Azzurri Confident

Azzurri are off to a perfect start to their campaign for fourth world cup victory. Though they were tested hard by very energetic Ghanaian side who showed great pace in their counter attacks but were very disappointing in the box. Match started at an intense pace with both teams trying to get the early initiative and Italy came very close for an early lead when Luca toni failed to connect to a cross and Gilardino shot hit the post. Totti and Pirlo combined well to bring about chances for the Italians but all the moves lacked the final touch. For Ghana Essien and Asamoah were causing real havoc whenever they moved but they hardly threatened Buffon.

Totti seemed to be getting back to his touch with his slick touches and looked in control behind the two forwards. He caused a brilliant save from Ghanaian goalkeeper with his 25 meter thunderbolt. Italians looked creative from the set pieces and presence of Pirlo and Totti was evident. Toni though failed to score but came very close when he flicked the ball with his head to come in a position and then launched a thunderous shot which hit the cross bar and came back.

But the goal came in 40th minute when another short corner was played deliberately to Pirlo who hit a scorching shot which past through couple of players before cannoning into the corner.

Second half initially was all about Ghana who were trying hard to equalize pushed forward and had Italian defense in trouble at couple of times. Essien brought a wonderful save from Buffon. On the other end Kingston (Ghanaian Goalkeeper) must be given credit to keep his team in the match when he blocked Simone Perrotta’s shot in 67th minute. But as Azzurris sat down the inevitable happened, a mistake by Ghanaian’s defense and Iaquinta found himself having loads of space and he went pass through Kingston to seal Azzurri’s lead 2-0 match over.

Good performance by the Italians considering the pre-tournament controversy back in Italy and few of their players and plus coach being under the investigation. They always start nervously but good thing they started with a win that too with 2 goals difference. Another positive note was combination of Totti and Pirlo and how they served the two man forward. Toni was unlucky but Gilardino will have to improve or Iaquinta would be in starting line up. Defense as usual was rock solid with two back flanks moving forward to support the midfield. Things are looking good for the Azzurri but they will need some luck to reach the finals, the luck which has abandoned them since Baggio missed his penalty.

Confident start by Ghana but its hard to see them progressing to the second round with Czechs in such a good form, but they are very much capable to nail United States.