Memories Of Italy Vs Norway (France 98)

There are many games in a world cup yet in my opinion the world cup does not truly commence till it enters the round of 16 or the elimination part of the tournament. This being the part of the world cup that allows teams to either move on with one win or be eliminated with one defeat. It being in quarterfinals where the real contenders can be seen as opposed to those teams which merely made up the numbers and perhaps entertained but apart from that; did not have a realistic chance of becoming champion.
This was the second round for the right to progress to the quarters and Italy would be facing Norway. It perhaps might seem like an odd coincidence or fate yet despite what one cared to call it, Italy had played Norway in their only two previous world cup appearances with Italy winning by a goal on both occasions. These Italian victories coming in matches which as far as Italy was concerned had been far from easy. It being back in 38 in the first world cup played in France that Italy defeated Norway by a score of 2-1 in a first round match which in fact required overtime. Italy taking the lead early on a goal by Ferraris, only to have Brustad equalize late in the game. Italy however thanks to a goal by legendary striker Piola would go on to win the match and progress to the quarterfinals in a world cup which they would eventually win.
Norway however despite playing well in France 38 would not qualify to another world cup till USA 94. It being there where they again met and lost to Italy in the first round by a score of 1-0 which one could say was the match which prevented them from going on in to the second round. This a match which I saw live at Giant's Stadium as Dino Baggio scored Italy's game winner. All of which in a way being strange that Norway prior to France 98 had qualified to two world cups and had not only lost to Italy on both occasions but in fact; Italy had been the only team to beat them in a world cup. Italy also having faced them in two of their four world cup matches. As for France 98, it did not seem that this trend would be broken as Norway had played 3 encounters and in fact had not lost a single match and had even beaten Brazil to get to the second even if this had been thanks to a most dubious penalty to say the least. Would Italy beat Norway for a third time and remain as the only team ever to beat them in a world cup? Well this we would soon find out.
Norway for their part did have a solid well disciplined team which did not like to go forward very much yet could manage goals when they needed them thanks to players like Flo. Italy was at this point playing well and even impressing as they had done in their previous two games against Austria and Cameroon.
As for myself, I again as with the match against Cameroon would be watching Italy VS Norway at home. Erico and I having decided that perhaps we should watch this match in our own respective homes instead of going out to places which for the most part would be empty or if they had people in them; they would not be Italian fans.
The match started and as I looked on I was most hopeful of an Italian victory which I knew was not a sure thing but should come. This in spite of Norway's having triumphed over Brazil in their previous encounter. As for the match itself, it was between two teams which were clearly defense minded. This being the case with both Italy and Norway. Italy's head coach, Maldini being known for such tactics while Norway was also not much for going forward though they had scored five goals in their first round encounters.
An Italian goal came relatively early which was most fortunate as this was not going to be the sort of match in which goals would be abundantly scored unless it went in to a penalty shot-out which Italy definitely did not want. Italy scoring when Vieri managed to get to a long pass in the middle of Norway's defense and go between their defenders in to the penalty box. It being from inside the penalty box at an angle to the goal that he shot the ball past Norway's goalkeeper to put Italy up in front by 1-0 just 18 minutes in to the game. A goal was shouted and phone calls were exchanged as Italy was winning yet it was not over.
The half finished with Italy still leading by 1-0 yet the match was hardly one which was being well played with perhaps Italy playing a wise yet boring style of football. Wise given that they were ahead in the scoreboard and were managing to keep their lead with relative ease. As Norway's offense did not really come close to equalizing yet boring since they were hardly coming close to a second goal themselves.
The rest of the match, I must say was most uneventful as to not even bring one memory to mind; apart Del Piero's having played very badly and Italy's having gone on to win it and progress in to the quarterfinals of France 98. Del Piero in fact played so poorly in not only not doing much of anything but having given away so many ball with bad passes that he was replaced by Baggio; who many felt should started instead.
As for Norway, they again lost to Italy; who till this day remains the only team to have beaten them in a world cup. This while Italy went forward with what from a certain point of view could be considered a great game. They had beaten a solid team without having to go in to overtime or exerting themselves too much. This in contrast to France who had to not only played much harder to beat Paraguay but had had to do it in overtime. It being Blanc who got France's goal in overtime as well as the first golden goal ever scored in world cup competition.
For my part, I was glad that Italy had won and was playing well or at least getting by without as many difficulties as they had had in USA 94 though I felt that Baggio should be given the starting position. This something my friend Enrrico, did not fully agree with in his believe that Del Piero would never recover from it yet I felt the needs of the team came before those of the individual. Baggio, after all did play much better than Del Piero in the time he played against Norway. Apart from this, I felt Italy was solid and could beat anybody and though its match against Norway was far from brilliant; it did show that they could win with relative ease over a tough opponent. As for Vieri, he in that game became the first Italian player to score 5 goals in a world cup in the first 4 matches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XpMC3Pk1hA

My name is Gianni Truvianni, author of many an article to be found on the internet along with the book "New York's Opera Society." My works also include the books "What Should Not Matter", "Love Your Sister" and several others which still remain unpublished though I am presently looking to change this.

