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The 2011-2012 Football Thread
- Thread starter Jaffa Cake
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The Germany defence looked heavy legged and didn't like diagonal passes - straight and there's more chance Neuer will clear it. If England get through, more pace and a couple extra bodies on the counter.
takao - fine scouting
.Jaffa Cake - hope uncle Cheese Cake is feta tomorrow.
Cheers,
OW
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Germany did look really good tonight.
Germany against Spain would be a football lover's dream final.
Germany against Spain would be a football lover's dream final.
could be worse: what are they going to do when Lahm retires ... after all he isn't going to get younger either ... what are they going to do ? play with 4 central defenders ?
probably, there were even rumours of cloning him for the righback side as well before the tournament
seriously though, Klose won't be playing many more games and both Kießling and Helmes have yet to show more consistency. And to be honest I doubt neither of them will play for the German team again. It's more likely that either Reus or Müller will take Gomez' place, if he's out. And as you wrote yourself Reus isn't really a striker to begin with.
...and Löw did send young players back, which he had not decided about until after the swiss game. He said they have done a big step into the door. So maybe we will see Draxler or someone getting in the squad over time. More young players still to come, it seems.And do you know the really scary thing? 14 of their 23 man squad are still 24 or younger. Frightening.
I fear they will play like in the first three games, if the starting team will be there again. I am not a football geek/"expert", but to me it seemed they had more flow and more action in their playing or somehow speedier or was it just the Greeks that made it look like that?
In the first three games I had the impression they just don't play that rapid and not that elegant than 2006 till 2010 and the qualification phase 2011. But maybe playing less elegant and organized will be the reason they will win the final...
I always wonder, why people find him so good. I admit he has gotten better, but I always get the feeling the only reason he shoots so much goals with Bayern is, because the others are playing a huge amount of good balls on him and not because he is efficient - just because there are thousand of chance of which he can get one in. In the national team most goals from 2004-2010 were made (even not mostly by Klose) but by Özil, Müller, (yes and Podolski!) and such (I have the impression...).
I think he makes the playing a bit uninteresting (do not mean it that hard, as it might sound). In my impression the national team played the first three games more like FC Bayern style than like the national team style. With Schürrle and Reuss even Özil looked better again and the whole playing looked more like 2006-2011 period, or was it the Greeks, I have to ask again.
Also I found Podolski better in the last three games than in the let's say last 4 years. He always takes things to careless and than his distant shots go far beside the box or in the sky, his passes rarely go directly to the other players. But this tournament I thought "wow, he is really getting better and coming closer to living up the expectations that the public opinion implies. But after I have seen Schürrle against Greek (seen him since his time with Mainz-05, were I found he is not a bad player), I must say, Schürrle's distant shots do get very close to the box at least, when he fails to miss a goal.
(Also I my impression of England has changed, while the media always spoke of them as a football superpower in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, I thought they are just kicking hard against the ball and other players - "bolzen" we call it in Germany - not having a chance to go forward in the tournament. This time no one really speaks of England and I still do not see them as a final candidate, but I have to say after the first game I thought "wow, they are playing more like using technique and play finer and not just hitting the ball as hard as one can". Oh, and Italy was surprising too: "wow, they really only let them selves fall on the ground, if there is a real cause, this year." -> this all is said as said and really not meant offensive, I just can't express myself properly, if it sounds like an insult to English fans).
PS: and why are we actually getting playbacks of Löw pulling bogey out of his nose and smelling his armpit and Reuss blowing his nose with his finger?
(I do not mind, but it is a funny observation, that this has changed from 2006, 2008 and 2010 to this years concerning scene editing and camera direction)
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...and Löw did send young players back, which he had not decided about until after the swiss game. He said they have done a big step into the door. So maybe we will see Draxler or someone getting in the squad over time. More young players still to come, it seems.
I fear they will play like in the first three games, if the starting team will be there again. I am not a football supergeek, but to me it seemed they had more flow and more action in their playing or somehow speedier or was it just the Greeks that made it look like that?
In the first three games I had the impression they just don't play that rapid and not that elegant than 2006 till 2010 and the qualification phase 2011. But maybe playing less elegant and organized will be the reason they will win the final...
I always wonder, why people find him so good. I admit he has gotten better, but I always get the feeling the only reason he shoots so much goals with Bayern is, because the others are playing a huge amount of good balls on him and not because he is efficient - just because there are thousand of chance of which he can get one in. In the national team most goals from 2004-2010 were made (even not by Klose) but by Özil and such (I have the impression...).
I think he makes the playing a bit uninteresting (do not mean it that hard, as it might sound). In my impression the national team played the first three games more like FC Bayern style than like the national team style. With Schürrle and Reuss even Özil looked better again and the whole playing looked more like 2006-2011 period, or was it the Greeks, I have to ask again.
