Happy Day: Valencia Midfielder Yunus Musah Chooses The USMNT Over England, Italy & Ghana

 

    You might not have been aware of it but this morning the USMNT scored one of their most important victories in a long time. No it didn't come on a field, in true 2021 form the message that 18-year-old midfielder Yunus Musah had picked them over the likes of England, Italy and Ghana was relayed over social media. Think about that, a prodigious talent that currently starts regularly in La Liga (Spain) for Valenica on his own free will picked the U.S. men's soccer team over two European powerhouses and the African country where his parents are originally from. 

    I liken this whole process to big-time recruits in high school basketball or football in America picking which juggernaut college program they'll presumably play for during the next few years before hopefully making millions of dollars as a pro. The key difference in Musah's case is that while his future is still unwritten, he has already proven at a young age that he can play in one of the top leagues in the world for a middle table club as a teenager. With all due respect to USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, I'm pretty sure this decision had very little to do with him since who the hell is he in Musah's mind?

    Nope, while it's great that Berhalter gave Musah his first two USMNT caps in November vs. Wales and Panama, the player is betting on the future of the U.S. being brighter than those three other aforementioned countries. The chance to play with great young American players like midfielders Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) and Tyler Adams (Red Bull Leipzig) was too much for Yunus to pass up and that's something which should give U.S. fans plenty of confidence moving forward. 

    It's one thing for sportswriters and media members to project what countries are going to be on top in the near future but who knows better than the guys who are actually on the field, you know playing in the games themselves? Musah has gotten a taste of U.S. training camps and a few friendlies and he obviously liked what he saw. Keep in mind, he went to Arsenal's academy and he captained England at various levels including the Under-18s in 2019 and he played on the Under-19s team in October of 2020. Musah is following in the footsteps of Barcelona defender Sergino Dest who wisely picked the USMNT over the Netherlands in 2019. 

    A very busy year is about to commence for the USMNT as Olympic qualifying starts later this week, they have a pair of friendlies next week against Jamaica and Northern Ireland then this summer they have the Nations League, the Gold Cup and the Olympics (assuming that they make it there this time). World Cup 2022 qualifying begins in September and that doomed tournament takes place in November and December of next year in Qatar. If it feels like you understandably need a refresher course on who plays for the USMNT these days, don't worry since you'll get plenty of chances to see them (obviously with different rosters depending on the time of the year and the various club schedules) in the coming months.

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A Special Day: U.S. Men Defeat Italy For The First Time Ever

Today was a historic day for U.S. soccer as the men's national team knocked off Italy, 1-0 in Genoa, Italy.

It was the first time in 11 games (previously 0-7-3, outscored 32-4) that the Americans had beaten Italy, one of international soccer's true superpowers. It also marked the first time in 20 matches that the U.S. men beat a former World Cup champ (Uruguay, 2002).

Jurgen Klinsmann's team has now won four straight and they picked up by far the most meaningful result of his brief tenure.

Yes this was a friendly and as we say when things don't go well in those, results aren't that important. I'll stick to that idea but come on, victories like this have been few and far between for the U.S.

While Italy controlled play (61%-39% time of possession), took way more shots (7-2 on goal) and had four times as many corner kicks (8-2), I'm not going to say it was luck that the U.S. won. Rather, they played basically the perfect road game against a more talented and technically skilled opponent.

When the U.S. got its one great chance in the 55th minute, they made the most of it as Jozy Altidore laid it back for Clint Dempsey. The Fulham star kept his spectacular play going as he blasted a low but hard shot past Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Italy had plenty of chances but I wouldn't say that Tim Howard stole this one like Kasey Keller in 1999 vs. Brazil (1-0 in the Gold Cup). Howard made some very solid saves but nothing extraordinary or the kind that he doesn't routinely make.

Before the game, I said that the U.S.' best players would need to assert themselves and that proved prophetic. Dempsey was great, he also crushed a free kick in the first half that was punched out by Buffon. Altidore picked up his pace in the second half and was rewarded with a nice assist. The man of the match though for the Red, White and Blue in their new hideous Nike road uniforms was Michael Bradley.

Perhaps its fitting that the only American that plays for an Italian club (Chievo Verona) performed so well against opponents that mostly compete with him in Italy. Bradley was all over the field, making multiple runs back on defense that broke up possible scoring bids. He was also tough and strong on his feet and he didn't get nervous when Italy turned up the pressure late for the tying goal.

