World Cup 2014 Super Thread copyright warning #1645

DubDani

YayaBanana wrote: »

Netherlands? Really? I agree that they will struggle but the Netherlands team is nothing special at all.

Neither is the Brazilian team, going solely by what they showed tonight. 63 more matches to find out, I guess.

Lennonist

Can't see Brazil win it out with that display. Very reliant on Neymar if an opposing side can stop him they will be beaten.

shamrock55

Worst brazil team ive ever seen, no way in hell will that team win the world cup, the only half decent players on that team are oscar and neymar and even they are not great, the rest are terrible players, david luiz must be the worst defender at the world cup how the fcuk did psg pay 50m for him i wouldnt pay 50p

greendom

I think Brazil will grow and improve as this tournament develops. Teams that start with a bang and have everyone wowing invariably fall by the wayside.

I really wouldn't be writing them off at this stage

vidor

Hyperbole much? And Silva is sort of an ok player too.

Smithwicks Man

shamrock55 wrote: »

Worst brazil team ive ever seen, no way in hell will that team win the world cup, the only half decent players on that team are oscar and neymar and even they are not great, the rest are terrible players, david luiz must be the worst defender at the world cup how the fcuk did psg pay 50m for him i wouldnt pay 50p

Thiago Silva is probably the best CB in the world


But I agree with you that they looked poor, was only one game though

Beefy78

People said the same about them in 94.

.jacksparrow.

Will be interesteing when the ref puts that white line in front of the Columbians.

yohan the great

shamrock55 wrote: »

Worst brazil team ive ever seen, no way in hell will that team win the world cup, the only half decent players on that team are oscar and neymar and even they are not great, the rest are terrible players, david luiz must be the worst defender at the world cup how the fcuk did psg pay 50m for him i wouldnt pay 50p

The best defender in the world isn't half decent?

shamrock55

Croatia will go further in this world cup then brazil

yohan the great

shamrock55 wrote: »

Croatia will go further in this world cup then brazil

I'll hold you to that

Smithwicks Man

shamrock55 wrote: »

Croatia will go further in this world cup then brazil

Can see them being knocked out in the last 16 by Spain, but they gave a good enough account of themselves tonight while missing their target man and playing against the crowd and ref.

Ferris_Bueller

Brazil didn't exactly impress but I think writing them off now is a bad idea. I reckon they will improve as the tournament goes on, I remember thinking they weren't great at the confederations cup last year but they managed to win games, thinking that might happen again this year. Only worry for me would be if anything happened to Neymar, he is essential if they want to win this.

Thought Oscar had a great game tonight, was very disappointed with Fred and Hulk, it's a very specific system they have but I really think someone like Willian would be better in there instead of Hulk, don't think I have ever seen him play well apart from his Porto days.

.jacksparrow.

.jacksparrow. wrote: »

Will be interesteing when the ref puts that white line in front of the Columbians.

:P

Pro. F

It took them a while to grow in confidence, but once they got going Croatia were entertaining. They do well to usually play nice football no matter what state they're in when the tournaments role around. It's a pity they'll probably face Spain in the first knock-out game, but they'll be good to watch for as long as they there.

Brazil, very meh. Maybe they'll get better now they've got their first win. They were a lot more energetic at the Confederations Cup, I was surprised how slow the same team were tonight. Edit: It's amazing Fernandinho doesn't start for them, they could really do with his skills to get them playing out from the back.

UnitedIrishman

Pro. F wrote: »

Brazil, very meh. Maybe they'll get better now they've got their first win. They were a lot more energetic at the Confederations Cup, I was surprised how slow the same team were tonight. Edit: It's amazing Fernandinho doesn't start for them, they could really do with his skills to get them playing out from the back.

Agree with the Fernandinho point. Also couldn't believe Willian didn't get on at some stage instead of Hulk.

FatherTed

Morzadec

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27827271

Can understand Kovac's frustration. Months of planning, you send out your team to do a job which they carry out very well and the game is unfairly taken away from you. No one likes a bitter manager but it's hard not to sympathies and agree in this situation.


Scolari's post match comments were pathetic IMO. Own up ffs.

