce 25-yarder to round off the scoring in Germany's 4-2 opening day victory over Costa Rica.

Modesty personified
The chorus of praise for the 29-year-old has become ever louder. Many experts credit the team’s run of 270 FIFA World Cup minutes without conceding a goal to Frings' organisational skill in the enforcer position in front of the back four. "It's a huge compliment, not only for me, but for the whole team," the typically modest player explained, before adding in characteristically blunt fashion: "It should finally put an end to all that sniping about our weak defence."


Frings rates as one of the less outspoken professional footballers, but when he does choose to open his mouth, he gets straight to the point. His less than flamboyant personality certainly prevented him making the breakthrough two seasons ago in a brief spell with Bayern Munich. Frings, never at ease with the incessant media circus surrounding Germany's biggest club, packed his bags after just one term in Bavaria and returned to Bremen, the scene of his previous best run of form, and where he first earned a place in the national team.
He spent from 1997 to 2002 in the northern port city, where his best form culminated in a series of rock-solid displays in Germany's surprise run to the Final at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. The player’s outstanding performances were all the more impressive given that squad injuries had forced him to occupy the unfamiliar position of right-back.

Flexibility
The 29-year-old was a forward as a youth player, and versatility is unquestionably one of his major strengths. Though he filled in at full-back four years ago and plays his club football on the right side of a midfield diamond, his favourite position is the anchor role in central midfield, a spot he has made his own for Germany under Klinsmann.
If captain Michael Ballack leads by example from the front, Frings has both hands on the midfield tiller in a key role linking defence and midfield. "Torsten and I have known each other for a long time. We played together at U-21 level. There's great harmony between us. He has the greater responsibility, because it's his job to keep the team organised, me included. Torsten is one of the leading players in this position," Ballack said.
Frings is thoroughly satisfied with his own and his team-mates' performances so far. "We've improved with every match. We're keeping it very tight, we've only let in two goals, and we've kept three clean sheets," he remarked. "I combine perfectly with Michael Ballack. We understand each other completely. It's great fun, not just playing with him, but with everyone in the squad. We're thrilled to be playing for Germany, because it's the biggest honour there is."

Duel with Riquelme
Frings is determined to enjoy himself on Friday when the Germans cross swords with Argentina. The home side make no secret of their respect for the two-time world champions, but even the South Americans' fine form to date is not enough to inspire fear in their opponents. "No team is unbeatable. We'll keep our discipline and not allow them many chances. We'll all put in the work as necessary. That's one of our major strengths," Frings explained.
Tackling is certainly one of this combative midfielder's strengths, as a tournament statistic of 62 per cent challenges won confirms. This quality will be required again when Frings goes head-to-head with Artgentine playmaker Juan Riquelme. "He's very important for Argentina. Obviously I'm sure our paths will cross fairly often, but I can't imagine I'll spend 90 minutes chasing him around the park. We've been much too strong for that in recent matches.
"We won't base our tactics on them. Not one of us has wasted a single moment's thought on the implications of being knocked out this Friday. We're all totally convinced we'll win the match. And we'll give everything to that end."
The words are positively eloquent for the normally tight-lipped Frings, although he continues to insist: "I just like keeping myself to myself." Riquelme and Co will surely feel the force behind those unassuming words come Friday.

Resource: FIFA world cup

[Blue Blood]

Ukraine aim to teach masters a lesson



At what is their first-ever FIFA World Cup™, Ukraine have now battled all the way to the quarter-finals. But the eastern European side owe their success not merely to the presence of a world-class striker within their ranks, but also to their defensive discipline and no-nonsense approach. In their opening Group H match, Ukraine's apprenticeship on the world stage began in the worst way imaginable as they were handed a 4-0 lesson by the attack-minded Spaniards. To say that coach Oleg Blokhin did not appreciate the performance of his players is putting it mildly: "I'm really disappointed, as we lacked discipline and the players failed to put my instructions into practice," he lamented bitterly after this rudest of wake-up calls.

