FORZA AZURRI-THE BIG ONE TONITE

Well I cant wait for tonight actually as its one of the big games that I actually get to see from the beginning. Build Up and all. I dont have to Work and rush home and miss most of the game being stuck in traffic. I feel a bit confident actually and predict a 2-0 victory to Italy. Shevchenko will still be a threat but we have the class of Cannavaro , Zambrotta , Gatusso etc. But these are the types of games that guys like Shevchenko wait their whole life for so we still have to be a bit weary.

The mood as Cannavaro said in the press conference is full of team spirit and apart from Pesotto's accident the lads are strong.

I think Lippi will opt fot Buffon, Zambrotta, Grosso, Cannavaro, Barzaghli, Gatusso, Perotta, Camoronesi, Totti, Toni, Gilardinho.

Big nite and I will be at home for sure finally.

Forza Azurri
After this theres one more hurdle. Heres some pics from the Italy training Camp

FORZA AZZURI-SAD NEWS

With the game against Ukraine rapidly approaching the Italians Build Up peparations have been affected by a somewhat sombre mood in the camp. The news of Gianluca Pessoto's apparent suicide has got all of the Azzuri in dampened spirits. Pessoto was a Juve man through and through and was a regular in the Juve squad throughout the title sweep in the late 90's.

Apparantly it was the pressure of the job and depression that drove him to jump down 3 stories. Del and Zambrotta took a private plane to Turin to see Pessoto. With Ukraine approaching the Azurri have been tight lipped . The only talk is that about Pesotto. Still Shevchenko can turn a game in a moment. I will write again tomorrow on the latest developments

TWO LIONS ON A SHIRT-BUILD UP

ENGLAND SHAPING UP AGAINST PORTUGAL



Well there no longer will be a post called "Three Lions on A Shirt" as of now. Instead the post will be called "Two Lions On A Shirt".
I got a call from Zahier Talia and he re-iterated that he was not an English Fan and that how shit those bastards are. He says that he wants to be included in BABO BABO ARGENTINA. So looks like the Guvee and Azee are two lions on a shirt.

I must admit that England are playing terrible. I mean what is Sven Saying by insisting that England can win Ugly. Is he not forgeting the likes of Beardsley, Barnes, Waddle, Hoddle, Plat,Ian Wright, Ray Wilkens, Trevor Francis, Brooking Robson. I mean F(^K I can go on forever. What is Sven trying really. Come on you two owes. From the boy from Cuba to this now.

Come on lads weve had a lot of close shaves from Pearce's penalty miss in 1990 to Batty & Ince in 1998, Gareth Southgate in Euro 96 and Ronaldinho in Korea 2002.

The Portugese have Scolari and statisticaly He is 2-0 over England. Looks its gonna be big and I hope England donot dissapoint and put up the performance of their lives. Because its possible. If ever they want to get to the final, Now is the Time. Now. And as long as the flutes carry on and FOOTBALL'S COMING HOME echoes in the background the Guvee will still only put his shirt on once he enters the Lounge next to the TV.

TWO GREAT PLAYERS

THIS IS A POST FROM SOLVINHO. WHAT A ARTIST

FANS OF THE WORLD CUP

Two Days Rest now and well we can focus on the other aspect of football. The Hotties in the crowd.

How I wish I was there at the World Cup. Sitting with all thse fans in the stadiums, Outside in the streets with the big screens. Lots of Hotties and South American Women...................Here are some fans. Check out the die hard Brazilian Fan

FORZA AZZURI-WE HAVE NOT LOST OUR TOTTI

PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS! PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS!
LET ME HEAR WHAT YOU ANTI - ITALIAN FANS HAVE TO SAY

Unbelievable I tell you, I coudnt believe it, Last kick of the game and what a penalty. Thats why certain guys have got the gift of being great. I can only imagine the nerves in that scenario. 10 men, extra time coming , it was do or die. If he missed he would have been a Villain. If he scored , a hero.

Lots of debate surrounded the penalty. But I mean. Come On. How can a defender dive around in the 6 yard box. He is bound to ask for it. Finally I tell you it was great to see we didnt have to go through the nightmare of Korea.