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Memories Of Italy Vs. Austria (France 98)

After having beaten Cameroon by 3-0, Italy had just about qualified for the next round of France 98 since it was that victory which game them a total of 4 points which would probably be enough to make it to the round of 16. Of course they had not qualified automatically as they could still be eliminated but a win or a draw in their match against Austria would be enough to guarantee them a place in the top 16. This regardless of what happened in the match between Cameroon and Chile which would be played at the same time as Italy faced Austria.
Of course there was a chance that Italy might be eliminated yet this would require not only for Austria to defeat Italy but for Chile to defeat Cameroon which was definitely a realistic possibility yet not likely to occur. Italy however was not going to take any chances and would be playing for a victory! Specially since they wished to avoid coming in second place in the group which would have probably meant a second round encounter with Brazil. This being an encounter both teams would have preferred avoiding or at least till the later rounds of the tournament.
As for Chile and Austria, they had drawn their game at one a piece which left each of them with two points a piece. Cameron for its part, after its lose to Italy was left with only one point yet still could qualify if they beat Chile and Italy beat Austria. All of which making this part of the tournament seem much like a game of chess as there were so many options to be considered and strategy was needed. As sometimes it was preferable for some teams to come in second in their group in other to avoid a difficult match in the round of 16.
I knew it was going to be an interesting game since Italy would not be forced to win and could show some quality football. There also being the factor that Italy had improved in their last match and would probably be raising their game up a notch against Austria as well. This giving me confidence that we had a team which could contend for the title one more time yet apart from this there were other factors which allowed me to dream of a fourth title. One of them being that neither Brazil nor Germany were really playing up to their usual levels.
Germany having a team full of players who had defiantly passed their prime and were clearly not the same as when they had won the world cup in Italia 90. Germany having more than failed to impress in the first round despite their victories over teams like Iran and the USA. This while Brazil had also not produced much in the way of quality football in their first two matches against either Scotland or Morocco. It being a case of both teams getting by on their name and reputation along with having had weak opponents; rather than the quality of their game. Argentina was looking good with Batistuta which did worry me some but I felt Italy was also playing well. As for France, yes they looked impressive in beating South Africa by 3-0 and then Saudi Arabia by 4-0 but then again; one did have to consider the lack of quality in either team along with the fact that they were playing at home.
As for the match between Italy and Austria, my friend Errico and I would be seeing at it an Irish bar in Warsaw. This also being the first time he and I had ever seen Italy play in a world cup though we had seen Italy play against England in a game which ended in a 0-0 draw. There was a certain nervousness as we waited for the kick off at this bar. This after having ordered something to eat and drink. As for the bar, it was almost empty given the time of the day and the lack of interest among most Polish people in that particular game.
As for the history of world cup matches between Italy and Austria, they had played each other 3 times with Italy wining by a score of 1-0 on all three occasions. The first one being in Italia 34, the second in Argentina 78 and the last one being in Italia 90. It perhaps seeming like a strange coincidence that matches between Italy and Austria always ended with the same score yet regardless of this factor; they would be playing today for the right to pass in to the round of 16.
Italy started well as did the match yet the first half was uneventful and ended without any goals being scored. Italy perhaps surprising some in starting Del Piero in place of Baggio, who had been playing well but Del Piero; was the younger man and needed to be given a chance to mature.
Many had been the moments of tension as Italy could still be eliminated since Chile could end up beating Cameroon while Austria still could go on to beat Italy. As for Chile, they had drawn their last game against Austria at 1 with Austria getting their equalizer practically at the very last second of the game. This in a similar fashion like they had done against Cameroon in their first game which also ended in a 1-1 draw.
As for the half time break, Errico and I spent it talking about the first half and weather or not Baggio should enter the game. Of course apart from eating what we had ordered and trying to see who would be our next opponent in the second round. I thinking that more than likely we would get Norway but this still had to be decided. In all this, I must also say that there is something nice and almost relaxing about watching a match which one is not forced to win yet its score is import to weather or not one progresses in the tournament or not.
The second half started and it was 3 minutes in to the second half that Italy went ahead on the scoreboard when Del Piero centered the ball from a free kick taken from the left side of the Austrian goal. It being Del Piero's accurate cross which was met by a powerful header from Vieri, who using not only his large body but leaping ability beat both Austria's goalkeeper and defense to put Italy in front. A goal, it had been which though perhaps not a great one, released shouts of joy signaling out that we were winning. Italy was sure to be in the next round as not only where they ahead in the scoreboard but were in fact out playing their opponents.
Italy even coming close on a Donadoni header yet Austria's goalkeeper managed to tip his shot over the crossbar to keep the score at 1-0. This play once again bringing us to our feet yet not giving us the comfort of the goal which would have probably put the match out of reach. Naturally Austria, for their part had not given up and even came close when Rheinmeyer's bicycle kick almost surprised Pagliuca whose quick reflexes along with his cool head and well positioning saved what could have easily been an equalizer. Rheinmeyer allowing us to see that this was what all the excitement of a world cup was about which included goals, near misses, good tries and nice plays which though not always goals; did provide wondrous emotions.
Austria fearing they would be eliminated however were going forward which made Italian counter attacks all the more dangerous as the amount of men they were sending forward was leaving empty spaces behind. Roberto Baggio, in fact doing a superb run through the Austrian defense. All the way to their penalty box where he selflessly passed the ball to Moriero, who perhaps should have done better with his crossed shot yet just the same; Italy was getting close and the game was getting better.
Italy however would get the second when Izaghi got behind the Austrian defense and passed back to an open Roberto Baggio; who had no trouble putting Italy ahead 2-0. Again there was joy about in screams of goal. It being my friend who showed all the enthusiasm I had seen at Giant's stadium just four years prior during all of Italy's matches. Baggio was back in a big way, having scored 2 goals and had two assists in 3 games which made us see that his career had more to offer than USA 94 as far as world cups were concerned.
With a 2-0 lead and so little time remaining, I doubt anybody thought Italy would lose yet the game went on though my friend and I were sure Italy would move forward in the tournament. Austria however would score a last minute goal off a Herzog penalty to both get on the scoreboard and not break their trend of having scored a last minute goal in each of their three world cup matches. This one however unlike the rest not allowing them to tie the score but at least make it look more respectable.
Italy would have another opportunity when once again Baggio broke through the Austrian defense yet his pass was just a bit too far for Inzaghi; who just made it yet his effort was blocked by an Austrian defender; to keep the score at 2-1 and end the match with that very score. Italy went through and though this was expected, it still brought cause for celebration as Italy's next rival would be Norway.
As for Chile, they became the first South American team to qualify to the second round of a world cup without a single win. This in a way being odd since they still had not won since 62 yet would be playing Brazil in the second round in France 98.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MLehAS95S4&feature=related