Other notable developments for the U.S. included the reemergence of Maurice Edu in the midfield and Fabian Johnson actually played well at left back (which has been a black hole for the U.S. the last few years).

What this result means is twofold: for the U.S. players, it shows them what Jurgen Klinsmann (5-4-1) can help them achieve if they buy into his team-building and roster selections. Outside of the team, this win earns the U.S. respect around the globe. Everyone outside the United States loves to knock the U.S. which is understandable when they beat up on bad CONCACAF teams then need favorable draws to make it out of the group stage in World Cups. However, when you win in Italy that proves that you're not frauds by any means.

The best news is that this was all done without Landon Donovan, Stuart Holden, Jermaine Jones, Jose Torres and Timmy Chandler. Those are all players that Klinsmann loves that will be a big part of his plans going forward. If the U.S. can keep developing and then add those guys, well then they'll really be onto something.

Their next match will be May 26 vs. Scotland, another friendly this time in Landover, MD.

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U.S. Men Vs. Italy 2nd Half Live Blog

No substitutes for either team at halftime.

Giovinco (twice) and Matri (once) have already been called offsides making it eight total so far for Italy. That's just dumb and lazy by the Italians and like I said before, the U.S. can't keep relying on that tactic. Eventually, it won't work.

Edu draws a foul which gives the U.S. defense a rest after the first nine minutes or so have mostly been spent in their end.

Goal U.S. in the 56th minute! Altidore settled a cross at his feet (with his back to the goal) then laid it off for Dempsey, who seemed to stun Buffon and the Italian defense. Totally against the run of play but who cares, the U.S. leads 1-0. 25th career international goal for Dempsey which puts him fourth all-time (ahead of Joe Max-Moore).

After another offsides call on Matri, the first Italian substitutes: Pazzini in for Motta, Borini in for Matri.

Altidore wins a free kick and more importantly, Chiellini gets a yellow card for hauling him down.

Bocanegra gets a yellow for chopping down Pazzini.

Bradley did a great job tracking back and stealing the ball from Giovinco.

More subs for Italy. Kljestan in for Shea, the first U.S. sub.

Two Italy corner kicks but they don't do anything with them.

Italy is starting to settle for shots from distance that don't have a prayer.

Johnson out for Jonathan Spector. Johnson played well for the second game in a row. Maybe the U.S. finally found a left back.

The U.S. is starting to hang on now with Italy turning up the pressure. Bocanegra is lucky he didn't get an own goal as he deflects it out for a corner then Spector blocked a shot.

Altidore out for Boyd, making his U.S. debut.

Another good block by Spector on Marini, that makes two.

Montolivo goes off for a moment with a nose bleed.

Great work by Bradley, winning the ball in traffic in the middle of the field and clearing it out with some quick 1-2 passes.

Italy is really turning it up now, Spector made another block and Italy to nobody's surprise is flopping all over the field and crying to the referees for non-existent calls.

Another Italy corner but Pielini heads it over the net. The U.S. looks tired and out of energy which I can totally understand.

Only once under Klinsmann-vs. Slovenia-has the U.S. allowed more than one goal.

Four minutes of added time.

This is a similar performance from the 2009 Confederation's Cup when the U.S. shocked Spain. They have blocked so many shots, like a hockey team.

Montolivo with a hard shot from outside the box but it goes just wide.

Buddle in for Dempsey to waste more time on the clock.

And it's all over, the U.S. beats Italy 1-0 for the first time ever (in its 11th try). It's only a friendly but you can't ask for a better result by the U.S. They've also won four in a row overall, this should build some great momentum heading into a busy summer and World Cup 2014 qualifying plus the 2012 Olympics.

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U.S. Men vs. Italy 1st Half Live Blog

The USMNT starting XI: Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra (c), Johnson; Bradley, Edu; Williams, Dempsey, Shea; Altidore

USA subs: Rimando, Cameron, Parkhurst, Spector, Kljestan, Boyd, Buddle. (Guzan not in uniform.)

Italy lineup: Buffon; Maggio, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Criscito; Nocerino, Pirlo, Marchisio; Motta; Giovinco, Matri.

