The World Cup Today

Italy 3-0 Ukraine

Italy immediately looked dangerous in the opening minutes, with Camoronese providing a real spark out of the midfield. The Argentine-born Camoronese gets short shrift at times in Italy, but his value to the struggling Azzuri offense was apparent.

Lippi's decision to sit Gilardino and play Toni up front alone looked to be a tactical master-stroke, as the Italians really linked well in the midfield - the indefatigable Gatusso also looked great both attacking and, as always, defending and winning balls.

Zambrotta combined well with Totti in the midfield and blasted a left-footed strike past Shovkovsky in the 7th. It was a rocket, but the keeper should have done better - he might have been screened as the ball travelled through a Ukraine defender's legs. Still, not a great way for the Ukraine to start.

The Ukraine looked decent in their own right, settling down after the early goal, and began to create some chances. Schevchenko missed on a tough header, but gave up on the play, failing to make a run for the great cross on the follow-up. Tymoshuk ended a great tourney, with another solid game, creating some chances and working hard all over the pitch.

In the 2nd half, the Italians showed some of why they have been deemed lucky by some. A save by Buffon from a point blank blast, followed by another by Zambrotta off the line kept the Ukraine from leveling.

The Ukraine paid immediately for missing their chances. Italy played a short corner to Totti, who delivered a gorgeous ball to Toni, who headed home while deftly shielding his defender. He has certainly deserved a goal this World Cup, and his first gave Italy the 2-0 cushion.

The Ukraine didn't give up and almost scored right away, as Gusen, a solid threat in the air all day, had his header beat Buffon but not the crossbar. From there it was downhill though, as the Ukranian defense tired and began carelessly giving the ball away to the now circling Italians.

Eventually, it was the man who started the scoring creating the final goal. Zambrotta, a terror from box-to-box all day, linked well down the left side, before a great cut inside and perfect set-up for a Toni tap-in. 3-0 Italy in the end.

The Italian defense, though keeping a clean sheet, did not look great with the noted exception of Canavarro. Canavarro has been absolutely incredible throughout the World Cup, and he had another great match today.

But overall, a great perfromance for the Azurri.

Germany 1-1 Argentina
(Germany wins on PKs)

As expected there was little between Germany and Argentina in the first quarterfinal match today. On balance, I would have to say Argentina played better though both teams struggled to create chances and relied mostly on set pieces.

The game didn't get off to a great start during a chippy, faltering first half. The referee handled it well, but was forced to book Podolski for a real cheap shot. The Argentines were handling Germany's high pressure defense and did not allow the hosts to ride the pro-German crowd to a flying start . Argentina found some nice space attacking down the left-side on switches, bringing Tevez or an overlapping Sorin into the attack.

Germany captain Michael Ballack suffered through a miserable half (and until his PK conversion, miserable game), repeatedly turning the ball over in the midfield (I counted 5 turnovers) and failing to choreograph the German attack. Ballack did however have the first quality chance, but missed the target on a header from a beautiful cross from Schneider.

Juan Requelme again failed to find the form he showed early in the tournament. He was unable to spring the Argentine attack from the midfield, and Argentina increasingly started playing long balls from the back. Though Tevez proved a good outlet target at times, this was certainly not their preferred style of attack.

With Ballack and Requelme off their games, the game bogged down a bit in the midfield, with each team rarely threatening throughout the half. Both defenses looked solid containing attacks and neither team was often caught without substantial numbers behind the ball.

The second half looked livelier from the off, with Maxi Rodriguez gaining some traction down the right side. His endeavors lead to the first goal off of a corner kick, with Ayala bravely hurling himself and heading in front of Klose for the opening goal in the 49th minute. Credit to Requelme for a great delivery.

Immediately after the goal, Argentina had a great counter-attack opportunity against a frazzled German side. Requelme held on to the ball too long (as he has repeatedly over the last 3 games) and failed to deliver a through pass to a driving Crespo.

From there, however, the game shifted. The Argentines stopped attacking completely, and were unable to hold posession for any extended period, often resorting to knocking long balls to the German defense.

The Germans brought on Odonkor, who immediately provided a threat down the right wing. The Germans began probing deeper into the Argentine defense, and Ballack nearly equalized from a loose ball, after Abodonzierri flailed coming out on a corner kick. The keeper injured himself colliding with Klose on the play, and 5 minutes later was forced to leave the pitch for backup keeper, Franco.