“It’s not so much the score I’m upset about, but rather the attitude of my players on the pitch,” he added. “It was a shameful display and there’s absolutely no way we can get away with playing like that in our second game.” The Dynamo Kiev legend’s tirade clearly had a positive effect on his players, for in their subsequent fixture, the scoreboard again read 4-0, but this time in favour of the Ukrainians.
Their goal difference restored to zero, a more cautious and defensive team emerged to chart a course to the quarter-finals. In their final group game with Tunisia, Ukraine contented themselves with repelling the timid raids mounted by their opponents before prevailing courtesy of a penalty from Andriy Shevchenko that sent his team into the second round and his supporters into seventh heaven.
A further demonstration of efficiency was delivered in the Round of 16 against Switzerland, when for 120 minutes, a Ukrainian rearguard deprived by suspension of key elements Andriy Rusol and Vyacheslav Sviderskyi successfully contained Switzerland. In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, it was the imperious form of their last line of defence, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, that secured their place in the tournament’s last eight. The delighted Blokhin described his goalkeeper as possessing “real nerves of steel”.

Master against pupil

Blokhin gives short shrift to any suggestion that his side are not the easiest on the eye. “We play to win,” he has said, and his philosophy is well and truly embraced by the players. Attacker Andriy Voronin, whose tournament has been prematurely curtailed by injury, said: “Our style of play is not exactly thrilling for the fans, but it’s worked for us so far. We must have a good defence, as we’ve just played three games without conceding a single goal.”
Ukraine’s approach possesses a striking similarity to tactics first showcased by Italy, whom they will meet next. For Marcello Lippi’s men, their 1-0 defeat of Australia with a last-minute Francesco Totti penalty represented a return to the style of play that was for a long time their trademark. Following Marco Materazzi's dismissal early in the second period, Italy withstood Australia's attacks before delivering a late killer blow.
On Friday in Hamburg, the pupil comes face to face with the master. And Shevchenko, although acknowledging that his team start out as outsiders, is optimistic. “Our task might be made a little easier by the fact that no one was expecting us to get this far. We’ve already exceeded expectations, so now the pressure is on Italy’s shoulders,” said the former Milan star.
For a team taking part in their first FIFA World Cup, qualification for the quarter-finals certainly constitutes an achievement in itself, and even if they were to lose to the three-time champions, the Zbirna's FIFA World Cup debut would still go down as a big success. “We’ve already given so much here in Germany. Getting this far is a bit like a dream,” Blokhin said. “Italy are a rock-solid and highly dangerous side, so it’s going be difficult to create chances against them.”
But as his team has already proved, they only need one chance to win a football match.

Resource: FIFA world cup

[Blue Blood]

Shevchenko faces old friends


Italy and Ukraine meet in Hamburg on Friday with a place in the last four of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ at stake. Ukrainian target man Andriy Shevchenko’s close ties with Italy mean a night of close scrutiny beckons for the lethal forward.
Italy, one of the powerhouses of European and world football, have failed to live up to expectations at big tournaments in recent years. The Azzurri are keen to give a good account of themselves this time around to cement what they feel is their rightful place at the top of the international football pecking order.
Ukraine, on the other hand, are participating at their first ever major international event. That is not to say the eastern Europeans are without pedigree. Ukrainians often formed the backbone of the former Soviet Union teams and Dynamo Kiev are an ever-present fixture in the UEFA Champions League. The tactical know-how of coach Oleg Blokhin and the goalscoring exploits of Shevchenko have been the springboard for success at Germany 2006.

Colours for the match
Italy: Blue shirts, white shorts and blue socks.
Ukraine: Yellow shirts, yellow shorts and yellow socks.

The story so far
Italy qualified as winners of Group E, one of the most difficult at the tournament, by beating Ghana in their opening match, drawing a tough encounter with the USA and then overcoming the Czech Republic. In their second-round match the ten-man Azzurri came up against a physically imposing Australia led by experienced Dutch coach Guus Hiddink. Francesco Totti struck the only goal from the penalty spot deep into injury time to seal a dramatic victory in a tightly fought match.
Following a disastrous 4-0 defeat by Spain in their opening game, Ukraine restored some pride and belief with an equally resounding win over Saudi Arabia. Blokhin’s men then booked their ticket for the second round with a 1-0 triumph over Tunisia. The first knockout round saw Ukraine overcome Kobi Kuhn’s Switzerland in Cologne in a goalless match decided by penalties. Following Shevchenko's opening miss, goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi saved two spot-kicks in a 3-0 shoot-out success, the highlight of which was the cheekily chipped penalty scored by Artem Milevskiy.

