Italy looks to entertain against Ukraine (AP)

"Italy's coach is optimistic about what's ahead, even if others are not. Marcello Lippi expects the Azzurri to live up to its full potential against Ukraine in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The Italians begin Friday's game as big favorites -- and with lingering...

Shevchenko under spotlight for Ukraine against Italy

"Italy will face Ukraine in a quarter-finals encounter that will pit Andriy Shevchenkco against several of his former AC Milan team-mates..."

Ukraine show passion for Italian fashion

"It may not be very spectacular, but it is fiendishly efficient. The pragmatic brand of football that was for a long time the preserve of the Italians has spread beyond the confines of the boot-shaped peninsula to find emulators as far away as Ukraine..."

Ukraine looks to continue surprising run (AP)

"Ukraine's players are hoping their outsider status sticks despite their progress to the World Cup quarterfinals. That should mean the pressure is on their opponents, the next of whom is Italy on Friday. "It should be easier for us because nobody will expect us to win. We've...

Ukraine, Italy have key players injured (AP)

"Ukraine and Italy each announced the loss of key players Wednesday for their upcoming World Cup quarterfinals match. Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin and Italy defender Alessandro Nesta are both out with thigh injuries for their Friday match in Hamburg. Voronin is lost for the...

Men and Football - Sleeping on the Couch

"Why men will ‘claim’ to watch football even if they fall asleep in front of the TV [hat tip: Krackjack]. In our defense, watching grass grow was more exciting than the Swiss v. Ukraine game; Mexico-Argentina - different ball game altogether."

Ukraine toasts its heroes

"Ukraine toasted its football heroes on Tuesday after the team defied expectations to secure a place in the quarter-finals of their first-ever FIFA World Cup™ by beating Switzerland 3-0 in a penalty shoot-out."

Soccer Inc.

"Sometimes the right wing gets it, well right. Cheap shots about anti-globalization protestors in Nikes, aside....Heres John Hayden from the Washington Times take on the World Cup; The World Cup is the perfect example of globalization. "

Baghdad, Ukraine

"Speaking of the Ukraine, three months after the election and they still have no government. Well neither did Iraq. "

Frogs

" Ukraine Lost to Spain in the World Cup yesterday because of frogs......"