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• 7/3/2008 5:11 AM Kenntak wrote:
  It's nice seeing Italy at 2 despite its performance at Euro 2008, but I don't give much credence to these rankings. I recall Italy was 2 shortly after it won the World Cup in 2006! Anyway, the rankings do provide material to discuss.
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  1. 7/3/2008 11:23 AM Anna Italia wrote:
     Kenntak, I was surprised Italy kept the 2nd position after the NIGHTMARE from EURO 2008. I agree too with the Rankings not reflecting the reality. It saddens me greatly to see Argentina going down from 1st position to the 6th because their football is great and many of our Serie A Players are there too.
     
     Well, I guess in this case, the RANKING reflects the sad reality from Brazil and Argentina, once the KING OF FOOTBALL but lately losing terribly. Brazil is a disgrace to their legacy right now. Don't you think?
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• 7/3/2008 5:13 AM Kenntak wrote:
  I am happy Italy is 2 after its performance at Euro 2008, but I do not give much credence to the rankings. I recall Italy was ranked 2 shortly after it won the World Cup! Anyway the rankings do provide some material for debate.
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• 7/3/2008 5:33 AM Nina wrote:
  I'm also happy to see that Italy at#2, but these rankings do not always reflect of the strength of the teams. For example, having Croatia at #7 is a joke; we all know that Croatia is not among the 7 best teams in the world. The recent world cup qualifying games damaged the rankings of Brazil and Argentina, but in a lot of these games, both teams were missing key players because of injury.
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  1. 7/3/2008 11:31 AM Anna Italia wrote:
     Croatia was a the nice surprise and I was cheering for our DARIO SIMIC, Knezevic and Budan.
     
     Imagine Croatia is known as "the European Brazil," now that comparison will be ridiculos because Croatia is far better than "the marketing Brazil"
     
     Well, as far as Italy is still hanging on that 2nd post it is fine. Though, happy also for Spain because they are having a blast right now winning everything. It is only fair after all it's been ages since they touch the glory. Only bad thing is RAUL not being part of the team.
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     1. 7/3/2008 1:25 PM Nina wrote:
        European Brazil?? That is offensive to 5 time world champions.
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        1. 7/3/2008 1:36 PM Anna Italia wrote:
           LOL... the "European Brazil" term coined for their playing style... LOL...
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• 7/3/2008 9:26 AM Monica 08 wrote:
  I'm glad Portugal made to #9, it was #11. I think it would have been fairer if Germany was 2nd Holland a bit higher and Italy after. They had better results in the Euro 2008.
  
  Brazil has been in a losing streak in world cup qualifiers, it needs to go even lower in the to 10 rankings.
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• 7/3/2008 9:38 AM Monica 08 wrote:
  Italy # 2, why higher than Holland and Germ any who had better results in Euro 2008?
  
  Brazil with its losing streak in world cup qualifyers needs to be lower in the table.
  
  Glad Portugal is back in the top 10.
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  1. 7/3/2008 11:35 AM Anna Italia wrote:
     You made a point Monica, and I might say a very strong one because Netherlands in EURO 2008 did better than Italy. Just remember that the ranking goes by "points accumulation" and Italy had more points before the competition than Netherlands, that's the reason.
     
     I thought about you when seeing PORTUGAL in the top 10! LOL... glad for Ferreira!
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     1. 7/4/2008 2:43 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
        CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW DOES FIFA MAKE THOSE RANKINGS, THERE SUCH A JOKE! when the Europeans start playing for qualifications to the WC, well see how this will work??? look Argentina were #1 and Brazil #2, how could Argentina go down lower then Brazil while Argentina is having better results then Brazil in the South American Qualifications????
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• 7/3/2008 12:10 PM rafael wrote:
  It is nice to see Italy at number two. Of course these rankings do have to be taken with a grain of salt. But as I've been saying to anyone who will listen. Italy didn't do as badly as everyone says. A lot of bad luck came along the way. To win tournaments, you not only have to be good, you have to be a little lucky too. That is the case with every tournamment and every team.... I live in the US. Living here for so long, I also cheer for the USA as well. To see the US ranked 30th makes me very angry. Particularly when I see Mexico, a team that the US regularly beats, ranked 12 places higher. How the hell is that? In the past 8 years they've played at least 2 or 3 times a year. Mexico has won I think once, no more than twice, one or two draws, and countless losses at the hands of the US. I remember World Cup 2002 when the US eliminated Mexico. People from Europe called it an upset!? Even though Mexico hadn't beaten the US in years! I know the US is no threat to win the World Cup but c'mon, a little respect please! No one gets an easy game with the US. Not Spain, not Argentina, not Italy(we all remember that), not Brasil, not.... ANYONE! There are two national teams that I absolutely despise. Mexico and France. Nothing against the countries themselves or the people or the cultures. Just the national teams. Mexico because of the rivalry with the US, and France because of Ray Domenech. The way he belittled Italy's 2006 triumph was classless. The way he calls up players against their will is arrogant, to say the least. The way he said that Zidane only got sent off because of favoritism..... at this point I'm rambling so I'll stop, I could write all day about Domenech. I regress. My original point was that the US deserves a little better 30th.
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  1. 7/3/2008 12:41 PM Anna Italia wrote:
     Rafael, I love your statement "as I've been saying to anyone who will listen. Italy didn't do as badly as everyone says."
     