Suspended players
Daniele De Rossi (ITA)
Marco Materazzi (ITA)

Past meetings
Friday’s will be the fourth meeting between the sides. Two of those matches came during qualifying for the 1996 UEFA European Championship with Italy winning 2-0 in Kiev in March 1995 through goals from Attilio Lombardo and Gianfranco Zola, and 3-1 in Bari in November of the same year. Fabrizio Ravanelli (2), Paolo Maldini netted for the Italians and Andriy Polunin for Ukraine. The most recent encounter was a 0-0 draw in a friendly match in Lausanne as part of the build-up to Germany 2006.

The duel
Shevchenko v his old Milan team-mates
All eyes will be on the former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko as he comes face to face with Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino, men the new Chelsea striker counted as team-mates until four weeks ago. The absence of Alessandro Nesta from the heart of the Italy defence will be welcome news for Shevchenko. Perhaps the key battle will be between two sublimely gifted playmakers if Blokhin decides to select Artem Milevskiy (in place of the injured Andriy Voronin) and Lippi gives the nod to Francesco Totti.

What they're saying

Angelo Peruzzi, Italy goalkeeper: We are not dependent on Totti, but of course he is very important for us and the manager. His match fitness is improving all the time and soon he’ll be 100 per cent. If you ask any manager in Germany I’m sure they’d all like a Totti in their squad. He’s not a problem at all - if only we had more players like him.

Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine forward: Italy are favourites. We must try and play as a team, summing up all our reserves of fighting spirit to make up for our lack of technical ability.

Resource: FIFA world cup

[Blue Blood]

Veteran Milutinovic gives his verdict


Globetrotting coach Bora Milutinovic is by no means a stranger to the FIFA World Cup™. In fact, the 61-year-old Serb has coached five different teams – Mexico (1986), Costa Rica(1990), USA (1994), Nigeria (1998) and China (2002) – at the world's most prestigious footballing event. Having watched the games in Germany on television so far, Milutinovic arrived in Berlin ahead of the much-anticipated quarter-final between Germany and Argentina. FIFAworldcup.com caught up with him to get his impressions on the tournament.

FIFAworldcup.com: Bora, have you watched all the games played so far?

Bora Milutinovic: This is the World Cup so I follow events at the tournament closely. I didn't watch every game, but a lot of them.

What is your general impression of the 2006 FIFA World Cup? The tournament is very well organised and everything is first class.

Three of your former teams played at this tournament.
Yes, I watched two of Mexico's matches, one of Costa Rica's and two of the US team's.

Are you disappointed that they were all out after the Round of 16?
Sort of. Definitely I would be happier had they played better so I could watch them from the stands. But please keep in mind that this is the World Cup, with top-class teams battling against each other for the one trophy.

You guided Costa Rica to the second round at Italia 90 but this year as in 2002, they failed to get out of their group. Were they in a difficult section?

In Italy in 1990 we were also in a hard group that featured Brazil, Scotland and Sweden. We lost to Brazil 1-0 but managed two memorable victories against Sweden and Scotland to progress to the second round. But I wouldn't say I was very frustrated just because the team went out. If you put this team in the big world football picture, you can feel it is amazing for a side from a tiny country like Costa Rica to qualify for the last 32 and rub shoulders with the world giants.
Go to the Costa Rica team page
The current Costa Rica team packed their bags for home but there is still a lot of work to do. The most important thing for a team in a World Cup is that they have a future generation that makes an impact. Only the young generation represents the football future of the country.



Despite being placed fifth in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, the USA failed to progress to the last 16. How did you view their campaign?
They lost the all-important opening match against the Czech Republic and their key player John O’Brien was not fully fit. After the opening defeat they never really found their normal form.

Did you watch Mexico's opening match against Iran? The Asians impressed in the first half.
Football is a 90-minute game and there is no point dominating for just one half. You can see Mexico also dominated the first half against Argentina but it was the South Americans who ran out 2-1 winners. Winning a football match requires everything - a good coach, good players, morale, proper game strategy and the skills of pulling the tactical strings during the match.

Do you have any favorite team to win the tournament?
We can wait and see who is still there after the next games. I have to be fair and friendly to all the last eight teams but everyone can see that Brazil, Argentina and the host team Germany are extremely strong.

