Archive: Game updates
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: Italy 1, France 1 (Italy wins on PKs, 5-3)
Well, we have a dramatic -- if not completely satisfying -- end to an entertaining 32 days of soccer. In extra time, France continued to play a better brand of football than Italy ... but then Zidane went out on that red card (holy cow). You have to think that, plus Henry getting subbed off, gave Italy a little better chance in PKs....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 9, 2006; 04:49 PM ET | Comments (50)
Extra Time
Still 1-1. But France has definitely played better over large portions of the second half. Seems likely the winning goal will come from France's left side, which seems to get a guy free on attack after attack ... Italy, unless something changes, will have to hope for a counter-attack opportunity. How hurt is Zidane? They had a shot of him grimacing ... impressive that he's still out there....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 9, 2006; 03:53 PM ET | Comments (4)
Halftime at the Final
It's halftime, and France and Italy are tied at 1. First goal came quickly (8th minute?) on a Zidane PK. Materazzi was called for fouling Malouda, and the call looks bad on replay. But in this observer's opinion, in real time, it was not a surprising call. Ref was behind the play and to the players' right (where he should be), and from that angle I think it probably looked worse than it did from various replay angles. Italy equalized about 10 minutes later on a Materazzi header off a corner. Italy had two more good headers off corners -- France has to work that out. Advantage in the play so far? Probably Italy, but just by a little. France has looked dangerous at times, esp. when they get the ball to Henry in the box....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 9, 2006; 02:52 PM ET | Comments (9)
FINAL: France 1, Portugal 0
That's it. France gets through on a controversial PK call. Exciting last few minutes, at least. SATURDAY: Portugal vs. Germany for third place SUNDAY: France vs. Italy for the World Cup...
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 04:53 PM ET | Comments (31)
Injury Time
Good action as Portugal tried to tie ... even the keeper is up trying to score. Two corners, a couple nice crosses in ... still no luck for Portugal....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 04:51 PM ET | Comments (1)
78th Minute
Barthez with a wild moment ... Ronaldo's free kick hits him in the chest, which should not throw a goalkeeper off, but he struggles to pop it in the air and then taps it over the top. We've all been saying Barthez is due for a bad mistake. Was that it? If so, he got away with it....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 04:20 PM ET | Comments (5)
48th Minute
Henry takes the ball and drives into the box, gets by a defender and earns a corner. Zidane's corner headed away. Every time I see a corner now, I expect Jens Lehmann to run out and grab it. While I was typing, Ribery took a cannon shot from distance, forcing a nice save from Ricardo....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 04:06 PM ET | Comments (2)
Halftime: France 1, Portugal 0
The PK goal stands up so far. Seems to me Portugal has a been a little better, and both teams are not afraid to ham it up to get a call. That looked like what Henry was doing to earn the PK, in fact. I think he was fouled, and it was in the penalty area, but it was not necessarily a serious foul. Not sure anyone would have been upset had the ref refrained from whistling ......
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 03:46 PM ET | Comments (3)
33rd Minute: GOAL
France 1, Portugal 0 This will be controversial -- Thierry Henry earns a penalty kick when Carvalho gets him in the shin .. . and Henry sells it for all it's worth. Zidane has no problem with the PK. 1-0....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 03:32 PM ET | Comments (1)
France-Portugal, 10th minute
So far, no score, but both teams are working to attack. I have been pulled away from the tv a couple times, but will try to avoid that for the next 80 minutes ... stay tuned....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 03:09 PM ET | Email a Comment
1/2 Final: France vs. Portugal
Who will play Italy on Sunday? Interesting that these teams have rarely played a meaningful match. I guess it speaks to Portugal's struggles qualifying for World Cups. There's an easy reason to root for France today -- Zidane and all his "oldies." What's the motivation for neutrals to root for Portugal (other than France-bashing)?...
By Jon DeNunzio | July 5, 2006; 08:30 AM ET | Comments (22)
FINAL: Italy 2, Germany 0
We'll have achart in The Post tomorrow about Italy's corner kicks. If it seemed liked Lehmann grabbed every one of those, well, not quite -- he caught five of Italy's 12 corners. Other German defenders were the first player to touch the corners on six of the other seven corners. In the 93rd minute, when Cannavaro headed the ball wide off Pirlo's corner, that was the only time an Italian player was first to one of their corners. Of course, Germany's inability to clear the final corner by Del Piero sort of led to the first goal. Other comments? Did the best team win? How did this match rate among the all-time World Cup classics?...
