Friday, May 21, 2010

As a player for Italy, I have seen our players firsthand and I am thoroughly confident in their abilities to win it all. Although we are not favorites, we work hard at practice everyday, and our team is truly together. We all support each other and know what goal we are working toward. Our country loves us, Italians are well-known soccer fans. We have lots of support and dedicated fans who give us the motivation to win. I have many expectations for South Africa. I know it is a poorer country, and the World Cup will bring lots of money to the region. Hopefully it will help kick-start South Africa’s move out of depression. I have heard all about the different stadiums, 10 in all. They all seem extremely large and nice. I have never seen any of the stadiums in person, but I am sure it will be everything and more. If we win the world cup, I know it will be the best moment of my life. Getting the chance to represent your country in a tournament like this is incredible and humbling. I have worked hard at my goals my entire life and my one dream has been to win the world cup. If we don't win, although it will be disappointing, it will still be an unforgettable experience, and we will go back to Italy and fortify another solid team for the 2014 cup. Win or lose, Italy will be a force to be reckoned with.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Grace Pelc

Predictions:
Italy has a very good chance going into the world cup. Italy's chances to making it to the second round is 84.3% and a 43% chance of getting into the quarter-finals. Their chances get lower as we enter into the semi-finals (17.6% chance) and finals (8.7% chance). According to the Castrol FIFA World Cup Predictor there is a 3.6% chance of Italy winning the world cup. Although this may see small, compared to New Zealand at 0.0% chance, we are in the running! If Italy qualifies first in their group there is a 22.1% chance they will play Brazil in the finals. If this happens there is a chance that they could win considering Brazil is yet to win.

About a Goalie:
Gianluigi Buffon (Goal Keeper)-*Started at the age of 13. *Has played for both Parma (1995-2001, and Juventus (2001-Present) *Considered one of the best goal keepers in the world. *Has been awarded 4 awards and 3 personal honours.

My Opinion:
Knowing this information, and that Italy has won before (in 2006 crowned FIFA World Cup Champions), I think that Italy has a pretty good chance of winning. Gianluigi Buffon seems as though he is a very good goal keeper, there for will probably be able to bring his team to a win or two. I looked through a couple more of there players, like Fabio Cannavaro (defensive player) and I feel as if is a good defender. The only bad thing about him is that fans dont seem to like him very much, we will just have to see what he has in store for us.