The 2013-2014 Football Thread

[takao]

watched the argentina - Bosnia game untill the second goal:

Argentinia played with 5 defenders & mascherano and yet their defense was hilariously bad. Countless of errors and missplaced passes.
Their offensive players are much, much better but not really that great playing together.
The first big opponent and they are out. Luckily they have an easy group.

Bosnia played many high risk passing in front of the goal but has some problems connecting up front. But their passing was excellent.

 

[twietee]

watched the argentina - Bosnia game untill the second goal

Agreed. It was a poor game. And so annoying to watch every single attack made by Argentina forced to be played via Messi who's still a shadow of past years and doesn't even bother to pretend he's interested in defending. His goal was world class of course.


Also, watching all these late matches is really tiring over the course of time!

 

[Fizzoid]

I really thought that early Sterling strike had gone in. It looked like it from the camera angle.

Me too, it had me screaming at the TV, which didn't go down too well with the missus as I woke her and our little one

As for the overall England performance, it still seems we have 1 or 2 'untouchables' in the squad.

Did Gerrard really play that well? As Shearer said before the game, Gerrard should be playing the Pirlo role

I don't think Rooney is a scapegoat, he clearly didn't enjoy his time down the left and should have been moved or subbed

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Gerrard didn't have a great game and, to be fair, every England player faded late in the match. I still don't see Rooney in the middle over Sterling or Sturridge except as a sub.

Argentina were unconvincing. All my pre-tournament favorites are disappointing me.

 

[twietee]

Argentina were unconvincing. All my pre-tournament favorites are disappointing me.

What was your prediction about Germany?


Gerrard got heavily critisized as well, didn't he? Him and Rooney being the main center of attention. But still, they played unexpectedly well altogether but you really need to be able to play concentrated 100% for 90mins against Italy. They may not look it but punish relentless. With this sort of powerplay you have to score at least one or two up front - especially if the climate works against this sort of style.

 

[takao]

Rooney:
whoever decided/though of making him a wide player needs to get tarred and feathered ... Rooney of a few years ago was a brilliant fit for playing a single striker role: lots of movement on the pitch, short bursts aroudn the penalty box, powerful shot from all distances, occupying 2 defenders at all times thus oppening lots of space for others

for a wide player he lacks pace, isn't as good in 1-on-1 situations,
doesn't really work defensivly

 

[twietee]

Because it was so good (for a brief moment):

Still happy Italy made it though!

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I still hold a grudge against Italy from 2006, when Materazzi busted Brian McBride's nose, got suspended, then came back just in time to ruin the last game of Zidane's career with his taunts. Dirty little cheat.

 

[twietee]

I still hold a grudge against Italy from 2006, when Materazzi busted Brian McBride's nose, got suspended, then came back just in time to ruin the last game of Zidane's career with his taunts. Dirty little cheat.

Materazzi, Gattuso, Inzaghi you name it.


But I got far too many bonds personally not to root for them.

 

[Tilpots]

The US needs a German win today. We so blatantly let Kaymer win the US Open that Klinsmann and the Fatherland must've made some kinda backroom deal. Your move, Nationalmannschaft.

 

[oscillatewildly]

...

Did Gerrard really play that well? As Shearer said before the game, Gerrard should be playing the Pirlo role

I don't think Rooney is a scapegoat, he clearly didn't enjoy his time down the left and should have been moved or subbed

By twietee; Gerrard got heavily critisized as well, didn't he? ...

The balance of criticism in the English popular media is a joke.

Rooney first half, Welbeck in the second; who connects them?

Cheers,
OW

 

[twietee]

By twietee; Gerrard got heavily critisized as well, didn't he? ...

Hmm, not sure where you're getting at. I don't follow the English media, but what I read on FFS - I know, I know - consensus was that Hodgson's only mistake was how he handled both, Gerrard and Rooney.

Still, Rooney will always be the focus of attention - unfair, yes, but also the reason why he earns as much as he does so I personally have little empathy. Didn't say he played utter rubbish or that Gerrard played brilliant either. But look at that corner kick: it may be wise to keep him out of the line of fire and bring him around 60min? The big name strikers are always under immense pressure when directly competing, especially when you never scored once at a WC.

 

[oscillatewildly]

Just the feeling from TV, Radio, and popular press - the time/inches used.

Attention; armband?

I understand you aren't saying he was utter rubbish. Likewise, I'm not saying he is beyond criticism - but it was one corner!

Will Ozil play?

Cheers,
OW

 

[twietee]

Özil, I hope so!
My wish would be

Götze
Poldi Özil Müller​

Played very fluidly with Schürrle coming from the bench.

 

[Cox Orange]

I still hold a grudge against Italy from 2006, when Materazzi busted Brian McBride's nose, got suspended, then came back just in time to ruin the last game of Zidane's career with his taunts. Dirty little cheat.

I second that.
It is interesting, though, that they don't fall on the ground as often anymore.

 

[twietee]

Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Ozil, Muller, Lahm (c), Mertesacker, Kroos, Gotze, Boateng

Good to go, guys! Good to go! Bring it on, WC can start now!

Some kind of 4-2-4. Should be interesting. Having 4 central defenders should be good for set pieces - attacking and defending wise. Can't say I disagree with that - enough players to cause a ruckus and get free-kicks as a result as well. Not much crossing (and running down the line!) involved I reckon - straight play through the middle. Makes sense I guess.

 

[oscillatewildly]

Image



...

Just showing Pirlo he isn't the only one who can move the ball.

4 2 4 - the good old days. Though keepers are better now - women goalies remind me of the '50s.

Good luck from the non-Portuguese part of me - that blood wishes a plague on your National team's house.

Cheers,
OW

 

[Kariya]

Another day, another Pepe Red.

Germany cruising. Many of the German figures playing good stuff.

 

[Tilpots]

Go Germany! Run up the score. Draw some more red cards. The US team thanks ya kindly.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I'm loving this.

 

[Kariya]

Meanwhile Koeman has been appointment as Southampton manager.

 

[oscillatewildly]

Don't send plague wishes by UPS, good chance they will deliver to the wrong team.

Ref starts giving free kicks to Portugal once the game is beyond won.

Mixed feelings for twietee with Muller scoring 3 - a happy Tilpots.

Cheers,
OW

 

[Happybunny]

Ronald Koeman going to Southampton, it is an interesting move, he is a trainer who has built up quite the reputation while at Feijnoord for achieving results on a budget. He is also known to be a players manager, he can motivate and instill a good team spirit.

Pepe just being Pepe, it did cost Portugal, but I still believe that Germany would have won.

 

[Kariya]

Will Nigeria ever complete an incisive pass in this match.

EDIT: Guess not.

 

[twietee]

We got all the luck we could get. And gladly took it. But top performance overall and very disciplined. Kroos was brilliant!

Can't watch the game later unfortunately so good luck and a good game. Still rooting for Berlin's finest though! Kevin-Prince Boateng all the way.