Resource: FIFA world cup

[Blue Blood]

Past masters helping today's hopefuls

The quarter-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ are looming and the battle for the famous Trophy is now truly on. Of the eight teams left in contention, there are six previous winners - Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, England and France - together withPortugal, who finished third in 1966, and debutants Ukraine. Given the obstacles a team must face to get to the Final, experience is clearly a vital factor in FIFA World Cup success. Read on as FIFAworldcup.com takes a look at how the experience gained by a national team’s coaching staff could give their side that vital extra edge on the day.

Klinsmann's support structure
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann tasted victory as a player at Italia 90 and also appeared at the USA 94 and France 98 tournaments, helping the Nationalmannschaft make it through to the last eight on both occasions. His methods may have been put under the microscope after he brought in new training systems from the United States, but the current crop of German internationals know they are working with someone who knows what it takes to win the biggest prizes given Klinsmann's glittering playing career.
Observing the sparkling form of Germany’s strike force of Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, it seems likely Klinsmann has passed on to the pair a number of valuable hints on the goalscorer's art and he is not the only ex-international the Germany squad can turn to for advice.


Two other former national team regulars now assisting Klinsmann are Oliver Bierhoff and Andreas Kopke. Bierhoff, the former AC Milan and Udinese striker, won 70 caps for his country and scored 37 goals and is currently working as Germany team manager. Despite never winning a FIFA World Cup title, he appeared at France 98 and Korea/Japan 2002 and in 1996, was partnering Klinsmann in the German attack when he scored the Golden Goal winner against the Czech Republic in the final of UEFA EURO 96. He now uses his strong personality to woo sponsors and is supporting the Germany team behind the scenes at this summer's showpiece tournament
Capped 56 times by Germany, Kopke played in the same EURO 96-winning team as Bierhoff and Klinsmann and since 2004 has been back in the national set-up as goalkeeping coach. Before the tournament, much was made of the battle for the German No.1 jersey between Jens Lehmann and Oliver Kahn. Kopke drew on his rich personal experience and after discussing the matter with his good friend Klinsmann, they selected Lehmann as their first choice, a decision that has paid dividends thus far.

Keeper
Hosts Germany are not alone in drawing from the experience of ex-internationals. Italy's coaching staff, for instance, includes Ivano Bordon, their second-choice goalkeeper at Argentina 78 and Spain 82. Bordon, whose career took him to a number of clubs including Inter Milan, Sampdoria and Brescia, retired as a player in 1989 and has been working with Marcello Lippi as the Azzurri's goalkeeping coach since July 2004. Bordon may have been an unused substitute when Italy won the Trophy in 1982, but the Italian public has fond memories of him leaping off the bench to celebrate Italy’s goals with his joyous team-mates.

Argentina are another quarter-finalist with a famous former FIFA World Cup winner on their coaching staff. Ubaldo Fillol played in goal as Argentina won the Cup on home soil back in 1978, and also appeared at the 1974 and 1982 tournaments. The pinnacle of Fillol’s club career was a lengthy spell at Buenos Aires aristocrats River Plate, where he remains a legendary figure. He first went to the FIFA World Cup in 1974 as the back-up keeper, but made the No.1 jersey his own ahead of the 1978 finals.
Fillol, who is rated as one of Argentina’s best-ever goalkeepers, retired from international football in 1985 after receiving 58 caps, an Argentine record. Now employed as the Albicelestes' goalkeeping coach, Fillol played superbly in the 1978 Final against Netherlands, helping Argentina to their first ever FIFA World Cup win.

Zagallo's unparalleled experience
Finally, a name that cannot be ignored is that of Mario Zagallo. Current Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira had this to say about a man who has won the FIFA World Cup as both player and coach. "He is a great human being, who knows everything there is to know about the Seleção," said Parreira. "He makes a fantastic contribution to the team.”

Zagallo and Parreira go back a long way, as the latter was the fitness coach of the Brazil team coached by Zagallo at Mexico 1970, and when Parreira was in charge of the team at the USA 94, Zagallo was the technical director, helping the Verdeamarelos win their first FIFA World Cup for 24 years.
Zagallo also enjoyed a fantastic career as a player, playing in every game at the 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cups as Brazil achieved back-to-back successes. With Zagallo at his side in Germany, Parreira has a trusted aide and a wealth of knowledge to draw upon.

