Italy is a country of 58 million - not that little, and when their country takes to the field for the semi-finals against Germany, they will have to settle for the thoughts of the large contingent back home in the boot country rooting them on. The Italians face their toughest test in their quest for a fourth FIFA World Cup title when they face a hostile German crowd Tuesday.
Italy finished on top of Group E and then went on to face the Australians and had to fight hard to earn a narrow 1-0 victory in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals it was a dominating performance as they knocked off the Ukraine 3-0. While noted as being a footballing powerhouse, it’s been 24 years since the Italians last lifted the World Cup. That makes this match against the Germans a gut-wrenching affair. Ironically, Italy defeated West Germany to win their last world title.
The world-famous sides of Serie A, like AC Milan, Juventus and Inter, have traditionally provided the platform for a competitive Italian team. Such greats as Roberto Baggio, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Gianni Rivera and the unforgettable Dino Zoff who played in the victorious 1982 side at the age of 40, have come from this competitive league.
The current roster boasts the likes of youngsters Cristian Zaccardo, Daniele De Rossi, Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino who are productive goal scorers. Toni scored twice in Italy’s win over Ukraine that has them one win away from the 2006 World Cup final. Expect this group to see a lot of time on the field as they try and erase the horrible result of 2002 when they lost in the round of 16 to the hosts Korea.
It will be up to the Italian attack to take the home crowd out of this game quickly by either scoring early or testing the unflappable German goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann. One area the Italian side have going for them is their mental toughness. They have already defeated Germany this year, by a 4-1 score in a friendly game. They will look to repeat that achievement, but should be satisfied enough with a 1-0 win.
Tottenham v Blackburn - Match Preview - 19 November 2006
Two sides looking for something to spark their seasons clash at Ewood Park on Sunday as 15th-place Blackburn hosts 12th-place Tottenham.
Rovers are favored to win at home at 2.50, and Spurs are set at 3.00. A draw is rated at 3.30.
Blackburn fought hard, but were shut out 1-0 at home by Manchester United last weekend. Blackburn were outshot 16-10, and were booked four times in the fixture.
Robbie Keane's 24th-minute penalty was not enough as Spurs were beaten 3-1 at Reading in their last league match. Spurs led in both shots and possession, but their defence could not hold firm.
Tottenham have won five and drawn twice of their past ten matches with Rovers, who hold a 10-9 lead in goals scored.