Jose Pekerman was forced to remove a tiring and ineffective Requelme, who failed to provide the ball posession that the tiring Argentine defense needed. Cambiasso came in to the match, followed shortly by the German Borowski, who replaced an equally ineffective Schweinsteiger. Crespo, on his last legs, was next to go, replaced by Julio Cruz. Surprising that Pekerman did not give fleet-footed Messi a chance, but i guess he wanted experience and defense.

When Tevez was whistled for a phantom call, the Germans had a dangerous free kick opportunity. Podolski squandered the chance, blasting into the wall.

A few minutes later, a tiring Ballack delivered a great ball into the box that found Klose after a flick on by sub Borowski. The striker buried the header and it was a new game in the 80th minutes. It was a deserved punsihment for Argentina's inability to pass the ball or create anything in the last 20 minutes.

I wonder if Pekerman was rueing his substitute choice of Cruz now, as the midfield was wide open, with Michael Ballack reduced to standing in one postion and heading the ball occasionally.
Maxi Rodriguez was unable to get the best of Lamb from inside the box and resorted to a desperate flop over creation. On to OT.

In the overtime, fatigue really showed, as both teams, but particularly Argentina, struggled to find any quality at key moments. Germany was severely hindered by an immobile Ballack, though Odonkor continued with his great work down the right wing, winning another corner kick for his side. On to PKs.

Germany proved too much in the shootout, hitting 4 PK gems past the sub keeper, including Ballack. Lehman came up big for Germany twice in the shootout, especially his clinching save against Cambiasso when he blocked it at full stretch.

Germany, when their elation has worn off, will be concerned by an Italian team that is finding its attacking form. While Germany struggled in the midfield in their game, the Italian midfield played as well as they have all tourney (granted Germany faced stronger opposition). Throw in a Toni now hitting the mark, and they are suddenly a very scary proposition. The Germans created very few chances today against a top defense, and they need Ballack, Klose, and Podolski to click once again if they are to beat the Italians.

The Idiot

Some World Cup match reports:

France 3-1 Spain

This might have been France's last hurrah, but they looked fantastic to me. Veira and Makalele dominated in the midfield, and Frank Ribery has found his form and looks like the most dangerous player on the pitch. Henry (i think 5 offsides) didnt play well, and unfortunately flopped to get a free kick that led to the go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute. I guess after suffering the Spanish racist comments, he was owed one. Zidane scored the 3rd after setting up the 2nd from his free kick. Don't think he played great, but the others in the midfield were so good that it didn't matter.

I like the way the younger French players looked, partic Ribery but also Abidal and Malouda - thought they won tons of balls and posed threats throughout. I like the way the team pressured the ball and forced errant passes, without ever leaving real gaps in behind. Willy Sagnol had another great game in back. If they build on this game, I think they could definitely beat Brazil.

Spain laid a real egg, and I place a lot of blame on the tactics. Raul was way out of place in the midfield and was largely invisible. To me, if you play Raul, you want him in the box and hope to give him a chance or two for a quick turn and shot. I think Aragones should have played Luis Garcia, who wasn't all that effective when he came in, but is an underrated ball winner and at least showed a desire to push forward with the ball.

Spain just looked like they wanted to hold the ball, and when they tried to venture forward they were unable to string passes together effectively. They never once used their speed to penetrate down the wings (until sub Joaquin did once or twice), and were constantly forced into knocking it laterally and backwards. Xavi and Xabi Alonso were medicore.

The defense looked porous - they defended individually and not as a team. Watching France move the ball through the midfield, I felt like they were going by pylons. Spain played a dangerously high line in back the whole game and it came back to haunt them.

Portugal 1-0 Holland

I wanted to take a shower after this match - it was more like a prizefight than a soccer match. Neither country can be proud of this one. Lowlights:
- Portugal began stalling in the 30th minute, highlighted by substitute Tiago going down with "cramps" after being on pitch for 12 minutes.
- Holland not only keeping the ball (after Portugal kicked it out of bounds for their injured goalie, despite being on a dangerous attack), but launching an attack on a Portugal side standing and waiting for the ball to be kicked back to them. Bravo to Deco for his justified assault tackle.
- Mark van Bommel - he was just up to no good the whole damn game (and tourney for that matter). He has sullied a great reputation with this WC.

Lost in all this was a wonderful goal by Maniche, who showed great composure and touch in the box before knocking it past Van der Sar.

