Azzurri 2 Maroons 6

Azzurri ...the mere name conjures up images of past great world cup Italian teams, Rossi, Maldini, Zoff...of flair, suaveness, glory (and diving if you're of Australian ancestry).

So it was quite appropriate that we were scheduled to play the fabled Azzurri during the World Cup. The game was scheduled to be played at Guest park, but at late notice was moved to the San Siro* (Dapto version). Hundreds, nay thousands of fans were making their way to the ground, blocking the view of all but anyone driving a double decker bus. At least that was the excuse Ian stood by as he drove past both myself and Pete, parked by the side of the road, looking suitably lost.

The pitch was in fine condition, akin to the Juventus pitch at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino! OK, slight exaggeration, but it was a nice flat, wide pitch, nice little stand and surrounded by advertising hoardings. The hoardings weren't quite the electrical abominations that catch your eye on televison but nonetheless, it was all very professional.

And the Maroons rose to the occasion. Boosted by the return of Shakey we rapidly took a grip, Trevor firing in a lovely long range shot. Fortunately we were using a 4 year old, only partially inflated ball rather than a Jabulani, else it would still be soaring into space.

Ant then had a goalbound shot saved, but by a defenders hand rather than the goalkeepers. The Azzurri's stand in referee declined to send his own player off but did award the penalty. Fergus, still reeling at the use of hands in the penalty area, hammered the ball straight down the middle. The keeper dived left and it was 2-0.

Shortly after, a goal of sheer brilliance followed, pass after pass interchanged, opposition players dribbled past both on the inside and outside, a driven cross and Dave C flung himself vertically a good 5 feet before firmly planting a header into the net. So I was told anyway. From my vantage point at the back, it looked like a mishit cross lobbed into the box, missed everyone and bounced in off Dave's head. However, in keeping with the grand Azzurri theme, I'll go with the first description.

Half-Time 3-0. Knowing our previous record in the second half of games, we were confident, but still aware of past failings. Two minutes into the new half we were 4-0 up. Five minutes later it was 4-2! A goal from a corner, yet another unmarked player punishing us, followed by a breakaway goal and all our demons returned. We were still two goals to the good, but the attitude reeked of panic. It seemed more likely they would make it 4-3 than us wrap the game up.

However some desperate defending saw us through, and two late goals were the icing.
The World Cup it wasn't, but I suspect it was a darn sight more entertaining than watching South Korea humble Greece!

*useless piece of information, the San Siro's real name is Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.