Two things I don't like about this game before it even started: the U.S. is wearing the horrid new away jerseys that were leaked online yesterday and Taylor Twellman is commentating along with the incomparable Ian Darke.

We're underway and Italy nearly scores in the 1st minute as Matri gets behind the U.S. defense but Howard wins the ball before Matri can touch it past him.

Howard made a nice kick save on a close chance by Giovinco.

10 of the 11 U.S. starters tonight play in Europe. Brek Shea is the only MLS starter (Donovan would have been another) and he's also the only guy to play in every game under Klinsmann.

Good passing sequence and patience by the U.S. leads to a U.S. corner, the first for either team.

Giovinco almost gets a breakaway on Howard but the Parma player loses it out of bounds off his feet.

Fabian Johnson makes a nice fun forward and he lays it off for Shea who hits it well wide. That was a good setup, Shea should have done better since he had space and it was on his favored left foot.

Bocanegra breaks up a cross but Italy gets its first corner kick.

Altidore gets called for a bogus foul when an Italian defender impedes his progress on the sideline then falls down. Alright then.

Six substitutes allowed for each team because it is a friendly.

Bradley targets Altidore on a long ball but Buffon cuts it off.

Pirlo drops a sick pass but it's offsides by a hair.

Giovinco with a decent shot but he had no angle and Howard snagged it out of the air.

Giovinco finds Matri but he's offsides. The U.S. is living dangerously since these last two calls went their way but they were very close.

Edu does his best Shea impression by hitting a shot from outside of the box nowhere near the Italian net. I like the aggressiveness but yikes, tighten it up.

Giovinco is offsides again (maybe) after Pirlo chips it to him.

Another U.S. corner goes for naught.

The U.S. had numbers going forward and Dempsey looked for Altidore but he fell down. He needs to be stronger on his feet, he's a big, powerful guy.

The fourth Italian offsides in 25 minutes is recorded. Haha, they're not adjusting well thus far.

Edu played a nice ball to Shea but his first touch killed him as he hit it too hard and Buffon grabbed it.

Jozy just walked off the field holding his wrist, hope he's alright. Good news, he's back on a minute later.

Goodson knocks Giovinco's cross out for an Italy corner kick.

Williams goes forward but gets called for a foul when he bowls over an Italian defender.

Altidore and Shea with a nice combination play until Shea gives it right to Italy on a telegraphed pass.

Italy corner kick. Motta played for Brazil in a past Gold Cup. Haha what? Explain that one to my FIFA.

Howard makes an easy save on a long shot that had no chance to go in.

Altidore win a free kick from 20 yards or so, right outside the top of the box. Italy's wall isn't 10 yards back so they are forced to move. Dempsey hits it well in terms of power but it's right at Buffon and he punches it out.

Dempsey wins another free kick, a little further from the goal compared to the last one. Bradley chips it forward but Buffon hits it out of danger.

Pirlo crosses it right to Howard.

Wow, great tackle by Edu to win the ball back after a miserable square pass from Williams.

Motta hits one well on a volley that dropped to him but it was right at Howard.

Halftime: U.S. 0, Italy 0
Very solid first 45 mintues by the U.S. The defense and Howard look strong, they just need to create more chances if they hope to break through and score a goal.

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Breaking Down Italy's Squad For Tomorrow's Friendly Vs. The U.S.

I will be the first to admit that I can't stomach watching Serie A because of all its constant flopping, whining and lack of goals so I'm not nearly as up to date on Italian club soccer as I am on the English Premier League. Still, the Champions League proves year after year that Italian teams like AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma etc. are always some of the top ones in Europe.

What follows is Italy's roster for tomorrow's match vs. the United States tomorrow at 2:45 ET (ESPN 2, ESPN3.com).

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St Germain)
Defenders: Emiliano Viviano (Palermo; Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Zenit St Petersburg), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino)
Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Inter Milan), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)
Forwards: Fabio Borini (Roma), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma), Alessandro Matri (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Inter Milan).

You'll notice that Mario Balotelli-Italy's talented striker-isn't on the roster which is good news for U.S. fans. The Manchester City star is one of the best goal-scorers in the world but he's also the biggest clown in professional soccer. He recently served a four-game suspension in the EPL for stepping on an opposing player and reports say that Italian coach Cesare Prandelli sent Balotelli on his way after breaking a team rule in training camp.

