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June 25th, 2006 | By: Matt | 22 Comments »

Apologies for the lack of posts. I am currently in Phuket, Thailand at the moment and I have had trouble finding a decent internet connection. My posts will be brief as I don’t have the time to scour the net for articles and whatever else. There is a heap of places to watch the World Cup here though, so at least I won’t have trouble with that. Also, the cheap ‘Nike’ Australia shirts are a hit here with all the Aussies.

Anyway, on the news front, Guus has admitted he stuffed up by playing Kalac instead of Schwarzer in goal against Croatia. I feel a bit sorry for Kalac but at the end of the day he had his chance and didn’t make the most of it. Schwarzer will get his goalkeeping spot back against Italy.

The world doesn’t think we can beat Italy, but I actually think we can cause a massive upset. If we go in with the right mentality who knows. It has been done before.

One thing that will be to our advantage, is the fact Nesta will miss the game. Perhaps this could be exactly what we need. Hiddink throws on every attacker on our bench and they crumble. Wishful thinking.

If we can resolve the Emerton situation, then we will be well on the way to victory.

Tags: Australia, Australia vs Italy

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Comments

By konno | June 25th, 2006 at 11:01 am

we have to make the most of our chances, we create enough of them.

be interesting if we go one up early.

Posted from Australia

By enzo | June 25th, 2006 at 11:13 am

I can only speak for myself, but I am more anxious with this game against Italy, than the game against Brazil who were considered so supreme before the match, but Australia matched them for most of the game except for finishing power where Brazil clearly demonstrated their superiority. Maybe the anxiety is due to the fact that the Brazil match was not the end of our journey regardless of the result due to our 3-1 win against Japan, whereas with Italy it’s do or die. But then there is a confidence I have with this Australian team. If Australia played so well and confident against Brazil then there is no reason they cannot play just as well and confident against Italy, and, and, there may be an upset. Italy are a great team, but not unbeatable in the world cup, history has proven it can fall to pieces. Unfortunately, the latest news from the Australian camp is that there is the possibility that Kewell will not be fit as he hasn’t trained with the squad since the game against Croatia. But then Italy’s Nesta is not playing. So all in all it’s going to be a very interesting game.

Posted from Australia

By rebecca * | June 25th, 2006 at 11:18 am

hi love the site

Posted from United Kingdom

By simon | June 25th, 2006 at 11:53 am

Gilardino is the only member of Italy’s attack that seems certain of starting. Coach Marcello Lippi left struggling Luca Toni on the bench in the team’s last game, a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. Playmaker Francesco Totti is still regaining strength from left leg surgery.

Filippo Inzaghi came on and scored against the Czechs and could move into the starting lineup.

Marco Materazzi likely will replace injured Alessandro Nesta in central defense and the Azzurri also will be without midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who was banned for four matches for elbowing United States forward Brian McBride in the face.

Lippi said that De Rossi’s actions were the product of Italy’s nervous start against the Americans, who dominated the opening 20 minutes with their physical play and held the Azzurri to a 1-1 draw.

Australia plays the same physical style and Monday’s game will be held in the same stadium that hosted the game with the United States. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time and heat could play a factor.

thats the latest news mates. along with the fact that Kewell, as Enzo has rightly reminded us is not to be seen on the practice grounds….

any thoughts… Weakened Italy… Game on hands…. Wishful thinking i know… But then we have exceeded expectations so far.

Posted from India

By Spieler | June 25th, 2006 at 12:22 pm

I think Australia has every chance to beat italy, if we did win it would be wonderful, but it would mean another very hungover day at work. Falling asleep at work was not one of my proudest moments, but I think I would do it all again if Australia wins. Emmo being out along with popo is a big worry, hopefully Kewell is ok, I haven´t seen anything about that on the “theworldgame” website though.
Aussie Aussie Aussie!!!!!!

Posted from Germany

By konno | June 25th, 2006 at 1:39 pm

we have had alot of shots at goal from distance, and not alot of them have been on target and pretty lame . they are due to get one right! if kewell does not play and emerton out, i dont know who will make the runs down the flanks!

bad news if kewell out. but not end of world!

