What we call "soccer ", has dedicated devotees worldwide ALL the time,
but
once every four years, at World Cup time it's a FRENZY. Employers all
over
the world are trying to modify work schedules, to minimize absenteeism,
that
could cripple their business, resorting to providing TVs at work, hopeful
that some things may get done before and after the game, and maybe
during
time outs and intermissions.
Such optimism!!!
I'm uncharacteristically involved in this World Cup, after reading a
very
recognized soccer expert's prediction of Italy's ultimate victory.
It became
even more interesting when France, another favorite was beaten by Senegal.
Jones scenario has an inightful evaluation, a game by game analysis,
and a
lovely ending, but you know about predictions. [;-)
========================================
CUT TO THE CHASE
Predicting the winner: European (Italy & France) conclusions for our experts
History-- and defense-- are on the side of the Italians as they go for
their
fourth World Cup championship
Los Angeles Times
By Grahame L. Jones
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Get this could be the World Cup where Giovanni Trapattoni meets Admiral
Yi
Shun-Shin….Yi was the inventor of the "turtle ships" ( in the mid-
1500's)…
ingenious devices that were nothing more than wood ships armored by
encasing
them in a sort of shall-- hence the name. Yi use them to such good
effect
that he defeated the superior force of Japanese vessels and became
a Korean
Maritime hero in the process. [The Monitor and the Merrimac, imitated
this
300 years later].
What, you might understandably be asking, does this have
to do with the
World Cup? Well, nothing and everything.What we are doing here
is making a
case for Italy, which very well might not need any help it all.
If it does,
though, here it is, free of charge.
Defense has long been Italy's forte. The country didn't win the
World Cup
three-times simply by singing arias at opponents; it had to shut them
up too.
The names of Italy's defensive hero's ring down through the ages: Franco
Baresi being the most recent, and Paolo Maldini being the most current.
Then there is Trapattoni himself. Known affectionately as "Trapp"-…
he is
Italy's most successful club coach of all-time.A quick glance his resume
shows seven Italian league titles, one German league title, two Italian
cups,
the European Champions cup, 3 UEFA Cups, one European Super Cup, and
one
Toyota/International Cup. But sadly, no World Cup. Not
until now.
Italy's team bristles with offensive weapons, just like Yi's famous
turtle
ships. There are for instance, no fewer than six top class forwards
on the
Italian roster; Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Marco Del Vecchio,
Filippo Inzaghi, Vincenzo Montella, and perhaps best of all,
Christian Vieri.
Trapp doesn't need to tell his forwards anything. What he needs
to do is
build a shell around them. A defensive perimeter so tight that nothing
can
penetrate, and even if it does, there still will be Gianluigi Buffon,
or
Francesco Toledo in goal to handle the odd shot or two.
It's a can't miss plan, and armor plated way to the silverware.
Here, then,
is the road map to Italy's fourth World Cup:
First Round: Italy has been given virtually free passage to the
quarterfinals. Nothing here will give Vieri and company any trouble,
and
goalkeeper Buffon will be lucky if he even sees the ball. Croatia's
doddering elders hold on for second, while Mexico and Ecuador head
for the
airport
Second Round: Italy vs. United States; Perhaps that warmup game
in Sicily
wasn't such are bright idea after all. The Italians know the
Americans many
weaknesses and exploit them to the fullest. Ciao Clint Mathis.
Quarter finals: Cameroon vs. Italy; Every tournament produces at least
one
classic game and this is it. The Africans power, unpredictably
and
enthusiasm has them attacking for 90 minutes. The Italians use
the counter
while working out of their defensive shell and prevail, 3-2.
Semi finals: Italy vs. Portugal; Curiously, the Portuguese revert to
a single
striker, Pauleta and the Italians have no problems containing him.
Louis
Figo causes them some problems, scoring a superb goal from distance,
but
Italy prevails on two Vieri goals.
Finals: Italy vs. Argentina; It's raining heavily in Yokohama.
Trapattoni
throws up the shutters, bolts on the armor plate and closes shop.
It's
scoreless at the half. It's scoreless after 90 minutes.
It's scoreless
after extra time. It goes to penalty kicks and Buffon finally
earns his keep
with three extraordinary saves. The turtle ships have won.
Did you have any
doubt?
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All Times: Pacific Time Zone
First Round--TV Schedule: Italy vs:
Monday June 3, Equador: 4:30 am
Saturday June 8, Croatia: 2 am
Thursday June 13, Mexico: 4:30 am
