The Azzurri cannot lose to these minnows, new-comers Ukraine. Coming off two indifferent performances against the US and Australia, if the Italians do lose to Shevchenko’s side will anybody be able to sympathize with their continual whining and ill-luck?—yet the tides will turn again. Gifted with a touch of fortune—Grosso’s penalty—and a strong showing in the opening game against Ghana—it will be a return to the glory days for the Azzurri?

Carvings from the Dagger

The German striking duo of Klose and Podolski has definitely matured since their scoring hiccups against Poland in the group stages of Germany 2006. But one would venture to remind soccer savages that Germany has yet to face a difficult match—even Sweden looking far too under-par and ordinary to press for honors. It is a shame that this game against Argentina couldn’t be the Final because the Germans might then feel well-represented when they lose to Crespo and Co. in Berlin.

Carvings from the Dagger

I can’t believe that it has already been 2 days of no games…the last 2 days have been an eternity–much longer than the prior 2 ½ weeks of games…yes the Mongoose and mine own predictions were not spot on in the group stages, but Mongoose came through much better in the Round of Sixteen with Portugal his only miss pick to make it into the Quarter-Finals…Mongoose was actually only 1 better than me as I though that Spain surely had enough to make it past France, but not to be…I can’t wait until tomorrow…let the games begin again…

Carvings from the Dagger

This Asian team has the heart to fight on the world stage. They display every quality needed to compete at the highest level, except finishing.

What in the end is most important in soccer? Well, it is probably your ability to score goals.

The South Koreans lack the confidence at the highest level to put the ball away cleanly. Yes, they can fight the ball into the back of the net as they did against France. A clean flowing movement though is almost out of the question.

We as Americans are caught between these two worlds too. We fight as hard as anyone, but composure and technique need to be displayed from 30 yards in to score quality goals.

At 4skills.com we take pride in teaching these traits and techniques. Please take a look at these products that will help you, or your players improve. Try the Strikers Package and WallWork to sharpen your striking skills.

Kamal de Gregory
Soccer Skills Guru

When Argentinian or Brazilian Strikers receive the ball in attack, how do they run at defenders? How do they approach defenders? Do they run straight at them? Do they run straight at the goal with the defender just a second thought?

The answer is, “It depends on the situation.” How many attackers are with you? How many defenders are there? Where are you on the field? Plus a thousand other questions that these strikers answer in a split second.

The main questions you must answer are–what is the defender most vulnerable too, and what are your attacking strong points? If the answers are that the defender is slow and you are good with your first touch in the air, then take a direct angle that will put the ball past the defender on your first touch from an air ball.

For more advice and videos to displaying attacking techniques, check out 4skills.com Virtual Soccer Trainer, or our Striking Package.

Kamal de Gregory
Soccer Skills Guru

Unlike the rest of his team who play for European clubs, Carlos Tevez plays in Brazil. Of course Brazilian clubs cannot afford to pay players as well as in Europe, so second jobs are not uncommon.

For Carlitos–that is what they call him in Brazil–street fighting would be a great second career choice. To watch him ply his trade you would have to go to the deepest, darkest parts of Sao Paolo.

This is a pure suggestion from the Mongoose, but can’t you see him on a hot, humid Saturday night in a secluded dirt arena, lit by torches. Rampant betting goes on seconds before Carlitos “The Man-Child” Tevez takes on his newest and overconfident opponent. The contest lasts no longer then 6 seconds, before “The Man-Child” unleashes his signature bite move and finishes the contest.

Not bad in a nights work, an extra 50 Reis in his pocket and a game to play with Corinthians tomorrow.

Just joking with one of the best players to show at World Cup 06.

Meditations from the Mongoose

The Argentineans have such a rich history in football, but where-o-where will they get ousted from the Cup? Well, it was not in the group stages, not like Korea/Japan 2002. Their fate will be like France 1998, a quarterfinal departure at the hands of the hosts.

If you are not biased, then you can agree that things have not been great for the Argentines, not in the last few cups. They have been making their home in the group of death, and although they found their way out this time, they still had a tough time against Mexico in the Round of Sixteen. They now have to meet up with Germany, and this is where Argentina will have to pay.
 
They have great players, but none are Maradona. So that means no glory for the Argentineans this time around either. 

Meditations from the Mongoose

France defeated Spain 3-1 to advance to the next round, showing that it doesn’t matter how many goals you score in the opening round as long as you get through. Spain provided much of the early pressure and opened the scoring with a David Villa penalty in the 28th min. Franck Ribery equalized for France though in the 41st min. to pull the game level before half time.
 

2nd half heroics were performed by Patrick Vieira, who forced what appeared to be an own-goal in the 83rd min. as he headed the ball at the back post off of Sergio Ramos into the Spanish goal. Zinedine Zidane provided the whipped cream as he finished in the 90th min. to add to Spain’s heartache.

Ronaldo and Brazil rewrote the history books today with a 3-0 victory of Ghana. Kaka set up an early goal in the 5th min. for Ronaldo, who notched his 15th World Cup goal to become the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup play. Ghana, playing without inspirational and work-horse midfielder Essien, chose to play the offside trap and were down early when Kaka slotted Ronaldo in free on the keeper. The Real Madrid striker then rounded the keeper with a smooth step over feint before finishing into the open net.
Ghana created numerous chances after the Ronaldo goal trying to pull level and showed that they had the belief to pull the upset; however, Dida held strong and kept out the Black Stars. As Ghana pushed forward to equalize, their hopes were all but crushed as Adriano finished on a counter attack in the 45th min. against the run of play.

Ghana never really produced their attacking flair in the 2nd half and were reduced to 10-men when forward Gyan received a red card for a second yellow as he was guilty of simulation—diving in the box. Ze Roberto finished off the scoring in the 84th min.—notching Brazil’s 201st World Cup goal—as Brazil beat the offside trap once again with Ze Roberto beating the keeper to the through pass and walking the ball into the open net.

Oh, how the great and mighty may fall…
Will Ghana provide the biggest upset today? Will Ronaldo be sent home to devour more dumplings? Of coarse, Brazil are the favorites in this one, but even favorites sometimes fail…just ask the Czech Republic.

Carvings from the Dagger