By Jon DeNunzio | July 4, 2006; 10:17 PM ET | Comments (28)
1/2 Final: Italy vs. Germany
On the theory that not many people are sitting in front of their computer waiting for updates on this one (if you care, it's the Fourth of July, so I'll assume you're watching TV), I will not do live match reports here. But we'll dissect it after it's over ... I'm avoiding a prediction on this one....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 4, 2006; 02:13 PM ET | Comments (1)
1/4 Final: France-Brazil
My best World Cup memories are from France 1998, and while I was not at the final, I was in Paris for the game. I think France's win that day was more surprising than a France win today would be, but it's close. Really, France has played one good game -- the last one, vs. Spain. Brazil has not been pushed by anyone, though, so if France applies early pressure (or scores a quick goal), this could get interesting. And maybe Ronaldinho will score today? (I love it when the English press refers to it as "opening his account", btw.) Well, we'll see ... FINAL: France 1, Brazil 0. Great stuff from Zidane....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 1, 2006; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (25)
1/4 Final: England-Portugal
I have a colleague who is a big England fan, and he seemed pretty confident last night. With two or three Portuguese stars missing, I understand why ... but still, England needs to play better than it has so far, right? Why do I think Scolari (left) still finds a way to get it done? FINAL: Portugal wins on penalty kicks after a scorless match. Check out this photo and this photo for all you need to know about Wayne Rooney's impact on the match....
By Jon DeNunzio | July 1, 2006; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (19)
FINAL: Italy 3, Ukraine 0
Toni scored again (off a great pass from Zambrotta) and Italy cruises, 3-0. Tuesday: Italy vs. Germany My line of thinking -- if you root for Italy, Argentina, Brazil, etc -- any of the big powers -- your goal every tournament has to be the semis. Once you get there, anything can happen. Agree?...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 04:59 PM ET | Comments (10)
60th Minute: Italy 2, Ukraine 0
Guess who finally scored? Luca Toni. Italy played a short corner and Totti winds up serving a ball in from the left, close to the penalty area. Toni leans down and heads it into the lower left corner. The goal came moments after Ukraine seemed to have a sure goal -- Gusev was in all alone, and Buffon parried his point-blank shot. Kalinichenko gets the ball and fires again; Zambrotta clears it off the line. While I was typing, Ukraine hit the crossbar. Italy's vaunted defense showing some cracks ... But the Azzurri still lead, 2-0....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 04:16 PM ET | Comments (3)
Haltime: Italy 1, Ukraine 0
Italian players wearing No. 17 on their shorts in honor of Gianluca Pessotto. Ukraine seems to be game, fighting for 50-50 balls, etc., but does not have the overall team skill to get the whole job done. Of course, if Italy lays back for 45 minutes trying to preserve a 1-0 lead, I would not count Ukraine out....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 04:00 PM ET | Email a Comment
1/4 Final: Italy-Ukraine
Hey gang ... we had some technical blog-type problem late in the ARG-GER game, and I had to get in a car and drive downtown before they fixed it, so ... I'm back. I'm sure everyone knows now that Germany beat Argentina in PKs. Lehmannn was sensational in the tie-breaker; very little else was sensational in that match. Steve Goff's early story is up already. In the Italy game, the Azzurri lead 1-0 on an early goal by Gianluca Zambrotta....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 03:29 PM ET | Comments (1)
Commerical interruption
Two Post-related notes: 1. Steve Goff has a good story online now -- in an interview, USSF head Sunil Gulati sticks up for Bruce Arena. 2. Jason will be chatting, starting in a couple minutes ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (7)
End regulation: Argentina 1, Germany 1
Ok, 30 more minutes ... Argentina has shown some life of late, could be interesting in extra time....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:51 PM ET | Comments (13)
89th Minute
Yikes ... looked like a late PK for Argentina, but the ref calls Maxi Rodriguez for a dive instead. Then another close call -- Argentina header forces a good save from Lehmann ... turns out there was an offside there, too. 4 mins of added time coming....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:45 PM ET | Email a Comment
80th Minute: GOAL Germany
It's tied 1-1. Ballack plays it in from the left, and Borowski at the top of the area flicks it on ... finding Klose just outside the six-yard box, who heads it home. Really nice goal -- two headers in a row, a nice quick strike. Not good for Argentina. Riquelme out, no subs left, and a backup keeper in....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:37 PM ET | Email a Comment
70th Minute
Argentina GK Abbondanzieri has to be subbed out -- hurt his side in a collision on that corner kick he misplayed, Now entering in goal ... Leonardo Franco. I guess a PK shootout would be a bad thing for Argentina now. Also subbing for Argentina -- Cambiasso in, Riquelme out. Riquelme out?? BTW, the subs are taking their time ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:27 PM ET | Email a Comment
65th Minute
Best chance in a long time for Germany (which is keeping possession now). Abbondanzieri misplays it (well, never gets to it and falls down), rebounc comes to Ballack, whose shot is blocked by one of many non-goalkeeping Argentines standing in the six-yard box. Still 1-0, Argentina....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:22 PM ET | Email a Comment
60th Minute
Germany wins a free kick on the left edge of the penalty area ... dangerous spot. But Podolski bangs it over everyone, Donovan-style ... A minute later, Odonkor comes in for Schneider....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:14 PM ET | Comments (1)
49th Minute: GOOOOALLLLL!