My name is Gianni Truvianni, author of many an article to be found on the internet along with the book "New York's Opera Society". My works also include the books "What Should Not Matter", "Love Your Sister" and several others which still remain unpublished though I am presently looking to change this.

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Memories Of Italy Vs Poland (First Round, Spain 82)

By the start of the world cup Spain 82, one could say that Italians had a good reason to feel good about their national team. After all Italy had finished fourth in the previous world cup and had also taken fourth in the most recent European Champion yet Italian fans were far from being content let alone happy. Yes, a fourth place finish was better than many had expected before the start of Argentina 78 yet sensational victories over such strong rivals as Argentina (eventual winner), France and Hungary and coming in first in the most difficult group in Argentina 78 raised hopes beyond merely being wanting a 4th place.
It perhaps being in the second round of Argentina 78 were frustration first set in their match against Germany which ended in a 0-0 draw. This result perhaps in another world cup would have been welcome yet for Italy to have drawn with such a fine squad against a German team which was very below their regular standards; was hardly anything worth celebrating. It also being a factor that Italy just about dominated the whole game from start to finish and even hit the post on one occasion while having another shot practically cleared of the line by a German defender just as the ball was about to go in for a goal. So many near misses against Germany yet all to come up with only 1 point.
The situation had been a little better but not much against their second rival in the quarterfinals. It being Austria, whom they beat by 1-0 though again in a match where they really would have scored more goals if they had just used more of the chances they created in front of Koncilia's goal. A 1-0 victory over Austria leaving Italy with a chance to progress on to the final yet only if they went on to beat the Netherlands in their remaining match.
This a match which many Italians felt they should have won as they in fact were leading by a score of 1-0 by the end of half time. Italy even clearly controlling the Dutch during the first half yet it was in the second half that fatigue set in along with perhaps being too cautious. It being then that the Dutch pressed not only Italy's usually solid defense but their goalkeeper, Dino Zoff; who many blamed for the two goals which gave Holland their pass in to the final. Holland's goal both being long range efforts which perhaps a goalkeeper of Dino Zoff's quality should have been able to save and perhaps would have had he been seen the ball better. This perhaps being Zoff's main weak point of not being able to see the ball well on shots from long distance. I always felt that for Italians, it was not so much that they were unhappy to be playing for third place against Brazil but they had been left with a certain sense that theirs should have been to play in the final against a team they had already beaten once in the tournament.
The match for third place against Brazil perhaps proved to be just as frustrating for Italy as it was in that particular game that Italy hit the post on three occasions. Bettega's last minute header finding the crossbar instead of an equalizing goal for Italy. As for Brazil's goals, they too like Holland's, came of long range efforts which many felt Zoff perhaps should have done better against though perhaps Nelinho's shot was one in a million. As it bent twice from an angle before ending up in the Italian net to put Brazil equal at one a piece with Italy. This just a few minutes before Dirceu scored Brazil's second goal which also came like a missile from outside the box.
Italy went on to loose that game for third place and end up with fourth place which perhaps many Italians would have considered as being good at the start of the tournament yet there was something about Italy's last four games out of which they only won one while drawing one and loosing two which left Italians with a bitter taste in their mouths. This given not only how Italy won their first three matches but the way in which Italy came so close to winning against Holland only to be beaten by Zoff's inability to stop two long range shots.
The European Cup of 1980 also saw Italy finish fourth yet this was hardly something worth celebrating in a country with so many past glories specially since that particular tournament was played in Italy. Italy losing their semifinal encounter against Belgium and then the match for third place to Czechoslovakia. All of which prompting Italians to call for the resignation of their head coach; Bearzot.
It was also in 1980 that Italy suffered a match fixing scandal which saw their star of the 78 world cup; Paolo Rossi suspended for three years from football. This making it impossible for him to play in Spain 82 yet this decision was soon changed when the Italian football association realized that not having a player like Rossi on their world cup squad perhaps would not be such a good thing.
Rossi was back but after not having played in two years, would he play as well as he had in Argentina 78? This many experts doubted while Bettega was going to miss the entire world cup due to a head injury which in fact could have ended not only his playing career but his life. Antognoni for his part also suffering a similar injury yet was fortunate enough to recover in time for the 82 world cup.
As one can see many factors were not looking good for Italy yet in all; they did have a very powerful team which just needed to start playing to best of their abilities. This a team with now legendary players like Zoff, Cabrini, Gentile, Scirea, Collovati, Tardeli, Antognoni, Conti and Rossi which had yet to produce their best football.
Poland for its part also had a good team which had qualified to Spain 82 without any major difficulties yet this was to be expected since they were in a group with only East Germany and Malta. This being a very easy group indeed which Poland won in grand style yet in all truth; one must also take in to consideration the weakness of the teams they faced. Poland however did have solid players like Boniek, who was in his prime along with veterans like Lato; to create a formidable attack along with Buncol. Looking back Poland did have a fine team back then but there was a political angle to consider in all this. It being that martial law had been declared in Poland the previous year which even left Poland's participation in Spain 82 in doubt yet despite these worries Poland sent their team to the world cup.
As for myself, I remember being at home and watching the game alone with my Italian grandmother; who like myself also wanted Italy to win. The game held great enthusiasm for me as I watched Italy once again in a world cup with many of the players who had played in 78 yet with some new players like Conti while old ones like Benetti were no longer on the team.
The game started and it was an immediate thing with me of getting in to the mood of wishing Italy to win to the point of concentrating on each play. It being as if mentally wishing for an Italian victory as if I could will it with my mind. Italy and Poland went at each other like two teams who were still preparing for this world cup. It being both Italy and Poland who played both halves without much in the way of excitement yet at least Italy held its own and gave a good account of themselves. This despite not winning a game which was so uneventful that nobody has even taken the trouble to put highlights of it on YouTube.
The game as can be expected ended in a 0-0 draw with neither team really giving what they were capable of yet for my part; I felt good that Italy at least had a point and that they could have won it or at least came close to doing so when Antognoni hit the post. A point was not a bad start and next would be Peru who would go on to draw their first match against Cameroon by the same score of 0-0.

