As for my own unique highlights, it had to be the moment when Mikkel Beckmann came on for Denmark against Holland. Tenuous links in my mind drew me to a former Middlesbrough and Derby striker and a random sporting lookalike. What do you think?
My mind works in mysterious ways. Here are the conversations the BtC team have been having over the past few days. RM
GM: There has basically been a premium on attacking talent at the same time that a swathe of defensive-minded teams have emerged. Some, like Japan and Switzerland have gotten the wins, but in both cases it was down to the opponents ineptitude than their own good work. The Swiss were good, to be fair. Solidly organised, but they would have not got any more than a 0-0 if it wasn't for the spanish defence failing miserably to do their job. The defensive frailties that were papered over at Euro 2008 I think will come back to haunt them eventually; as I have already predicted against Germany in the semis. Japan benefited from playing an inept and incompetent Cameroon who, lack of form or not, delivered a performance that disgraced Africa. Naivety and laziness on show in abundance as they failed completely to up the tempo when 1-0 down, and to involve Eto'o in the game. No-one on the Japan team stood out except perhaps Tulio Tanaka at CB.
RM: I don't necessarily believe that this World Cup will be defined by defensive solidity. Both Switzerland and North Korea were really well organised but this was essentially their World Cup Final against the two favourites feeling their way into the competition. With varying results of course! Brazil looked strong from 1-11, with Robinho finally showing what he's capable of to the people of Manchester. Maicon looked like Cafu and Michel Bastos also impressed with his bombing runs forward. In fact, I've never seen a more solid Brazilian back 5. There is more to come there. But Spain have always been a confidence team and with a guaranteed tough second round match coming, it's difficult to see if they pick themselves up. Villa and Torres both lacked sharpness and Iniesta looked impotent. Jesus Navas was the only threat when he came on and must start next time. They ran out of heart, something the Swiss were never short of. They'll still go nowhere in the tournament!
GM: The north Koreans, should be lauded for their combative display against Brazil. Well done to the korean number 9 for his passion (see crying at the anthem). And he's not even from north korea!
RM: His family had been seized by the Dear Leader, he needed to perfom if he wanted to see them again.
GM: Well done also to New Zealand for their deserved result. Slovakia actually looked decent in attack apart from the fact that they have the scoring potential of a burns victim with no penis.
RM: Something they have in common with Italy - I know I said Cameroon would beat them in the second round (you're right they were truly awful against an average Japan side), and their performance gave me evidence to back it up - you'll never see the holders look so shaky in their defence. Sorry, see France 2002. Cannavaro looked past it and horribly out of position for the goal. With Buffon out, their is no player in the vital Italian defence to inspire confidence. An early crash out is still on the cards, but they and maybe Spain will be the only big guns to fall early (Spain only because of the draw really)
GM: Italy were simply abject in front of goal; Gilardino is woeful. Cassano and Pazzini should be their front two -neither are in the squad. Lippi relying on the past? Chile looked decent, and struck me as a good attacking outfit. But they're pretty much on their own in that regard. Overall, it has been too easy for teams to play solid defensive football, basically just packing the park and denying space. Too many teams just end up slowing the ball down in the final third and ending up trying to play through about 9 bodies. Maybe the pitches are narrow (they seem like they are), but there just seems to be a chronic lack of pace.Also, the attackers haven't been performing and the world class shots (Ronaldo, Alonso) have been hitting the woodwork. Hopefully, these things are just down to luck and we can still see some more goals in the upcoming matches!
RM: Hope comes from the Germans, who looked so fluid in their movement against the Aussies, although it remains to be seen if they can repeat that against stronger opposition and indeed a team with 11 men. The horse had bolted when Cahill walked but it was still an awful refereeing decision. Tactical analysis on that game to come
Spain crashing out in the group stages? Have you been drinking? :P
ReplyDeleteEngland, France and Italy are probably those at greatest risk as it stands (although quite a few other 'big' teams will need to perform in their last games . . .).
I agree that, so far, teams that have emphasised a well-drilled, 'solid' defence have tended to punch above their weight but, like you said, this may be aided by the big names not performing {cough} WAYNE ROONEY {cough}.
When I say early I mean second round mate. Purely because they stand to face Portugal or Brazil and are sure to be low on confidence. In fact I'm positive Jesus Navas will have had another panic attack by now.
ReplyDeleteEngland will get through that group because they always perform when they need to in group games. Then revert to type in the knockouts. Italy certainly will get through as they have an easy group but after that will struggle.
France I do not classify as a "big team" in this tournament - they'll be gone by Tuesday.
Ryan