Category Archives: Inter Milan

World Cup: Colombia advance while Japan are eliminated

2014 FIFA World Cup, Inter Milan

MILAN – Colombia accomplished their mission of advancing to the round of 16 with a win that eliminated Japan in this contest between Guarin and Nagatomo. The South American side will go on to face Uruguay on Saurday 28 June in the round of 16. 

After Cuadrado opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Okazaki drew Japan level with an impressive header. Then, following half-time, Martinez notched a brace before Rodriguez struck for Colombia’s fourth. Both Nagatomo and Guarin (who picked up a booking) played the full 90 minutes.

World Cup: Messi cleans up late on for Argentina

2014 FIFA World Cup, Inter Milan

MILAN – It was a late, late winner for Argentina but it sends them through to the next round that’s all that matters. After being frustrated by a stubborn Iran outfit for 91 minutes, up popped that man Lionel Messi to curl home a brilliant matchwinner in stoppage time.

The result sees the Albiceleste take command at the top of Group F: their six-point haul also means they are already assured of a place in the last 16.

Palacio came off the bench in the 76th minute while Alvarez and Campagnaro were not used by coach Alejandro Sabella.

Missing in action: Gianluca Pagliuca

Inter Milan

MILAN – He’s just the same, giant keeper Gianluca Pagliuca, albeit with a few more grey hairs. If he made a mistake he used to really suffer. He played in goal for Inter on 234 occasions, winning the UEFA Cup in Paris and having the unenviable task of replacing the legendary Walter Zenga between the sticks for the Nerazzurri. A native of Bologna, he went on to play for the Rossoblu for seven seasons before ending his career with a year at Ascoli. He still lives in Bologna, has a 12-year-old son who plays in midfield or up front in the academy and – much to his father’s delight – loves his football.

“I’m now the head and goalkeeper coach of the Bologna youth academy.”

That night in Paris still has a place in his heart.

“That final was my first and only trophy with the Nerazzurri, because we could have won the Scudetto that season too but everyone knows what happened there.”

Victories and defeats…

“Inter signed me from Sampdoria, they were a club who showed great faith in me. I really enjoyed those five years, I was voted the best goalkeeper in Italy for my performances, I regained a place in the national team and won a lot of matches. I would have liked to have won the 94 World Cup and I lost the UEFA Cup to Schalke. I won a lot and lost a lot.”

San Siro, an unforgettable arena.

“It’s a fantastic, historic stadium. I remember how I felt the first time I played there, but it’s never gone away. It was an amazing feeling every time I played there.”

Who will win the World Cup?

“Argentina.”