Fantastic result for Swansea today albeit against a Valencia side that's a shadow of it's former self.
Michael Laudrup might just become as good a manager as he was a player.
Spurs also had a solid win and Eriksen continues to look like a class act, especially considering his relatively modest price tag.
Druss, I wonder if you're changing your mind about Rooney after his recent form?
The Best of Football - An ongoing discussion -
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#3602
Posté 20 septembre 2013 - 01:53
Druss99
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motomotogirl wrote...
Woohoo good showing for this ManU fan yesterdayBut yes, what DID happen to Casillas? I need to do some googling.
Anyone doing fantasy football? I need to check my team.... why did I pick RVP instead of Rooney... two goals and one assist, ahhh *weeps*
Don't most fantasy leagues only count league games?
@ Cato: Nah, still hate him and want him gone. He has these fits of good form, 9 times out of 10 it's followed by him being bloody awful for months at a time. Plus he's a c*nt.
#3603
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Posté 22 septembre 2013 - 04:28
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Watching the Manchester derby right now. Kompany has been fantastic in his BPL comeback so far.
Modifié par Lathrim, 22 septembre 2013 - 08:35 .
#3604
Posté 22 septembre 2013 - 06:32
Kaiser Arian XVII
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So Chriss Ronaldo is getting the best player of the year award instead of Messi this year, right?
#3605
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Posté 22 septembre 2013 - 08:35
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Kaiser Arian wrote...
So Chriss Ronaldo is getting the best player of the year award instead of Messi this year, right?
lolno. Messi or Ribery.
#3606
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Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 01:13
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Good win for the gunners against Stoke, and thankfully no injuries this time. That, along with Man United getting curb-stomped by City, have managed to salvage my sporting weekend after the rugby (for those who really want to know, Canterbury played wretchedly against Wellington.) I can even afford to ignore Real Madrid this time.
Real Madrid won nothing last season, which counts against him. All in all, I think Ribery probably deserves it, but I get the feeling it's going to be Messi again. I swear, FIFA has a collective man-crush on the guy.
Kaiser Arian wrote...
So Chriss Ronaldo is getting the best player of the year award instead of Messi this year, right?
Real Madrid won nothing last season, which counts against him. All in all, I think Ribery probably deserves it, but I get the feeling it's going to be Messi again. I swear, FIFA has a collective man-crush on the guy.
Modifié par KnossosTNC, 23 septembre 2013 - 01:20 .
#3607
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Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 02:58
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Honestly, both deserve it. Messi was brilliant last season - as he always is. I want him to receive the award again just to shut up the brazilians who say he's crap. Aaaaaagain.
As for the Manchester derby, well, I had a feeling United wouldn't do well there. I think this season will be about adapting-- not titles. The lack of Sir Alex must still make them feel strange. Certainly does it to me and I'm not even a fan.
Also, I cheer everytime Özil does something good at Arsenal. Much easier to enjoy watching him play outside of Madrid.
As for the Manchester derby, well, I had a feeling United wouldn't do well there. I think this season will be about adapting-- not titles. The lack of Sir Alex must still make them feel strange. Certainly does it to me and I'm not even a fan.
Also, I cheer everytime Özil does something good at Arsenal. Much easier to enjoy watching him play outside of Madrid.
Modifié par Lathrim, 23 septembre 2013 - 02:59 .
#3608
Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 03:42
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KnossosTNC wrote...
Real Madrid won nothing last season, which counts against him. All in all, I think Ribery probably deserves it, but I get the feeling it's going to be Messi again. I swear, FIFA has a collective man-crush on the guy.
Well to be fair, Messi is one of the greatest players to ever play the game and has been consistently brilliant for 5 or 6 years. I think Ribery should probably win it this year but it definitely wouldn't be a shock if Messi won again.
#3609
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Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 04:50
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Yeah, I was only half-joking when I typed that. Messi is a brilliant player and deserves all the plaudits given to him. I just think there are at least one or two players just as deserving, if not in talent and ability then certainly in impact and achievements, and when all things are equal, I just get the feeling that Messi has an advantage with the people who vote for these kinds of things, which are never very scientific as processes.
