The 2013 Confederations Cup Thread

[The9]

that argument is stupid. why people say that is stupid. (i know you are not actually meaning it here)

Like when papa waigo was always woefully offside. people actually said that it was because he was miles better than everyone else.

 

Two different arguments. For instance, if Gaston was in the midfield passing to Waigo he'd have the ball before he had the chance to get offside, rather than making an early run that wasn't spotted and getting offside waiting for Hammond to actually pass it. Waigo's runs were usually too straight or just too early for the players around him. Plus as it turned out, we had a side full of players who never play through balls anyway and would rather set up Richardson or Fox to cross for Lambert the season after.

 

One of the reasons Gaston hasn't looked great for us is because he has no-one making runs up front to pass to and ends up shuffling it sideways or forcing a through ball which has to be far too precise for the recipient to actually get it. Give him someone to pass to and you'd expect better results. Suarez is perfect for that, but didn't come on until after Ramirez had gone off, and it wasn't like there wasn't a queue of others playing easy balls through Tahiti anyway.

 

Though he has also had a load of "trotting around not doing anything special" games like this one too. He also took another crappy free-kick.

[The9]

Tanadari Lee was another one, his running off the ball was so good we didn't have players around him with the vision to pick his runs out.

 

Tadanari Lee also made direct straight runs, we never, EVER played a through ball to him in the Championship because when the option presented itself we were far more interested in keeping possession and shovelling it out to the full backs to cross. It worked, so it didn't matter. That doesn't mean that sometimes those runs weren't good and that we always took the right option by ignoring them.

[The9]

so, he missed a few games for bologna, a fair few for us too

 

this season is huge. without a big improvement he will struggle to realise his potential

 

On the bright side, playing in the summer should mean he's flying in August/September, until he tires in the winter and we have to rest him.

 

See it coming a mile off (if he ever gets in the side to begin with, of course).

 

I suspect this prediction will be my "Billy Sharp" for 2013/14.

[trousers]

Uruguay 1 down at half time. Assume we'll see Gaston come on fairly early in 2nd half if score remains the same.

[trousers]

1-1

 

Dreadful defending from Brazil

[trousers]

2-1 Brazil

 

4 mins to go

[Colinjb]

Spain 0-0 Italy.

 

How Italy wern't leading at half time I don't know. More even second half.

[Colinjb]

Italy strike the post in extra time!!!

[Colinjb]

Spain beat Italy on Penalties...... Cruel.

[Dr Who?]

Looking forward to the Brazil v Spain final..... Maybe!

 

Looks a pretty tasty tournament to be fair.

 

There we go, very predictable.

 

Tell you what, those penalties were amazing.... We are so far behind even in this area as a nation. Was great to watch.

[Colinjb]

There we go, very predictable.

 

It's always the ride, not destination.....

[Graffito]

There we go, very predictable.

 

Tell you what, those penalties were amazing.... We are so far behind even in this area as a nation. Was great to watch.

 

Pirlo scored one with his eyes closed...literally.

[Dr Who?]

Pirlo scored one with his eyes closed...literally.

 

Yes how chilled out was that pen? That's the way to do it. There is always one Italian that blazes one off target!

[Giordano]

Agree with those remarking on the penalties- none of them was remotely stoppable- incredible mastery of technique despite them all obviously being out on their feet from 30degree heat and 90% humidity.

Of other interest to me was the Italian formation and especially the second half decision to change the CB. Italy played with a back three in case you had'nt noticed and at half time even took off a CB (presumably injured but possibly tactical) and put the DM De Rossi there, adding Aquilani to the MF. De Rossi promptly started playing 30-40 yard passes and generally being significant in build up play - unlike conventional CB's whose job it is to pass to a MF and that's it. It meant that they could withstand Spain' usually superior possession in general (though i saw somewhere it was 60% Italy in second half) yet still remain dangerous because of the sheer numbers of technically comfortable on the ball numbers they could put together in higher up the pitch areas..That would be the Saints equivalent of putting Spiderman at CB in a match by himself with Shaw and Clyne either side of him, ahead of them a midfield of Cork, Adam, Punch, Ramirez and Davies.

 

Against teams whop " park the bus" against Saints at SMS for instance Id like to see us have that tactical flexibility to play that way with more of our "better" players on the pitch at the same time (as long as we have the personnel capable of doing so of course). God love them but I dont see Jos/Jose/Maya as up to being all able to play as part of a back three. Lovren and Forren might have the technical characteristics to do that however in future but we are presently fairly stuck on a back 4.....

 

Just goes to show the fluidity, technical skill and flexibility of position that the absolute highest level players are expected to have everywhere on the pitch. Did you notice how often Pique was in Italy's six yard box - an amazing demonstration of strength but also skill, tactical organisation and flexibility.