My name is Gianni Truvianni, author of many an article to be found on the internet along with the book "New York's Opera Society". My works also include the books "What Should Not Matter", "Love Your Sister" and several others which still remain unpublished though I am presently looking to change this.

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Memories Of Italy Vs France (France 98)

There is a match in every world cup that a team must win and it is after having done so that a certain road opens to the final or perhaps even to the title. This being how I felt about Italy's match against Brazil in 82 or their match against Spain in 94 and this was exactly how I felt about their match against France in France 98. I being of the idea that if Italy could beat France than a game against either Germany (who was not playing so well) or Croatia in the semifinal would not be such a difficult proposition. Naturally after which it would be Brazil waiting for Italy in the final as had been the case four years earlier though on this occasion; it would be Italy to walk away with win and the championship.
France however was first before such dreams could even be passed through our minds. As for France, they had played well in their first two matches but then again their rivals had been far from quality opponents. In their third match however France had beaten Denmark but one must take in to consideration that both these teams had already qualified to the next round; so it made little difference that they won.
France's next game in the round of 16 being against Paraguay, whom they beat by 1-0 yet it was not without having to play overtime that the French team won this game and with plenty of difficulties. Over all France was not a brilliant team but a solid one which was well trained, disciplined, young, motivated and above all; were playing at home. These being all the factors they needed to overcome their perhaps lack of greatness. As for individual players, it would also be fair to say that none of their players were amongst the best who had ever played the game yet they too like their team were solid and consistent. Zidane and Henry perhaps being their most outstanding individually yet neither one of them had had a particularly outstanding world cup up till that point. Zidane, in fact would be coming back to the French team after having missed France's last two games due to having been shown the red card in France's second game.
For what concerned France, they were in the quarterfinals and playing well but this was hardly a reason to think they were going to win the world cup. After all they had been in this position in previous world cups in which they did not even make it to the final such as was the case in Spain 82 and Mexico 86. France had even made it to the semifinal of the recent European Championship where they were defeated by the Czech Republic; who did not even qualify to France 98. All of which making me believe that this was a team which Italy could beat if they just did what they were capable of.
Another thing about France was that not only had they never made it to a final, they had also not even qualified to a world cup since 86 and with regards to their football history; all they had were two third places and one fourth. This while Italy had three world cup titles and been runner-up twice yet this was no guarantee that on this particular day Italy had to win.
As for the history between Italy and France, they as a matter of fact had met each other back in the first world cup held in France in 38. It being in that quarterfinals match played so many years ago that Italy defeated France by 3-1 to become the first team to eliminate the host nation. Italy's goals on that occasion being scored first by Colaussi just 9 minutes in to the match to give Italy a lead which would last till the 10th minute of the game when Heisserer tied up the score for the local team. Italy however being the power it was back in the 30s went on to win the game in the second half when the legendary Piola scored two goals to clinch Italy's second passage in to the semifinals in as many world cups.
Italy and France went on to play each other in Argentina 78 and again it was Italy who prevailed by 2-1 with Italy's goals in that particular match being scored by Zaccarelli and Rossi while Lacombe scored France's goal just 35 seconds in to the match. Italy and France would go on to meet just 8 years later in Mexico 86 in a match which France would win by 2-0 with goals by Platini and Stopyra. Italy's lose however in Mexico 86 to France did not upset me all that much. This given that Italy's team back then was not one with enough quality to have won a world cup yet I felt that their present team was one which had been well prepared and had Baggio; whom I was more than hopeful would be in the starting lineup.
Italy had the advantage in games won Vs France yet again this meant very little specially since it had been so long since they had last played. I for my part, feeling that this would be a difficult game which Italy should win yet I could see where if France won they would go on to win the world cup. As in all reality neither Brazil nor Germany were producing the quality football they had in the past. France also having a team which was also very physically and mentally strong. This not meaning that Italy was not strong in both these departments as well but France did seem to have that advantage of playing at home and having something to proof to not only the world but their fans at home.
Italy however I also felt was strong and though perhaps not brilliant like they had been in Spain 82, did have it in them to win which made me; to a certain extent feel that this in a way was the final. As for my friend, Erico he too felt the emotions and the need to win this match with so much riding on it as to tell his girlfriend (at the time) that perhaps their were certain activities which they should perform with more intensity the day before the match just in case Italy lost the following day. It being an Italian victory which would allow him to perform such acts of desire with all the more passion while an Italian defeat would fill him with such sadness as to not even be able to contemplate such acts.
