Wednesday, 16 June 2010

Escape From Alcaraz: Italy 1-1 Paraguay


Italy line-up: Buffon (Marchetti, HT), Criscito, Chiellini, Cannavaro (c), De Rossi, Pepe, Iaquinta, Gilardino (Di Natale, 72'), Marchisio (Camoranesi, 59')
Paraguay line-up: Villar (c), Morel, Bonet, Vera, Da Silva, Caceres, Riveros, Torres (Santana, 60'), Valdez (Santa Cruz, 68'), Barrios (Cardozo, 76'), Alcaraz

Although both teams looked comfortable in the first half, Italy looked liked the side form the Confederations Cup and Paraguay overall in the first half were the better team. Italy had a few attacks with not much to say and Paraguay looked good on the counter attack. They fully deserved their goal which came in the 39th minute; a Torres free-kick met by Alcaraz who headed past Buffon.

Italy's problems got worse at half-time when Buffon was replaced because of a back problem which Italy will hope won't be too bad. Italy had started the second half better but again failed to create any real good chances. That was until Camoranesi came on, who should have been on fro the start in my opinion. Italy just suddenly turned into the Free-flowing football nation we all they can be and they just camped in Paraguay's half. The equaliser was coming and was well deserved, just maybe not form the circumstances. It came in the 63rd minute from a Pepe corner which Villar completely flapped at and missed, De Rossi was on hand to head form six yards and Italy were level.

If anyone was going to score again and win the game it was looking to be Italy. However neither did and it finished 1-1. If Italy play how they did in the second half throughout their remaining group games it should be very comfortable for them and may produce a decent campaign. Paraguay looked okay and again should be able to use this point as a step-up against New Zealand and Paraguay.

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