If ever there was a team that defends with spirit and heart it has to be the Italians. Come On guys you have to admit that. Fabio Cannavaro-What a player. Sublime Class and as for Buffon well we have the best keeper in the world.

Yes I admit it wasnt a standard or vintage Italian performance but What the hell do you expect with 10 men.

Think of Lance Kluesener, Alan Donald and even Jannie De Beer and the men of 99. Nick Mallet will surely be smiling.

The Italians have stuck it to them and we took revenge for all the other countries that they inflicted pain and misery upon.

Azee sms'd me and said "Theft. " Yes "Theft" it was. Now the Ozzies will know how it feels. Oh it was sweet I say, But Guus deserved what he got especially what he did to us in 2002.

Look it was just such a happy moment as we were shunned of this glory in 1998,2002, 2004. So im just going to enjoy this moment for as long as possibly can. I thought Del did ok. But on the whole the whole team were sublime.

This is What the Players had to say

Gianluigi BUFFON (ITA), Budweiser Man of the MatchI thought I played well even though I had less to do than in the previous match against the Czech Republic. I did well on the few occasions I was needed. I never thought the Australians would score, but in the second half I didn't think we would either. We’re a bit tired mentally, especially me as a goalkeeper with not very much to do. The events of Korea/Japan 2002 flashed before my eyes. I didn’t have the courage to watch (Francesco) Totti's penalty, not because I didn't have faith in him, but because I was so nervous. I didn't think he'd try a chip shot because he's too clever to do something like that at such a moment. We think we can go all the way to the Final in Berlin, that's our dream.
Francesco TOTTI (ITA) Today we showed that our fitness levels are good and we have the right mentality to go a long way. To get results you have to use your head and we did today. I had no intention of trying a chip shot with the penalty, I was just concentrating on scoring. (Marcello) Lippi came to see me at two this afternoon and explained why he was leaving me out. I have no problem with him. He showed faith in me and picked me for the squad. I respect his decisions. I’m fit and ready for the next matches.

Marcello LIPPI (ITA) We were concerned about their high-tempo game and their tireless running, and because of that, we treated them with a lot of respect. We contained them very well in the first half and carved out three clear chances for ourselves. They had no chances to speak of. After the break, I brought on (Vincenzo) Iaquinta to speed things up a bit, but then we went down to ten men.
After that, the quality of our organisation and our spirit saw us through. We passed the ball well out of defence. Then at the end (Fabio) Grosso was superb and (Francesco) Totti perfect in tucking away the penalty. Let's hope that gives him a lift. He had trouble lasting the distance against the Czechs, and that's why I gave him a breather today. I intended bringing him on when the match had settled down and that's what I did.

Guus HIDDINK (AUS) I’m very disappointed with the loss, coming as it did as a result of a last-gasp goal, but I'm very proud of the way my players performed throughout the tournament and particularly against Italy. We started off saying to ourselves that we wanted to avoid penalty-kicks, but as things unfolded we would have taken them.
We wanted to play attractive, spectacular football, and we did. But in contrast to the Italians, we weren’t lethal enough in front of goal. The team tried their hardest and we can have no regrets.

Mark VIDUKA (AUS):I’m very disappointed because I felt we dominated the game. Losing is an absolute nightmare. The Italians were very solid in defence and played to their strengths. That said, I could see that they were very tired by the end of the game, especially because they had to play with a man less. If it had gone into extra time we would have won, because our greatest asset is our fitness.

Scott CHIPPERFIELD (AUS): This has really hit us hard. We had a few good chances to put ourselves into the quarter-finals. Unfortunately we didn’t have the luck we needed. But overall we can be more than pleased with our performance. We are proud of the way we played and of our fantastic fans.

SO ARIVADECCI AUSTRAILIA AND WE NOW LOOK FOWARD TO THE CLASH VS UKRAIN

Whoever wants a lovely magherita and italian soda. phone me we will celebrate

FORZA AZURRI
WE ARE GOING ALL THE WAY

WORLD CUP UPDATE-LAST 16

Germany 2 Sweden 0

I am convinced that being a host nation has some hidden powers behind it.
I didnt end up watching the game entirely but if it were England or Italy the swedes would have put up a bigger fight. Larson and company parted quietly. Argentina vs Germany. What a humdinger.
If anyone has a t shirt with Torsten Frings or Phillippe Laam please phone me.