Not so sure about that. It's only 5 games down, 33 to go. If Man City can get their acts together consistently, they've got to be the favourites - but consistency is exactly what I doubt about them. Ol' Mo at Chelsea is up to his old combative self again, which is entertaining as a spectacle, but I wonder if its going to begin to wear on his team. Despite liking the message his signing sends, I really don't think Oezil is going to magically turn Arsenal into title contenders, so I want to see them send more similar messages first. Liverpool are still searching for answers, and Tottenham are... ...Tottenham.
Finally, history tells us that Man Utd are traditionally slow starters, and history also tells us that it isn't how you start a season that matter, but how you finish it. Remember two seasons ago when Man City won the title? United got thrashed 6-1 at home by them, but went on to only lose out on goal difference, and actually comfortably led the standings until a sudden late collapse in form.
In short, time will tell, and one should never count Man Utd out until they're actually out.
Lathrim wrote...
As for the Manchester derby, well, I had a feeling United wouldn't do well there. I think this season will be about adapting-- not titles. The lack of Sir Alex must still make them feel strange. Certainly does it to me and I'm not even a fan.
Not so sure about that. It's only 5 games down, 33 to go. If Man City can get their acts together consistently, they've got to be the favourites - but consistency is exactly what I doubt about them. Ol' Mo at Chelsea is up to his old combative self again, which is entertaining as a spectacle, but I wonder if its going to begin to wear on his team. Despite liking the message his signing sends, I really don't think Oezil is going to magically turn Arsenal into title contenders, so I want to see them send more similar messages first. Liverpool are still searching for answers, and Tottenham are... ...Tottenham.
Finally, history tells us that Man Utd are traditionally slow starters, and history also tells us that it isn't how you start a season that matter, but how you finish it. Remember two seasons ago when Man City won the title? United got thrashed 6-1 at home by them, but went on to only lose out on goal difference, and actually comfortably led the standings until a sudden late collapse in form.
In short, time will tell, and one should never count Man Utd out until they're actually out.
Modifié par KnossosTNC, 23 septembre 2013 - 04:56 .
#3610
Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 07:32
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Di Canio has won the sack race. His reign will have to go down as one of the most bizarre in football history. A bit like Brian Clough's 44 days at Leeds in the 70s.
#3611
Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 05:02
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I'm not denying the merits of Ribery, but any time I've seen Bayern Munich play he hasn't exactly lit the place up. Schweinsteiger is nearly always the best player on the pitch when I watch. But he's not a winger or striker so obviously he can't be in the running, I think Xavi is the deepest laying player I can remember winning it and I'm not even sure if he won. It's all a bit of a nonsense really. Messi is the best player on the planet though.
I'm all for giving Moyes a chance and all, I think he should be given at least 3. But it's impossible to justify picking Ashley Young consistently. What's he for? Where is Zaha, Nani, Kagawa, Januzaj, Lee Sharpe anyone else at all?
I'm all for giving Moyes a chance and all, I think he should be given at least 3. But it's impossible to justify picking Ashley Young consistently. What's he for? Where is Zaha, Nani, Kagawa, Januzaj, Lee Sharpe anyone else at all?
Modifié par Druss99, 23 septembre 2013 - 05:38 .
#3612
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Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 08:57
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Xavi managed 3rd place, I believe. Behind Iniesta and Messi a few seasons ago. 11/12 or 10/11.
Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding, my belief has nothing to do with how City won 4-1. It's... intuition, I'd say.
KnossosTNC wrote...
Not so sure about that. It's only 5 games down, 33 to go. If Man City can get their acts together consistently, they've got to be the favourites - but consistency is exactly what I doubt about them. Ol' Mo at Chelsea is up to his old combative self again, which is entertaining as a spectacle, but I wonder if its going to begin to wear on his team. Despite liking the message his signing sends, I really don't think Oezil is going to magically turn Arsenal into title contenders, so I want to see them send more similar messages first. Liverpool are still searching for answers, and Tottenham are... ...Tottenham.
