Its weird, because the Winter and Summer Olympics are every 4 years, and you get the same mentality ( USA on the front of the Jersey) but it seems like the World Cup is made into a bigger deal than said Olympics.
Very interested to see just how good Belgium are today. I have never heard the term "Tournament Dark Horses" used so much to describe a team at the world cup. They seem to have great players in pretty much every position bar left and right back (their assumed starting 11 would be 4 center backs and no natural left/right backs) and a few injuries just before the tournament. But they look to have one of the best midfields in the competition.
Well, I would watch more soccer if there was good soccer on TV. I think there is some on FOX Sports, but it is during the work day.
Very curious about Belgium, too. But as long as South Korea advances, I don't care who else does in this group.
Belgium were certainly interesting. Very poor until Fellaini came on and they decided to go for it. Once they scored they seemed pretty good, though Algeria were not great at all. Really shows how important having actual Left and Right backs are, no matter how good your midfield is. Brazil-Mexico has started pretty feisty, lots of tackles flying in. If it keeps up like this we will be seeing some reds.
The Mexican goalie was incredible, it could have easily been 3-0 Brazil if he didn't make some amazing saves.
Belgium were very creaky and provided nothing for Lukaku. If Algeria had been more open to taking risks the might have scored that crucial second goal. As you say, you need specialist fullbacks unless you're just planning on Stoke Citying it up. And with a team of 6 footers the Belgiums can do that. Is Eamon Dunphy behaving himself? I see he's accidently swore on air.
He had to apologise live on air, an awkward speaking directly into the camera moment. At least he makes coverage entertaining
I can't dude because n my country, the matches are screened at midnight, 3am and 6am. I got to be selective or I will 'die' of exhaustion at the work. That's the reason why I didn't stay up to watch the match. I was predicting at least a 2-goal win for the Germans. The German national team really play as a 'unit' unlike the Portugal national team. No offense to any Portuguese fans but in my part of the world, we dislike the 'play-acting' of the team. Sure, play acting has been a major problem in years but since 2006, the theatrics of the Portugal team has gotten worse since the World Cup 2006. Oh yeah, watch Robben's 2nd goal against Spain. The way he out-sprinted Ramos to the ball, the way he teased and fooled Castillas, not once but twice before scoring past 2 defenders on the line. It showed how determined Robben was to make amends for the 2010 final. Let's not forget the Dutch were already leading 4-1 at that stage. If only they weren't so negative four years ago. The problem with the Dutch is that the team is so full of egos and full of in-fighting. I don't find Belgium impressive. Sure in theory they have very skilful players but IMO they still lack the experience. Maybe they will share at the Euros in 2 yrs' time or at the next World Cup. With regards to Brazil...IMO I don't think they will win this year's tourney too...I love Brazil but they lack a true no. 9, in the vein of Ronaldo (the original one) or Romario...its so ironic especially for a country like Brazil. People forgot that in the Brazilian teams of 1994 to 2010, they had 'established' attacking midfielders and strikers. In this team, Neymar and Oscar are still 'work-in-progress'. Oh yeah, Russia and South Korea drew 1-1!
Ouch, they're some really inconvenient times. We haven't had it that bad since USA 1994, kids falling asleep in class if I remember correctly. First KO for us is 5pm, which is just about perfect. He's certainly a character. I'd swap him for some of the bland pundits we're having to put up with. Someone should tell the BBC and ITV that great players don't automatically make great orators.
That Cahill goal for Australia was a beauty. Second best goal of the tourney so far after VanPersie's against Brazil. It's a shame the Aussie's can't defend, the have 3 goals so far and 0 points to show for it. The first Dutch goal, it seemed like they just let Robben run in and take a shot uncontested.
Wanted the SK win, but better than a loss I guess. This is going to be a must win for Spain. Should be a good game
Wow Spain have imploded, Chile taking complete advantage. Shows what has been Spain's problem all along, a suspect defence and far too much of a reliance on their midfielders. You would almost forget that Torres and Villa are in the squad. At this stage I think they need to completely change things up, Bring on Torres and Villa and play 4-3-3 or something. They need goals badly. On the other hand, Holland Vs Australia was a great game. Lots of good goals and it really showed how Holland could again switch gears and win when needed. Blind has been so good in the first two games, he will be in high demand in this transfer window, hopefully to Man United
IMO not only was the Spain goalie out of form (only mostly in UCL games), they lacked a leader for the defense since Puyol retired. They looked so slow and not as sharp as they were. The Holland-Australia game was a cracker with both teams attacking each other. Cahill's volley was good and even more surprising was Robben not 'falling/diving' on the way to scoring the opening goal.
The Spaniards looked shattered and they compromised their solidity and shape with Diego Costa. I'm not a fan of the false 9 but Cesc in the role would have at least given them a better grounding between attack and midfield. Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Ramos - players who've won everything thereis to win in the game and they looked atrocious. Alonso couldn't play as badly again if he tried. Looking forward to the England match. I can see it ending in a draw, Suarez possibly 'winning' a penalty in the process.