Argentina 2 Mexico

I was never an Argentinian fan from the time Maradona used his Hand against England. never liked them since. But they are looking good and the winner of this quarterfinal stands in Italys way. Rodriguez-my goal of the tournament. Credit to the Mexicans. They played with heart and soul. I believe there were some Mexicans in Sandton hitching a lift to the PALMS.
They were extremely dejected. Some nice chics too. Babor Babor Argentina, Barbo Barbo ketawa, Rogeregga Rogeregga da da da.

England 1 Ecuador 0

Come On Engeland. Again there was nothing like it. The flutes and instruments playing in the Crowd. Posh and Rebecca Loos in the crowd.
The lads started sowly but Ashley Cole's, Match Winning Tackle.
And once again Becks pulled one out of the hat. I read an article that in the week he was getting stick from Rooney. Roberto Carlos sent him an sms to say "Please Becks , you havent scored a free-kick for long. As for Lampard , Chelsea is not a good place for him. Pity I coudnt see the Robot Dance Again

Portugal 1 Holland o

Maniche. This man just seems to have it for the big occassion. But what a filthy and dirty game. Record for Yellow Cards and Red Cards. I mean this referee was trigger happy. F%^k#D up the whole game.

soccernet-"Russian referee Valentin Ivanov was given a resounding vote of no confidence by players, coaches and even FIFA president Sepp Blatter after he lost control of Portugal's 1-0 win over Netherlands on Sunday.

But Scolari said "Figo only did what a committed player should do when goaded by his opponents, adding 'Jesus Christ said he would turn the other cheek but Figo is not Jesus Christ. I thought he was more correct than the Dutchmen'. "

This will always be remembered as the battle of Nuremberg.

FORZA AZZURRI-QUALIFICATION

ITALY 2 CHZECH REPUBLIC 0

Nervous moments yesterday but we have qualified. You Know what the beauty part was is that none of the Anti Italian Muggs sms'd me throughout the game. I didnt watch the game live but I was following ball by ball commentary. So now...the curse of Guus Hiddink beckons. I just hope we dont play crap against these type of teams which we generally do.
Well better Austrailia than Brazil. Those bastards were rampant last night and to think I was going to put Ronaldo on as Mugg of the Week.
The fat man came through. Nedved, What a player. The man was always a threat and plays his heart out. He even said that he will support Italy from here on In. The latest in the Italian scandal is that Juventus, Lazio, Fiorentina and Milan are going to Serie B next year as they have all been indicted. Anyways Viva Italia and at least all the pundits can shut their mouths because we going all the way this year.

THREE LIONS ON A SHIRT

LATEST UPDATE

BECKHAM & GERARD IN TRAINING GROUND BUST UP

for more info look at the following link

http://www.news24.com/News24/Soccer/News/0,,2-2035-2036_1956006,00.html

FORZA AZZURI- DO OR DIE

Well, its boiled down to the crunch game tonight. All we need is a draw against the Czechs and we are through. However the Italians must win so as to avoid Brazil. But whoever ,it doesnt really matter. Its qualifying that counts. Beside i think this is the squad that can win it!!

I dont know, For the First Time in many years I will be missing a big Italian Game as I will be at the office working.

Alot too depends on the result with USA and Ghana. If they draw, suits us fine. In all honesty I am very nervous today as I continue to be affected by the Haunts of Korea 2002 and Portugal 2004.

