They just have such depth and talent all over their squad. Belgium has 2-3 players as good as anybody but they can’t match the depth the French have
I expressed some confidence before the tournament in this French squad. I just really liked how they were set up in the midfield. I know Pogba has his critics but I think he’s had a really tournament and he and Kante have controlled the center of the field. I think they’ll bring home the cup
I don't think there has been a better CB in the World then Varane. He is fucking phenomenal for club and country. He just dominates the opponent and hardly ever is caught out of position because of his speed.
They were--ably supported by the work of Pogba, Kanté and Matuidi in front of them
Agreed here, Varane especially has impressed me. With Varane, Umtiti, Kante, Pogba down the middle and then Loris behind them, that’s a really strong spine of the squad
There was one play where Varane outran Hazard and shielded the ball out of bounds. It was absolutely absurd...I had no idea that Varane had that kind of speed.
but then again I couldn’t see them losing to Portugal without Ronaldo two years ago. So we’ll see, but this is a better team than they had at the Euros. Kante and Varane didn’t play in that final. Such a huge difference.
There was one play where Varane outran Hazard and shielded the ball out of bounds. It was absolutely absurd...I had no idea that Varane had that kind of speed.
He's insanely fast. Especially for a guy his size. I can't even count the number of times he's saved Real Madrid's (Mostly Ramos & Marcelo's ass) with his speed. They are constantly caught out of position and he has a long ass sprint to stop an attack basically by himself.
Kante is entering the exalted Makelele territory as a defensive midfielder. What a force...and in combination with the Varane/Umtiti combo that is tough to beat.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Kante is entering the exalted Makelele territory as a defensive midfielder. What a force...and in combination with the Varane/Umtiti combo that is tough to beat.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.
I don't think Martinez set them up for success. They should have been playing Hazard and Mertens into those spaces out wide, where, as you said, Pavard and Hernandez could be exposed, but he instead played with basically 4 holding midfielders.
Chadli went 1-11 for crosses into the box. I wonder what would have happened if that was a natural left winger.
Kante is entering the exalted Makelele territory as a defensive midfielder. What a force...and in combination with the Varane/Umtiti combo that is tough to beat.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.
Kante is so technically sound when it comes positioning and stopping the ball. If this was hockey - he'd be Scott Stevens. A rare talent, who always seems to be where he needs to be.
Kante is entering the exalted Makelele territory as a defensive midfielder. What a force...and in combination with the Varane/Umtiti combo that is tough to beat.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.
I don't think Martinez set them up for success. They should have been playing Hazard and Mertens into those spaces out wide, where, as you said, Pavard and Hernandez could be exposed, but he instead played with basically 4 holding midfielders.
Chadli went 1-11 for crosses into the box. I wonder what would have happened if that was a natural left winger.
FWIW, if I had to bet today, I would put money on Martinez becoming the next USMNT coach.
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
This whole GM process has really slowed things down. Fortunately they got the right guy with Ernie Stewart. But yeah, I'm not sure why it's taken so long, unless they are targeting someone still in the WC.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them....
I mentioned at end of 45 that Hazard was just abusing Pavard, and said Duchamps needed to figure it out, because Pavard was leaving his jock on the pitch, several runs in a row. And then...it just stopped. As far as I could tell, Hazard shifted mostly toward the center of the pitch, I didn't see whether Kanté was cheating to deny him space on the left flank.
That said, I thought Hazard has a really strong game in both roles. Lukaku seemed lost, without possession if he were hold-up and not playing in space in any counter attacking role. DeBruyne was rendered irrelevant for the most part. In 2H Belgium played to French defensive strength after going wide most of 1H.
[Link to the dissection piece of USSF and its managerial disasters?]
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
This whole GM process has really slowed things down. Fortunately they got the right guy with Ernie Stewart. But yeah, I'm not sure why it's taken so long, unless they are targeting someone still in the WC.
Or they’re allowing Berhalter to finish the season with Columbus.
it turns out that Mounieur ended up being their most essential player. No width, no service with him on suspension. France got a real break not having to worry about him, just like they caught a break with the Cavani injury.
This whole GM process has really slowed things down. Fortunately they got the right guy with Ernie Stewart. But yeah, I'm not sure why it's taken so long, unless they are targeting someone still in the WC.
Maybe not somebody still in the WC, but somebody who coached in the World Cup and they are waiting for it to finish before announcing a hiring.
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
This whole GM process has really slowed things down. Fortunately they got the right guy with Ernie Stewart. But yeah, I'm not sure why it's taken so long, unless they are targeting someone still in the WC.