     Ok... I am listening...
     
     I agree that "LADY LUCK," is helpful during tournaments and this time Sinatra's tune did not help our Azzurri. But to tell me that Italy did not do as bad... that's another story.
     
     Let's start by the humiliating opening match against Netherlands .. should I remind you the score? It took Netherlands years to beat Italy so convincingly... it is no wonder why even Italy got the record of the worst debut in the EURO.. OUCH, that my friend hurts.... it hurts so much that even Saint goalkeeper Buffon had to apologize to fans.
     
     Italy played bad, period. I am a strong Italian fan but I don't want to keep a blind eye. It's good the Italian federation finally had the courage to change route with Lippi. Though, it is not a guarantee that LIPPI will get "automatically" the 2010 World Cup.
     
     I agree on why Mexico is so high when the USA beats them lately! Mexico "was once the powerful of the area," not anymore.
     
     I might be crazy by saying that "the USA can win the World Cup." Hey, USA soccer has improved lately with our players playing in European teams and changing their mentality that USA was not good in football. Today, they are a competitive team not to the caliber of Spain, Italy, Germany or even France... but they are heading that way.
     
     Wow... the more I read your comment.. I keep getting more reasons to respond... LOL... just love it! France and Mexico... I second that motion partially. I have nothing against the countries either, but the arrogance of Mexican footballers undermining the USA is beyond understanding. I do like Osvaldo Sanchez and is the reason why I follow Mexico at times... but I don't like how Mexican players think they are still the strong team of the Concacaf when USA is ruling... even Guatemala beats Mexico!
     
     France? Be my guest and send me a post on Raymond Domenech that I will post it immediately. France also learning a tough lesson. Why Domenech hate so much Italy and everything related to Italy? Beyond understanding...
     
     On your original point "US deserve a little better 30th".. I agree 100%. Wow... how is that for an answer.. now back to update the blog... thanks for sharing Rafael I had a blast responding to this comment and want to hear from Kenntak and Nina position too....
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     1. 7/3/2008 1:23 PM Nina wrote:
        I agree with you about Domenech which I like to call Lucifer; Domenech sounds more like a human name. I also agree with you that US deserves to get higher ranking than #30. They recently played two friendly games with Argentina, and Spain and impressed in both games; taking a draw in the first game, and barely losing to Spain 1-0. I know that they didn't progress in recent the world cups, but the 30th place is outrageous especially when a country like Croatia is ranked 7!!!!!!!!!!!
        Regarding Italy, I think that Italy’s performance was scandalous to say the least, and I’m not being harsh. It is not only that the results were bad, but also the manner in which they lost. The team had no spirit, no grit. They had no plan other than sending long balls to Luca Toni who wasn’t himself. I don’t care who was in the line up, the team looked dead, and we are not used to that. They didn’t attack, and they didn’t defend. In a nutshell, they didn’t play. Not one game was I impressed with our performance. It is ok to lose, but please play like Italy, the world champions.
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        1. 7/3/2008 1:42 PM Anna Italia wrote:
           LOL... what a great opening NINA!..
           
           Hey, Rafael, you, and I seem to agree on the progress of the USA... Exactly, Argentina could not beat the USA.. it ended 0-0 and with Spain they lost only by 1 goal. Let me stand up for a moment and APPLAUD the USA "el equipo de las barras y las estrellas"
           
           HIP HIP HUrrah USA!!!!!
           
           Hallellujah! Thanks God you are seeing the reality that we would like to deny "ITALY PLAYED BAD, period." It is the manner in which we lost too! That's the painful part, not to talk about Luca Toni...
           
           That's my whole point twin sister... Italy can lose but at least lose with dignity playing like Champions....
           
           S.O.S. to Lippi: Bring back the Champions!!!!
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     2. 7/4/2008 8:54 AM Kenntak wrote:
        Italy did not play as well as they should have. They are the world champs, but did not look like it. Remember, in the World Cup they gave up only one goal in the field and it was an own goal. Also, luck goes both ways. For example, had Mutu kicked a better penalty kick, Italy would not have made it through the group stage.
        
        As for Domenech, let France keep him as coach. As long as he is there he hurts France which is a good thing!
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  2. 7/3/2008 1:57 PM Mark wrote:
     Rafael, I respect your position but I think you are on denial. Italy played bad and we lost so shamefully against Spain instead of winning in the regular 90 minutes. I agree with Nina and Anna that Italy lost not playing like champions and the match against Netherlands was even the worst in Italy's latest years. Please, don't tell me Italy did not do that bad because I will need to bring a whole box of kleenex to wipe my tears.
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• 7/3/2008 5:41 PM Monica 08 wrote:
  Rafael- interesting comment.
  