Veteran defender Roberto Ayala with a powerful header off Riquelme's corner. ARG 1, GERM 0. Big trouble for listless Germany?...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:06 PM ET | Email a Comment
46th Minute
Argentina's Sorin commits a foul ... his second yellow of the second round, so he'll miss the semis if Argentina wins today....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 12:02 PM ET | Email a Comment
Halftime: Argentina 0, Germany 0
It's scoreless. Argentina with a significant possession advantage, but no great chances that I recall. UPDATE: ESPN says Argentina does not have a shot. Is Bruce Arena advising Pekerman? (Kidding Bruce/Bruce fans, just kidding)...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 11:45 AM ET | Email a Comment
42nd Minute
Last 10 minutes or so have been all Argentina -- lots of possession (although no great scoring chances). Germany having a problem simply getting the ball past midfield at times....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 11:42 AM ET | Email a Comment
29th Minute: Argentina 0, Germany 0
I'm up and running and will try to keep you abreast of the action as I watch. I have the pleasure of watching on my colleague Cindy Boren's HD TV. Amazing picture. No score so far ... best chance was probbaly Ballack's header from about 15 yards....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 11:28 AM ET | Email a Comment
Argentina-Germany pregame
About 80 minutes to kickoff in what is expected to be the best game of the weekend. Predictions? I think Germany wins. Its momentum and home support will make up for any difference in talent .......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 30, 2006; 09:36 AM ET | Comments (11)
1/8 Final: France 3, Spain 1
Well, I was dead wrong on this. I thought Spain was good enough to get to the final, and France was lucky to get out of the group. France was impressive today, and -- unless you're a Spain backer -- you have to admit it was cool to see Zidane score the insurance goal. QUARTERFINALS Friday Germany vs. Argentina, 11 a.m. EDT Italy vs. Ukraine, 3 p.m. Saturday England vs. Portugal, 11 a.m. Brazil vs. France, 3 p.m....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 27, 2006; 04:49 PM ET | Comments (26)
1/8 Final: Brazil-Ghana
Should be a fast-paced affair ... can Ghana hang with the superstars?...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 27, 2006; 09:13 AM ET | Comments (24)
1/8 Final: Switzerland vs. Ukraine
Camille Powell just pointed me to this description of today's late game in the BBC.com's prematch buildup: If divvying up matches to televise is like choosing teams in the school playground, this was the spotty, little nerd left as the last pick. At least if the ref messes this one up, fewer people will be outraged ... FINAL: Ukraine wins on PKs after 120 scoreless minutes. Poor exhibition of penalty taking by the Swiss. They were 0 for 3....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 26, 2006; 02:46 PM ET | Comments (26)
1/8 Final: Italy-Australia
I'm back after a rare day off ... Halftime: Italy 0, Australia 0 Italy playing a very patient game, with Pirlo having another good game dictating matters from deep in the midfield. Del Piero started for Totti but has not been a factor. Australians have had a few chances -- if they convert, Italy might have trouble playing from behind ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 26, 2006; 11:49 AM ET | Comments (16)
1/8 Final: Argentina vs. Mexico
It's about to kick off. Predictions? I have Argentina: 2 Mexico: 0 Gratuitous shots of Maradona in the stands: 12 FINAL: Argentina 2 Mexico 1 Extra time: 30 minutes All-time classic goals: 1...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 24, 2006; 02:56 PM ET | Comments (7)
1/8 Final: Sweden-Germany
About 15 minutes from kickoff. In case you missed it in the comments, Jason posted the lineups: Germany: Lehmann Lahm - Mertesacker - Freidrich - Metzelder Schweinsteiger - Ballack - Frings - Schneider Klose - Podolski Sweden: Isaksson Edman - Mellberg - Lucic Kallstrom - Linderoth - Alezandersson - Ljungberg Irbahimovic - Larsson - Jonson...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 24, 2006; 10:44 AM ET | Comments (6)
Let the Second Round Begin
