Game # 37 - Italy vs Uruguay

[catalyst2]

It happened! I watched in disbelief - Italy have been in this position before and have always managed to score that vital goal but not this time. Uruguay scored a late goal to win the game. Given that Italy only had to draw to go through, I can't help but wonder if that was the plan - their attack was certainly lackluster and Balotelli was "missing in action" for the first half and was substituted at half time. To have lost Marchisio early in that second half may have also made a difference - I'm not sure that an instant red was justified. It was certainly an ugly challenge but sending off? Probably not. What was remarkable was that it was barely noticeable to be honest (and no disrespect to Marchisio intended) because the remaining 10 picked up their game so much that it was probably their best patch of play. At times it looked like that goal had to happen - and then Uruguay scored, much against the flow of the game. Pirlo impressed as always and tried hard to get something happening in those last 9 minutes but to no avail.

The bite - I can't comment because all the footage here was from the wrong angle. If anything, it looked like Suarez tried to head headbutt Chiellini (in itself a major issue) but misjudged it and got a smack in the mouth from Chiellini's rising shoulder.

Uruguay go through, Italy go home.

Comments

[rua1412.livejournal.com]

I agree with you... I'm still in shock though.

I wonder if what Marchisio did, was worth of a red then why Suarez didn't get kicked out too??????

A bite!!!
http://www.repstatic.it/content/nazionale/img/2014/06/24/204224174-248de93c-9365-4531-b278-e99cf33e307f.jpg

[catalyst2.livejournal.com]

I really didn't think Marchcisio was worthy of a red and Suarez, now that I have seen shots from a different angle, most definitely should be banned. I see from new reports that he has been - I think he needs to get some help too, because this is the third time he has been suspended for biting.