Brazil have done an excellent job of turning me against them tonight.

Anyone but Brazil from here on out for me

klose

Think scholes might want to leave management for another while looking at this...

Boskowski

I think Brazil will struggle if thats how they're going to open play in future matches. They looked a bit like United last year, no real plan and no real ideas from midfield. Relying on individual talent up front. Build up play looked very unconvincing.

I know its early days and they have a lot of pressure and they will probably get better but they certainly didn't set a marker last night, nobody will be afraid of them. I daresay had they met a somewhat in form Spain or Germany yesterday it wouldn't have been pretty. Those sides are the total opposites with their commanding midfields and they would have given Brazil the runaround.
Brazil are not going to win the WC like that and going by what I saw yesterday I'm not sure where those extra gears required are supposed to come from.

On another note, which is even more important in my book, they are now tainted as cheats. To award that penalty is scandalous to begin with. I hope this was the refs last game in this WC. But to actually try it on like that (Fred) and then defending that action (Scolari) knocked practically all admiration I had for them out the window.

Mr_Red

I always loved the Germany 2006 WC song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1PUo0lpR18

gucci

Pro. F wrote: »

It took them a while to grow in confidence, but once they got going Croatia were entertaining. They do well to usually play nice football no matter what state they're in when the tournaments role around. It's a pity they'll probably face Spain in the first knock-out game, but they'll be good to watch for as long as they there.

Brazil, very meh. Maybe they'll get better now they've got their first win. They were a lot more energetic at the Confederations Cup, I was surprised how slow the same team were tonight. Edit: It's amazing Fernandinho doesn't start for them, they could really do with his skills to get them playing out from the back.

I do agree with this, however I think they were very emotional going onto the pitch with the anthems etc. I think then they got suckered for the OG, which disrupted them further.
It was a bit like they didnt have a proper cohesion or strategy, other than try to rely on turnovers high up the pitch.

The penalty call was ridiculous.

frostyjacks

The (justifiable) public anger in Brazil took some of the sparkle off this WC for me, but last night's match was a joke. I accept that home sides get the rub of the green, but this was on another level. What makes it worse is that the Brazil players know it. They know they can take a dive or leave the boot in and get away with it.

grumpymunster

gucci wrote: »

I do agree with this, however I think they were very emotional going onto the pitch with the anthems etc. I think then they got suckered for the OG, which disrupted them further.
It was a bit like they didnt have a proper cohesion or strategy, other than try to rely on turnovers high up the pitch.

The penalty call was ridiculous.

You do have to wonder if the weight of expectation will be too much for them as surely they cannot get such a soft ref for all of the games. The penalty was as you rightly say ridiculous but there was also a very strong call for Naymar not to even be on the pitch as the elbow in the face was quite deliberate. You could see him look to see where the Croatian player was before he planted his elbow there.

Whilst it was not the worst elbow to the face I have seen it was quite deliberate thus a straight red.

frostyjacks

frostyjacks wrote: »

The (justifiable) public anger in Brazil took some of the sparkle off this WC for me, but last night's match was a joke. I accept that home sides get the rub of the green, but this was on another level. What makes it worse is that the Brazil players know it. They know they can take a dive or leave the boot in and get away with it.

To the benefit of Luiz especially, god he's so awkwardly aggressive in the tackle.

Irishcrx

Was an entertaining game last night if nothing else, Croatia were robbed yes. Neymar should have been sent off , penalty was a scandal and the goal at the end should have stood Cesar missed the ball and fell over...

I said it about Brazil well before the tournament started , they are not good enough to win the world cup, very lucky last night and they will be turned over against a strong team...Fred is nowhere near at the level they need from a striker, Hulk was never and isn't anything more than a powerhouse, CM is good in defence but no creativity. Oscar and Neymar are their only hope but again not good enough to win it for them.

Bring on tonight!

Boskowski

Last night's decisions.

I don't know I can live with the goal not being given. Thats what the six yard box is for. The goalie gets protection in there.
Now you could argue Olic went up fair and square no arms etc and Cesar kinda bottled it and thats true but 9 times out of 10 on the continent they will give a free out in such situations. Its just the PL where they are more leaning towards the attacker.