Resource: FIFA world cup

[Blue Blood]

30 June 2006: No quarter as last eight commence

29 June 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com



It is quarter-finals time at Germany 2006 and the action commences with a bona fide FIFA World Cup™ classic as two-time champions Argentina take on the supremely-confident hosts. Both teams will give it their all as they compete for the right to face either Italy or Ukraine, who square off later in the evening in what is sure to be a special occasion for Andriy Shevchenko.




The matches Germany - Argentina, 17:00 (CET), Munich
Boosted by the feverish support of an entire nation, Germany have been improving from game to game, while Lukas Podolski has emerged as the perfect partner to in-form striker Miroslav Klose. Jurgen Klinsmann's side have looked increasingly steely at the back too, with Jens Lehmann keeping clean sheets in his last three outings. Argentina will be wishing they could say the same, but they have struggled in their two most recent matches, almost as if the 6-0 thrashing handed out to Serbia and Montenegro tapped out their well of inspiration. Influential playmaker Juan Riquelme will need to set the tempo in midfield if his side are to swing this mouth-watering encounter.
Italy - Ukraine, 21:00, Hamburg
It is a good thing Italy respond well to adversity because things just seem to be getting worse for the Azzurri at the moment. Key defender Alessandro Nesta misses out again and his replacement Marco Materazzi is suspended, as is holding midfielder Daniele De Rossi. Away from the pitch, the Juventus players in Marcello Lippi's squad have been deeply affected by the apparent suicide attempt of former team-mate Gianluca Pessotto and flew out to Italy on Tuesday. Add in the hard-fought win over Australia with just ten men on the field and the scenario looks problematic. As for their opponents, despite having been taken to extra-time and penalties by Switzerland, Oleg Blokhin's men are raring to go – and none more so than star striker Andriy Shevchenko, who is sure to run the gamut of emotions against Italy after his seven years at AC Milan.
The duel
Having terrorised Serie A defences for so long, Shevchenko could be forgiven for mistaking Friday's game for a tussle between his former club AC Milan and old foes Juventus. Indeed, with a semi-final berth on offer for the winners, the talismanic Ukraine goalscorer will find himself reunited with a familiar face in formidable centre-back Fabio Cannavaro. Impeccable since the start of the tournament, the Juve man’s faultless displays have powered Italy through to the last eight.
The absentees
Marco Materazzi (ITA)
Daniele de Rossi (ITA)
Past meetings
West Germany 1-0 Argentina, 8 July 1990, Rome
Superb on their route to the Final, the Germans faced one last test in the shape of an Argentina side that had disposed of hosts Italy in the semis and enjoyed some good fortune along the way. With the Olympic Stadium in Rome the setting, the two Cup hopefuls played out an extremely tight game until Andreas Brehme's late penalty (85') earned Franz Beckenbauer's men the Trophy. Diego Maradona's tears at the final whistle broke hearts in every Italian household and will live long in the memory.




The question
Have Argentina got what it takes to beat Germany? Without doubt the two most impressive teams on show, these old adversaries both have much to recommend them. Jurgen Klinsmann's charges have been overflowing with hunger and enthusiasm, and their fanatical supporters have practically served as a 12th man, while the Argentinians have positively radiated with other-worldly technique. For many, the Albiceleste are the only side capable of bringing the all-conquering Mannschaft crashing to a halt. The figures
201: the number of goals scored by Brazil at the FIFA World Cup, a long way ahead of second-placed Germany (186).
24: the number of red cards handed out in Germany so far, as opposed to a total of 22 at France 1998.
15: the number of FIFA World Cups won by the sides in the quarter-finals. Only two-time winners Uruguay are missing.
8: the number of quarter-finals won by Germany in their 11 FIFA World Cup appearances.
Birthdays
Fabien Barthez celebrated his 35th birthday on 28 June, the day after his team's victory over Spain. Back in the Netherlands, meanwhile, Ruud Van Nistelrooij will be blowing out candles at home as he turns 30 on 1 July. None of the 736 players involved at Germany 2006 were born on 30 June.




