The Italians sure are sore losers
A good article to read

http://www.theage.com.au/breaking/2002/06/...FXHA3AJN2D.html

And the stock of the company that made the Italian teams soccer jerseys has dropped 39% since the Korean game. Bet they're sore too.

[quote]Originally posted by sportinlife:
And the stock of the company that made the Italian teams soccer jerseys has dropped 39% since the Korean game.

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I heard about that. Whaddya bet that Martha Stewart got out of the market on time!

Sounds like that poor Ahn guy wasn't getting respect from the italian or korean coach before the golden goal. Guess he got the last word. He's probably not worried about that Italian contract now.

yeah he's not worried. according to the korean press, he's a major celebrity now. Probably forever (in korea)

also with each win and goal, the korean government gives to the player(s) a very sizable financial reward. (I'm not sure about the exact conversion rate) so he will not have to worry about lack of funds. and I'm sure after this showing, som eother club will pick him up. after all he was just a reserve for Perugia

But I do have to say.... the reactionof th italian people continue to disappoint me. I mean... in 1966, they pelt their own team with tomatoes when they lost to North Korea. that was indefensible. and now they punish players for trying to win a match. They would rather have a traitor than a athlete who is driven to win??

I think gmginsfo needs to talk about that angle in his thread and what it all means vis-a-vis patriotism. (I'm just kiddin dude! )

The Italians just cant get over the fact that their glory days have longgggg since been over. In 1990 they choked, in 1994 they choked, in 1998 they choked, and in 2002...guess what...they choked! Italy is no more a powerhouse of soccer these days than is Lichtenstein.
I didnt see them not renewing the contracts of Brazilian players when they won the Cup over and over.

The Italians may not have sacked Brazilians, but the loss destroyed Roberto Baggio both professionally and personally.

No question, the Italian's were the recipients of some ghastly calls, including a couple by the notorious (to me anyways--he cost my beloved Everton a Merseyside Derby match 3 years ago with a boneheaded call) Graham Poll, but really, I feel like the Football Gods were looking on and saying "Man, the Italians have all that talent and they play such defensive, negative football! How can we punish them in the worst way possible?".

The Italians should do some soul-searching and think about a change in tactics, bringing in some younger, speedier players etc. But, nah, it's easier to mutter about "conspiracies" and "dark forces" wanting them out. I read an interesting take on it in that Italy has been plauged with football corruption and match fixing scandals, so they project what happens in the once supreme Serie A on to what happens on the world stage. Again, understandable, but far of the mark, IMHO.

As for Mr. Ahn, he'll land on his feet, but the Asian players have yet to make a real breakthrough in any of the big European leagues (neither have any Americans, except perhaps for Brad Freidel and Casey Keller in England) and so hopefully, Ahn will get a chance to shine. Players that can put the ball in the net are always sought after, but a lot depends on the right situation at the right time.