  I agree with you on Mexico. I'm in the U.S. too. Los Angeles so you can imagine how strong the celebrations get here when it's a Mexico-Usa.
  
  On Domenech- People can call him what they want. Italy has not beaten France since 2006 easily YET. Yes classless statements but on the field, I'm still waiting for Italy to dominate France and score with the strikers. 11 against 11.
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  1. 7/3/2008 11:16 PM Nina wrote:
     I'm not waiting on that day because while they look at their lone star and complain and whine about being a man down, or ref’s bad judgments, we have 4 bright starts lol. Where was France before Zidane and 98?
     Domenech can call on the stars and the heavens, but the facts remain the same lol.
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     1. 7/4/2008 10:40 AM Monica 08 wrote:
        Hi Nina, Forget the past for a second- I'm talking about Italy dominating the France, like France dominated Italy in Paris, 3-1 a few months after the world cup, Sep 6 2006.
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        1. 7/4/2008 12:12 PM Nina wrote:
           Monica you are talking about one game. Is that enough to make logical conclusion about any two teams? How about the final in euro 2000,when we outplayed them left and right,but lost on penalties? We didn't cry,we swallowed it and recognized that they have won;now that is class. It is not the past, it is facts.What makes France among the top teams in the world today is their 98 world cup campaign,I can't deny that because it was 98 and in the past.What is your definition of the past cause sept 2006 is in the past to me. Even yesterday is in the past! The problem with French fans who talk like Domenech is that they are bitter, they can never admit loosing to Italy and that in Itself say something about them,not us.France is a great team no point in denying that,but Domenech's attitude is foreign to the spirit of football and shouldn't be tolerated.It is always some excuse to deny Italy what they have won on the field. 4 world cups,and numerous Finals in the past and in the present.France out played Italy no problem on my part,but can a French fan admit the success of Italy in the past and the present? No.
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• 7/3/2008 6:21 PM rafael wrote:
  Ok ok. The result against Holland was embarrassing. It might be that game cost Donadoni his job too. I have been accused of being too much of an optimist sometimes. By people who know me in person too(lol). I will however agree with everyone that Italy should have played better. Regardless of who was playing. Btw, Domenech kept his job today. I guess I'll go on hating the French national team for some time to come. If ever there was a coach to be fired.... Oh the world of Domenech. I would love to experience the world that he lives in.
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  1. 7/3/2008 11:21 PM Nina wrote:
     Are you sure you wanna live like Domenech lol.optimism is a good quality,and I appreciate your faith in the Azzurri,let's hope they get their act together.
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  2. 7/4/2008 12:08 AM Pietro wrote:
     Man, not for a single second i want to experience the life of Domenech. Are you out of your mind, man? How about experiencing a day in Lippi's life or Casiraghi, or Scolari but Domenech? too much to handle, man.
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• 7/3/2008 7:07 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
  WHAT A QUESTION ANNA!!! OF COURSE NOT!!! ARGENTINA IS #1 NO ONE CARE ABOUT WHAT FIFA SAY!!! LOOK AT THAT BECAUSE SPAIN WON THE EURO THEY GET #1, THAT'S STUPID!!!! Italia should be #2 after my Argentina!!!
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  1. 7/4/2008 12:05 AM Pietro wrote:
     Girl, Fifa is just a reference but Spain made it to the top for games point accumulation like Italy kept the 2nd position. Argentina either has lost and got draws losing points in the ranking. That's the difference.
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     1. 7/4/2008 12:12 AM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
        Well Pietro, Argentina is #1 for me, and for you, Anna, and Nina Italia #1 IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!! right?
        
        It felt so GREAT seeing Argentina #1 but now #6
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• 7/3/2008 11:53 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
  I DON'T GET FIFA RANKINGS AND HOW THEY WORK????
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• 7/4/2008 12:04 AM Pietro wrote:
  Girl, you are still awake? I was about to sign off and read your comment.
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  1. 7/4/2008 12:09 AM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
     Yes Pietro still awake, that's the fun of NO SCHOOL!!! SLEEPING LATE!!!
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• 7/4/2008 1:28 AM Suri wrote:
  Hey, guys,
  I don't like this FIFA Ranking actually. It is a result among Europeans, i think. It may be fair to give the first position to Spain since they are the European Champions. Then the number two and three must be for Argentina and Brazil, Germany at 4, Netherlnds at 5,Portugal at 6, Russia at 7. the other three positions are for Italy, Croatia, France or Czech. If i need to choose, Croatia, Italy and France, guys.
  Italian and French national teams were too bad, they did hurt me much! Both missed their "HEAD", especially France really needed Zizou or anyone who can lead Frenchmen!
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  1. 7/4/2008 10:47 AM Monica 08 wrote:
     Hi Suri, I completely agree Portugal 7 or 8, I admit a bit lower.
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  2. 7/4/2008 2:36 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
     Hey Suri, glad I'm not the only one who think its based on Europeans, Argentina and Brazil are more amazing then FIFA wants and I hope they prove themselves in the 2010 WC!!!
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