World Cup football: Italians expect the usual standards from Italy

 The World Cup 2010 Italian football team have a lot to live up to. As the most successful World Cup European football team, ever, their past record is outstanding.

Tonight, 14th June 2010, is Italy's first match in the 2010 World Cup. Their opponents are Paraguay. Italy must surely expect their team to do well, but so will fans from many countries around the world.

Italy facts and figures.

As such a successful football team the statistics are impressive.

Italy first won the World Cup in 1934 and then followed this up four years later with another win.

The next four World Cup football competitions were lacklustre for the Italian football squad.

!970 saw them in the runner-up position but in 1974 they slipped back to going out in the first round again.

From then on though success of some form or another has followed.

In 1978 Italy held the 4th place followed by:

• 1982 they were winners again.
• 1986 saw Italy in 2nd place.
• 1990 had them in 3rd place.
• In 1994 Italy were the runners-up again.
• In 1998 Italy went through to the semi-finals.
• In 2002 Italy only went through to the second round.
• The last World Cup in 2006 had Italy as overall winners again.

Italians have a passion for most things and this is very true of their football. They play with zest and energy as if their very lives depended on winning. Perhaps this is why they are so successful and other European teams, such as England, are not.

Even during the qualifying stages Italy did well. Out of the 10 matches they played Italy won 7 and drew 3. Notice they did not lose one single game!

World Cup 2010 South Africa.

This World Cup has seen the Italian team with a familiar face at the helm. The coach Marcello Lippi who resigned after the last world cup was brought back in 2008. This followed Italy's disappointing Euro 2008 showing.

Italy's chances and odds.

Italy must be one of the favourites to do well in World Cup 2010. Fair enough nothing is ever certain in the beautiful game. Injuries, yellow and red cards, tears and tantrums all play a part. However, for sheer passion. perseverance, skill and more, Italy must be in with a very good chance of winning

Italy remain a popular team throughout the world and there are many football fans who will not shed a tear if Italy reign supreme again. Of course, as an English person I hope England do well, but if they don't I know who I will be cheering for.

Vieni Italia