Day 13

The Azzurri's needed a win or a draw to progress, and they did it convincingly by scoring 2 against the Czechs. The win meant they go through to the next round as group leaders and send the Czechs crashing out of the World Cup in the first round - a heavy casualty indeed. With 17 minutes on the clock, Italy had to take of the dependable Nesta and replace him with Materazzi after Nesta was injured. Materazzi made good use of his opportunity by heading in the opener for the Azzurri's. The Czechs were never the give up easily and Nedved was orchestrating their attack and came close on several occasions only to be denied by the brilliant Buffon. The Czechs suffered a major blow when Polak was send off for a second bookable offence. Italy were continuing their fine form and Inzaghi who came on for Gilardino proved to be the 'super sub' yet again. With 3 normal minutes of play remaining, he raced past his marker to leave Cech facing two Italians, and in the end he got the job done to hand over the win to the Italians. Italy look good now, and technically no team was able to breach their armour - the only goal they conceded was scored by Zaccardo, an own goal against the Americans. If they can maintain their form and put in a similar performance against the Australians, the will potentially set up a QF clash with the Brazilians! Bring them on! - We are waiting!!! FORZA ITALIA!!!
Italy 2-0 Czech Republic
26-Materzzi(ITA), 87-Inzaghi(ITA)

With Italy leading, Ghana were in a good position to follow them to the next round, but they left little for calculations and eased to a 2-1 win over the Americans. USA finish bottom of the group and end a disappointing run with yet another loss. The Africans, on the other hand, put in a fine performance and now they have the daunting task of facing Brazil in the next round. To be honest, I expected Italy and the Czechs to go through, but Ghana wanted a say in the World Cup and have done it with authority. Ghana against the defending champions promises to be a good game!
Ghana 2-1 USA
22-Dramani(GHA), 43-Dempsey(USA), 45pen-Appiah(GHA)

Ronaldo was criticised by every paper, radio and TV cast. Ok. Accepted. He is not in the best of his form, but so was Owen, Zidane and even Ronaldinho for that matter. Give the guy a break. After two games of 'misery' Ronaldo proved that he still has the sting in him - even though he is a bit on the plumpy side now ;) A brace by Ronaldo, a scorching 30 yard drive by Juninho and a sweet strike by Gilberto. With the 4-1 win over Japan, Brazil say "We are back" and makes the other teams a bit nervy - especially those in their direct path. Ronaldo opened the scoring with a header and finished it with a late strike. Incidentally, his brace makes him the joint top scorer in World Cup history, along with Gerd Muller.
Japan 1-4 Brazil
33-Tamada(JPN), 45-Ronaldo(BRA), 53-Juninho(BRA), 59-Gilberto(BRA), 81-Ronaldo(BRA)

The Australians had to battle it out hard to sneak into the next round, thanks to a much needed equliser by Kewell. An entertaining game saw both the teams end with 2 goals a piece which ,sadly, was just not enough for the Croats. The game had it's share of drama with a goal being disallowed - which looked more like a touchdown! Oh uh...did the Aussies get a sudden urge to play Rugby??. After the final whistle, Siminic complained and was duly shown the 'third' yellow card followed by an overdue red! The win propelled Australia into the second round for the first time and they have the daunting task of facing the mighty Italians!
Croatia 2-2 Australia
3-Srna(CRO), 39pen-Moore(AUS), 56-Kovac(CRO), 79-Kewell(AUS)