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Match in Review

June 19th, 2006 | By: Wendy | 26 Comments »

Wow. What has happened to our boys against Ghana? Are the injuries taking their toll? Did they underestimate Ghana? Share your thoughts here on what went wrong for this 2-0 loss.

Tags: Group E

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Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 26 comments.

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By Rory W. | June 19th, 2006 at 6:19 am

Heya guys,

I most say, I was very dissappointed by the Czech from there Saturday.
I knew that Ghana can play , but I saw World Cup Winners quality in the Czechs in that USA match. I though even though without Koller it would of been a WIN or at least a draw :(.
Being od African Decent I am happy that Ghana did well, but I mean Czech is MY Team.

Also the first goal, if you check the replay, you see that
The Ghana guys, piles my FAVOURITE PERSON ( check my site in link to see WHO), and then crosses in to score the first goal.

But, credit has to be given to the GHANA side, whom play VERY well.

Until our Czech VS Italy match, later guys

Posted from Jamaica

By Vladimir | June 19th, 2006 at 6:52 am

The Czech’s slipped up. Ghana wasn’t great in my opinion. The Czechs have the right style of football to beat Italy. They’ll get a convincing win against Italy and finish on top of the group

By Jo | June 19th, 2006 at 8:14 am

I’m so disappointed! What happened? Were they totally blown away by the first goal? And is it just me, or were there some very questionable refferee decisions? I hope they will be able to get it together before thursday, even with some of the key players missing. Confindence seems to be the magic word, because they seemed to be unbeatable in the match against the US! ČEŠI DO TOHO!

Posted from Netherlands

By Kodwo Gyakye | June 19th, 2006 at 9:07 am

Please guys…, Ghana was fantastic!!! Our team just got blown away by excellent and speedy midfield play. The early goal got us stunned. We’ve got to be very careful b’cos the Italians will not be any easier!

Posted from United Kingdom

By Jo | June 19th, 2006 at 9:29 am

Oh, Ghana was great, no doubt about that. But I am disappointed the czechs didnt seem to be able to answer that…

Posted from Netherlands

By Mercy Bondziwah | June 19th, 2006 at 1:16 pm

That was a great performance by our Ghanaian boys. They are indeed great. It all about determination boys!! See their first match with Italy even proved that facts about them. Ghana is indeed proud of you and we certainly know you will go very very far in this World Cup Tornament!!! Your time has finally come for you to show the whole world what you are made of and even the sky can’t be the limit. We are looking forward to the encounter with the USA and we know,BOYS, YOU WILL SHINE AS EVER!!!
COS YOU ARE TOO MUCH OHHH!!!

Posted from Ghana

By Zombi | June 19th, 2006 at 1:46 pm

The Czech team played well as you will normally expect in a normal game but that game was far from normal. It was the mood of the two teams at the time. The Czechs went into the game having won against the USA while Ghana were there to win therefore they were up for it. Every game that Ghana team has played in is a joy to watch. I just want both teams to go through and i wish them the best.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Angelo Abruzzese | June 19th, 2006 at 5:24 pm

Looking forward to an excellent match between Italy and the Czech Republic on Thursday.

I have a feeling both teams will have something to prove and as usual the Italian side will have the option of playing for a tie and that might well be thier undoing.

Both teams have played well in thier first match only to faulter in thier second, now it is DO or DIE and hopefully they will put on a good match and not allow it to sink low as it did on Saturday.

Good luck to you guys and if you win great, the Czech team is certainly a good one and why not be contenders for the Cup itself.

Posted from United States

By Mike Maruska | June 19th, 2006 at 7:43 pm

I was disappointed in the way the Czechs played, especially in midfield. The red card on Ujfalusi was questionable and will be missed on thurs. The Czechs played well in spots and had legitimate chances to score. Ghana played very well, and I see them beating the US too. In this case, the Czechs will need a win, which they can do. Lokvenc is worthless and really hope Baros can play up top. Cech played great or it could have been 4-0.

Posted from United States

By Hamish | June 19th, 2006 at 7:56 pm

One thing is clear about the last match, Ghana fully deserved the victory. The Czechs performance was out of character in that they were second best in every area of the pitch. Indeed, the principal difference between the two teams last Saturday was desire: the Ghanians desperately wanted the win and it showed. With the sole exception of Petr Cech, none of the Czech players appeared to have the hunger to prevail against such gutsy opponents.

That said, I’m still very optimistic about the Czechs chances of success against Italy. A win should, in all probability, ensure that they top the group. As for the suspensions, the thoroughly disappointing Lokvenc will not be missed. Ujfalusi’s absence is greater, although if I were in Bruckner’s shoes I’d have Grygera partnering Rozenhal at centre back (he plays there for Ajax). The capable Jiranek could then slot into the right-back position with Jankulovski at left-back.