As had been the case in Italy's previous match against Norway, I decided to watch it at home and call my friend Erico when a goal was scored or during the breaks. The match was ready to start and tensions were high all around as in my mind, coming in outside the top four in a world cup for Italy (like Brazil, Argentina and Germany) is considered failure. Italy being one of the top four footballing nations in the world which demanded that their national team at least get to the semifinal with anything less being considered unacceptable. Always bearing in mind that for Italy to go in to the semifinal was also not considered a great world cup but at least some pride could be salvaged as had been the case in Argentina 78 or Italia 90 though the truth was that only being crowned world champion was ever really enough to satisfy the tifossi back home.
The game started with France clearly being the dominant team as their speed and power in the midfield simply seemed to be too much for Italy to handle or at least in the very early stage of the game. France going forward with the greatest of ease while Italy could do nothing but defend itself. Italy seemingly outclassed to the point that I did not recognize this as the Italian team which had won three games in a row with so much ease while I also failed to comprehend how France had grown so dominant. It being Zidane, Deschamps and Petite who were too much for Italy to handle as they seemed to have Italy bottled up in their own half of the field while they created plays which brought France closer and closer to their first goal.
Italy however despite clearly struggling were holding the French at bay. It being the French who controlled play and the ball but in spite of this had not really created what could be called a clear scoring chance with perhaps their best effort on goal being a spectacular bicycle kick attempted by Petit which forced a great save from Pagliuca. It being thanks to Italy's solid defense that they were able to keep order in their ranks and not crumble under the tremendous pace the French had started the game with. France also having a formidable defense which had but allowed one goal in their last four games yet in all due reality; had not faced a team with an offense of any real quality apart from Denmark.
Italy however held solid as Malidini had planned a good defensive strategy to control French attack which came early in the form of a Djorkaeff pass to Zidane which he stopped and got off a shot which Pagliuca barely managed to deflect for a corner. It being in the ensuing corner that Petit came close from what was more a back kick as I really started to wonder what was going on with Italy and why they were moving so slowly.
Maldini was playing very defensively which in an of itself was not a bad thing yet this strategy was not allowing Italy to use it offensive weapons like Del Piero and Cristian Vieri while it allowed France to take control of the midfield. This however was only for the first 15 minutes or so that France had such control yet Italy would create a nice chance when Moriero centered high to Vieri; whose header went just wide of the post.
Tension was everywhere or at least one could feel strong desires to win this game as both teams seemed to be playing a very physical game with France showing their strengths yet not with any real creativity like previous French teams had done but with a consistency of going constantly forward. It seeming as if this team had all the ingredients to control a match but not really the ingenuity to win it.
Italy also being strong yet in my opinion as well as many later on, playing not only too much on the defensive but not really taking advantage of their offensive possibilities. One of them coming when Vieri got a pass from Del Piero which he drilled in the hands of Bartez from a distance. It being Bartez who was well placed to stop a very hard shot indeed.
It was however after the first 20 minutes of the game that French pressure ceased as perhaps fatigue would not allow them to keep it up during the whole game yet Italy at least started creating spaces which even saw Vieri test Bartez one more time yet it was the French goalkeeper who managed to make a save with his foot. France however did dominate the first half yet if they out played Italy in quality that would be perhaps hard to say yet they were definitely livelier even if imagination was what they lacked to break Italy's defense.
The second half ended and to a large extent, I was glad that Italy was not losing yet like my friend, I did wonder why the ultra defensive strategy and if perhaps Italy should bring in Del Piero. As for the match, it was not a particularly good one from either team yet both Italy and France seemed to want to win which made for a fast paced match yet not necessarily one of quality.
The second half got under way and it was by than that Italy at least no longer found themselves bottled up in their own half yet still opportunities were far and few. It being mostly France who had the ball yet seemed not to know what to do with it when they did have it while Italy lacked that man who could coordinate their attack from the midfield. This due to Dino Baggio's not really having a good game.
As for the second half, it was not overly exciting yet this was a semifinal match which at least made every play take on greater importance. France perhaps feeling the need to attack more due to playing at home while Italy was gaining in confidence and going forward more yet this could have been more due to French fatigue than Italian inspiration.
It was also in the second half that Baggio was finally allowed to enter the game in place of Del Piero; who had not really had a good game and perhaps should have been replaced much earlier. I must admit that I did view Baggio's coming on in the game as being a sign that Italy could turn this game around yet I also could see where perhaps he was being sent in too late. Italy needing somebody to add a creative touch to the game which could have been none other than Baggio yet the game was very stagnant with both teams being so balanced that it was hard to say what would happen.
The match ended at 0-0 and it is needless to say that there would be overtime much like there had been against Brazil four years earlier in the final yet on this occasion; it would be sudden death overtime as was the case in the NHL. First goal would end the game in favor of the team that scored it which would make this very tense indeed. One moment of inspiration or one error and four years of preparation for this moment would either pay-off for somebody or be wasted. As always I called my friend to confer yet tensions were such that suffering had taken a toll on our nervous as to make us with all emotion look on with fear and passion as every play unfolded.