Italy 1-0 Australia

Italy is lucky to advance on a PK call in the last minute of the game - thought it was a bad call. Sub Totti drilled it. Italy had been playing with 10 men most of the 2nd half after yet another ridiculous straight red card for Materazzi. I wasn't even sure it was a yellow. Australia dominated after that but couldnt get the goal. Classic Italian win - look kinda crappy but get the win and don't concede a goal.

Luca Toni was robbed by Schwarzer once, but missed a couple half-chances. Gilardino did nothing. Both were subbed off, but Iaquinta and Totti did nothing either. Real questions about their attack.

Ukraine (wins on PK) 0-0 Swiss

This game tested the patience of even the rabidest soccer fans. Each team's striker had 1 really good chance and each hit the crossbar. After that, no one could come up with anything of quality or invention in the midfield and the game bogged down there. As the teams tired late on, it looked like a bad high school soccer game. No one could do anything. The winner was the ref, who repeatedly let play go (and issued only 1 or 2 yellow card the whole game!). When the players were exhausted and there was so much falling over from so little contact, the ref just smartly waved play on.


Ghana 2-1 USA

The USA lost, victimized somewhat by the refereeing, but mostly by inept play. Coach Arena must take some of the blame for tactics and selections as we were unable to produce many quality chances, mostly stalling out in the midfield, where we missed Mastroeni and reverted back to our form from the Czech game. Desperately needing goals, he did not play Eddie Johnson up front w McBride until the 60th minute, when it was too late. He has overachieved with this team over the years, so I will not call for his head, but he did not have us well-prepared for this WC.

I also blame him for playing so many different potential players and line-ups in the matches leading up to the Cup (think England is suffering a bit from that as well). The team played like strangers over these 3 games - just not a cohesive unit at all. Perhaps there is blame for not selecting Tyler Twellman, a guy with limited skill, but great nose for goal and crazy work rate.

Landon sucked, Reyna sucked (and cost us a goal), Beasley (did send a great ball in for our goal) largely did nothing, and Lewis did nothing. Dempsey was the only one doing anything, but aside from his peach of a goal could not produce enought to cover all that shoddy midfield play. I thought Onyewu was the USA's best player again and would not be surprised if he is plucked up by a top European club in the coming weeks. The penalty call on him was one of the worst calls I have ever seen. Frustratingly, the ref then tried to make it up to us by giving us 30 little calls our way in the 2nd half. We'd rather have that goal back.

Brazil 4-1 Japan

Brazil looked devastating today - some crazy, awesome skill and passing on display against Japan. Japan scored first and held the lead for a little bit, but I do not view this as a chink in Brazil's armor. Conversely, I think this really woke up their attack and they dominated scoring 4 goals from that point. Robinho had some atonishing runs today, and Ronaldo scored twice and decided to run today. They finally played Juninho, who is devastating at set pieces - he scored from about 35 yards in open play today and that is not out of the ordinary for him. I've seen him play a lot for Lyon over the last 2 years and he is a potent option. They played Cicinho at right back (for Cafu), and he was great, bombing down the right side on some phenomenal runs. He's another option they have if they want to go faster, younger and more offensive.

Italy 1-1 USA

This was some gripping stuff. I am a little hoarse from screaming so much. It is a pretty good result for us and a heroic effort, but the phrase "we could have beaten Italy," is repeating in my head.

Before the red card procession started, we showed some of our newfound class in this game - pretty passing, good ball-winning, clever runs. Our midfield controlled the ball and showed good patience and intelligence. We looked dangerous on the counter-attack fast breaks. A US-Italy game, despite some past close scorelines, has never, ever looked like this.

On the downside, we still do not posess a world class striker, and after two games we have one own goal to our credit. Our defense needs to scrap the offside trap - we benefitted from some terrible offsides happy linesman who punished the Italian striker style of being right on the edge of the last man. When we did not trap, we were organized and composed in back.

Some thoughts on our players performance:

Bruce Arena - He rebounded from his disastrous game plan v the Czechs (bad time for our worst perfromance in probably 10 yrs), getting the tactics right this time. He moved Donovan back to the midfield, put Dempsey and Bocanegra in - all heavily improved our look and perfromance.

He did in my view make some terrible mistakes though. As I told my friend at halftime, Eddie Pope needed to be subbed off. Though it is an unorthodox move to use a sub on a defender in a tied game - Pope was way off the pace and on a yellow card. I thought he was likely to get the second yellow and he did. That really killed us, as we had to expend so much energy defending, that we couldn't attack much in the 2nd half.

