Slipperduke
The Camden Cad
Italy 3-1 USA
Rossi 58, 90 Donovan 39 (p)
De Rossi 71
Marcello Lippi is gradually coming to terms with something that Villarreal fans could have told him months ago; Giuseppe Rossi is the real deal. The American-born Italian striker turned this game on its head moments after his introduction in the 57th minute, blasting home a long range wonder goal before going on to make the points safe with an emphatic strike in injury time. Lippi had hinted that he would use this tournament to discover whether Rossi had what it took to lead the line for the Azzurri. He has his answer now.
Manchester United fans may recall the raw promise of the diminutive frontman, but how many remember that Sir Alex Ferguson was shrewd enough to insert a buyback clause into the terms of his sale to Villarreal? With money to spend and a striker required, it would be a logical swoop, especially as Rossi could be unnerved by the departure of inspirational boss Manuel Pellegrini to Real Madrid. Other names are in the frame, Karim Benzema for one, but why gamble on a non-English speaking youngster when you can have one who already knows the club inside-out? Make no mistake, with performances like this, Rossi could be starring for Italy for years to come.
His first strike was straight out of the Manchester United handbook. Snapping at the heels of Benny Feilhaber, he dispossessed the American and charged up the field. He looked up, assessed his options and then unleashed a wickedly swerving left-footed thunderbolt that gave his former team-mate Tim Howard no chance whatsoever. You can see the mark of Ferguson all over him.
It was unfortunate, to say the least, that the Americans could offer no reply. Having started the game as both the more organised and adventurous of the two teams, they lost Ricardo Clark in the 32nd minute when his late tackle, a first offence, was deemed to be worthy of a red card. Tempers flared on and off the pitch, but captain Landon Donovan led a spirited charge, channelling his frustration, creating chances and then converting a penalty just before the break. It was too much to ask for the ten men to continue the onslaught in the second half as well, but Bob Bradley can be proud of the great strides that his team have taken since their insipid defeat at Wembley in May, 2008. Striker Jozy Altidore was a thorn in the Italian's side all night, delivering a near perfect impersonation of Emile Heskey. He was powerful, he held the ball up well, he bullied defenders, fluffed a simple one-on-one and fell over like a bag of wet cement in the box to win a penalty. Just like the real thing.
But only one striker was destined to hog the headlines after this game and, though he is American-born, he is now an all-Italian hero. Lippi knows it, Pellegrini knows it and you can bet that Ferguson knows it now as well. In a summer of crazy spending, just how long will Villarreal be able to keep hold of him?
Rossi 58, 90 Donovan 39 (p)
De Rossi 71
Marcello Lippi is gradually coming to terms with something that Villarreal fans could have told him months ago; Giuseppe Rossi is the real deal. The American-born Italian striker turned this game on its head moments after his introduction in the 57th minute, blasting home a long range wonder goal before going on to make the points safe with an emphatic strike in injury time. Lippi had hinted that he would use this tournament to discover whether Rossi had what it took to lead the line for the Azzurri. He has his answer now.
Manchester United fans may recall the raw promise of the diminutive frontman, but how many remember that Sir Alex Ferguson was shrewd enough to insert a buyback clause into the terms of his sale to Villarreal? With money to spend and a striker required, it would be a logical swoop, especially as Rossi could be unnerved by the departure of inspirational boss Manuel Pellegrini to Real Madrid. Other names are in the frame, Karim Benzema for one, but why gamble on a non-English speaking youngster when you can have one who already knows the club inside-out? Make no mistake, with performances like this, Rossi could be starring for Italy for years to come.
His first strike was straight out of the Manchester United handbook. Snapping at the heels of Benny Feilhaber, he dispossessed the American and charged up the field. He looked up, assessed his options and then unleashed a wickedly swerving left-footed thunderbolt that gave his former team-mate Tim Howard no chance whatsoever. You can see the mark of Ferguson all over him.
It was unfortunate, to say the least, that the Americans could offer no reply. Having started the game as both the more organised and adventurous of the two teams, they lost Ricardo Clark in the 32nd minute when his late tackle, a first offence, was deemed to be worthy of a red card. Tempers flared on and off the pitch, but captain Landon Donovan led a spirited charge, channelling his frustration, creating chances and then converting a penalty just before the break. It was too much to ask for the ten men to continue the onslaught in the second half as well, but Bob Bradley can be proud of the great strides that his team have taken since their insipid defeat at Wembley in May, 2008. Striker Jozy Altidore was a thorn in the Italian's side all night, delivering a near perfect impersonation of Emile Heskey. He was powerful, he held the ball up well, he bullied defenders, fluffed a simple one-on-one and fell over like a bag of wet cement in the box to win a penalty. Just like the real thing.
But only one striker was destined to hog the headlines after this game and, though he is American-born, he is now an all-Italian hero. Lippi knows it, Pellegrini knows it and you can bet that Ferguson knows it now as well. In a summer of crazy spending, just how long will Villarreal be able to keep hold of him?