The other familiar name for U.S. soccer fans that you won't see on the field tomorrow for Italy is Giuseppe Rossi. The talented striker that was born in New Jersey and plays for Villareal but chose to compete for Italy rather than the United States. He's out with an injury.

Italy has always favored the 4-4-2 formation (four defenders, four midfielders, two strikers) so I expect them to roll that out tomorrow in Genoa. The main reason that they have been so routinely good is that they have a system and they stick to it. They're always one of if not the best defensive national team and their midfielders are excellent at possessing and distributing to talented guys up front.

Buffon is getting up their in age (34) but he's generally regarded as the top goalkeeper in the world. If the U.S. can put a goal or dare I say two, they'll be in great shape. De Rossi is emerging as Italy's next great midfielder while Pirlo is one of my favorite midfielders to watch based on his workrate and sublime crosses.

By far, this will the U.S.' toughest test thus far in the up and down Jurgen Klinsmann era (4-4-1 overall, 7 goals scored, 7 goals allowed). The good news for American fans is that all the pressure will be on Italy since they're at home and they're more highly regarded than the U.S. It's all about getting off to a solid start; if Italy scores a goal or two in the first half, the U.S. will probably have no chance to recover. Conversely, if it's scoreless at the half or if somehow the U.S. finds themselves leading at the break, anything is possible.

Missing Donovan and Jones will definitely hurt the U.S. while Torres and Chandler at this point are much more replaceable. Donovan is one of their best players and Jones has become an interesting option in the middle of the field. To make up for those absences, the U.S.' best players like Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra and Jozy Altidore all need to play well in Genoa. If one or more of them have less than decent performances, it will be tough for the U.S. to overcome that.

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Less Than A Week Away From U.S. Men Vs. Italy, Klinsmann Names His 21-Man Roster

After not playing a good team for months and not fielding a full squad for the same period, the U.S. men's national team will look much more like itself next week as they meet Italy on Wednesday, February 29 in Genoa.

Today, U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann named his 21-man roster and I'm happy to say that it's full of all the big guns (Howard, Dempsey, Donovan, Bocanegra, Altidore, Bradley, etc).

The match will be at 2:45 EST and it will be available on ESPN2, ESPN3.com and Galavision so you have no excuse not to watch it or at least set your DVR for later. This will be the first time the U.S. has played the four-time World Cup champions in Italy since 2002.

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION - DETAILED ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (7) : Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
MIDFIELDERS (6) : Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)
FORWARDS (5) : Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

The players that stick out to me the most are Rimando, Cameron, Parkhurst, Johnson, Torres, Williams and Boyd. These are all younger guys that have obviously caught Klinsmann's attention in earlier camps and national team matches when the stars weren't available. Boyd is the only guy on the roster trying to earn his first CAP. He originally was on the U-23 team but since he's based in Germany, he deserves a shot with more talented players around him. Plus, I'm sure he'll be a center piece of the U.S. Olympic team this summer.

From USSoccer.com
“We’re looking forward to having all the European-based players back in the roster and picking up where we left off with them from the Slovenia game,” said Klinsmann, who is on a three-match winning streak dating back to the 3-2 victory on Nov. 15, 2011, against Slovenia. “I’m excited about getting everybody together and challenging a world-class team like former World Cup winner Italy on their home soil. I think we have put a very competitive roster together. This roster was co-developed with the U-23 team because we wanted them to have a great preparation game before they go into Olympic qualifying in March. Our roster is highly competitive and ready to give them a real fight.”

Bradley has some extra incentive to play well for the U.S. since he's the only American currently plying his trade in Italy. In fact, he's started 22 straight games at Chievo (Serie A, transferred there last summer) and was named man of the match in a 1-0 win over Genoa last weekend.

Showing how far U.S. men's soccer has come, nine leagues in eight different countries are represented by these 21 players. I'm not sure of the record (if such things are kept track of) but that has to be near the most variety ever for the United States. Good stuff.

By winning three games against lesser competition (Slovenia, Venezuela and Panama), the U.S. has hopefully built up some confidence that will only continue to grow and flourish when they have a full lineup and extended training camps. Love them or hate them (and I speak for most non-Italians) when I say I despise them, Italy is always one of the top teams in the world. This should be a great test, probably the stiffest one so far in Klinsmann's short tenure. As a friendly, it's more about performance than result but a tie or win on Italian soil would be something great to build off of before the U.S. begins its busy summer schedule.