Posted from Australia

By enzo | June 25th, 2006 at 2:04 pm

Tell me about it, Spieler, I don’t know how I’m going to make it through Tuesday. The game couldn’t be at a more interruptive time for sleep, but then who can sleep? I’ve heard that win or lose the Australian team will receive a ticker-tape parade in Sydney when all the players manage to get together much later after the world cup ends.

Posted from Australia

By Paul Ha | June 25th, 2006 at 2:26 pm

Hello. I’m Korean. 24th, Swiss defeated korea team. Though Korea team was defeated, but Australia team is our hope and we believe Australia team will defeat Italy. I’m sure Red-Devil(Korea team supporters club) and all korean will support Australia team.
Cheer up!

Posted from Republic Of Korea

By luke | June 25th, 2006 at 3:21 pm

Posted from Australia

By Tom | June 25th, 2006 at 4:21 pm

Apparently, the referee for the Italy game is Luis Medina Cantalejo, who was the official for Australia’s qualifying match against Uruguay in Sydney.

Posted from Australia

By matilda | June 25th, 2006 at 4:28 pm

Some people have been wondering about Harry…

Kewell was shown having a light training session (yesterday/today? Not sure with the time difference). It sounds like he’s sore after the Croatia game but not actually injured. He may be benched for Italy and then come on as an impact player.

They keep their cards close to their chests so it’s hard to tell what his status really is. Bresciano just had an “ear infection” and then later it emerged that he’d been bed-ridden for a couple of days.

p.s Thanks for the good wishes from Korea Paul.

Posted from Australia

By marco | June 25th, 2006 at 8:12 pm

so what if nesta is out .. againts strong attackers like australia hes better out .. plau italy have matrix, oddo and zacardo (even thought he scored an own goal is still a top defender) .. also if breshiano dont play then australia are in trouble. any way i think gila should be left off wid toni and inzagi put on .. also i recon that the whole kewell thing may be fake and will be an excuse if australia lose .. i mean he didnt look sore after he scored that goal

Posted from Australia

By enzo | June 25th, 2006 at 10:44 pm

I have just notice that someone has used my name and denigrated Australia on the Aust 2-2 Croatia post. That is truly pathetic. And I will not accept that someone has the same name by coincidence. It was calculated and demonstrates how low some contributors go to on this blog site. It really disgusts me.

Posted from Australia

By Julia | June 25th, 2006 at 11:32 pm

Enzo don’t worry i think most people figured it wasn’t you.

Posted from Australia

By BOB | June 26th, 2006 at 2:07 am

i’m with u enzo…that sucks whoever did that.

portugal…great team, i wish nederlands had beat them!!!!

can’t wait till tonite. if we pressure the italians up front they will crumble!!!

go aussie!!

Posted from Australia

By Martin | June 26th, 2006 at 2:11 am

Wish the Dutch one too. They were my sentimental favs outside of Oz. If we lose against Italy I guess it’s back to supporting the bloody poms.

Portugal are tough though. Shame about the handbags.

By joyville | June 26th, 2006 at 2:58 am

Australia have been the surprise package of this world cup- If they beat italy and they can do it then there’s a 50 50 chance they will make it to the semis and if they get there then who knows- I’m hoping for an Australia - England final. C’mon the Aussies

Posted from United Kingdom

By joyville | June 26th, 2006 at 2:58 am

OOps sorry wrong blog

Posted from United Kingdom

By marco | June 26th, 2006 at 8:24 am

portugal are the dumbest team in the WC .. in the quater finals they will be without 4 players (either due to red cards an yellow cards or because of injury) .. that being said i still think they can beat england and they better do so

Posted from Australia

By England Fan | June 26th, 2006 at 8:43 am

What is it about you Aussie’s and wanting to beat or have us beat all the time? Are we that much of a threat to you?

Posted from Australia

By enzo | June 26th, 2006 at 9:38 am

Just got on. This is it everyone. I am a positive person. I feel person. I think Australia can do it. The best would be similar to the Croatia match and then extra time but to be decided on penalties and Australia to win 5-4. I’ll have a heart attack.

Also, thanks Julia for having faith in that I was not the idiot who used the name “enzo” to denigrate Australia.

Posted from Australia

By Jamshed Hashim | June 28th, 2006 at 6:16 pm

I think now favourite is Germany.

Posted from Austria