Baggio did give Italy a new hope and a fresh spirit which could be seen in the way he opened up the right side of the field which had been closed as Albertini started getting more involved in the game. How much we wanted this game that all we did was push for that one chance that it would all end which it almost did. Baggio getting on to the end of an Albetini lob which he just put wide of Bartez's goal which would have fallen had he just managed to get it on target. Baggio's effort being great just to get the ball so close as it was not an easy play yet the great ones can make something from nothing and Baggio had just about made everything possible for that split second yet his shot went wide.
So close had we been to winning and moving on to the semifinal that I can imagine that Baggio would have probably been remembered as the greatest player of France 98 had he scored on that play. This after coming in as a substitute in the second half yet it was not to be. It making me almost jump out of my seat as nervous were such that all that was needed was one single goal and it would all be over. This being a new sensation for me in football where sudden death overtimes had never been a part of the game or at least not till that particular world cup.
As for the game it had opened up in a strange way. This as Italy and France went back and forward without the midfield being much of factor yet despite this scoring chances were still not coming with more abundance on either side. Italy however had gained some control of their zone and were not being pressed so much yet were able to do little on offense even with Baggio's moments of inspiration.
The second half of overtime came and the dead lock continued with penalties seeming more of a possibility and looming over Italy's head that they might loose in such a fashion for the third time in as many world cups. Tension was every where just because it was a world cup game. This making every time either team went past the midfield a moment of suspense even if they did not get close to scoring.
I can imagine how my friend was suffering as I was yet all came close to tragedy when a pass went to Djarkaeff in the penalty box, who found himself all alone on the right side of Italy's goal. It being a slight moment of hesitation on Pagliuca's part on weather to stay in his goal or come out yet did manage to get to the right place in time to prevent a shot on goal. This as Pagliuca's body barely managed to close out the angle in what to a certain extent was France's best chance at scoring in the entire game. The play seeming like something out of a film as in one point, it was a divided ball between Pagliuca and Djarkaeff with both seeming to be running to it in slow motion while fans on both sides held their breaths. It being Djarkaeff who got their just a second before yet Pagliuca just managed to cover.
What a moment of drama yet that was it. End of the match and penalties. Of course, I was still hopeful Italy could win it yet that like many things; was far from being a sure thing. France, for their part had lost in penalties to Germany in 82 yet they had beaten Brazil in 86 thanks to penalties. Who would be chosen to kick for Italy. Which goalkeeper would be up to the task of saving or which player would break down and miss. France started and it was Zidane who scored.
I for my part, feeling that the real pressure is on the kicker and never on the goalkeeper therefore I was more tense when Italy kicked than when France kicked. It being every French penalty which was really an opportunity for Italy to go ahead in this shot-out. All of which making me most tense when Baggio stepped up yet he scored and put his fingers on his lips after easily tucking away the ball in to the back of the French net. This as if in a gesture to tell people that no more need be said about the past.
Lizarazu for France than missed with a shot which Pagliuca did not have much trouble in saving. This as all Italian fans jumped out of their seats that perhaps this might be our day. Italy was ahead for the first time in a world cup penalty shot-out. All they had to do was score four consecutive penalties and they would be in the semifinal and probably in the final playing Brazil. Albertini next yet he misses to send all feelings of triumph back to desperate fears of losing. The score was still even yet Italy had been ahead if ever for such a brief moment but they had.
The next two kickers were solid and scored for both Italy and France as Costacurta and Vieri did their job for Italy while Trezeguet and Henry did likewise for France. It being a case of all scoring with all the calmness needed to take a penalty in the manner in which it was intended to be taken. Blanc than scoring for France to add to the tension as it left Di Biagio in a position that if he did not score; the game would be over.
More penalties I hoped and with all my concentration I focused that Di Biagio might score yet his shot hit off the French cross bar and bounced away. France had won and for Italy, it would be another four years of waiting while the French had probably won the world cup as chances were they would beat Croatia and have to face Brazil in the final though Holland was looking very strong. My feelings being that after having beaten Italy, this world cup would belong to France much as was the case with Spain in 2008 when they too beat Italy in penalties in the quarterfinals and went on to win the European Championship.
France had played the game which confirmed that they had it in them to be world champion while Italy had to a large extent squandered their chance to make it to another semifinal and their offensive weapons in the form of Vieri and Baggio. It being Maldini, who was very much criticized after the world cup yet not so much for losing in penalties but for playing so defensively as to allow France to control the game. Of course many felt that Maldini with his defensive reputation should never have gotten the job yet regardless of reasons he was replaced by Italy's legendary goalkeeper; Dino Zoff.
In conclusion, I would say that the Italy Vs France of France 98 was a match played at a great pace with strong wills to win on both sides yet it was far from being a brilliant game or even a memorable one. It being as Maldini pointed out that it was France who attacked more but did not create more scoring opportunities than Italy. France winning more due to keeping their nerves than anything great they might have produced on the field of play.