If you compare that with the England team then you can see that there is rigidity and inflexibility within our national teams compared to elite teams like Spain and Italy ( and add Germany to that list). We could not play a back three as the guys would not have a clue whats going on. And that's a part of why we wont win anything much, because we lack tactical nous.

[St_Tel49]

Agree with those remarking on the penalties- none of them was remotely stoppable- incredible mastery of technique despite them all obviously being out on their feet from 30degree heat and 90% humidity.

Of other interest to me was the Italian formation and especially the second half decision to change the CB. Italy played with a back three in case you had'nt noticed and at half time even took off a CB (presumably injured but possibly tactical) and put the DM De Rossi there, adding Aquilani to the MF. De Rossi promptly started playing 30-40 yard passes and generally being significant in build up play - unlike conventional CB's whose job it is to pass to a MF and that's it. It meant that they could withstand Spain' usually superior possession in general (though i saw somewhere it was 60% Italy in second half) yet still remain dangerous because of the sheer numbers of technically comfortable on the ball numbers they could put together in higher up the pitch areas..That would be the Saints equivalent of putting Spiderman at CB in a match by himself with Shaw and Clyne either side of him, ahead of them a midfield of Cork, Adam, Punch, Ramirez and Davies.

 

Against teams whop " park the bus" against Saints at SMS for instance Id like to see us have that tactical flexibility to play that way with more of our "better" players on the pitch at the same time (as long as we have the personnel capable of doing so of course). God love them but I dont see Jos/Jose/Maya as up to being all able to play as part of a back three. Lovren and Forren might have the technical characteristics to do that however in future but we are presently fairly stuck on a back 4.....

 

Just goes to show the fluidity, technical skill and flexibility of position that the absolute highest level players are expected to have everywhere on the pitch. Did you notice how often Pique was in Italy's six yard box - an amazing demonstration of strength but also skill, tactical organisation and flexibility.

If you compare that with the England team then you can see that there is rigidity and inflexibility within our national teams compared to elite teams like Spain and Italy ( and add Germany to that list). We could not play a back three as the guys would not have a clue whats going on. And that's a part of why we wont win anything much, because we lack tactical nous.

To which I would only add " and the technical ability on the ball". There are few British players capable of retaining possession under pressure contrast with the Spanish and Germans

[St_Tel49]

Agree with those remarking on the penalties- none of them was remotely stoppable- incredible mastery of technique despite them all obviously being out on their feet from 30degree heat and 90% humidity.

Of other interest to me was the Italian formation and especially the second half decision to change the CB. Italy played with a back three in case you had'nt noticed and at half time even took off a CB (presumably injured but possibly tactical) and put the DM De Rossi there, adding Aquilani to the MF. De Rossi promptly started playing 30-40 yard passes and generally being significant in build up play - unlike conventional CB's whose job it is to pass to a MF and that's it. It meant that they could withstand Spain' usually superior possession in general (though i saw somewhere it was 60% Italy in second half) yet still remain dangerous because of the sheer numbers of technically comfortable on the ball numbers they could put together in higher up the pitch areas..That would be the Saints equivalent of putting Spiderman at CB in a match by himself with Shaw and Clyne either side of him, ahead of them a midfield of Cork, Adam, Punch, Ramirez and Davies.

 

Against teams whop " park the bus" against Saints at SMS for instance Id like to see us have that tactical flexibility to play that way with more of our "better" players on the pitch at the same time (as long as we have the personnel capable of doing so of course). God love them but I dont see Jos/Jose/Maya as up to being all able to play as part of a back three. Lovren and Forren might have the technical characteristics to do that however in future but we are presently fairly stuck on a back 4.....

 

Just goes to show the fluidity, technical skill and flexibility of position that the absolute highest level players are expected to have everywhere on the pitch. Did you notice how often Pique was in Italy's six yard box - an amazing demonstration of strength but also skill, tactical organisation and flexibility.

If you compare that with the England team then you can see that there is rigidity and inflexibility within our national teams compared to elite teams like Spain and Italy ( and add Germany to that list). We could not play a back three as the guys would not have a clue whats going on. And that's a part of why we wont win anything much, because we lack tactical nous.

To which I would only add " nor the technical ability on the ball". In contrast with the Spanish and Germans there is almost no British player capable of retaining possession under presssure.

[St_Tel49]

Agree with those remarking on the penalties- none of them was remotely stoppable- incredible mastery of technique despite them all obviously being out on their feet from 30degree heat and 90% humidity.

Of other interest to me was the Italian formation and especially the second half decision to change the CB. Italy played with a back three in case you had'nt noticed and at half time even took off a CB (presumably injured but possibly tactical) and put the DM De Rossi there, adding Aquilani to the MF. De Rossi promptly started playing 30-40 yard passes and generally being significant in build up play - unlike conventional CB's whose job it is to pass to a MF and that's it. It meant that they could withstand Spain' usually superior possession in general (though i saw somewhere it was 60% Italy in second half) yet still remain dangerous because of the sheer numbers of technically comfortable on the ball numbers they could put together in higher up the pitch areas..That would be the Saints equivalent of putting Spiderman at CB in a match by himself with Shaw and Clyne either side of him, ahead of them a midfield of Cork, Adam, Punch, Ramirez and Davies.