Or they’re allowing Berhalter to finish the season with Columbus.
more PL than any other league, but what France did in the last 15-20 minutes of the game last night was disgraceful. I understand the art of stalling, but their was not art in their attempts to do it yesterday. It was just frankly terrible for the sport on such a big stage and the ref should have done more to stop it. I think the 6 minutes stoppage time was a result of that crap and then during stoppage time I would have added 2 more minutes at least if I was the ref. France is also beatable. I actually think England or Croatia could, but probably won't, do it. Modric would give France fits and I think England's midfield would expose the soft underbelly of France. Anwyay, I will not be rooting for them in the final after that display of garbage at the end of the game. Rant over.
I'm not learned about MSL rosters, let alone managers, but as to the process dragging on, maybe relevant to point out that there's a new guy at the top. As we've seen with the last two USMNT managers, problems abound above and behind them. I have zero sense of Cordeiro either, but there is a lot to be put in order both before and after a hiring is announced.
Doesn’t know a thing about soccer. He ran as a business guy, and the powers that be liked that they could continue to get rich with little transparency. He was the status quo pick, basically. Earnie Stewart is the guy picking the next coach. I wouldn’t be upset with Berhalter. He smart as hell, a hard worker, a student of the game, and adaptable. I also wouldn’t be upset with Juan Carlos Osorio
One thing that could work against Berhalter, is that his brother Jay is third in command of US Soccer, and would probably be second in command if Dan Flynn retires. I guess that could help Gregg??
USSF realities same as FIFA's, why should I be surprised, and a Giant Squid (GS) alum to boot. Osorio would be a hoot: he took such heat early on, but I liked Mexico's tournament, guys on the pitch all seemed on the same page, couldn't stay with BR
I agree that Martinez made a lineup error in the 2nd half and probably should have put in Mertens earlier BUT these victories so much depend on performance at key seconds in the match:
That awesome save by Lloris on the Alderweireld shot in the first half really should have been a goal. Also, that cross by DeBruyne in the first half that Umtiti foiled was going straight to Lukaku for an easy goal. If Belgium scores on those opportunities - and they should have on both - they probably go on to win.
Whether the coach lineup decisions look smart or dumb really depends on these key moments. In fact, the biggest lineup mistake I saw was to start Giroud and France won the game anyway. The Giroud we saw in the World Cup was exactly the Giroud I see in the Premier league. He's always screwing up and failing to put shots on target. That's his MO. You know how Ronaldo has an instinct for the net? Well, Giroud has an anti-instinct. He's always wide.
Two terrific teams played their hearts out. France was slightly luckier and won 1-0. Let's not cast aspersions on the players or the coaches, most of whom were absolutely excellent and gave us a wonderful game.
would pave the way for Courtois and Hazard also to depart, both of whom are in need of contract-extensions.
Unless Kanté wants the move, Chelsea won’t let him go at any price. Though I agree all these teams should be targeting him. He’s fantastic
Looks like Chelsea has snaked Man City’s deal for Napoli’s Jorginho. Perfect player to pair with Kanté. Along with Sarrin coming in to manage, hopefully that convinces Hazard, Kanté, and the rest to stay
I agree...lots and lots of quality on display yesterday. Martinez said it himself afterwards - Belgium lost because of one detail. That's what makes this the best tournament in the world in any sport, and the hardest to win - 4 years of preparation and work can be undone by a single moment. And in these elimination matches the margins are so small.
It's why I think today's winner is going to have a tough time with France on Sunday. France's "problem preventers" - Kante, Varane, Umtiti, and Lloris - are all excellent and all in great form. They have conceded 4 goals in 6 matches...but 3 of those goals came in the Argentina match. It just seems like any goal they concede on Sunday will have to come at an enormous cost of work, because they aren't going to gift anything.
So who has the better chance? Croatia has the genius in Modric, but England looks better equipped to attack the flanks and their system will be quite different from what France has faced to this point.
but for all the versatility Manzudic offers, he's not that differential tier of player - further, any team with Lovren as a centerback is ripe for exploitation. I like England in this one!
I expressed some confidence before the tournament in this French squad. I just really liked how they were set up in the midfield. I know Pogba has his critics but I think he’s had a really tournament and he and Kante have controlled the center of the field. I think they’ll bring home the cup
Agreed here, Varane especially has impressed me. With Varane, Umtiti, Kante, Pogba down the middle and then Loris behind them, that’s a really strong spine of the squad
I can't see how England or Croatia beat them. They are ridiculous.
He's insanely fast. Especially for a guy his size. I can't even count the number of times he's saved Real Madrid's (Mostly Ramos & Marcelo's ass) with his speed. They are constantly caught out of position and he has a long ass sprint to stop an attack basically by himself.
I wouldve started Batshuayi instead
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.
I don't think Martinez set them up for success. They should have been playing Hazard and Mertens into those spaces out wide, where, as you said, Pavard and Hernandez could be exposed, but he instead played with basically 4 holding midfielders.
