Costa Rica were superb. Italy looked like they were running through treacle for 90mins. I thought they'd come out in the second half and play better, but they were just as bad.
One thing I've noticed, don't know if it's the heat or what, but these teams that are winning are the teams that chase down the ball fast and play one touch passing. Italy today = slow. England in both games = mostly slow. Never closing anyone down. Even Spain were passing so slowly.
Then look at the good performances we've seen. Netherlands against Spain; fast, decisive football and they closed Spain down with two or three men at all times. Germany against Portugal, same thing. Argentina in the last 20 mins: incredibly fast football. It's the winning formula in this tournament.
And I agree about Balotelli. He isn't reliable, too temperamental. Should have been subbed for Immobile maybe. Poor performance all around, though.
I'm still baffled why Hodgson picked (Graham) Johnson (don't ask). The best English right back in any league last year was Jon Flanagan. He kept Johnson out for a while and Rodgers then put Johnson on the left at times so he could keep Flanno in his best position. Why wasn't he in the XI, let alone the squad? He was our best player last year - even over Suarez for me, who tailed off in the last seven weeks - and was never once bullied or hid. In big games - Chelsea home and away, City at home, Arsenal at home, Everton home and away - the first thing he did was put their star players on their arse and dominated them. Another massive oversight with Hodgson's selection, a man who seems to be keeping his job now. Unbelievable.
People are going on about how Hodgson's saving grace was putting faith in young players. There's a degree of truth to that, but in reality, who else was he going to pick? Cleverly and Young? There was no real option but to rely on players like Sterling who have been great in the PL all last season.
I find it hard to defend his tactical approach and his in-match decisions.
Great performance by France. They are another strong looking team that I wouldn't be surprised to see them make it to the final game. I am still waiting to see how well Germany does in their next game.
Think is you can't give Woy credit for picking the youngsters unless you also give him credit for putting his trousers on. It was a no brainer to play Sterling, Barkley, etc so to give him credit for that is nonsensical. But it's what the media will use, determined to keep him in the dugout as they can easily manipulate him to do and say what they want.
As for France I wasn't sure about them (Honduras were woeful) but they look the real deal. They always blow hot one World Cup and cold the next. This is their hot one. They could be a real contender... until they hit Germany in the quarters. What a great game that will be! Shame Evra plays for them.
Martin O'Neil doesn't take crap from anyone does he? Wasted on ITV. God I hate their coverage. So annoyed both games tonight are on there. Oh well, God bless 5Live commentary.
I think Lawro is a genius, especially when with Alan Green on 5Live. The pair of them are what you want, honest. Same with Hansen, was a joy watching him rip into England while Thierry Henry just sat there looking stunned. Also love how Lawro looks like he's melting.
How good are Iran playing? Making the Argies look what they are, average and reliant on Messi who - once again - hasn't turned up. Hope they get the winner the Iranians, would be the defining moment of this World Cup. Neil Lennon is squealing like a girl who's seen a pony on 5Live every time Iran go near :')
EDIT: Then Messi goes and does that. Swine! Wonderful shot. He doesn't look fit or even interested though. Better teams than Iran will annihilate Argentina.
Germany vs Ghana should be good. I think if Germany wreck Ghana - we're talking 3-0, 4-0, that kind of thing - Germany can go on and win it. If they dominate, they're the team to fear I reckon.
If they get Ozil out the first XI they'll beat anyone. He's just lost the plot completely and has lost everything that four years ago made him seem like the only one player who could potentially get close to Messi and Ronaldo.
"Oh smeg. What the smegging smegs he smegging done? He's smegging killed me."
Costa Rica were superb. Italy looked like they were running through treacle for 90mins. I thought they'd come out in the second half and play better, but they were just as bad.
One thing I've noticed, don't know if it's the heat or what, but these teams that are winning are the teams that chase down the ball fast and play one touch passing. Italy today = slow. England in both games = mostly slow. Never closing anyone down. Even Spain were passing so slowly.
Then look at the good performances we've seen. Netherlands against Spain; fast, decisive football and they closed Spain down with two or three men at all times. Germany against Portugal, same thing. Argentina in the last 20 mins: incredibly fast football. It's the winning formula in this tournament.
And I agree about Balotelli. He isn't reliable, too temperamental. Should have been subbed for Immobile maybe. Poor performance all around, though.
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Topic: The Pushsquare FIFA World Cup Thread
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