UPDATE 2/25: Jones is out with a right calf strain suffered earlier this week. With players arriving tomorrow in Genoa, Klinsmann said that he won't bring in another guy to take Jones' place. That means the U.S. will only dress 20 for the Italy match.

It's unfortunate to lose Jones, who captained the team in the Panama and Venezuela matches. He is the physical enforcer from the midfield position and you know he would have been good for a nice tackle or two of some greasy Italians.

Tonight, Torres hurt himself in a match for Pachuca. Pseudo experts on Twitter made it seem like he'll be out on Wednesday with a muscle strain so expect Klinsmann to call in somebody since that leaves him missing two midfielders that would have played. Sacha Kljestan has to be the most likely call up candidate if Torres can't play.

UPDATE 2/26: This is getting silly, Chandler has been ruled out after getting hurt in Germany for Nuremberg in a 1-0 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday. Apparently, it's a gluteal muscle injury that will keep him out of U.S. vs. Italy and two weeks of action with his club.

UPDATE 2/27: Donovan is out with bronchitis so Klismann called in Kljestan and Brek Shea to make up for his absence, not to mention Torres, Chandler and Jones.
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The U.S. Men Will Face Italy On Feb. 29

I don't know how this huge news item eluded me for a few days but the U.S. men's national team will meet Italy on February 29 in Genoa, Italy in a friendly match.

That is the final date that national teams can have friendlies before they reconvene in May for the start of 2014 World Cup qualifying. What better way to get ready for the rigors of CONCACAF (dying laughing) than by playing the four-time World Cup champions, who are still one of the top teams on the planet as much as it pains me to say that.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. local time and 2:30 p.m. for those of us that live on the East Coast. It will be live on ESPN2 with both teams likely fielding stacked rosters.

“Obviously we are very excited to be playing a team of such high quality,” said Jurgen Klinsmann. “We are slowly trying to raise the bar for our team, and this is an awesome opportunity for the players to be challenged against one of the top teams in the world.”

The match in Genoa will be the third meeting on Italian soil between the teams and the first since 2002, when Italy snatched a 1-0 victory in Catania in a tune-up for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The United States has never beaten the four-time World Cup champion, holding a 0-7-3 lifetime record.

The teams have played four times in major international tournaments, including the thrilling 1-1 draw in the second match of group play in the 2006 FIFA World Cup on June 17, 2006, in Kaiserslautern. One of the finest performances in team history, that match is as memorable for the massive support of U.S. fans as for holding off the Italians after being reduced to nine men. The most recent encounter came in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, when the Italians captured a 3-0 victory in group play against a U.S. team reduced to 10 men.

The ninth-ranked Italians have a storied history that includes four World Cup titles, the most recent from the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. They are preparing for the 2012 European Championship, having been drawn into a monster group that includes defending World Cup champion Spain, as well as Ireland and Croatia.

Going to Genoa will also be a homecoming of sorts for Klinsmann, who played in the Serie A from 1997-98 for Sampdoria.

At the moment, the U.S. men are training in Phoenix, AZ getting ready for two friendlies later this month. They will host Venezuela on Saturday, January 21 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. That match will be available on ESPN3 (which is a fantastic site, I watch it all the time for college sports) and Galavision.

On January 25, the American men will travel to Panama City to face Panama in a game that will also be broadcast live on Galavision.

I look forward to all U.S. games but I have to say that seeing the Italy match on the horizon is much more appealing than either Venezuela or Panama. The U.S. men should beat those nothing teams, hopefully setting up a tasty game with one of the world's most hated squads in February.

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Pepe can't connect on what's likely Italy's last chance

Italian forward Simone Pepe couldn't get his foot on a cross near the post and the final whistle has sounded after over six minutes of stoppage time.

Italy-the 2006 champions-is gone, Slovakia wins 3-2.

Quagliarella should have started

The Italy-Slovakia game has turned completely insane as Quagliarella just scored on a beautiful chip from outside the box in the 92nd minute.

Paraguay and New Zealand ended at 0-0 so the Kiwis are done.