In midfield it has to be Galasek, Poborsky, Roksicky and Nedved. A big game is needed from all four against the Italians. Jan Polak is useful as a backup holding midfield player, and am I the only person who thinks Sionko’s contribution as a second half substitute against Ghana was greater than what Plasil has managed in the last two games?

Up front, if Baros is not ready then I guess Bruckner will have to opt for Stanjner and the much underrated Heinz. If Baros play then Heinz should be his attacking partner.

Posted from United States

By K. Lastochka | June 19th, 2006 at 9:43 pm

Hamish, I like your lineup! I actually like Heinz a lot, agree that he’s terribly under-rated. I might put Polak in for Poborsky at the half, just for some fresh legs.
I would say (if Baros is fit, which I desperately hope) we go with a 4-4-2: Baros and Heinz up front, with Rosicky right behind them in the center midfield, as almost a third striker. (To beat the Italians, we must ATTACK!) Then I’d put Galasek right behind Rosicky in a defensive-midfield strategic role. On the sides obviously Nedved and Poborsky. Defense as you described. Mr. Bruckner, are you reading this?!

Posted from United States

By Cammaris | June 19th, 2006 at 11:05 pm

Bruckner is old fox I´m sure he can invent some good strategy for next match.

Posted from Czech Republic

By K. Lastochka | June 20th, 2006 at 12:07 am

Yeah, he’s a smart guy. His line-up is probably even better than mine.

Posted from United States

By Chris Wang | June 20th, 2006 at 3:11 am

Here i bring my good friends Ann’s wishes.We’re two Chinese girls and we love Czech Football.We hope Czech can do well in next match!The only thing we can do is supporting you.Although we’re far away ,our hearts are with you !
Everyone is lion So Walk on !Belief and A Lion’s Strength!For Victory and Your fans !
Forza Nedved! You have brave heart!

Posted from China

By Vladimir | June 20th, 2006 at 7:32 am

The Czechs have what it takes to beat anyone on any given day. Their strategy must be firstly not to concede (at all!!) and secondly to strike. Hit and don’t get hit. This is their opportunity to prove they can go all the way and they will live up their expectations. They must embrace this situation because a victory on Thursday will live in their memories forever. The USA game was proof that Italy is cracking.

By Jo | June 20th, 2006 at 8:31 am

Does anyone know why Heinz isnt playing?

Posted from Netherlands

By Florence Lu | June 20th, 2006 at 11:48 am

You’re brave man and good luck to you.
We will support you forever.

Posted from China

By Dorina | June 20th, 2006 at 6:13 pm

It seems that players are disappointed.
Nedved says:”We need a miracle”

Hey!! If they loose their hope, we need more than miracle!

Well,I believe too, that Bruckner will make plans for the match.
Just forget the match against Ghana, stay confident and know that you’ve got great support.

Posted from Islamic Republic Of Iran

By Dido | June 21st, 2006 at 12:22 am

Kick some over-confident Italian ass, please! You guys can do it!

Posted from United Kingdom

By Nick | June 21st, 2006 at 3:26 am

I must admit I was quite disappointed with the Czech performance on the field against Ghana. With the exception of Peter Cech, everyone else didn’t give it a 110. However, I firmly believe Czech has the ability to proceed to the next round by defeating Italy. After all, Czech is my favorite team and I wish them all the very best.

GO KICK ASS!!

Posted from United States

By Obenfo | June 21st, 2006 at 4:56 am

I have watched the game against Ghana and I don’t think we did that bad. The Ghanaians were quick and had the desire to win. maybe we understimated the team because they have never been to the Worldcup before and we paid for it. That said I think we shd have done our home work. We would have found that Ghana, known as the Brazilians of Africa is a strong African soccer nation than even Cameroon, Nigeria and Senegal.
Let put the defeat behind us and focus on our next match.

Posted from United States

By yaya | June 21st, 2006 at 7:30 am

The czechs underestimated Ghana, but they will not underestimate Italy. I think the Czechs will make it through with Italy through goal differential.

Posted from United States

By Jono | June 21st, 2006 at 7:50 am

I think the Czech’s are going to lose to Italy. Their confidence has been broken.

Ghana did a great job. It’s simple as that!

I predict 2-0 Italy Wins

By Kumakah | July 3rd, 2006 at 8:08 pm

It’s all over now. Ghana is also out. Watch out for South Africa 2010. Ghana will win the World Cup then! Yea, beleave me, we a assemblying a team capable of wining come 2010.

Posted from Russian Federation