I dont say much before the big game but now is the time............. Now

THE FRENCH

One member of the 1970 Brazilian Dream Team has emailed me this morning and said that he visited the website. He seemed particularly harsh against the French. The man sent this pic for the Blog and the headline he wants is "THE WORLD CUP HAS COME TO FRANCE"

Tribute to Garincha
one of the members of the 1970 dream team

THREE LIONS ON A SHIRT

What a hit by Joe Cole. Top spot and a much beter performance than the previous ones. I take my hat of to the lad Joe Cole. What a sublime performance. Owen,well the scan this afternoon shows that he is out of the World Cup, Cruciate ligament injury. If it wasnt for Terry the English lads would be T n T. Overall you can see what a difference Wayne Rooney makes to the team and Crouch , the more the bastards give him stick the better he looks. There was nothing like it , I tell you hearing the flutes, and the chants and God Save the Queen. Azee Moola for once didnt sms me in the evening like he does previously. He was probably at the Govee , taking their tops off before they entered the Lounge. WHERE THE F)%K WAS THEO AZEE.

Doo doo, doo do do do dooo do doododoo, England ,Engeland
Come on England!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREE LIONS ON A SHIRT

Footballs Coming Home, Its Coming Home, Its Coming Football is coming Home. England again left it for the last and Jordan almost went made when Dwight Yorke Threatened. Everybody was making a big deal about Peter Crouch, Peter Crouch. The Man pulls through in the end. As i said earlier Why isn't Ericson playing Gerard in the hole. He is wasting the man. You can see what Gerard does when he Drives forward. Brazil. The only thing you hear about them is how Fat Ronaldo is, The big boys are all starting slowly. Only Argentina are at full pace, But better Start off later than earlier.

I must admit England dont look at all convinving for me

SHADES OF 66
LETS SEE WHO FACES GERMANY

FORZA AZZURI

I got back from Cape Town Last night and finally I have a chance to update my blog. All the Italian Critics were sharpening their knives and my phone didnt stop beeping on Saturday night. Some of the comments were. How could we not win against 9 men, whaaada whaada whaada. First of all I must admit that it was disappointing. But the F#$5en referee should have told those US Muggs that this is not NFL GridIron. From the first whistle those guys were kicking the Italians like there is no tomorrow. Two red cards well deserved. And so too was De Rossis. Christian Zaccardos own goal. A FREAK accident if I do say so myself. Gatusso is back , Del I thought was sublime. Even though the Italian media criticised Lippi's substitutions I thought it was attacking enough. But we have to put dissappointment behind us and qualify against the Czhechs. This is no easy path and a draw would be enough. Tension, Tension Tension.
If i wee Lippi I would play Buffon,Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Nesta, Oddo, Gatusso, Del Piero, Camaronesi, Totti, Toni, Inzaghi. Lets see what happens and guys the game kicks off at 4pm and I will be at work so I will appreciate any sms on the score please.

Forza Azzurri.Time to Silence the Critics

DJIBRIL CISSE

Guys , those of you who have been following the World Cup will know that Cisse is out of the french squad as he broke his other leg. This pic was sent by a mystery blogger to me showing how Cisse broke his leg. Warning not for the faint hearted!!!!

FORZA AZZURRI

ITALY 2 GHANA 0

Well by far the best Italian Performance that I have seen to date and still we get flak from the pundits. Normally italy get a goal and sit back. This time we came out guns blazing. Wheres all the Muggs Now, Where was Appiah, Essien and the diver that looked for the penalties. I must admit Ghana had a few chances but we had Gigi In Gold. Luca Toni, what a chap. Totti is getting there although one oke almost ended his world cup. Danielle De Rossi, What a player and I dont know why Lippi didnt bring on Del Piero earlier. But all said and done We will wait for the US on Saturday.
Things are still not in the bag. We have to f$%K the US up on Saturday and they will come out Guns blazing. I just have a feeling that this will be the world cup for the Azzurri.

The Portugese, French, Brazil, England, and the rest are all still in first gear. Brazil .... All the big mouths were silent last night. If it wasnt for Kaka they would be full of Shit if you ask me. And as far for France I hope the Muggs go out in the first round again. They coudnt score because there was no Djibrill Cisse.

But Enough said. As for the Italians we were in the Class of Zacharia Ackalwaya making a Milano Special on a cold, Busy Saturday Night"

Now that says it all.

Swoosh
Forza Azurri, Forza Tifosi

And where the hell is Yusuf Bhamjee. The man has not yet commented on the World Cup. Phones me up last night and tells me to watch Brazil vs Croatia and see how it is Done. I watched............

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