The Czechs and the Italians started their tournaments yesterday, and both teams looked impressive in their opening matches, here are my thoughts on the days games:
Australia vs Japan (Match Report)
Australian manager Guus Hiddinck made fantastic use of his substutes here (make sure you take notes Sven) with both scorers coming on as second half substitutes. The Australians looked good going forward, and with players like Cahill, Viduka & Kewell this is to be expected, the goal they conceded although controversial, was correct in my opinion, as I felt that Schwarzer had come to try and get the ball, and been nudged out of the way by a push from one of his own players on the Japanese attacker, the Japanese will struggle to qualify now, while Australia have every chance, just needing to beat Croatia to take 2nd spot.
USA vs Czech Republic (Match Report)
The Czechs played by far the best football of any team so far here, with some beautiful passing and movement, and with Tomas Rosicky, a dangerous playmaker. Jan Kollers opener was a stunning header, and I’m sure the Czechs will miss him in latter stages of the tournament, but with Nedved and Rosicky, and Baros when fit, they still have an impressive attacking lineup. Defensively they looked strong, although had Reyna’s shot gone in rather than rebounded off the post at 1-0, it could have been a different story, and Petr Cech only had one major save to make.
Italy vs Ghana (Match Report)
The Italians also looked good last night, especially going forward, although at times Ghanaians had chances to score. Toni and Gilardinho created several chances, and it will be interesting to see if Iaquinta will get a starting spot in their next match after his well taken goal, capitalising on a mistake from Kufour to round the goalkeeper and slot home the Italians second.
loving the new style, MUCH better