I watched half of the Italy match, Half of the Brazil match and half of the Argentina match.

The most entertaining of them all was Argentina by far, the link up play, the killer through balls, the passes the technical skills were outstanding.

I only saw the first half of Italy's game but what i saw was fairly impressive. The defence which i thought was a shaky area in the Toulon tournament was much better, also De Silvestre's pace is blistering (shame he couldnt always control the ball). Giovinco is a fantastic player and probably one of the best Italian talents i have ever seen play. G.Rossi played well. I think we should make a move for him, he is a very talented player. He can play as an AM, SS and CF although he is slightly better as a SS. An ideal partner for Borriello. I didnt get to see Abate play so i cant pass judgement. Acquafresca played a good match, using his pace but his finishing perhaps could have been better, specifically the easy one on one he had in the early minutes

The Brazil game was fairly dreary. Ronaldinho and Pato didnt really do anything significant, but the same can be said of the team performance today.

From what i have seen Argentina seem like faveourites to retain the Gold medal, but i wouldnt rule out Italy. Argentina have an absolutely devestating attack line (Aguero, Lavezzi, Messi, Riquelme)

Too soon to say who's gonna win the gold medal and who's gonna flop. it was just the first game. I'm not really worried for Pato as I'm sure he'll do great in Milan. as for Brazil, the real problem is Dunga IMO. he has COMPLETELY ruined Brazilian football since he's taken over with his ugly football. it's so anti-Brazilian that even people inside Brazil consider him a traitor. says a lot, doesn't it? I don't know what else to say, but I hope I won't be seeing him on Brazil's bench in 2010 World Cup...

Well, Dunga was a DM in his playing days so perhaps it's not a huge surprise that as a coach he's not into the full-out attacking style. I don't think there's a need to worry about the Duckling & co just yet though - it's still early days in the tournament and they did, after all, win.

Psst PORTIKINS: Is "Dunga" really Portuguese for 'Dopey' (ie, one of the 7 dwarves)?

Argentina have a very strong team at this tournament ... But so do Brazil.

Argentina: Riquelme, Messi, Mascherano, Auguiro, Lavezzi

Brazil: Ronaldinho (nuff said)



Though the Dutch also have an interesting team too ... And I agree with whoarethepatriots; Giovinco was fantastic today

Does anybody else think the Brazil game was probably the worst officiating in the history of refereeing? I can't honestly think of many, if any, worse performances than that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

What was so bad about it, Kurt? That game wasn't televised here.

The worst officiating in the history of the game was Holland-Portugal IMO!

(What? There was a GAME in the middle of that brawl?) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

I've only seen the highlights, but my dad and brother both saw it live and have said it was just as bad. He gave sending offs for really petty things in my view, he didn't seem to let the game flow and then when a Brazilian - don't remember who - made a really bad timed tackle, where he could have been sent off, the ref gave nothing at all. He made me want to scream, and I only saw the highlights!

Really well-said! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Yes, very good. I think this one deserves to be in the our own Quotes of the Week thread!

Brazil-Belgium was bad but wasn't the worst officiating in the history of refereeing.

What do you think about Viviano?There wasn't many chances for Honduras but he had some good reflexes,He could be a good option for Milan

We were linked with Viviano at one stage and he is clearly superior to all three current keepers. I would like to see him at the club but it is a far fetched possibility. If he were Brazilian...

But seriously what is our obsession with Brazilians, i too like a healthy Brazilian contigent, but buying their youth instead of home grown players is something i will never accept, unless the player has limitless talent like Pato

IMO it's really demeaning when galliani and silvio make their "I'm in love with every Brazilian alive" quotes, especially considering they're Italian.

This post has been edited by Habitant: Aug 7 2008, 09:48 PM

Well, Viviano is still at Brescia so there's hope....

For what it's worth, the now-Primavera keeper (was the Berretti keeper last year) for Milan is said to be quite good. Perrucchini is his name, I believe.