Finals from the afternoon: France 2, Togo 0 Switzerland 2, South Korea 0 Switzerland wins the group, France is second. Second-round games: Saturday Germany vs. Sweden, 11 a.m. Argentina vs. Mexico, 3 p.m. Sunday England vs. Ecuador, 11 a.m. Portugal vs. Netherlands, 3 p.m. Monday Italy vs. Australia, 11 a.m. Switzerland vs. Ukraine, 3 p.m. Tuesday Brazil vs. Ghana, 11 a.m. Spain vs. France, 3 p.m. I need to make my picks for these games and the games beyond for a pool ... open to suggestions from you astute readers....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 23, 2006; 05:30 PM ET | Comments (10)
Groug G Games
Interesting situation here ... at this moment (29th minute), the scores are: Switzerland 1, South Korea 0 France 0, Togo 0 If those results hold, the Swiss win the group and South Korea is second. If the French score, they move ahead of South Korea. But then if South Korea gets a goal back and ties it, they move back ahead of France. And the French would need to win by two goals to pass South Korea if the Reds tie. Follow that?...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 23, 2006; 03:27 PM ET | Comments (6)
Group H Games
Well, onward ... I think this should be pretty straightforward this morning. Spain vs. Saudi Arabia -- Spain only needs a tie to win the group. Not a huge problem. Tunisia vs. Ukraine -- Ukraine only needs a tie to advance. Probably can do that, but for viewing pleasure, here's hoping they have to stuggle to do it ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 23, 2006; 08:50 AM ET | Email a Comment
Group F Games/Media Update
Just FYI, if you have retreated from soccer today: Approx. 70th Minute: Brazil 3, Japan 1 (Japan scored first!) Croatia 2, Australia 1 UPDATE: Games over now: Brazil 4, Japan 1 Australia 2, Croatia 2 Brazil wins the group, Aussies are second. Also, I will be on XM Radio channel 148 tonight at 9. And Steve Goff will chat tomorrow at noon....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 04:30 PM ET | Comments (11)
U.S.-Ghana Wrap-Up
UPDATE: I wrote the stuff below as I was ready to pack up and leave the CCSP, just trying to get some conversation started. Right after I powered down, I heard part of Claudio Reyna's postgame comments and something really struck me. He mentioned what comes next -- qualifying for South Africa in 2010. Holy cow. 2010. That may be the cruelest thing about the World Cup for a team at the United States' level and its fans. Three and a half years of prep work, crazy qualifying games, overanalysis of who should/shouldn't be in the team ... and then it all can end in 11 days. Rock rolls to the bottom of the hill and you start pushing it up again. xxxxxxxxxx Well, I'm about to check out of the Crystal City Sports Pub -- where the staff was very helpful, and the atmosphere was as good as it...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 12:06 PM ET | Comments (97)
FINAL: Ghana 2, U.S. 1
That's it. The Americans go home, Ghana advances to likely play Brazil ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:59 AM ET | Comments (91)
90+ Minute
Long ball to Donovan ... defender Mensah beats him to it, feels contact and crumples. Wastes some time ... that's almost it ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:54 AM ET | Email a Comment
90th Minute
Donovan cuts into the box and seems to have a lane to shoot ... he keeps dribbling and passes, instead. Huh? Five mins. of stoppage time coming....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (3)
FINAL: Italy 2, Czechs 0
The Italians win the group....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:49 AM ET | Comments (1)
85th Mi nute
Corner for the U.S. (after a lenghy fake-looking injury): cleared out, and the follow shot is high....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:45 AM ET | Comments (1)
81st Minute
U.S. gets a free kick after a rough foul on Convey ... Donovan's free kick on the edge of the box -- horrible. Too high for anyone to touch it. Meantime, Izaghi scores for Italia. Azzurri lead, 2-0....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:43 AM ET | Email a Comment
79th Minute
Seems the bit of momentum the U.S. had earlier in the half has dried up. They need to make something happen, soon. (Stating the obvious, I know) If results hold: 1. Italy - 7 pts 2. Ghana - 6 pts 3. Czechs - 3 pts 4. US - 1 pt...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:37 AM ET | Comments (1)