But there was what looked like a clear peno earlier for Olic.

The Neymar incident I wouldn't have given red either. It was borderline and on such an occasion and with the host nation's icon involved you just don't give red there but a very dark yellow with a stern warning.

But the Brazil peno doesn't really need talking about. Fred is a disgrace and the ref clearly let the occasion get to him. I'm sure he regrets it today.

Boskowski

klose wrote: »

Think scholes might want to leave management for another while looking at this...

Doesn't look that terrible to me?!?
Very attacking minded fair enough but England can rely on a very strong back line and there's nothing too outrageous about it imho.

MagicIRL

Having been given Croatia in the sweepstakes in work I arrived in this morning with a heavy heart as a great injustice was suffered onto my people.

Oh how I long for the day when video technology and restrospective action is brought in. Never a penalty to begin with, but both Fred and Neymar should be banned from the next match for the dive and elbow. Jesus, Neymar has such a smug punchable little face.

Knex*

Boskowski wrote: »

Doesn't look that terrible to me?!?
Very attacking minded fair enough but England can rely on a very strong back line and there's nothing too outrageous about it imho.

Having Barkley and Welbeck in front of Gerrard in a midfield trio is signing your own death warrant.

Needs Henderson there, and then perhaps you can put one of those two, although Welbeck is far more suited to one of the three attacking positions, and he shouldn't start ahead of Rooney, Sturridge, and Sterling, IMO.

Barkley probably shouldn't start ahead of Lallana, or even Ox if he's fit.

grumpymunster

Boskowski wrote: »

Last night's decisions.

I don't know I can live with the goal not being given. Thats what the six yard box is for. The goalie gets protection in there.
Now you could argue Olic went up fair and square no arms etc and Cesar kinda bottled it and thats true but 9 times out of 10 on the continent they will give a free out in such situations. Its just the PL where they are more leaning towards the attacker.

But there was what looked like a clear peno earlier for Olic.

The Neymar incident I wouldn't have given red either. It was borderline and on such an occasion and with the host nation's icon involved you just don't give red there but a very dark yellow with a stern warning.

But the Brazil peno doesn't really need talking about. Fred is a disgrace and the ref clearly let the occasion get to him. I'm sure he regrets it today.

If he had not looked to see where his opponent was I would agree with you but he did and his action was quite deliberate for me that can only be a straight red. The occasion is immaterial if the referee is not capable of reffing such a high profile match then he should not be there.

But then it is FIFA who organised it so no major surprise there.

Boskowski

Knex. wrote: »

Having Barkley and Welbeck in front of Gerrard in a midfield trio is signing your own death warrant.

Needs Henderson there, and then perhaps you can put one of those two, although Welbeck is far more suited to one of the three attacking positions, and he shouldn't start ahead of Rooney, Sturridge, and Sterling, IMO.

Barkley probably shouldn't start ahead of Lallana, or even Ox if he's fit.

Barkley and Wellbeck are the two one may argue about, but Barkley was strong in the last friendly and Wellbeck brings a bit of pace. I'd probably switch the forward positions a bit but I can't see the outrageousness seems a valid enough 11.

MikeDiamond

What's the thoughts on the Mexico-Cameroon game

MagicIRL

MikeDiamond wrote: »

What's the thoughts on the Mexico-Cameroon game

Maxieco 2-1 Cameroon

Hernandez with the two for Mexico. A convincing win for the Mexicans spurred on by the Croatian injustice... I mean loss.

Knex*

Boskowski wrote: »

Barkley and Wellbeck are the two one may argue about, but Barkley was strong in the last friendly and Wellbeck brings a bit of pace. I'd probably switch the forward positions a bit but I can't see the outrageousness seems a valid enough 11.

Gerrard only works as a DM when you provide the pressing and running elsewhere, higher up the pitch.

Even when Henderson missed the few games at the end of last season, Gerrard wasn't as effective, and that was still with the likes of Allen and Lucas there.

England can probably get away with playing that front three, and then either Lallana, Barkley, Ox, or perhaps Welbeck (although it goes back to why would you play him CAM), but only if they put Henderson in alongside Gerrard.