Finally, history tells us that Man Utd are traditionally slow starters, and history also tells us that it isn't how you start a season that matter, but how you finish it. Remember two seasons ago when Man City won the title? United got thrashed 6-1 at home by them, but went on to only lose out on goal difference, and actually comfortably led the standings until a sudden late collapse in form.
In short, time will tell, and one should never count Man Utd out until they're actually out.
Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding, my belief has nothing to do with how City won 4-1. It's... intuition, I'd say.
Modifié par Lathrim, 23 septembre 2013 - 08:58 .
#3613
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Posté 23 septembre 2013 - 09:21
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bFootball wrote...
Di Canio has won the sack race. His reign will have to go down as one of the most bizarre in football history. A bit like Brian Clough's 44 days at Leeds in the 70s.
Not surprised. When I heard he was appointed, I just thought; "Yup, this is going to end in tears." Sunderland needs a strong, competant leader, not a volatile troublemaker with chronic foot-in-mouth disease.
Druss99 wrote...
I'm not denying the merits of Ribery, but any time I've seen Bayern Munich play he hasn't exactly lit the place up. Schweinsteiger is nearly always the best player on the pitch when I watch. But he's not a winger or striker so obviously he can't be in the running, I think Xavi is the deepest laying player I can remember winning it and I'm not even sure if he won. It's all a bit of a nonsense really. Messi is the best player on the planet though.
I'm all for giving Moyes a chance and all, I think he should be given at least 3. But it's impossible to justify picking Ashley Young consistently. What's he for? Where is Zaha, Nani, Kagawa, Januzaj, Lee Sharpe anyone else at all?
As I said, there are at least one or two other players just as deserving as Messi, and the processes of selecting these kinds of things are never very scientific. Truthfully, I generally ignore these kinds of awards.
What United really need right now is someone to command the midfield. When Yaya Toure is allowed to freely move up like United just did, you know they're in deep trouble. Also, I think van Persie was sorely missed in that game; his mere presence and goal scoring threat might have forced City defence to be a little more cautious. Welbeck just doesn't pose the same kind of threat, which meant City easily kept him contained, allowing them to send Toure and Fernandinho forward to smother United, leaving Rooney alone to run around fruitlessly trying to make things happen.
Yes, Young and Valencia were indeed terrible - I just think width is the least of United's problems.
#3614
Posté 24 septembre 2013 - 01:56
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^We have had midfield problems for years and got by fine(ish) because we had width and lots of it. The midfield is a problem still, but our wingers being that sh*t makes the problem 10 times worse, there's no out ball, nowhere for Carrick to spray the ball to. We are 2 players short when the wingers play that bad. Starting Young basically leaves us a man down from the start, Valencia is 50/50 these days. Doesn't really matter who we started, I doubt they could have handled Toure when he is up for it anyway. But Rooney up front, Welbeck on the left and Kagawa, Anderson or Cleverly coming into the midfield would have been much better than starting Young.
I sort of can't complain about the midfield because Moyes doesn't really have too many high quality options there, which he had all bloody summer to rectify, fair enough if he wants to give Cleverly/Anderson another chance and wait to see how Fletcher gets on. But on the wings I really don't see any reason for starting Young at all, he's done nothing to justify being in the team and at the minute offers nothing. Giggs starting on the right against Liverpool was another bizarre one. Zaha was brilliant in pre-season, but can't even make the bench when we are crying out for quality out wide. Valencia I don't mind, he puts a shift in(usually) and sometimes(rarely) looks like he might be getting back to his best. We do have options on the wings, but for some reason he won't use them.
As I said, I'd like to see Moyes given at least 3 years. But it's incredibly hard to stomach watching us get beat by an average Liverpool team with Giggs and Young on the wings, then that shambles on Sunday and Young is still in the team. I've basically come to accept the midfield being Carrick + meh. But our wing play since last year has been getting worse, we have options to change it but don't use them.
