Soccer SuperFans

By: Toni Canale Parola, Toronto

On Father's Day, I was to watch the game with my family and fellow Tifosi at a pub in Toronto, but my son was not feeling well so we watched it at home. 

At least I was not alone this time watching with my family and sister-in-law. 

We were all excited about the game, dressed in our azzuro, flags and scarves ready.

I thought the perfect father's day gift would arrive, an Italian win. 

But it never came.  Italy tried hard to break the All Whites defenses, and when they did, they still could not make it past the New Zealand keeper, who was having the best game of his life.

I did not agree with some of Lippi's changes, removing Pepe who is a workhorse on the pitch. 

And you could see how some of the players he left behind were missed: Rossi's creativity, Grosso's runs down the side (Which Crisisto was not doing), Cassano determination and partnership (which Pazzini needs to excel), and Micoli's scoring ability. 

Don't get me wrong some of our players were working hard; DeRossi won us the penalty (I know, I know, with a little touch of acting), Montelivo had some beauty strikes from distance, and Di Natale and Camoranese really started to get things moving once they were introduced, but they should have been the starters.  Iaquinta seems to be standing around, why did no one go after the rebound from DiNatale's Strike? Why is it taking Gilardino so long to turn around?

So many close calls but we could not break through. 

My son asked me why I was shouting. I told him you think I am shouting, then he should go over to watch the game with his Nonno, then he would see some real shouting.

On paper, Italy should have beat New Zealand easily, the All-Whites have part time players.

Italy are all full time professionals and should be ashamed of themselves.

Hopefully they get there act together on Thursday (regardless of the outcome of the New Zealand/Paraguay Game) as nothing less the a win will do.

Thursday I will be in the west coast this time and although game time will be at 7AM PT, I am determined to find a place to watch it with fellow tifosi (not another pub with "atmosphere" in which I was forced to watch all alone in Fredericton).  I have already started to research a venue, a found an Italian Espresso Bar in Kelowna, BC that will be showing the game and, according to it's owner Giovanni, is standing room only during Italy games.  Can't wait! 

Hopefully Thursday the collar will be up....

VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qdhGr_9zjs