A FIFA World Cup blast from the past
30 June 2002, Brazil 2-0 Germany, Yokohama
The Seleçao made FIFA World Cup history as Ronaldo spurred them on to a fifth title with his 11th and 12th strikes on the global stage. Outshone in every department, and with midfield general Michael Ballack sidelined through suspension, the Germans could only limit the havoc wreaked by Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo. Not a lot of people know this…
In Brazil, match analysis clearly knows no bounds, with one television station hiring three deaf people to lip-read the comments of Carlos Alberto Parreira and his players. The Auriverde coach is notably said to have met Ronaldo's second goal against Japan with the retort: "And to think some people didn't want Ronaldo to play!"
Having a laugh
"What are you expecting from this game, knowing that the Pope is German and God is Argentinian?" An Argentine journalist gives Jurgen Klinsmann serious food for thought in the lead up to today's showdown.

Resource:http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060629/1/8egi.html

[Blue Blood]

emeğe saygı blue blood abi

[Blue Blood]

Ankle injury for Lampard

30 June 2006
by AFP



England have a late injury worry ahead of Saturday's FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final against Portugal in Gelsenkirchen with midfielder Frank Lampard needing treatment for an ankle knock.
The 28-year-old Chelsea player suffered the injury in training and was undergoing treatment to make sure he is available for the match in Gelsenkirchen.
The team are set to arrive in the western German industrial town later in the day and Lampard was expected to take part in a training session at the stadium.
Lampard has struggled for form during the tournament but coach Sven-Goran Eriksson regards him as a key member of the England line-up especially for his goal-scoring abilities.
Voted second best player in the world this year behind Ronaldinho, Lampard has vowed to rediscover his touch in front of goal.
"The goals are just not going in for me, chances which I would normally eat up," he said after the Ecuador game during which he missed a sitter after being set up by Wayne Rooney.
"Unfortunately it's the World Cup and I've now gone four games without a goal although they're going in during training.
"That's not unusual for a midfield player but with the standards I have set I expect to score."

Resource:http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060630/6/8ejs.html

[Blue Blood]

Italy out to prove the doubters wrong

29 June 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com



After the Italy-Australia match, the international press engaged in a veritable festival of Azzurri-bashing, painting the Italians as ruthless opportunists who only know one way to play. That could all change against Ukraine. The last few days have been filled with the usual debate between advocates of an open attacking game on the one hand and hard-nosed realists on the other, with various shades of opinion in between.
It is the same old story, Italy have once again reached the quarter-final stage of the FIFA World Cup™, and were it not for the dramatic incident involving Gianluca Pessotto (the former Juventus and Italy defender hospitalised after a fall of nearly ten metres), the atmosphere in the Azzurri camp could be described as top-class.
There is clearly a great feeling of togetherness within the camp, while the players are determined to respond to external criticism in the best possible way – out on the pitch. All in all, concentration should not be a problem for Lippi's men, as they attempt to take another step along the road to Berlin.
The Ukraine match promises to be a difficult one, but it is also an opportunity for Italy to show that a leopard can indeed change its spots. After an expansive, attacking game against Ghana, three matches followed (against USA, Czech Republic and Australia) in which Lippi's side allowed their opponents the run of midfield, relying on fast counter-attacking. Despite ceding the initiative to their rivals, Italy conceded just once, an own goal against USA, and always scored first. The match against the eastern Europeans promises to be a different affair entirely.
Ukraine to provide stiff test
Ukraine could well prove to be a very tough nut to crack. The Eastern Europeans favour a counter-attacking style of play, much like Italy themselves, while they have a successful blend of established stars like Shevchenko and talented young guns such as Artem Milevskyi. Given that Italy go into the game as favourites, Ukraine have a glorious opportunity to pull off one of the surprises of a FIFA World Cup short on shock results. Above all, Shevchenko and Co will be looking to use a growing wave of national fervour and passion to their advantage once they cross that white line.
The Switzerland game proved that Blokhin's team have no intention of raising the rhythm of their play and attacking an Italian defence marshalled by Juventus stalwart Fabio Cannavaro, putting the pressure on Italy to go on the offensive. In addition to all of the above, among the semi-finalists at recent FIFA World Cups have been Lato's and Boniek's Poland (in 1974 and 1982 respectively), Scifo's Belgium (1986), Stoitchkov's Bulgaria (1994), Boban's Croatia (1998) and Hakan Sukur's Turkey (2002). Shevchenko's Ukraine would not look out of place on that list.




