World Cup 17/06/06

Portugal vs Iran was more dynamic than I thought it was going to be. On paper Portugal should have easily won this match, but it wasn’t until well into the second half when they scored, and it was a penalty kick in the 80th minute that guaranteed them the win.

The Czech Republic vs Ghana match gave us the first missed penalty kick of World Cup 2006, and the earliest goal we’ve seen so far. The first half was dominated by Ghana, but the second half got spicier as both teams were looking for a goal, and both keepers were having a good match. Ghana played the superior offensive game and got a well deserved win.

While I knew the USA would be looking to salvage some pride, it was clear to me the Italians were poised to kick their ass. Unfortunately the game had little flow due to the number of fouls committed and the number of offsides. And then after the own goal by Zaccardo tied the game, things got ugly with De Rossi elbowing McBride, giving him a bloody face, and he was sent off as a result. Then the American Mastroeni was sent off after a tackle. And in the second half Pope was sent off after receiving his second yellow card in the match. There were some bad tackles, but the Italians are also known for milking the situation with their dramatics. The Uruguayan ref obviously did not have control of the match. I hope FIFA is truly reviewing the conduct of the refs.