Also I found Podolski better in the last three games than ever. He always takes things to careless and than his distant shots go far beside the box or in the sky. But this tournament I thought "wow, he is really getting better and coming closer to living up the expectations that the public opinion implies. But after I have seen Schürrle against Greek (seen him since his time with Mainz-05, were I found he is not a bad player), I must say, Schürrle's distant shots do get very close to the box at least, when he fails to miss a goal.
(Also I my impression of England has changed, while the media always spoke of them as a football superpower in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, I thought they are just kicking hard against the ball and other players - "bolzen" we call it in Germany - not having a chance to go forward in the tournament. This time no one really speaks of England and I still do not see them as a final candidate, but I have to say after the first game I thought "wow, they are playing more like using technique and play finer and not just hitting the ball as hard as one can". Oh, and Italy was surprising too: "wow, they really only let them selves fall on the ground, if there is a real cause, this year." -> this all is said as said and really not meant offensive, I just can't express myself properly, if it sounds like an insult to English fans).
PS: and why are we actually getting playbacks of Löw pulling bogey out of his nose and smelling his armpit and Reuss blowing his nose with his finger?
they don't play that brilliantly because every opposing team now know what they are up against. Klose has scored 38 of his 64 goals between 2006 and 2010. I guess England always broke down from the pressure of doing well, which is why it is a good idea to keep expectations to a minimum, I think we will see a better England team that in the tournaments before.
As far as Löw's nosepicking, armpit sniffing is concerned, I think Nivea told him to stop doing that during the game
IMHO Gomez's reputation is still suffering for his 18 months where he had perhaps the worst draught as a striker possible ... it sometimes seems that no matter what he does it's not enough for the german press ... while can't do wrong
i think the problem with him is that many people expect too much for him because on he is incredibly gifted: despite his 195+ size, he also can score with both feet and happens to have great pace, and despite many complaints his technique on the ball is actually quite good (compared to similar strikers)
his curse is that opposed to his actual strengths he is playing at FC Bayern and in the german national squad where the opposite teams nearly always sit in the back denying space while at Stuttgart he thrived on through balls played into space behind higher sitting defenses
when playing against very defensive squads Klose simply is the better fit because of his off the ball movement, first touch and movement when there is little space
but when comparing the two it's worth noting to compare Klose from 10 years ago to him today: Klose actually transformed from a stereotypical target-man into an excellent all around attacker over the last years
In think Fabregas should have had a penalty there. Spain with their 4-6-0 again, and looking comfortable.
EDIT: Spain are ahead now after an Alonso header. The French have had one or two counterattacks but everything seems to be going according to plan for Spain. Can anybody stop them?
EDIT: Spain are ahead now after an Alonso header. The French have had one or two counterattacks but everything seems to be going according to plan for Spain. Can anybody stop them?
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The French seemed to raise their game in the second half, and del Bosque's decision to bring on two strikers was very effective at pushing the French back into their own half. Casillas had to make a few saves but in the end the French never really looked like they were going to win it, despite the close scoreline.
Crap atmosphere in the stadium, if the noise level from the TV feed is anything to g by.
I'm sick of the English media's hatred for the Spanish style of play. The Guardian's calling them an "art project". But I like it. It is definitely not as big a spectacle for Englishmen as a kick-n-rush 1970s FA Cup quarterfinal on a lumpy, muddy English pitch. But the football on display is far slicker and more technical.
Still, Germany have already beaten tough opponents in the form of Portugal and the Netherlands, and were able to penetrate Greece's excellent defense. Spain has had it somewhat easier up to this point. I think it's safe to assume that Spain and Germany should be the finalists barring a shock upset.
Crap atmosphere in the stadium, if the noise level from the TV feed is anything to g by.
I'm sick of the English media's hatred for the Spanish style of play. The Guardian's calling them an "art project". But I like it. It is definitely not as big a spectacle for Englishmen as a kick-n-rush 1970s FA Cup quarterfinal on a lumpy, muddy English pitch. But the football on display is far slicker and more technical.
Still, Germany have already beaten tough opponents in the form of Portugal and the Netherlands, and were able to penetrate Greece's excellent defense. Spain has had it somewhat easier up to this point. I think it's safe to assume that Spain and Germany should be the finalists barring a shock upset.
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I find it boring, this was probably the most boring game in the euros so far, but hey they won.
It was not a very exciting game, I won't deny that. But part of that is France's fault for failing to threaten Spain's goal much.
i think part of france's problem was that by trying to lock out the spanish left side by fielding 2 right fullbacks it literally left all the attacking on Ribery's shoulders
also Benzema constantly dropped deep into the already over-crowded midfield and neither M'Villa, Malouda or Cabaye went forward
which meant whenever Ribery or Clichy broke through the spanish left going for a for a cross, Benzema was never where he should be
also Benzema constantly dropped deep into the already over-crowded midfield and neither M'Villa, Malouda or Cabaye went forward
which meant whenever Ribery or Clichy broke through the spanish left going for a for a cross, Benzema was never where he should be
^
Agreed. Plus the French midfield was non-existent. With Spain you have to assume they'll own midfield (playing with 6 midfielders and no striker is the evidence you need) unless you have a Zidane or Viera who can outmuscle, keep the ball glued to their feet, and pick out passes.
