A Very Mixed Day for Essien and Cech!
BACK2BACK
By 40 Years A Blue
June 23 2006
It was a mixed day for two Chelsea players in yesterday's World Cup action as Czech Republic's Petr Cech was bundled out of the competition by Italy 2-0 and Michael Essien's Ghana went through to the last sixteen with a 2-1 victory over the U.S.
Although Ghana are through to the knockout stages, Essien won't feature in the match against Brazil as he collected his second booking and will miss out. For Essien to continue playing in the World Cup, Ghana are going to have to pull off a major shock. Croatia and Australia fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw, a result that puts the Socceroos through to the last sixteen. The major talking point of last night's match was English ref Graham Poll's performance, or lack of one, as he gave the same player THREE yellow cards! Ronaldo finally found his scoring boots last night as Brazil beat Japan 4-1 this after going behind to a Tamada goal. When I say that Ronaldo found his scoring boots, it should only be ONE boot as the first of his two goals was scored with his head! 'The Shev' is in action this afternoon as Ukraine take on Tunisia whilst Spain take on Saudi Arabia and 'The Shev' will be looking to score the goals that will take Ukraine into the last sixteen. Both games kick off at 3pm. Then tonight its France versus Togo. Here's hoping that Claude Makelele and Willie G can help to inspire the very insipid Frenchmen into the last sixteen, only to keep the volume of Chelsea players still in the competition. Switzerland take on South Korea in the last of the group games and both games kick off at 8pm. The knockout competition begins in earnest tomorrow and matches will be played over four days with England v Ecuador kicking off at 4pm on Sunday 25th June. COME ON ENGLAND 40 YEARS A BLUE