He played Convey again, who offered little on the left. I don't think he can beat defenders off the dribble consistently (or at all) at this level and our attack down the left was non-existent. I would have played Eddie Johnson up front and exploited his speed to trouble a slower Italian defense.

I cannot believe he did not use our 3rd substitute. We were so exhausted in the last 25 minutes and needed fresh legs. Or at least use the last sub in the last couple minutes to kill time and hold on to the point, which we were pretty much resigned to down the stretch.

Kasey Keller - great performance. Gave our defenders confidence in fornt of him and played like we need him to. He needs to shave his remaining hairs, they are doing nothing for him.

Oguchi Onyewu - my player of the match. Just a 4 star performance in the back containing Toni and not taking a red card. After watching his horrow show against the Czechs, I thought Arena had foolishly fallen in love with his strength, physicality, and athleticism when was not ready for the tactics and craftiness needed at this level. This game I saw why everyone is so high on this kid. Believe our fans were chanting "Gooch" when he made a play. It might have been Lou.

Carlos Bocanegra - Very good performance and will certainly play again v the Czechs. Almost scored own goal, but won so many balls in the box and out wide. A bit of a red card threat from what I've seen of him in the Premeirship, but strong and athletic and tough as balls.

Steve Cherondolo - much better game for him than his weak outing v the Czechs. Really defended well and even offered some attack (and one stunning move around Pirlo) down the right. Was great helping on Toni when he was forced his way, looking like a little gnat next to Toni.

Eddie Pope - Goodbye, Eddie Pope. He has been one of my fav players over the last 10 yrs for us - great defender, who can also score with his head on set pieces. But he is several steps off the pace of the game. He is thankfully suspended for the next game so Arena (who adores him) cant pick him. He cost us a goal by doing a 1 man offsides trap and then got a red card later. He looked scared during the national anthem and played like it. Disaster.

Jimmy Conrad - did really well as a subsitute and might have earned spot replacing Pope next game. Must be careful as he tugged on Gilardino's jersey while in the box - got away with it, but it could have been a penalty.


Claudio Reyna - I am not sure I have ever seen a player more tired during a match than he was in the last 20 minutes. He really gutted it out and I thought he was really, really good, giving as much as he took in the midfield until his legs gave way. I wish he had tried to slide it to Donovan after Reyna had made a great run through several players and shot from distance as he almost collapsed. But overall - great.

Pable Mastroeni - What a pity his red card was. It was (as Balboa called) a make-up call. Definitely a bad foul and a yellow. But not a red. Before that incident, he looked great, almost scoring on a fantastic strike from distance that needed only one downward bobble at the end to tuck under the bar. Great ball winner - stopped so many attacks on our wobbly d with timely tackles. Shut Totti down in the middle (and forced him off pitch with Italy's post-red sub) Will be really missed in the middle of the pitch v Ghana's tough midfield. .

Bobby Convey - I have been down on this guy and he didnt show me much (see Coach Arena review above), but he might have a role against a weaker Ghana defense. Not convinced, though.

Clint Dempsey - He is the real deal. He seemed a little out of shape strangely, as he was exhausted with 2 minutes of the second half. Gives us a threat down the right side - can take guys on, can create, and can finish. Clearly, not overawed by occasion and opposition - Arena must play him next game.

Landon Donovan - Really benefitted form a move back to the midfield. As Balboa said, he offers so much more facing goal and running at guys than playing with his back to goal. He also has great touch, composure and vision distributing the ball in the midfield, helping us maintain posession in tricky spots. Linked well with Reyna today.

Demarcus Beasley - Yes he did almost score the winner and created some threats, but I agree with Marcello Balboa - as a sub, he needed to be running more. Why did I repeatedly see a dead-legged McBride hustling back on D while DeMarcus jogged leisurely back? It really infuriated me - I have seen him use his speed to play great back-tracking defense and create turnovers in the past. Why not now?

Brian McBride - Great game. Heroic effort. Didn't score, but worked his ass off all day, and feel like he will score for us v Ghana.

Argentina 6-0 Serbia

Argentina put on a beautiful passing display throughout, highlighted by a 24 pass move (you heard right) ending with a goal. They passed effortlessly, strikers made creative runs opening space everywhere, and finished with precision. They used 3 subs and all 3 scored and the team never missed a beat. Compelling stuff, and one has to consider them a serious contender to win it all.

