Published
6/24/2010 12:29:52 PM
by
William Montero
from
soccermogul
Did you hear that sound? That sound came all the way from South Africa this morning. That was the thud of World Champions Italy falling out of the 2010 World Cup.
A truly disappointing effort as Italy fell to Slovakia 3-2. A furious Italian rally fell just short in the end, but one cannot expect to play 15 minutes of inspired soccer and be successful at the World Cup. Italy slogged through 80 minutes of uncreative, boring soccer. Slovakia were clearly the better team and deserved to win in the end, but they had to weather some tight moments in stoppage time to get there.
It is the first time since 1974 that Italy have not advanced past the opening round of play at a World Cup. Coach Marcello Lippi and his aging squad will limp home dejected and face the criticism of a soccer proud country.
The win puts Slovakia into the knockout phase where they will most likely face Holland. Paraguay's scoreless draw with New Zealand gives them the Group F title and they will await the Group F matches this afternoon to find out their opponent in the round of 16.
Published
2/1/2012
by
William Montero
from
soccermogul
A massive riot broke out between rival fans at a soccer match in Cairo, Egypt. At least 1,000 people were injured in the clashes, 150 of them critically.
Published
12/18/2011
by
Shane Barrow
from
soccermogul
Barcelona left no doubt in this one as they demolished South American champs Santos 4-0 in the Club World Cup Final.
Published
12/2/2011
by
Shane Barrow
from
soccermogul
The Euro 2012 draw is complete and there are definitely four compelling groups for next summer's tournament being held in Poland and the Ukraine.
Published
11/15/2011
by
Shane Barrow
from
soccermogul
The final four places at Euro 2012 have been claimed as the playoff round ended today. Ireland, Portugal, Croatia and the Czech Republic were the victors.
Published
10/12/2011
by
Shane Barrow
from
soccermogul
Mexico choked a lead and lost against ten man Brazil on home soil Tuesday night.