I sort of can't complain about the midfield because Moyes doesn't really have too many high quality options there, which he had all bloody summer to rectify, fair enough if he wants to give Cleverly/Anderson another chance and wait to see how Fletcher gets on. But on the wings I really don't see any reason for starting Young at all, he's done nothing to justify being in the team and at the minute offers nothing. Giggs starting on the right against Liverpool was another bizarre one. Zaha was brilliant in pre-season, but can't even make the bench when we are crying out for quality out wide. Valencia I don't mind, he puts a shift in(usually) and sometimes(rarely) looks like he might be getting back to his best. We do have options on the wings, but for some reason he won't use them.
As I said, I'd like to see Moyes given at least 3 years. But it's incredibly hard to stomach watching us get beat by an average Liverpool team with Giggs and Young on the wings, then that shambles on Sunday and Young is still in the team. I've basically come to accept the midfield being Carrick + meh. But our wing play since last year has been getting worse, we have options to change it but don't use them.
#3615
Posté 28 septembre 2013 - 12:16
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Anyone see the Elche - Real Madrid game on Wednesday? The penalty at the end was one of the dodgiest decisions I've ever seen in football. It was utterly bizarre.
#3616
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Posté 28 septembre 2013 - 04:09
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I saw it up to Ronaldo's free kick, had to be content with the highlights of what happened after that. That was one of the most undeserved wins I've seen Madrid get, penalty included.
Modifié par Lathrim, 28 septembre 2013 - 04:13 .
#3617
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Posté 28 septembre 2013 - 05:54
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So, yet another win for Barcelona, yet another painting from Messi and yet another muscular problem for the little man. It's starting to become routine.
#3618
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Posté 29 septembre 2013 - 07:51
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Well, after a sporting weekend that started dreadfully for me ("dreadful" is the only word that can describe the Cantabs falling 32-7 to Auckland at half-time - I stopped watching after that), ended "almost perfect."
Arsenal won 2-1 at Swansea. Check. Man United lost 2-1 to West Brom. Check. Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid. Check. The All Blacks beating the Argentines with a bonus point was just the icing on the cake.
Back to the football, while I'm happy the gunners won, talks on the internet of title contention is way premature. Yes, they're top of the table. Yes, United, City and Chelsea are struggling, and yes, Tottenham will always be Tottenham. However, a football season is a marathon, not a sprint, and Arsenal just still looks too vulnerable in key areas for me to back their title credentials with any confidence.
Specifically, they need to fix their defending. Swansea dominated possession and territory in yesterday's game, and had many chances. That they dominated the game doesn't concern me, that they had chances does. Consider this scenario: someone takes the ball on the edge of half-way line and runs it into the opposition half. When that opposition is Man United or Chelsea at their very best, it's like padlock and chains; the attackers don't get a sniff, and are constantly harried and pressured. Even Man City looks like a solid brick wall most of the time in such a situation, despite their tendency for lapses of concentration.
Arsenal? They don't go padlock and chains; they give space and scramble. And I'm sorry, but title-winning teams don't scramble, they control. Even when they're under pressure, they control. Arsenal just still doesn't look like a side that's always in control. So again, I want to see them send more similar messages to the one they sent with the Oezil signing, preferably starting January.
Arsenal won 2-1 at Swansea. Check. Man United lost 2-1 to West Brom. Check. Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid. Check. The All Blacks beating the Argentines with a bonus point was just the icing on the cake.
Back to the football, while I'm happy the gunners won, talks on the internet of title contention is way premature. Yes, they're top of the table. Yes, United, City and Chelsea are struggling, and yes, Tottenham will always be Tottenham. However, a football season is a marathon, not a sprint, and Arsenal just still looks too vulnerable in key areas for me to back their title credentials with any confidence.
Specifically, they need to fix their defending. Swansea dominated possession and territory in yesterday's game, and had many chances. That they dominated the game doesn't concern me, that they had chances does. Consider this scenario: someone takes the ball on the edge of half-way line and runs it into the opposition half. When that opposition is Man United or Chelsea at their very best, it's like padlock and chains; the attackers don't get a sniff, and are constantly harried and pressured. Even Man City looks like a solid brick wall most of the time in such a situation, despite their tendency for lapses of concentration.