My name is Gianni Truvianni, author of many an article to be found on the internet along with the book "New York's Opera Society". My works also include the books "What Should Not Matter", "Love Your Sister" and several others which still remain unpublished though I am presently looking to change this.

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Under Armour Blur Pro Football Boots Review

This week we are reviewing The Under Armour Blur Pro Football Boots.
Under Armour are a well-established US brand that is now making its mark in the UK and throughout Europe in an attempt to gain market share in the football boot area.
As worn by players such as Bobby Zamora, the Under Armour Blur Pro Football Boots are like shock absorbers for the feet! Players with natural speed and agility are able to tap into the technology used to design these boots, enabling far greater performance levels.
Built with an entirely seamless micro fibre upper, this unique perforated design with a smooth texture allows for enhanced ball control and keeps your feet feeling fresh and cool throughout the game. Something not all boots allow for.
The weight has been reduced to around 200g and combine this with the Pebax outsole and wider fore-foot and you have a boot that offers great maneuverability and acceleration. Twisting and turning, covering ground over short distances and stopping dead are no problem when wearing these football boots.
Micro G cushioning and 4D foam create ultimate shock absorption taking the stress off your calves and feet enabling sustained endurance levels. This is so important especially during the latter stages of the game.
The boots also feature an asymmetrical lacing system which includes a wrap-around tongue for individual fit and less bulkiness in the areas needed to strike the ball cleanly.
Under Armour offer a choice of two colourways, black/bolt or metallic silver with strategic positioning of the logo enhancing the visual effect. Whichever option you decide to go for you are certain to get noticed.
These boots would be suitable for players who have natural speed and agility. They will help to enhance these natural talents and will give you a competitive edge over your opposition.
In terms of build quality and value for money, you will be hard pressed to find a similar elite pair of boots built to this standard at such a relatively low price.
Under Armour probably still have some way to go until they are genuinely competing against the likes of Adidas, Nike and Puma but the Under Armour Blur Pro certainly is a move in the right direction. With well known professional players starting to adopt these boots, then it can only be a matter of time.
Extra time is your chance to shine when wearing these ultra comfortable Under Armour Blur Pro Football Boots.

Football Boots Review - http://www.footballbootsreview.com
The place to get up to date and in depth reviews on the latest top-level football boots!

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Chelsea FC Consider Building A New Stadium

Chelsea Football Club are considering the possibility of building a new stadium after news this week that the club are set to make attempts to buy back the freehold on the stands and pitch of their current stadium, Stamford Bridge, which are owned by an organisation known as the Chelsea Pitch Owners.
The ownership of the pitch and stands was sold to the group in 1993 by former club chairman Ken Bates, ensuring the club could never be sold to developers or the stadium relocated without the consent of the supporters. Following an ambitious re-development of the ground in the 1970s when the proposal was to develop a 50,000 all seated stadium, although the plans were revolutionary they were also far too ambitious. Chelsea found themselves in severe financial difficulties by the mid 1970s which forced the club to sell many of its star players and ultimately a decision was made to sell the Stamford Bridge ground to property developers in order to generate income and pay off some of the debts as the club was nearly bankrupt.
The decision to sell the ground nearly saw the end of the football club as they faced financial ruin, a ten year legal battle ensued which finally saw the Blues win back their Stadium in 1992, when ironically the developers themselves went bankrupt, lifting the threat of eviction from their own ground and it being redeveloped as houses or shopping precincts.
During the prolonged legal battle the Blues were unable to re-develop their ground as they no longer owned it, forcing them to fall behind many other clubs as they built bigger and better stadiums. Extensive redevelopment did finally follow during the 1990's with redevelopment of the North and West Stands and the famous Shed End terraces which was re-developed into an all seated stadium, the redevelopments also saw the construction of the Chelsea Hotel, which is adjacent to the ground.
Although the current stadium is certainly impressive, compared with the ground of the 1980s, the capacity for the Stamford Bridge stadium is just under 42,000 which falls well short of rivals Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City, which has been a concern for the management of the club for some time. One option for Chelsea is to redevelop their existing stadium to increase the capacity, but this may be difficult due to surrounding buildings, a new development would therefore seem to be the preferred option.
The agreement with Chelsea Pitch Owners is interesting because initially they did not raise enough money to the secure the purchase of the freehold of the ground and were given a £10 million loan by the club, in return for this loan the football club now lease the ground back on a 199 year agreement. If the club were to regain the freehold then relocation would be much easier, however, under the agreement the location of the new stadium must be within three miles of the existing stadium if it were to be developed before the year 2020 and have a minimum capacity of 55,000 fans.

