This is another reason why Copa America should be played either every two years or at the same time as the Euro Cup. "They trying to keep us down, brother!" lol lol
How does Italy slip from 2nd then? That didn't make any sense. They both play a friendly Aug. 20th, Italy plays the higher ranked Austria. So if they both win, they won't change positions.
The August ranking will be published on August 6th. The August 20th friendlies will count for the September ranking - published on September 3rd.
Italy will be 3rd because they lose more points (84), while the Germans only lose 21 points due to devaluation of 2006 WC results.
Argentina typically comes in either 1st or 2nd in WCQ's so I'm not really worried. As far as Italy vs Spain lets recap: [youtube]l1kx8aOaSbA[/youtube] I think actions speak louder than words. Great EuroCup showing.
You could also make a case for Australia's amazing defense. Keeping the full attack of Italy at bay to only a tie. So either way in the end Grosso's dive and the spanish ref playing the role, gave Italy the win.
LOL they had one extra man, of course their defense is going to be hard to break. Don't be so foolish.
Yes but comparativey Italy is the stronger team. Also at times teams with 10 men play better than those with 11. Please tell me that you understand these basic concepts of soccer.
Of course Grosso dived (it's blatantly obvious from replay) but it still should of (and was) a penalty. Try wrapping your brain around that one
Really Germany's loss against Italy and the win against Portugal go from 0.5 to 0.3. Italy's win against Germany and the PSO win against France go from 0.5 to 0.3. That's why Italy lose more points.
The reason that it is not a penalty is because the defender is committed to his position. Grosso in fact runs him over and commits an offensive foul on the defender.
My god, you act as if a good team has never had bad luck in front of the net! And like FNU has said, you don't have to have a backline with Nesta and Maldini to defend against 10 men, although I will agree that having 10 men sometimes opens up the game. I hope you'll also agree that having 10 men is still a huge disadvantage, and that despite this Italy managed to outplay Australia. I'm not sure what else you're looking for...? And you actually think that Grosso ran over the defender? I can see where the people who think he dived are coming from. But seriously, it's not like he got in front of net, tracked back to where poor old Lucas Neill was lying on the ground, and purposefully tripped over him. BTW, nice Copa America showing.
Let's just imagine you are correct and there was contact. His weight no longer rests on that leg. The weight of his body at that point was transfered over to is front leg. A leg which he purposefully caved in. If you have ever played soccer you know that there are certain players that are ADEPT at touching you and then making everyone think that you were the aggressor. Anyone can drag a leg over someone's body and blame them for the fall. A fall which in reality was caused by him giving way with this front leg. Play a little soccer first and then lets talk. Obviously you defend Italy's colors and your honor and pride but be reasonable YOU KNOW HE DIVED. Listen, Grasso went for it and it worked to his advantage, good for him.