OTTAWA — Italy defeated Ghana 2-0 Monday, June 12 in World Cup action, putting fans in Ottawa's Little Italy in a mood to celebrate. With goals from Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta, Italy confirmed their status as favorites to advance from a difficult group. And the crowd at The Prescott in Ottawa's Little Italy on Preston Street was with them every step of the way. Today was indeed a big day for Little Italy, as pubs, restaurants and cafes were all engrossed in the fate of the Azzurri, Italy's national soccer team.
Italy and Ghana went back and forth for most of the first half. The crowd's first roar came and went with Luca Toni's strike against the crossbar. Italy was slowly gaining the advantage and finally, when Andrea Pirlo's seeing-eye shot reached the back of the Ghanaian net, the crowd completely erupted with elation.
The Azzurri pressed on in the second half, not content to simply defend their lead like previous Italian teams would have. This version of the Azzurri is more focused on offense. Twenty-two year old Italian supporter, Kyle, wearing a jersey of Italian superstar Francesco Totti, remarked "Last few years, they've been more defensive than anything…if they play a little more offensively, they'll probably do better." He also likes the use of the more attack-minded 4-3-3 formation.
The Italians sealed the win in the 83rd minute, when defender Samuel Kuffour's blunder allowed striker Vincenzo Iaquinta to round the Ghanaian keeper, Richard Kingston, and calmly tuck the ball in back of the net.
So the Italians have started well but the World Cup is far from won. Another fan noted "Italy is a strong contender. They'll go a long way". That way might have to go through defending champion Brazil in the next round, should Italy finish second in their group. Kyle prognosticates "They've definitely got to win the group… Not saying they can't beat Brazil but definitely don't want to play them". But Italians can be optimistic about their chances going forward, especially given the poor display from the Americans today against the Czechs and the injury problems facing the Czechs.
Italy's one concern will be the fitness of Totti who writhed in pain after being tackled early in the second half although head coach, Marcello Lippi, doesn't believe the injury is serious.
Fans in Little Italy began to celebrate shortly after the game. Many started waiving Italian flags from their cars and honking their horns. Today's victory celebration might be more laid back but if the Azzurri triumph over the Americans and the Czechs, there will be a lot more partying in Little Italy.
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