Pragmatism the order of the day
Football is not only about dribbling, spectacular goals and keeping the ball. If you do not have exceptional midfielders, football can also be about keeping things tight for 90 minutes. Another key factor is not providing the opposition with clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, and varying your game depending on who you are up against. In Hamburg, Italy will be determined to prove that they are more than capable of adapting to the changing circumstances and playing a more adventurous, flowing style of football.
Lippi knows that his side are well capable of variation. Throughout a long unbeaten run that goes back to 9 October 2004 the Azzurri have overcome opponents in all shapes and sizes. In an eerie coincidence, Italy’s last defeat was a 1-0 loss to Slovakia refereed by Belgian official Frank De Bleckeere, who will also be in charge of this Friday’s quarter-final.
Three men could prove decisive. The first is Francesco Totti, rejuvenated by his first FIFA World Cup goal, the second is midfield schemer Andrea Pirlo, and the third, who has so far been used only sparingly, is Juventus’ tireless wide-man Mauro Camoranesi. The latter, if he is on form, could prove to be the joker in the pack, providing the spark and quality necessary to unlock the Ukrainian defence.
Once past Ukraine, the Italians would surely revert to what they do best. However, playing a waiting game against Germany or Argentina would require the services of Alessandro Nesta. Italy will only feel truly safe when the classy AC Milan defender returns to partner Cannavaro at the heart of the backline.

Resource:http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060629/1/8ef4.html

[Blue Blood]

Germany out to strike fear into Albiceleste

29 June 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com



The moment everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived. For two years, Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his players have been insisting they would be ready to take on the world’s top sides during the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ on home soil. This Friday afternoon at 17:00, the eyes of the footballing world will be on the sell-out Olympiastadion in Berlin to see whether the three-time world champions can finally re-establish themselves among the global elite in their quarter-final showdown with South American giants Argentina.
This is without doubt a clash of titans between the two teams who have impressed most at the tournament thus far. The fixture not only pits the hot favourites for the title against the passionately supported hosts, it also throws up a couple of potentially fascinating duels: that of gifted playmakers Juan Riquelme and Michael Ballack, and goal-getters supreme Hernan Crespo and Miroslav Klose.
Klose and Tevez turn up the heat
“Argentina were favourites before the tournament but they are unlucky to be meeting us,” said four-goal hero Klose, fanning the flames ahead of the clash. Argentina’s Carlos Tevez, refusing to cede an inch, came back with the riposte: “I’m not afraid. It’s up to the Germans to show how good they are.” The verbal sparring is reminiscent of two boxers before a world title fight. And many believe the last man standing come Friday night will have every chance of going on to become world champion.




“We’re full of energy and optimism. We're not afraid and we’re not thinking any negative thoughts,” insisted Klinsmann, adding: “We will have to give everything, and we're prepared to do that. We’ve improved the quality of our play and now we've hit top form.” The former Mannschaft striker is convinced Germany are about to record their first victory over one of the world’s top sides since 7 October 2000, when they beat England 1-0 at Wembley during qualifications for Korea/Japan 2002. “We want to give Argentina one almighty battle and a great game.” Is Ballack’s finest hour upon us?
Yet again, Klose and his hungry strike-partner Lukas Podolski will come under the spotlight. The front pairing have accounted for seven of Germany’s ten goals at the tournament so far. However, with goalscoring opportunities likely to be in shorter supply than in their earlier games, the home fans will be hoping the aerial prowess and goalscoring instincts of Michael Ballack can make the difference against the South Americans. “We’re relaxed and confident and we’re hungry to play another three games,” said Ballack, for whom the impending showdown could be his big opportunity to leave an indelible impression on the world stage.
Klinsmann, who has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from, looks set to keep faith with the same eleven that won so emphatically against Sweden. Significantly, captain Ballack and key players Klose, Podolski and Metzelder were all absent when Germany drew 2-2 with the Albiceleste at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2005 – the last time the two teams met. While that in itself does not guarantee a better result this time around, it is nonetheless grounds for optimism. “The whole of Germany is behind us and that inspires the team, which is why it won’t be enough for us just to play a good game this time,” admitted Ballack.
It is a long time since German football was in such a strong position. And it is even longer since the hosts have lined up against Argentina without feeling inferior. “We won’t base our game on theirs,” assured industrious midfielder Torsten Frings, evoking memories of the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final. The opponents that day were, of course, Argentina, and the result 1-0 to Germany.

Resource:http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060629/1/8eh6.html