Holland 2-1 Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast played well against Argentina and Holland and were unlucky not to get a result in either. The Dutch looked great from the outset, scoring on a Van Persie gem from a free kick and Robben passing neatly to van Nistlerooy for the second. It looked like Van Basten had talked to Ribben about passing and he was distributing early and effectively in the 1st half. Von Persie looks deady cutting in from the right side onto his stronger left foot.

But after the second goal, Holland did nothing and the IC dominated with some fantastic play from defenders attacking through the middle, and nice linking among the midfield. They got a beauty of a goal late in the first half and spent much of the second closing in on a second. Holland offered nothing going forward and their midfield is a huge question mark as the IC dominated the center of the field. Another great game.

Mexico 0-0 Angola

Good perfromance from Angola who grew in confidence as the match went on and offered some decent control in the midfield, but lacked any quality finishing. Mexico started off passing beautifully, but suffered through long ineffective spells throughout and blew some great chances.

England 1-0 Paraguay

Crappy match, and England doesn't look the part of world beater to me.

- The midfield, while on paper is incredible - doesnt play all that well together. Joe Cole was the lone bright spot and seemed the only one with any real endeavor - he must continue to do so throughout the tourney.

- Beckham is so static now. His free kick/own goal today justified his place out there, but he has to do more down the road, and I dont know if he can anymore.
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- The 5'3" Mexican referee I think was freaked out by Peter Crouch and called everything against him on some real iffy stuff.

- Lampard's compass seems slightly off on his shots (maybe its the ball). He can't justify cracking shots from 35 yards unless he fixes this.

What Handbagsattenpaces is

Handbagsattenpaces is a new blog focused on football (soccer) that aims to initiate some discussions in 2 broad categories in the world of football:

1) The games, players, managers, and tactics with a focus on big int'l competions (like the World Cup and the Euros), The Champions League, and the English Premiership.

2) Critiques of the referees, the existing rules (and interpretation of them), and possible changes to the rules to hopefully improve the world's greatest game. Included topics will be the Offisdes Rule, Card Issuance, Penalty Kick awards, and many others (replays, microchips, etc).
Football is a low scoring game - the large majority of matches are decided by one goal or end in a draw. With the Offsides Rule, Card Issuance, and PK awards, we are dealing with 3 issues that have an enormous impact on which team wins a given match. This World Cup has highlighted problems in all 3 areas (and others to be sure), and I think these problems have threatened to overshadow what has otherwise been a great tournament.

I feel like the last truly meaningful step forward by soccer's governing bodies has been the elimination of the backpass to the goalie (and that was a long time ago). FIFA's most recent attempts to improve the game have been disastrous:

- Tinkering with the offsides rule (like passive offsides) has only increased confusion (like Frank Ribery's opening goal against Spain) and not successfully adressed the real problem of too many miscalled offsides (Brazil's 2nd goal against Ghana) . By my estimation, at least 20% of offsides calls are incorrect, and they are often stopping what would be golden scoring opprotunities, often a breakaway for an attacker (which has a high probability of resulting in a goal). Teams that are inventive and creative should be rewarded with good scoring opportunites, but too often they are stymied by a bored linesman who saw an attacker's head bob in front of a defender long after a through ball has been delivered.

- For the World Cup FIFA has encouraged liberal issuance of yellow and red cards by the refs, resulting in far too many arbitrary dismissals and suspensions. I am all for trying to clean up the game, but this has created some truly awful spectacles like the USA/Italy and Holland/Portugal matches.

- The Penalty Kick award for an infraction in the box often results in a goal for a team that has hardly deserved it. By the letter of the law, Spain deserved a PK against France - it was definitely a foul in the box. But it was not disrupting a great scoring chance (the Spanish player was headed away from goal) and awarding a PK is tantamount to awarding a goal.

I think there is room for massive improvement in all 3 of these rules and the result would be far fewer injustices in the final scorelines of matches.

Before I sound too dour and rules-oriented, let me re-iterate that I hope and expect most posts will be more about great players, great teams and great matches. From suddenly rejuventated France playing with unity and passion against a wilting Spain, to Germany playing some of the most attractive attacking football and winning over their country, to Ghana and The Ivory Coast looking right at home against football superpowers and bringing pride to their country and continent, to whether Chelsea officially creates a dynasty with a 3rd successive Prem title, to feel-good promotion stories like Wigan Athletic and West Ham, I look forward to discussing it all.

The Idiot