I think Lukaku is going to be too tough of a matchup for Brazil's defense.
will love to see if Neymar has teh balls to flop again and if he'll get away with it.
Question for you guys. I know the refs have been from countries who didn't make the world cup - does that continue to be the case or is it possible to have a ref of an eliminated team? I'm assuming it is the former. I wonder if that means Geiger could get another game?
he’s been on of the top players of the tournament and is just so hard to defend on set pieces and corners. I hope the reports are wrong and he suits up.
any team but thr flopping Brazilians and English Â
he’s been on of the top players of the tournament and is just so hard to defend on set pieces and corners. I hope the reports are wrong and he suits up.
Last word this morning is likely active but on the bench.
The Belgians incredible comeback overshadowed some real problems they had defending on the wings. And while Japan is a fine squad, they don't have anywhere near the talent the Brazilians possess. If Marcelo is back especially, they could wear them out down the left flank. And now Fernandinho steps in for Casemiro and he's arguably better. Incredible depth on that squad
Of course the attacking talent on Belgium is capable. But the Brazil defense has been stifling as well. Four shots on goal allowed in four games. Roberto Martinez said his team is going to go for it though, they won't sit back. Should make for an exciting game at the very least.
France/Uruguay could be a defensive struggle. Mbappe isn't going to be making 60 yard runs against that defense. Fascinating to see Griezmann go up against the center back tandem from his club team. If Cavani is out though I question where the chances will come. I think France nicks one and goes on 1-0. Big game for Pogba
The Belgians incredible comeback overshadowed some real problems they had defending on the wings. And while Japan is a fine squad, they don't have anywhere near the talent the Brazilians possess. If Marcelo is back especially, they could wear them out down the left flank. And now Fernandinho steps in for Casemiro and he's arguably better. Incredible depth on that squad
Of course the attacking talent on Belgium is capable. But the Brazil defense has been stifling as well. Four shots on goal allowed in four games. Roberto Martinez said his team is going to go for it though, they won't sit back. Should make for an exciting game at the very least.
France/Uruguay could be a defensive struggle. Mbappe isn't going to be making 60 yard runs against that defense. Fascinating to see Griezmann go up against the center back tandem from his club team. If Cavani is out though I question where the chances will come. I think France nicks one and goes on 1-0. Big game for Pogba
I agree about Brazil, and the problems that Belgium had on the wings against Japan.
how much stock I would put in Belgium's performance vs. Japan.
When they needed to comeback and get the win, they did. We've seen a lot of times in the World Cup where a team plays a lackluster game, especially against a lesser opponent and then is in form the following match.
Brazil hasn't been dominant either, but their defense has been very good. I do think Lukaku represents a challenge they haven't had had to face yet.
I usually don’t do the game-to-game analysis in the World Cup since it’s such a unique tournament with a ton of variables. Why not talk about Belgiums. They let us 2 goals in group play, 1 of which was in garbage time having a 5-1 lead. You can point to 3 games or 1 game vs Japan and make an argument either way.
in Uruguay v Portugal is excellent...smart, quick, tough and tenacious, always in good position. I don't know where he plays for Club, but he is making a name for himself, to me in any event...good and tough soccer being played today
and though it wouldn't be his best side or flank Â
would make for an interesting semi.
Lean toward Uruguay...
Croatia and Sweden
Lean toward Sweden...
Final Sweden vs Uruguay....
Uruguay first Non-European Team to win in Europe...
And Meola (who I think has done a very good job) made a great point: when Griezemann stutter stepped, you saw the Uruguyan defenders in the box move toward their marks/assigned positions and then go flat footed, lost their rhythm and their concentration. You don't see that from a FK (not from the spot) that far out very often.
The Belgians incredible comeback overshadowed some real problems they had defending on the wings. And while Japan is a fine squad, they don't have anywhere near the talent the Brazilians possess. If Marcelo is back especially, they could wear them out down the left flank. And now Fernandinho steps in for Casemiro and he's arguably better. Incredible depth on that squad
Of course the attacking talent on Belgium is capable. But the Brazil defense has been stifling as well. Four shots on goal allowed in four games. Roberto Martinez said his team is going to go for it though, they won't sit back. Should make for an exciting game at the very least.