Not doing so would be fairly criminal, IMO.

Not bringing Barry still seems daft to me, actually.

Lucas Hood

MagicIRL wrote: »

Maxieco 2-1 Cameroon

Hernandez with the two for Mexico. A convincing win for the Mexicans spurred on by the Croatian injustice... I mean loss.

Apparently Hernandez doesn't start tonight.

MagicIRL

Lucas Hood wrote: »

Apparently Hernandez doesn't start tonight.

...Mind games! It's all mind games!

kfallon

MikeDiamond wrote: »

What's the thoughts on the Mexico-Cameroon game

Might be a draw I reckon! 1-1 if looking for a scorecast!

vidor

There can be no defending of Hamilton here, the man struggles to tell the difference between a corner and a throw in ffs.

Nerdlingr

Gutted for the Croats last night. Shocking decision for both the penalty and disallowed goal. Fed up with the brazilians already - Luiz with his stupid handshakes. Scolari calling for yellow cards for the opposition, arguing EVERY call. Really hope Croatia go on to qualify from the group. Modric is world class.

DildoFaggins

Well now Iv'e cleared my head I think FIFA may have gotten in the refs ear.FIFA will want Brazil to not get knocked out early if they got knocked out early the protests would likely get much worse so that's why the golden boy was likely not sent off because I could have seen brazil really struggling and possibly have the top spot in doubt so even if they finished 2nd they would match Spain,who I believe would easily beat them.FIFA does not want this so Brazil have to the get the refs calls.

GLaDOS

Enjoyed the game last night but the refereeing performance definitely took the gloss of it

TimeToShine

Penalty was ridiculous but anyone who thinks that there was any chance Neymar would be sent off is having a laugh. Send the host countries iconic player off in the first 20 minutes? There would have been uproar, the ref would be lucky to get out alive.

I think it's best for all involved if Brazil progress as far as possible - I daresay the tournament relies on them getting to at least the quarter finals.

Maximus Alexander

TimeToShine wrote: »

I think it's best for all involved if Brazil progress as far as possible - I daresay the tournament relies on them getting to at least the quarter finals.

If that's the case, and it's going to take favourable treatment to get them there, is there even any point to the tournament? If the referees keep acting like your man last night, the whole competition will become a pointless farce.

TimeToShine

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

If that's the case, and it's going to take favourable treatment to get them there, is there even any point to the tournament? If the referees keep acting like your man last night, the whole competition will become a pointless farce.

I don't disagree with you. Croatia got shafted but I still expect them to get through. Brazil will be put in their place soon enough.

greendom

TimeToShine wrote: »

I don't disagree with you. Croatia got shafted but I still expect them to get through. Brazil will be put in their place soon enough.

No Brazil are going to grow into this tournament. Even on last night's showing I see them winning the whole thing.

IK09

It is a likely scenario that the World Cup will be ruined/tarnished by the performance of referees.

TimeToShine

greendom wrote: »

No Brazil are going to grow into this tournament. Even on last night's showing I see them winning the whole thing.

That would shock me to be honest in spite of the fact that I would be one of those who wants them to win it. Their country has suffered enough in the buildup and this would bring them some long overdue joy. Even still, they're gonna get over-run in midfield by the likes of Spain and Germany. I'm still not sure how the latter will cope with the weather conditions but Spain will beat Brazil, I also fancy Argentina to do a number on them as well if they have to.

Just can't see them winning it. They're too reliant on flair up front and a good, disciplined team will put and end to them. If it weren't for the rub of the green yesterday Croatia would have held them.

DildoFaggins

greendom wrote: »

No Brazil are going to grow into this tournament. Even on last night's showing I see them winning the whole thing.

Please.....Hulk,Fred,Dani Alves,Paulinho,Luiz all rubbish no way they are going to win.

If Croatia had a good winger in place of Ollic and Mandzukic upfront I reckon they would have done better Rakitic and Modric outplayed them the whole match.

MagicIRL

DildoFaggins wrote: »

Please.....Hulk,Fred,Dani Alves,Paulinho,Luiz all rubbish no way they are going to win.

Throw Cesar in to that lot as well. Woahful 'keeper.