Arsenal? They don't go padlock and chains; they give space and scramble. And I'm sorry, but title-winning teams don't scramble, they control. Even when they're under pressure, they control. Arsenal just still doesn't look like a side that's always in control. So again, I want to see them send more similar messages to the one they sent with the Oezil signing, preferably starting January.
Modifié par KnossosTNC, 29 septembre 2013 - 08:11 .
#3619
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Posté 08 octobre 2013 - 01:48
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I don't know if I am getting old or what, but I saw a few minutes of that Arsenal Swansea match and I thought it was a snoozer. Although, I will say, I was happy to see one of my favorite players, Mr. Mesut Ozil!!! I mean, this someone coming from Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world, he is practically a seasoned vetern. I see almost ever club in the world is trying to play the Barcelona method, which I pretty much dissected completely, but they've gotten it all wrong!!!! I feel like Gordon Ramsey when I see them play. I think the managers see whats on the surface, but they dont look deeper then that. I see a lot of passing that doesnt do anything. If you have the ball, don't be afraid to hold it and move upfield. I mean, they just pass it hoping to find an opening, and that is not the Barca style. It is to work and work the defense, if there is no gap, make one. Its passing with a purpose, and the rest of the players off the ball are an ever moving cyclone there to support him. While one or two are moving in support, the 2 forwards already see the potential for a chance. It is very difficult to explain.
I also caught an interview with Sir Alex and Charlie Rose. It happened comepletely by coincidence as I was channel flipping late at night, but I don't think it was completely coincidental (cough cough big man lol). So he confirmed a lot of what I had suspected about being a manager and brought up a couple of things I never would have imagined. It seems very stressfull to be a manager, but also like it could be very rewarding.
I wonder how Barca is playing these days though. Who is holding down the midfield? If anything, I think Messi could be an incredible midfielder. I don't know how Neymar is doing, but the winger role suits him well, thats where I would put him. Maybe rotate Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and Cesc. I wonder how Thiago Alcantera is doing at Bayern, another team I am really curious to see. Also, I have always liked Ribery. I feel confident whenever Ribery is out there because he knows what hes doing. I see so much talent in Mesut, and I know he has not fully realized it. I'm not sure what Wenger's style is, but if I was manager, Mesut is my Xavi. He dictates how the match is going to be played, and as a result the team can play collectively better.
Also, I saw the highlights for Juventus and Milan. Every goal is beautiful, but I really liked Giovinco's. Pirlo is playing at an incredible level, he is like having a renaissance. Also, I just want to share this clip of one of my favorite players of all time and of pes. nothin but class ^.^
I also caught an interview with Sir Alex and Charlie Rose. It happened comepletely by coincidence as I was channel flipping late at night, but I don't think it was completely coincidental (cough cough big man lol). So he confirmed a lot of what I had suspected about being a manager and brought up a couple of things I never would have imagined. It seems very stressfull to be a manager, but also like it could be very rewarding.
I wonder how Barca is playing these days though. Who is holding down the midfield? If anything, I think Messi could be an incredible midfielder. I don't know how Neymar is doing, but the winger role suits him well, thats where I would put him. Maybe rotate Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and Cesc. I wonder how Thiago Alcantera is doing at Bayern, another team I am really curious to see. Also, I have always liked Ribery. I feel confident whenever Ribery is out there because he knows what hes doing. I see so much talent in Mesut, and I know he has not fully realized it. I'm not sure what Wenger's style is, but if I was manager, Mesut is my Xavi. He dictates how the match is going to be played, and as a result the team can play collectively better.
Also, I saw the highlights for Juventus and Milan. Every goal is beautiful, but I really liked Giovinco's. Pirlo is playing at an incredible level, he is like having a renaissance. Also, I just want to share this clip of one of my favorite players of all time and of pes. nothin but class ^.^
Modifié par modjospinster, 08 octobre 2013 - 02:48 .