 

Against teams whop " park the bus" against Saints at SMS for instance Id like to see us have that tactical flexibility to play that way with more of our "better" players on the pitch at the same time (as long as we have the personnel capable of doing so of course). God love them but I dont see Jos/Jose/Maya as up to being all able to play as part of a back three. Lovren and Forren might have the technical characteristics to do that however in future but we are presently fairly stuck on a back 4.....

 

Just goes to show the fluidity, technical skill and flexibility of position that the absolute highest level players are expected to have everywhere on the pitch. Did you notice how often Pique was in Italy's six yard box - an amazing demonstration of strength but also skill, tactical organisation and flexibility.

If you compare that with the England team then you can see that there is rigidity and inflexibility within our national teams compared to elite teams like Spain and Italy ( and add Germany to that list). We could not play a back three as the guys would not have a clue whats going on. And that's a part of why we wont win anything much, because we lack tactical nous.

To which I would only add " nor the technical ability on the ball". In contrast with the Spanish and Germans there is almost no British player capable of retaining possession under presssure.

[St_Tel49]

Sorry about the multiple response - I don't know how that happened

[hutch]

It's a glitch on the board. For the last couple of days, every time I post, I get that message that I can only post once every 30 seconds, so I have to wait. Then my post registers anyway. But it would be easy to end up doing it twice.

[trousers]

It's a glitch on the board. For the last couple of days, every time I post, I get that message that I can only post once every 30 seconds, so I have to wait. Then my post registers anyway. But it would be easy to end up doing it twice.

 

Yep same here....coupled with slow posting times.

[Jonnyboy]

Shakira has let herself slide?

[Lazlo78]

[Sour Mash]

Is the 3rd place play off game not on tv at all?

[MOSaint]

It's only on the BBC website

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22834865

[Sour Mash]

It's only on the BBC website

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22834865

That'll do, thank you very much.

[Sour Mash]

It's only on the BBC website

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22834865

Best half time coverage I've seen in a while.

[Picard]

Was the goal credited to Astori?

[Sour Mash]

Brilliant first 15mins of the final.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

What an unbelievable clearance on the line from Luis. Anyone else reminded of Pucheon's goal at Sunderland when Fred scored that goal?

[Sour Mash]

What an unbelievable clearance on the line from Luis. Anyone else reminded of Pucheon's goal at Sunderland when Fred scored that goal?

Yep,very similar goal. Great save from Luiz. Brilliant game/atmosphere.

[edprice1984]

What a goal neymar....

[Smirking_Saint]

Brazil playing incredibly, thought that spain would be far too good for them but wow. The pressing is brilliant, if they keep this up for 90 mins wow

 

Shows what happens when you put teams under pressure.

[RonManager]

That 1st half was almost as good as Saints at Barnsley in 2011.

[Colinjb]

3-0. Spain are getting utterly schooled....

[ant]

High defensive line, central midfield workhorses and pacey wingers doubling as strikers - Brazil had everything spot on to ensure Spain never got into their hypnotic passing rhythm. Neymar and Hulk caused all sorts of problems for Arbeloa and Alba; Pique and Ramos didn't exactly cover themselves in glory either.

 

There's been a lot of chat about how the current iteration of Brazil is 'under par' (probably by people that take FIFA rankings seriously) but I think their play's been breathtaking at times and there's a great deal of promise for their generation. Strength in depth too. For me the standard of the Confeds has been a joy to watch, especially given the relatively low level of hype. Last night's final compared favourably with just about any World Cup of my lifetime.

[Lazlo78]

I agree, it was a really spectacular game. Frantic pace, constant high energy level, individual brilliance, feisty tackles etc. - they really went for it!

[Sour Mash]

Almost feels like next summer might be a bit of an anti-climax after that.

[Giordano]

Yes Brazil looked good - but it was loaded against Spain who had a day less rest, a tough extra time semi-final penalties against a tough Italy team, played at a ridiculous higher heat and higher humidity at a location four hours flight away from Maracana where Brazil already there nicely prepared after straightforward win against Uruguay that Spain totally destroyed in first half of their match early in tournament. Even Italy struggled against that relatively weaker Uruguay ( albeit Italy put there a load of new players out there against full strength Uruguay) because of the scheduling. The political situation out there added extra power to Brazil too...

 

You make the Brazil team do what Spain did, give Spain the extra day etc - different story.

 

The next world cup will be decided on scheduling of fixtures as much as matches. Its not fair. Both finalists should get equal preparation time as a minimum. I think Spain, Germany and Italy from Europe could all give that Brazil team a good game on equal terms...