Austrailia's run in the World Cup seems to be another Cinderella story. But having given up 5 goals in Group play, particularly 2 against Croatia in Game 3 to get into the elimination round shows weakness. Italy gave up only 1 goal in Group play, that to the United States and possesses better and more experienced play at Cup level. So far, no Cinderellas have made it threw the elimination round and don't believe it starts with this match. Hence,
Italy -0.5 (-174)(Pinnacle)
Group E
Key
Overview | News
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=s-h><TD width="60%">Team</TD><TD>MP</TD><TD>W</TD><TD>D</TD><TD>L</TD><TD>GF</TD><TD>GA</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Italy</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD class=b>7</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
Ghana</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD class=b>6</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Czech Republic</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD class=b>3</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
USA</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD class=b>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Group F
Key
Overview | News
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=s-h><TD width="60%">Team</TD><TD>MP</TD><TD>W</TD><TD>D</TD><TD>L</TD><TD>GF</TD><TD>GA</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Brazil</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD class=b>9</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
Australia</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD class=b>4</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Croatia</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD class=b>2</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
Japan</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD class=b>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Italy -0.5 (-174)(Pinnacle)
Group EKey
Overview | News
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=s-h><TD width="60%">Team</TD><TD>MP</TD><TD>W</TD><TD>D</TD><TD>L</TD><TD>GF</TD><TD>GA</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Italy</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD class=b>7</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
Ghana</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD><TD class=b>6</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Czech Republic</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD class=b>3</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
USA</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD class=b>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Group FKey
Overview | News
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=s-h><TD width="60%">Team</TD><TD>MP</TD><TD>W</TD><TD>D</TD><TD>L</TD><TD>GF</TD><TD>GA</TD><TD>Pts</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Brazil</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD class=b>9</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
Australia</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD class=b>4</TD></TR><TR class=s-da align=middle><TD align=left>
Croatia</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD class=b>2</TD></TR><TR class=s-db align=middle><TD align=left>
Japan</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD class=b>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>I think alot of those defense lapses vs Croatia can be attributed to the goaltender who had a nightmare match. He has been dropped for today's game and is replaced by Schwarzer, on the whole a reilable keeper who plays in the EPL. Kewell may be struggling with an injury which will be a blow to the Aussies.
If the Aussies are too pumped Italy will likely turn it to their advantage with diving and alot will depend on the attitude of the ref.
Overall I think the Aussies will be enthusiastic and determined but Italy have the experience and know-how in these situations and will have enough class in the key moments to get the job done.
If the Aussies are too pumped Italy will likely turn it to their advantage with diving and alot will depend on the attitude of the ref.
Overall I think the Aussies will be enthusiastic and determined but Italy have the experience and know-how in these situations and will have enough class in the key moments to get the job done.
Italy going with a more offensive attacking formation
3-4-3
Buffon;
Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi,
Grosso; Perrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso;
Del Piero; Toni, Gilardino.
Italy will score and then pack it in and lock down the D
Kewell will not play I dont think for the Aussies
3-4-3
Buffon;
Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi,
Grosso; Perrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso;
Del Piero; Toni, Gilardino.
Italy will score and then pack it in and lock down the D
Kewell will not play I dont think for the Aussies
toni could be the goal scorer for this game!
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