France/Uruguay could be a defensive struggle. Mbappe isn't going to be making 60 yard runs against that defense. Fascinating to see Griezmann go up against the center back tandem from his club team. If Cavani is out though I question where the chances will come. I think France nicks one and goes on 1-0. Big game for Pogba
While he's a limited player, Boyata is big, strong and relatively quick. They didn't exactly look particularly solid when he played (the first 3 games) but he was cleaning up the majority of the crossed balls. As much as I like Kompany the injuries have caught up with him, he's practically immobile at this point and is continually out of position. Vertoghen isn't the most mobile either, and their fullbacks are pretty lackluster defensively.
you may have missed it, but in the scrum following Mbappe's apparent dive as players from both teams were pressing in on the ref and on each other, Pogba grapped a Uruguyan player behind his neck.
That's why you saw a moment later an irate Griezemann push Pogba away from the scrum with a lot of force and why, a moment later, you saw Duchamps and Pogba one on one.
And, lol as to Suarez: after a previous foul where play was stopped for "injury", on the sporting clear to give possession, Suarez chased it down when France assumed it would go unmolested back to Lloris...smh
that if he is sent off, or even cautioned (and I think he was sitting on one?), it has the potential to change the complexion dramatically, not only possibly taking him off the field but putting France at 10.
I had zero interest in taking a potshot at him and my main impression in watching him with his various EPL Clubs is that he has yet to find his potential, probably because managers are trying to figure out his best role, position and chemistry.
please flesh that out for me. I know Arsenal has needs, a lot of needs--and I (certainly) don't know what type of attacking club it will be post-Wenger--but why are you saying Torreira would be so key?
Hasn’t had a true defensive midfielder in years. No offense to Xhaka, but he’s just not that guy. His positioning isn’t good enough, he’s not quick enough, and he doesn’t have the tactical awareness. The best CDMs in the world (Kante/Busquets/etc) cannot be underrated. They don’t stand out unless you watch them, and their positioning is just so good that they clog up passing lanes and protect the CBs.
Having a player like Torreira who tactically and positionally is so smart. And who is willing to stay in his position for 90 minutes would do wonders to protect Sokratis and Chambers (or whoever is starting at CB on day 1).
Hasn’t had a true defensive midfielder in years. No offense to Xhaka, but he’s just not that guy. His positioning isn’t good enough, he’s not quick enough, and he doesn’t have the tactical awareness. The best CDMs in the world (Kante/Busquets/etc) cannot be underrated. They don’t stand out unless you watch them, and their positioning is just so good that they clog up passing lanes and protect the CBs.
Having a player like Torreira who tactically and positionally is so smart. And who is willing to stay in his position for 90 minutes would do wonders to protect Sokratis and Chambers (or whoever is starting at CB on day 1).
Chambers just signed an extension, you would think it is him, but of course it should be the Great Wall of Greece.
I think that’s right. Assuming Torreira is in the squad, I’d guess a first 11 of something like:
Cech
Bellerin Chambers Sokratis Monreal
Torreira Ramsey
Mkhitaryan Ozil ???
Aubemayang
I don’t know who plays on the left...could be Ramsey with Xhaka playing deeper. Could be Iwobi. Could be a player to be determined.
that if he is sent off, or even cautioned (and I think he was sitting on one?), it has the potential to change the complexion dramatically, not only possibly taking him off the field but putting France at 10.
I had zero interest in taking a potshot at him and my main impression in watching him with his various EPL Clubs is that he has yet to find his potential, probably because managers are trying to figure out his best role, position and chemistry.
Totally agree on that last part. doesn't help having the rigid, past his prime Mourinho managing him now
I think Lukaku is going to be too tough of a matchup for Brazil's defense.
will love to see if Neymar has teh balls to flop again and if he'll get away with it.
Question for you guys. I know the refs have been from countries who didn't make the world cup - does that continue to be the case or is it possible to have a ref of an eliminated team? I'm assuming it is the former. I wonder if that means Geiger could get another game?
Last word this morning is likely active but on the bench.
Of course the attacking talent on Belgium is capable. But the Brazil defense has been stifling as well. Four shots on goal allowed in four games. Roberto Martinez said his team is going to go for it though, they won't sit back. Should make for an exciting game at the very least.
France/Uruguay could be a defensive struggle. Mbappe isn't going to be making 60 yard runs against that defense. Fascinating to see Griezmann go up against the center back tandem from his club team. If Cavani is out though I question where the chances will come. I think France nicks one and goes on 1-0. Big game for Pogba
Of course the attacking talent on Belgium is capable. But the Brazil defense has been stifling as well. Four shots on goal allowed in four games. Roberto Martinez said his team is going to go for it though, they won't sit back. Should make for an exciting game at the very least.