Steve Goodwin is an expert author, football fan and retailer of football gifts from the English Premier League, available from the football shop and all items are available to ship worldwide.

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Memories Of Italy Vs Cameroon (Spain 82)

Italy perhaps had been out played by Peru yet despite that they had drawn in a game which I would say was the weakest exhibition of football they gave in what was Spain 82. It being precisely that draw against Peru at one goal a piece which left them at the top of the group and a point away from going on in to the next round. As for Peru and Poland, they had already played their match which surprisingly ended in a 5-1 Polish win. Poland's win being much larger than many would have ever expected over a team which prior to that game had played good football yet perhaps had wore itself out before the world cup. Poland's goals perhaps serving as proof of this as all five of them were scored in a 20 minute spell during the second half.
Poland had qualified and Peru had been eliminated yet for Italy, Cameroon still remained with whom they simply could not lose to. This being a situation similar to the one Germany found itself in four years ago in their last group match against Tunisia. As for my part, I could not get out of my mind that this was a team which had so much potential and would be playing so well if they just managed to get their act together.
Cameroon, for what concerned them had drawn both their games at 0 with both Peru and Poland and had basically given a good account of themselves in front of their fans as well as the rest of the world which had taken a liking to this strong spirited African team. Cameroon being a strong physical team with good control of the ball and a disciplined defense yet seemed to lack the savvy on offense of European or South American teams which made them perhaps easier to defend against. Cameroon also having players of the quality of Tokoto, Milla (who would be a star of "Italia 90") and their goalkeeper; Thomas Nokono. All in all a team which had left found memories with the fans of not only themselves but African football as a whole.
The game started with Italy wearing all white though this I was not sure of the reason since Italy's blue could not be confused with Cameroon's green yet despite the reason; the fact remained that Italy would not be playing in their typical blue jerseys. Italy needing only a draw however started attacking as if wanting to put it out of doubt that it would be them to qualify.
Italy did dominate the first few minutes much like Peru and Poland had done yet they too did not really create many scoring opportunities. It being late in to the half that from a free-kick Conti was able to beat the well executed Cameroonian off-sides trap yet his shot inexplicable missed; when all which was left for him to do was put the ball in the net.
The game was in fact, a lively game with both teams going up and down the field with some nice plays on both sides. Italy however came ever so close on a header from Collovati which Nokono just barely managed to get a hand on as it was going over his head; to tip it upward. The ball hitting off the crossbar in what was a great scoring chance for Italy as I could practically see Italy in the second round for just a split second yet it was not to be.
The first half however ended at 0 with some disappointment on my part not to be winning yet what mattered was that Italy would go through if the score remained as it was. Many perhaps were expecting more from Italy after having won their three first round matches in the last world cup but at the end of the day what really counts is going through to the second round as once there; all teams go back to being even.
Paolo Rossi frankly speaking had not done much in this world cup yet he had had some near misses like he did against Poland but it was the 60 minute mark of the game that he found some of the greatness he showed in Argentina 78. This the moment he crossed the ball to Graziani; who headed the ball in for an Italian goal. A goal and what a joy it was to be up by 1-0 and about to enter the second round. A goal perhaps which Nokono would have had if had not tripped or slipped yet this hardly mattered because Italy was leading by 1 -0 with nothing to do but hold out for 30 minutes and theirs would be a victory. Italy would also win its first match in a world cup since their 1-0 win over Austria four whole games ago.
How calm it felt to be on top and knowing that Italy would be in the second round most likely against Maradona's Argentina and Zico's Brazil but that was later; for the moment Italy was in the lead by 1-0. What joy or at least it was for a whole minute till Mbida managed to tie the game for Cameroon at 1-1. All the glory taken from Italy as again they were in a draw which would still be good enough to qualify yet nothing was sure. Mbida's goal did look slightly off-sides but this again hardly mattered as the goal was given as Cameroon held on to their hopes that they might go through.
Italy and Cameroon were tied and such did it end and where I could share the feelings of those who were sad over Cameroon's departure, who had done so much more than expected; I also felt glad Italy had qualified. Cameroon and Algeria letting people all over the world see that there was another continent which could play football in the world. The game in and of itself had not been much to look at but it had been nice to watch and though Italy had not lost; I still felt there was more to this team that met the eye.

My name is Gianni Truvianni, author of many an article to be found on the internet along with the book "New York's Opera Society". My works also include the books "What Should Not Matter", "Love Your Sister" and several others which still remain unpublished though I am presently looking to change this.

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