74th Minute
SUB: Convey in, Lewis out. SuperPippo called for offsides in the Italy game, btw ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:33 AM ET | Email a Comment
70th Minute
Another U.S. player whistled for offsides. Frustrating, but that's what they have to do -- play the long ball and hope to beat the trap....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:30 AM ET | Comments (1)
68th Minute
Corner from Donovan ... Onyewu heads high over the bar. Chances are coming, but the Americans need to convert ... twice....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:29 AM ET | Email a Comment
66th Minute
Lewis stings a low, short cross to the near post, McBride heads it ... into the post! Close ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (1)
61st Minute
SUB: Eddie Johnson in, Steve Cherundolo out. In the Italy game, Baros was subbed out a few minutes ago, and Italy has had a bunch of chances lately....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:19 AM ET | Email a Comment
Italy-Czech Update
Few care besides me, but I have to note that Gilardino was subbed out in the 60th for Filippo "SuperPippo" Inzaghi ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (1)
54th Minute
Dangerous chance off an indirect kick for the U.S. .. Ghana has to clear it over the endline. Corner: played short, looks promising, goes nowhere. Ghana counters quickly, and a long shot by Amoah requires Keller to make a good save....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:15 AM ET | Comments (1)
51st Minute
Giving out props for effort doesn't mean as much now, but it was sweet to see Cherundolo steal the ball from Appiah and send a long pass upfield to Dononvan A little too much pace on the ball, but nice nonetheless....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 11:05 AM ET | Email a Comment
Halftime: Italy, Ghana Lead
The U.S. fans in Nuremberg were not hard to hear as the ref blew the halftime whistle ... boos, loud boos. Looking forward to the replays on that PK foul. Unbelievable. So the U.S. needs two goals in the second half, without Claudio Reyna on the field. And Italy needs to hold on to its lead. Italy at least will work hard to keep or build on the lead; if Ghana wins, Italy has to win to finish first in the Group. Oh yes -- the Czechs are down a man. Polak was sent off....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (7)
45+ Minute: GOAL Ghana
Brutal for the U.S. -- Oguchi Onyewu called for a questionable foul in the box ... PK. Appiah converts. Ghana 2, U.S. 1 Looked like Oguchi was simply going for the ball, although his arm was on the attackers' shoulder. Hard to believe that was a foul....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (10)
43rd Minute: GOAL US
Beasley gets a loose ball and busts head of the defense, crosses the ball to Dempsey (how does he see him?) and the Dempster puts it away, one-time style. Good stuff. Very much needed before the half. US 1, Ghana 1 Italy 1, Czechs 0...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:43 AM ET | Email a Comment
40th Minute
Well, Reyna tried, but he's done. D.C. United fans, get excited -- Ben Olsen is going to see some World Cup action. It's been a pretty fast-paced game recently. U.S. gets a chance, Ghana counters quickly ......
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:40 AM ET | Comments (1)
37th Minute
Lewis FK from the right forces a good save from Kingson. The a corner for the U.S. ... ball cleared and then Ghana is on the attack. Did I say they are fast?...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:37 AM ET | Comments (1)
35th Minute
McBride heads down a long pass to Donovan who shoots ... nope. Wide and high. Good stuff from McBride, though....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:34 AM ET | Email a Comment
31st Minnute
Well, Beasley has the pace to stay up with Ghana, it seems. But iI'm not sure he has the rest of the package these days. Meantime, Shilla delivers an elbow to Conrad. Card?...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:30 AM ET | Comments (1)
29th Minute
Reyna's bad pass turns into a 1-on-3 breakway for Ghana. Shot is wide, but man, scary....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 22, 2006; 10:28 AM ET | Comments (1)