France/Uruguay could be a defensive struggle. Mbappe isn't going to be making 60 yard runs against that defense. Fascinating to see Griezmann go up against the center back tandem from his club team. If Cavani is out though I question where the chances will come. I think France nicks one and goes on 1-0. Big game for Pogba
I agree about Brazil, and the problems that Belgium had on the wings against Japan.
When they needed to comeback and get the win, they did. We've seen a lot of times in the World Cup where a team plays a lackluster game, especially against a lesser opponent and then is in form the following match.
Brazil hasn't been dominant either, but their defense has been very good. I do think Lukaku represents a challenge they haven't had had to face yet.
Also, the Belgium offense going against the Brazil defense will be fascinating to watch. Unstoppable object meet immovable force.
Bobby Humphrey's Earpad : 10:48 am : link : reply
and he's having a bad game as an announcer.
He was bugging the shit out of me on how he was pronouncing Eden Hazard's name last game.
When he's considered one of USA's best announcers, you know it is time for a change
Lean toward Uruguay...
Croatia and Sweden
Lean toward Sweden...
Final Sweden vs Uruguay....
Uruguay first Non-European Team to win in Europe...
Of course the attacking talent on Belgium is capable. But the Brazil defense has been stifling as well. Four shots on goal allowed in four games. Roberto Martinez said his team is going to go for it though, they won't sit back. Should make for an exciting game at the very least.
France/Uruguay could be a defensive struggle. Mbappe isn't going to be making 60 yard runs against that defense. Fascinating to see Griezmann go up against the center back tandem from his club team. If Cavani is out though I question where the chances will come. I think France nicks one and goes on 1-0. Big game for Pogba
While he's a limited player, Boyata is big, strong and relatively quick. They didn't exactly look particularly solid when he played (the first 3 games) but he was cleaning up the majority of the crossed balls. As much as I like Kompany the injuries have caught up with him, he's practically immobile at this point and is continually out of position. Vertoghen isn't the most mobile either, and their fullbacks are pretty lackluster defensively.
Nice play by Pogba to start it in the midfield winning the ball
How so?
The team with Luis Suarez probably shouldn't be lecturing on flopping
That's why you saw a moment later an irate Griezemann push Pogba away from the scrum with a lot of force and why, a moment later, you saw Duchamps and Pogba one on one.
And, lol as to Suarez: after a previous foul where play was stopped for "injury", on the sporting clear to give possession, Suarez chased it down when France assumed it would go unmolested back to Lloris...smh
Got a little wound up there, for sure though
Certainly a shame for Cavani though.
I had zero interest in taking a potshot at him and my main impression in watching him with his various EPL Clubs is that he has yet to find his potential, probably because managers are trying to figure out his best role, position and chemistry.
Having a player like Torreira who tactically and positionally is so smart. And who is willing to stay in his position for 90 minutes would do wonders to protect Sokratis and Chambers (or whoever is starting at CB on day 1).
Cavani does so much by coming deep into midfield. What a shame.
Having a player like Torreira who tactically and positionally is so smart. And who is willing to stay in his position for 90 minutes would do wonders to protect Sokratis and Chambers (or whoever is starting at CB on day 1).
Chambers just signed an extension, you would think it is him, but of course it should be the Great Wall of Greece.
Cech
Bellerin Chambers Sokratis Monreal
Torreira Ramsey
Mkhitaryan Ozil ???
Aubemayang
I don’t know who plays on the left...could be Ramsey with Xhaka playing deeper. Could be Iwobi. Could be a player to be determined.
I had zero interest in taking a potshot at him and my main impression in watching him with his various EPL Clubs is that he has yet to find his potential, probably because managers are trying to figure out his best role, position and chemistry.
Totally agree on that last part. doesn't help having the rigid, past his prime Mourinho managing him now
Picture Collinsworth in a soccer booth.
The way Lalas talks, you'd think he was an all-world player and one of the best defenders around.
Picture Collinsworth in a soccer booth.
The way Lalas talks, you'd think he was an all-world player and one of the best defenders around.
I don't mind him but he lost me when he spent the pregame comparing Mbappe to Kobe and Wayne f'n Gretzky.