Chadli went 1-11 for crosses into the box. I wonder what would have happened if that was a natural left winger.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.
Kante is so technically sound when it comes positioning and stopping the ball. If this was hockey - he'd be Scott Stevens. A rare talent, who always seems to be where he needs to be.
Quote:
Kante is entering the exalted Makelele territory as a defensive midfielder. What a force...and in combination with the Varane/Umtiti combo that is tough to beat.
That said, France is weak at fullback and I was disappointed that Hazard and De Bruyne weren't able to exploit those areas more. It looked very promising early on for them.
Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.
I don't think Martinez set them up for success. They should have been playing Hazard and Mertens into those spaces out wide, where, as you said, Pavard and Hernandez could be exposed, but he instead played with basically 4 holding midfielders.
Chadli went 1-11 for crosses into the box. I wonder what would have happened if that was a natural left winger.
FWIW, if I had to bet today, I would put money on Martinez becoming the next USMNT coach.
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
This whole GM process has really slowed things down. Fortunately they got the right guy with Ernie Stewart. But yeah, I'm not sure why it's taken so long, unless they are targeting someone still in the WC.
That said, I thought Hazard has a really strong game in both roles. Lukaku seemed lost, without possession if he were hold-up and not playing in space in any counter attacking role. DeBruyne was rendered irrelevant for the most part. In 2H Belgium played to French defensive strength after going wide most of 1H.
[Link to the dissection piece of USSF and its managerial disasters?]
Quote:
That would be wonderful.
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
This whole GM process has really slowed things down. Fortunately they got the right guy with Ernie Stewart. But yeah, I'm not sure why it's taken so long, unless they are targeting someone still in the WC.
Or they’re allowing Berhalter to finish the season with Columbus.
Quote:
[Link to the dissection piece of USSF and its managerial disasters?]
Is this the piece you were looking for, in The Ringer?
Own Goal - ( New Window )
Maybe not somebody still in the WC, but somebody who coached in the World Cup and they are waiting for it to finish before announcing a hiring.
Quote:
In comment 14010153 Go Terps said:
Quote:
That would be wonderful.
Why have they taken so long? In the time since Arena left teams have qualified for the World Cup, competed in the World Cup, and hired a new manager since (Spain has already hired Luis Enrique).
It's been an entire human gestation period since Arena left. What the fuck.
This whole GM process has really slowed things down. Fortunately they got the right guy with Ernie Stewart. But yeah, I'm not sure why it's taken so long, unless they are targeting someone still in the WC.
Or they’re allowing Berhalter to finish the season with Columbus.
This is another good point.
One thing that could work against Berhalter, is that his brother Jay is third in command of US Soccer, and would probably be second in command if Dan Flynn retires. I guess that could help Gregg??
This would be a smart and winning move.
That awesome save by Lloris on the Alderweireld shot in the first half really should have been a goal. Also, that cross by DeBruyne in the first half that Umtiti foiled was going straight to Lukaku for an easy goal. If Belgium scores on those opportunities - and they should have on both - they probably go on to win.
Whether the coach lineup decisions look smart or dumb really depends on these key moments. In fact, the biggest lineup mistake I saw was to start Giroud and France won the game anyway. The Giroud we saw in the World Cup was exactly the Giroud I see in the Premier league. He's always screwing up and failing to put shots on target. That's his MO. You know how Ronaldo has an instinct for the net? Well, Giroud has an anti-instinct. He's always wide.
Two terrific teams played their hearts out. France was slightly luckier and won 1-0. Let's not cast aspersions on the players or the coaches, most of whom were absolutely excellent and gave us a wonderful game.
Unless Kanté wants the move, Chelsea won’t let him go at any price. Though I agree all these teams should be targeting him. He’s fantastic
Looks like Chelsea has snaked Man City’s deal for Napoli’s Jorginho. Perfect player to pair with Kanté. Along with Sarrin coming in to manage, hopefully that convinces Hazard, Kanté, and the rest to stay
It's why I think today's winner is going to have a tough time with France on Sunday. France's "problem preventers" - Kante, Varane, Umtiti, and Lloris - are all excellent and all in great form. They have conceded 4 goals in 6 matches...but 3 of those goals came in the Argentina match. It just seems like any goal they concede on Sunday will have to come at an enormous cost of work, because they aren't going to gift anything.
So who has the better chance? Croatia has the genius in Modric, but England looks better equipped to attack the flanks and their system will be quite different from what France has faced to this point.
I think England moves on to the final. Could see Sterling getting on the score sheet today. He should have had a few against Sweden.
Where does the fucking time go?
Excellent shot!
Wow.
It's a shame because his movement is fantastic.