Today- The Moment of Truth

June 12th, 2006 | By: Robert | 5 Comments »

In just hours, Ghana will kickoff against Italy in its World Cup debut. Fans worldwide are waiting with baited breath to see the storm break and a hard rain of Black Star wizardry bear down against the unsuspecting Azzurri. The Italians claim to know Ghana’s lineup due to the legion of euroleague talent they possess, but can they really be expected to correctly rate the talent of a team peaking at just the right time? What can we expect today?

From my perspective, the Azzurri are going to have hands full facing our strong midfield, and we should be able to control pace. Depending on whether Totti is healthy enough to get into the match (and recent reports peg him at only 70%), then Italy might have had a chance to equalize us in that regard.

On the attack, expect Ghana to counterpunch, rather than building a possession based attack. The Stars have played a counterattacking style of late, and this will match up well versus a more attack minded Italy than we have seen in recent years. The Italians are sure to play slow and steady and to assault Ghana from the air, an area where Sammy Adjei and Richard Kingston have both proven shaky.

A certainty for Ghana is that the Black Stars physical style of play will give headaches to the more effete Europeans. Much like the match versus Korea, a squad can be thrown out of their rhythm versus Ghana’s hard tackles and raw physicality. On the other hand, creating too many fouls will expoit Ghana’s defense versus the Italians’ clever set piece games.

A match to be sure, and one we will be watching with anticipation.

Tags: Ghana, Italy, Opener, World Cup

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Comments

By Joel Dossoumon | June 12th, 2006 at 3:59 pm

I AM ROOTING FOR THE BLACK STARS BUT I HOPE THE MATCH WILL NOT BE A REPEAT OF ARGENTINA vrs IVORY COAST WHERE THE IVORIANS PAID DEARLY FOR THEIR INEXPERIENCE AND LACK OF REALISM EVENTHOUGH THEY PLAYED A BEAUTIFUL GAME JUST LIKE THE ANGOLANS.

Posted from Ghana

By Vin | June 12th, 2006 at 4:08 pm

I wouldn’t call the Azzurri “unsuspecting.” They are not underestimating Ghana, according to the coach’s and players’ quotes.

I am sure also, that they are familiar with the physical style. I know my Azzurri can counter it; I just hope and pray that they come away without injuries caused by hard African tackles.

The question is, is Ghana’s backfield ready for Luca Toni?

FORZA AZZURRI!

Posted from United States

By Yaa | June 12th, 2006 at 7:36 pm

Vin, what are you talking about? “hard African tackles’?? That’s he way the game is played outside of the first world nations. Don’t be a pansy because your precious Azzurri team might just get plastered.

Posted from Canada

By Pierre Tristam | June 12th, 2006 at 9:14 pm

When it comes to football, Italy are Europe’s American in this one sense: Overconfident, oversexed, underachieving. They’re supremely un-Italian in this respect: conservative, dull, tasteless but for the swarthy sweaty-hair look. Luckily for them they’re facing sacrificial-lamb Ghana. But don’t underestimate Italy’s magical ability to insist on 0-0 ties. (Not likely here).
More Pierre uncensored & TOTAL FOOTBALL…

Posted from United States

By Pierre Tristam | June 12th, 2006 at 10:10 pm

Italy has shown us some good energy here and there, Luca Toni and Totti have done the job, as has Piero obviously, but it’s been a matter of splash and dash rather than sustained pressure and certain victory. Ghana’s energy on the other foot has been more sustained and full of surprises, liuke this smashing sudden strike from Essien far outside the middle of the box, forcing a fabulous save. All around one of the more entertaining games so far.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com

Posted from United States

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