Otherwise, you're better off using the flanks and having a big target man in front (Drogba/Giroud) who can receive crosses/long balls and hold up play to allow others in (Benzema/Ribery/Nasri).
Also helps to have a Makelele/Masherano/Parker/Xabi who can break up the Spanish passing game.
France lacked most of these in addition to general desire and fight.
Agreed. Plus the French midfield was non-existent. With Spain you have to assume they'll own midfield (playing with 6 midfielders and no striker is the evidence you need) unless you have a Zidane or Viera who can outmuscle, keep the ball glued to their feet, and pick out passes.
Otherwise, you're better off using the flanks and having a big target man in front (Drogba/Giroud) who can receive crosses/long balls and hold up play to allow others in (Benzema/Ribery/Nasri).
Also helps to have a Makelele/Masherano/Parker/Xabi who can break up the Spanish passing game.
France lacked most of these in addition to general desire and fight.
I'm very disappointed by the Spanish approach they seem to have forgotten that they're there to entertain the British public first and foremost, not win a football tournament.
In order to properly assess the team's credentials we need the country's top art expert Joey Barton to run the rule over them.
Good luck to the English-types tonight...
Chicago 2-1 Columbus
Not such a great result for a Crew fan like myself. Even with a man advantage Columbus were just not good enough. We dug ourselves a big hole early on and that made all the difference. Neither team looked really good in my opinion, especially in the second half.
I heard there was some trouble in the parking lot afterwards, and a couple Chicago fans got arrested for trying to get in amongst the Columbus traveling support during the match. A couple drunken idiots on both sides.
I guess the best way to break up an art project is to bring in a vandal.
Chicago 2-1 Columbus
Not such a great result for a Crew fan like myself.
Even with a man advantage Columbus were just not good enough. We dug ourselves a big hole early on and that made all the difference. Neither team looked really good in my opinion, especially in the second half.I heard there was some trouble in the parking lot afterwards, and a couple Chicago fans got arrested for trying to get in amongst the Columbus traveling support during the match. A couple drunken idiots on both sides.
In order to properly assess the team's credentials we need the country's top art expert Joey Barton to run the rule over them.
I guess the best way to break up an art project is to bring in a vandal.
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Good luck to the English-types tonight...
Chicago 2-1 Columbus
Not such a great result for a Crew fan like myself.
I heard there was some trouble in the parking lot afterwards, and a couple Chicago fans got arrested for trying to get in amongst the Columbus traveling support during the match. A couple drunken idiots on both sides.
I expected the 2nd half to be sloppy and slow paced due to Chicago being a man down. They like to play defense with the lead which normally comes back to bit them in the rear. I really thought it would of ended tied or the Crew winning due to the man down situation.
Reading the Chicago supporters board someone snapped a picture of Grazzini sporting a "Thanks Chicago" undershirt after the match, his contract is up and by the looks of it he wont be coming back. This will be a major blow for Chicago if it ends up true. He has been a consistent force in midfield and im not sure Rolfe can match that. Rumors have been circulating that Andriy Shevchenko is interested in coming to MLS and Chicago wants to have his services. I still dont know how I feel about that though.
As for the parking lot incident I cant comment on that due to not seeing it or hearing anything about it. I will say though in the past couple years it seems like these incidents are becoming a little more common. Its either alcohol fueled or some youngsters getting amped up before the game by watching Green Street Hooligans. I think that type of behavior has no place in MLS and hope that a message was/will be sent to those who participated. Then again every team will have that group of supporters.
Sorry for the long drawn out read.
Interesting game so far. England are giving Italy a lot of space, but both sides have had very good chances to score. Welbeck should have scored for sure. But Italy have also hit the post and Terry and Lescott have been busy. Rooney looks a little off.
Hard to call this one, especially since no subs have been used yet; to me Italy looks to have the upper hand. But both defenses look penetrable.
Grazzini would be a loss for sure. Schevchenko would be interesting but he has no pace and will be expensive. Plus he would want to start all the time.
I think it's a small minority that are causing the problems. Most of the people in the official supporters' sections are rowdy but only up to a point. It's the drunks that usually end up being the troublemakers.
Hard to call this one, especially since no subs have been used yet; to me Italy looks to have the upper hand. But both defenses look penetrable.
Grazzini would be a loss for sure. Schevchenko would be interesting but he has no pace and will be expensive. Plus he would want to start all the time.
I think it's a small minority that are causing the problems. Most of the people in the official supporters' sections are rowdy but only up to a point. It's the drunks that usually end up being the troublemakers.
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