Kopounek says enough is enough

Slovakian midfielder Kamil Kopunek was inserted in the 87th minute and his first play in the game was a memorable one in the 89th minute: he made a great run on a throw in and flicked it over Marchetti who rushed out of the goal.

3-1 Slovakia in the 92nd minute, four minutes of added time.

Di Natale wakes up Italy

Italian forward Antonio Di Natale pulled a goal back in the 81st minute off a rebound and some fine passing.

A crazy scene after that as Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha and Quagliarella both received yellow cards after they got tangled up in the net as Italy rushed to get the ball back for the kickoff.

Wow, where was this urgency before? Italy just had another goal by Quagliarella called off because he was a hair offside.

0-0 Paraguay-New Zealand in the 88th minute.

Vittek says adios Italy

In the 73rd minute, after a corner kick and sneaky ball from forward Marek Hamsik, Vittek scores his second on a clever little one-timer.

And Italian forward Simone Pepe just picked up a yellow card for a frustration foul. Italy and France in previous tournaments are the only World Cup champions to not make it out of the group stage in the next World Cup.

0-0 Paraguay-New Zealand in the 78th minute, if the Kiwis can score one goal they'll go to the top of the group.

1982 is calling Italy

That was the last time the Azurri didn't win a group stage match, although the tied all three of their matches in 1982 and went on to win the World Cup. I'm going to say that the same thing doesn't happen to this team.

Liverpool and Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel cleared a ball off the line to protect his team's 1-0 lead.

1-0 Slovakia in the 71st minute.

0-0 Paraguay-New Zealand in the 71st minute. Forward Rory Fallon was just replaced by Chris Wood.

First corner kick almost ends in goal for Paraguay

It's hard to believe that it took 62 minutes for the first corner kick but Paraguay almost cashed in.

Their corner kick bounced around the box and a few different players had shots but they were all blocked by the New Zealand defense.

0-0 New Zealand-Paraguay in the 63rd minute.

1-0 Slovakia in the 64th minute.

Second halfs underway

Italy made two substitutions to start the second half, taking defender Domenico Criscito out for Christian Maggio. Gattuso was replaced by Fabio Quagliarella.

Slovakian defender Peter Pekarik picked up a yellow card in the 50th minute for a rash challenge.

1-0 Slovakia in the 54th minute.

0-0 Paraguay-New Zealand in the 54th minute.

Halftime in Group F

Slovakia leads Italy 1-0 and Paraguay-New Zealand are tied at 0 in a complete snoozefest.

Right now, Italy would finish in last place if these scores hold up. As I said I want New Zealand to advance too because they're such a long shot but Paraguay is a much better team so they would have a better shot of doing something in the round-of-16.

Halftime stats:
Paraguay New Zealand
7(1) Shots (on Goal) 1(0)
7 Fouls 9
0 Corner Kicks 0
0 Offsides 0
69% Time of Possession 31%
2 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
0 Saves 1

Slovakia Italy
7(2) Shots (on Goal) 6(1)
13 Fouls 12
3 Corner Kicks 2
0 Offsides 1
57% Time of Possession 44%
2 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
1 Saves 1

Santa Cruz booked

Roque Santa Cruz received a yellow card for a bad challenge on a New Zealand player.

Still scoreless between Paraguay and New Zealand in the 43rd minute.

Vittek picked up a yellow card in the 40th minute and Straba got a gross gash on his knee after getting cleated by Gennaro Gattuso.

1-0 Slovakia in the 46th minute.

South American dominance

At the start of the Paraguay-New Zealand match, they showed a stat that South American teams are collectively 10-0-2 in the 2010 World Cup.

0-0 Paraguay-New Zealand in the 40th minute.

1-0 Slovakia in the 41st minute.

Strba's long shot saved

Strba just took a rip from outside the box and Italy's backup goalkeeper Federico Marchetti hit it out for a corner kick.

start packing your bags Italy

Slovakian forward Robert Vittek just gave his team a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. A giveaway by the Italian defense led the long shot into the left corner.

1-0 Slovakia in the 30th minute, 0-0 Paraguay-New Zealand. If these results hold, Slovakia and Paraguay would go through.

Italian captain and defender Fabio Cannavaro just received a yellow card for getting in the way of a running Slovakian player.