June 22, 2004

So, the Italians have been eliminated from the tournement. Full marks to them for a great effort against Bulgaria, they at least managed to pull off 1 win in their otherwise pathetic showing. Unsuprisingly, as Italy has been eliminated, rumours of conspiracy are running wild as they claim the game between the Danes and Sweedes was fixed to end 2-2. Same old Italian excuses, one wonders why a supposedly great team, one which rates itself as top among talent in the world. Required 4 minutes of stoppage time to score the 2nd goal against BULGARIA of all nations. (keep in mind, this is the same Bulgarian sqaud that lost 5-0 to Sweeden). The bottom line is it doesn't matter if the game was fixed, or if the whole world is out to get the Italians. They won 1 game out of 3, perhaps if it required a conspiracy to keep them out, they might've had the resolve to beat either Sweeden or Denmark when they had the chance. I find it remarkable that the Italians can still lay blame on other individuals, and ignore the fact that Wayne Rooney of England has personally scored 1 more goal than the entire Italian team. (If you're wondering, that's a whole 4 goals in 3 games, great for a single player, below average for an entire team). So perhaps before Totti decided to spit at a Danish opponent and take a 3 game suspension, he might've decided to have an ounce of respect for his peers, for the sport of football, and for the fans. As far as I'm concerned, as long as the Italian National Football team remains a whiny, excuse filled, egotistical squad with a persecution complex, any football tournement is far better off without them. For the record, had the Danes and Sweedes actually "screwed" Italy (which they didn't) They would have my heartfelt congratulations. All that being sad, England is through, I can't wait for the quarterfinals to begin.
Matthew C at 4:17 PM