#3620
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Posté 14 octobre 2013 - 12:11
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Thiago Alcantara has spent all his time (so far) at Munich trying to recover from an ankle injury.
#3621
Posté 14 octobre 2013 - 03:07
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Who here has been following the qualifiers for the World Cup in Brazil next year?
We have a new all time topscorer in The Netherlands. With 3 goals against Hungary a few days ago (which we won 8-1), Robin van Persie officially beat Kluiverts record of 40 interland goals.
I still can't believe we won 8-1 since the matches after qualifying are usually terribly bad...
But the best news has to be that the Red Devils of Belgiun have qualified themselfs for a ticket after winning 2-1 against Croatia. It is the first time in over 10 years that they managed to quality themselfs for any mayor tournament but with the team they have they might well get to the quarter/semi finals.
Another intersting team is Iceland, who seem to be well on their way to quality themselves. They have some really nice players, a couple of them playing here in The Netherlands..
We have a new all time topscorer in The Netherlands. With 3 goals against Hungary a few days ago (which we won 8-1), Robin van Persie officially beat Kluiverts record of 40 interland goals.
I still can't believe we won 8-1 since the matches after qualifying are usually terribly bad...
But the best news has to be that the Red Devils of Belgiun have qualified themselfs for a ticket after winning 2-1 against Croatia. It is the first time in over 10 years that they managed to quality themselfs for any mayor tournament but with the team they have they might well get to the quarter/semi finals.
Another intersting team is Iceland, who seem to be well on their way to quality themselves. They have some really nice players, a couple of them playing here in The Netherlands..
#3622
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Posté 14 octobre 2013 - 04:33
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Why is soccer the topic of discussion? Isn't this thread supposed to be about football?
#3623
Posté 14 octobre 2013 - 07:18
Druss99
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I'm shocked that Kluivert was ever the top scorer. Any time I saw him he looked a bit crap. RVP hasn't been on great form recently and has looked rather...upset when playing for United. Probably to do with the lack of service.
Belgium have a hell of a first team and most of them are pretty young too, a bit like Portugal's golden generation from a few years ago. Maybe this tournament is too early for them, but with some more experience they will be a force to be reckoned with.
I've not paid much attention to the qualifiers. I made the mistake of watching some of Azerbaijan - Northern Ireland the other night. It was like watching a guy with no legs trying to peddle and steer a bike.
Belgium have a hell of a first team and most of them are pretty young too, a bit like Portugal's golden generation from a few years ago. Maybe this tournament is too early for them, but with some more experience they will be a force to be reckoned with.
I've not paid much attention to the qualifiers. I made the mistake of watching some of Azerbaijan - Northern Ireland the other night. It was like watching a guy with no legs trying to peddle and steer a bike.
#3624
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Posté 16 octobre 2013 - 08:33
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I'll be paying attention to Belgium in the WC, that's for sure. They will be much more interesting come Euro 2016, though. It's too early for them yet.
But most of all, my eyes will be turned towards all the European participants as a whole. They might just earn their first title in South American lands next year.
But most of all, my eyes will be turned towards all the European participants as a whole. They might just earn their first title in South American lands next year.
