Looks like Italy has gone and done a France. Well, done a France with at least a tad more heart, and none of the girly catfighting. Of course, even if it was for the last 20 minutes or so, Italy did provide a good deal of entertainment on the pitch, instead of off it.
Who would've thought. Looks like a real passing of the old guard. Slovakia, who until little more than 20 years ago, did not exist (as an international football team). And when they did, often lived in the footballing shadows of their more illustrious brethren. And Italy, most celebrated and most recent of European champions of the world. Sheesh. I suppose when you have a bunch of geriatrics running around with a bunch of young 'uns brought up in a decrepit Serie A, this is what you get.
A word too for New Zealand, who finished above Italy, and at times, threatened to even top the damn group. What a run, what a team, and what a World Cup for them. My hats off, and my deepest respect. Unbeaten too, and this from a team expected to be the whipping boys.
As for the other deciding games - what a show too from Japan. Was it me, or did Japan just score the first goals from free-kicks this World Cup? Not Portugal, Brazil or Argentina? I might be wrong, but a funny thought that would be. I suppose that would be perfect fodder for the anti-Jabulani crowd. I suppose they might be right. At least as far as the free-kicks are concerned. But full credit to Honda for a screamer of Ronaldo-esque proportions, and shortly after, another peach from Endo. (Was going to attempt a lame pun on Honda, but thought better).
You gotta feel good for the Japanese. Who on this form, do look good going into their game with Paraguay. In particular, you'll have to keep your eye on Honda. Methinks big-money move is in the works for the man.
I do feel kinda let down by the Danes though. I'd expected a little more, but in the end they simply ran out of steam, after their heroics against Cameroon. Bent Nick could not by himself mitigate against the overall lack of real quality in the team. Ha. But hey - great thing Nick's now getting himself a rest.
Oh yeah - nearly forgot. There was the little matter of the meaningless game between Holland and Cameroon as well. RVP's gotten off the mark - which is as much as could be said of the game. (Of course, the fact that the TV was tuned to Japan-Denmark might have something to do with that). Whatever the case, I'm just pretty chuffed with Holland's (should be) easy next game with Slovakia.
Looking forward, much fun tomorrow with Spain and Switzerland. Let's see if Spain does a France and Italy. Really, the end of the old world in football, eh?
You know, the longest ever match in tennis just ended at Wimbledon today. 70-68 in the 5th set to John Isner. Over Nicholas Mahut. Yes, nobody really knows who they are, but now everyone will. It look more than 11 hours. Can you imagine? Thank god for 90 minutes, extra time, and penalties. I could never imagine. Yes, it was some entertainment. But try imagining England v Algeria at 0-0 for 11 hours.
With that rather somnulent thought, I'm going to bed. Ta.
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