#3625
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Posté 16 octobre 2013 - 09:07
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A couple of other teams that are going to the WC after a long absence, if I am not mistaken, are Costa Rica and Honduras. I caught the last 15 mins of the first half and the second half, and it was a very good match. The players for Costa Rica were just too quick and their conditioning was excellent. Even at the start of the second half, Mexico already looked tired. Number 16 for Costa Rica was exceptional. Mexico's defenders had no response to his runs on the right side. Very good pace and good ball control, I would sign him. Costa Rica looked technically much better then Mexico. Mexico's attacks (which I think were all counter attacks) were ok, but nothing looked too dangerous. I don't know what their formation is or their tactics, but it seems like the ball goes from the defender, then to a midfielder who quickly passes it to a forward to run from midfield to the goal. By the time he got about 3-10 meters from the box, he would already be too tired to make an effective pass or shot. Too easy to defend. They have no good midfielders to anchor the team, except for Dos Santos, but I don't even know if he is playing regularly. I think they mostly stay on defense and don't know how to attack. As soon as the ball was passed to Mexican players, they would pass it quickly, rather then hold it. Too many times when they were closed in by two defenders, they did not possess the technical ability to be able to beat them or how to manage the situation. Perhaps the only player who has good technique on Mexico is Dos Santos, not surprising since he trained at Barca. Chicharito physically still has it, but I noticed that his confidence is way down. He needs to go to a club where he would be the starter week in and week out, and I think he will be fine. He has what it takes, he just needs the right kind of manager who can get that out of him. I'm not saying he should go to Chelsea, but I know Mourinho has that quality. In an interview Ibra mentioned that about Mourinho, and btw one of my favorite plays that I ever saw Ibra make wasn't a goal or even an assist, but a pass (saw it live ^.^ )
Costa Rica were quicker and had better conditioning, but they were also better technically. They looked confident on the ball because they had much better ball control compared to Mexico. Costa Rica also had better vision as well. Ronaldinho once said that one of the best things for youths is to play futsal, and I would have agree. Not only do you develop better ball control because the ball is smaller, but since its smaller, a. you get more touches in a game, and b. its faster, so it forces you to think quicker. In basketball, which is faster, the plays occur much quicker, so you cannot hesitate when you see the play develop, and as a result, your vision and awareness improve. Also, I think different position hold different personalities. Midfielders have to naturally be unselfish, to know when to hold onto the ball, but also when and how to pass it. For forwards, I actually don't mind if they are selfish. They are tasked with scoring the goals, and perhaps they only get one look and go for it, or if they have the time/space, to make their own chances.
All of these tips apply to any footballer at any skill level, but I would stress that the most important drill for young footballers is ball control. While I think old dogs can learn new tricks, its true what they say, young people learn things much quicker.
Btw, I remember yall mentioned that Guardiola only won so much because he had some of the best. Well, I would argue that he was able to extract the very best from his players, which is something that I think managers and coaches from all sports have the ability to do. cough cough man united lol
edit: count me in for following Belgium. I've learned my lesson...the big match ups are usually not nearly as interesting as watching matches with smaller nations in them. I will be rooting for quality football and hopefully a team from the americas wins it! or Italy or Germany, my two favorite European teams ^.^
Costa Rica were quicker and had better conditioning, but they were also better technically. They looked confident on the ball because they had much better ball control compared to Mexico. Costa Rica also had better vision as well. Ronaldinho once said that one of the best things for youths is to play futsal, and I would have agree. Not only do you develop better ball control because the ball is smaller, but since its smaller, a. you get more touches in a game, and b. its faster, so it forces you to think quicker. In basketball, which is faster, the plays occur much quicker, so you cannot hesitate when you see the play develop, and as a result, your vision and awareness improve. Also, I think different position hold different personalities. Midfielders have to naturally be unselfish, to know when to hold onto the ball, but also when and how to pass it. For forwards, I actually don't mind if they are selfish. They are tasked with scoring the goals, and perhaps they only get one look and go for it, or if they have the time/space, to make their own chances.
All of these tips apply to any footballer at any skill level, but I would stress that the most important drill for young footballers is ball control. While I think old dogs can learn new tricks, its true what they say, young people learn things much quicker.
Btw, I remember yall mentioned that Guardiola only won so much because he had some of the best. Well, I would argue that he was able to extract the very best from his players, which is something that I think managers and coaches from all sports have the ability to do. cough cough man united lol
edit: count me in for following Belgium. I've learned my lesson...the big match ups are usually not nearly as interesting as watching matches with smaller nations in them. I will be rooting for quality football and hopefully a team from the americas wins it! or Italy or Germany, my two favorite European teams ^.^
Modifié par modjospinster, 16 octobre 2013 - 09:23 .
