The most unbelievable luck in human history combined with match fixing by FIFA referees have combined to result in Brazil still being alive. This is the weakest Brazil team in living memory and they probably would not even have qualified if they were not the hosts. Any team that has a complete useless player like Oscar in their starting lineup does not in the quarter finals belong.
But alas, the wizard of football justice has aligned the stars so that this farce of all sporting farces of Brazil being alive in the tournament will end before the miserable men in yellow set foot on the pitch for the final at the wonderful Maracana Stadium in sunny Rio de Janeiro. You see they would have to get by Colombia and the winner of France vs Germany. Now I don't care how much luck and referees cheating Brazil has going for them, it will not be sufficient to propel such a fragile side above those road blocks.
I predict Colombia will thoroughly thrash them 3-0. Its not that I think Colombia is very good. I consider them to be very overrated. They have a terrible defence, a nobody coach and a couple of difference makers in James and Jackson who have been able to get them some positive results against mostly average or below average opposition. Nonetheless, they are a lot stronger than Brazil and will have a very strong fan presence nullifying any tangible home advantage Brazil was used to counting on. They will also nullify any climate advantage Brazil was used to counting on.
After dashing Brazil's hopes, Colombia will be rightly dispatched home by the winner of France and Germany as both of those opponents would present the following problem to Colombia (or Brazil):
1. better starting lineup
2. better at every single position on the field
3. better bench
4. better coach
Accordingly, The France vs Germany winner should make minced meat of either of the two yellow jersey donning overrated south american sides. Given the path Brazil has, I can't see them getting past Colombia for the reasons listed above. They were assisted last game by the officials with David Luiz's offside goal not being called offside. But even with that free illegal goal they had to go to penalties. Now they will face a Colombia that is not as strong as Mexico (which Brazil drew with) but has better offensive weapons individually in Jackson and James then Mexico presented in any single player. The Colombians also promise to match the number of Brazilian fans in the stands - something mexico or Chile could not do. Colombia is also far more tailored to the hot muggy northeast climate of Fortaleza where the game will be played then Chile was.
The principal factor above all that should determine the Brazilian elimination on friday is this: they suck. Their strikers are a joke. They have no midfield. Neymar is the only top flight player they have. David Luiz is a foul machine who is subject to be red carded several times a game. They have a weak bench and a weak coach. Please, oh gods of football, get this awful squad out of our beloved tournament.
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Monday, 30 June 2014
If you thought Algeria had a chance, watch the game replay.
Some may think that because this game went to extra time it was somehow close. It was not. Algeria never once had a chance to win this game. They created no danger to the German net. At the end of 90 minutes they had one measly shot on goal. It was not a difficult one to save either. Germany had the ball 70 percent of the time and passed it around looking for openings in Algeria's 11 man behind the ball wall. Algeria looked much like Greece in 2004 in this regard. Germany played it down to that pace and patiently held the ball until a crack showed up -- and it did.
At the end of 90 minutes: Germany had 16 shots compared with 6 for Algeria. On target shots were led by Germany 8 to 1. And almost all of those 8 saves were spectacular work by the Algerian Keeper. Germany ed in possession 70 percent to 30. Corner kicks were again led by Germany 9 to 3.
It was utter domination.
After the 30 minutes of extra time the final stats looked like this: Germany outshout Algeria 13 to 2. The rest were about the same. Germany was winning 2-0. With a few seconds left Germany stopped trying and Algeria got a goal.
The German dominance was untested. This will set up a quarter final vs France. The winner of that game should take the Cup. They are the best two teams.
At the end of 90 minutes: Germany had 16 shots compared with 6 for Algeria. On target shots were led by Germany 8 to 1. And almost all of those 8 saves were spectacular work by the Algerian Keeper. Germany ed in possession 70 percent to 30. Corner kicks were again led by Germany 9 to 3.
It was utter domination.
After the 30 minutes of extra time the final stats looked like this: Germany outshout Algeria 13 to 2. The rest were about the same. Germany was winning 2-0. With a few seconds left Germany stopped trying and Algeria got a goal.
The German dominance was untested. This will set up a quarter final vs France. The winner of that game should take the Cup. They are the best two teams.
Sunday, 29 June 2014
June 30th - Massacre Day
Well today we have two matches that will not be worth watching for the emotion or nail biting unknown. It will be a a day of goal counts. Germany and France are without a doubt the best two teams in the Cup and both have matches against very weak opponents. Expect each game to be resolved by the 20th minute and then get out a pen and paper for the avalanche that should ensue.
Bear in mind of course that smart coaches often have their sides turn things down a gear and manage the lead rather than engage in a goal scoring contest. But make no mistake, France and Germany could easily win by 5 goals or more tomorrow if they so desired.
Algeria is the better of the two African sides but neither team stand a chance to even make it close. After handily dispatching these two laughable African sides, France and Germany will set up a quarter final match that is the true final of this tourney as it will pit the two best sides in the world against each other. Its a shame they have to face each other so early, or at all before the final, but thats the way the cards fell. My gut says that the farce of a draw (if anyone watched it they could see that the manipulation of the paper ribbons removed from the ball but then always taken out of sight of the camera before being revealed) was done so that Argentina wouldn't have to face either of these teams before the final. FIFA President Sepp Blatter has publicly made his affection for Messi known and the clear funny business in giving the worlds most overrated player the Player of the Year awards four times is proof positive of that.
Mexico was the only team I could have envisioned being capable of winning against France or Germany so at this point it seems clear (barring serious injury or red card setbacks) that whoever wins that quarter final match will be Champion.
Bear in mind of course that smart coaches often have their sides turn things down a gear and manage the lead rather than engage in a goal scoring contest. But make no mistake, France and Germany could easily win by 5 goals or more tomorrow if they so desired.
Algeria is the better of the two African sides but neither team stand a chance to even make it close. After handily dispatching these two laughable African sides, France and Germany will set up a quarter final match that is the true final of this tourney as it will pit the two best sides in the world against each other. Its a shame they have to face each other so early, or at all before the final, but thats the way the cards fell. My gut says that the farce of a draw (if anyone watched it they could see that the manipulation of the paper ribbons removed from the ball but then always taken out of sight of the camera before being revealed) was done so that Argentina wouldn't have to face either of these teams before the final. FIFA President Sepp Blatter has publicly made his affection for Messi known and the clear funny business in giving the worlds most overrated player the Player of the Year awards four times is proof positive of that.
Mexico was the only team I could have envisioned being capable of winning against France or Germany so at this point it seems clear (barring serious injury or red card setbacks) that whoever wins that quarter final match will be Champion.
Prognosis for Greece vs Costa Rica
costa rica has every obligation to win but this greece team has a lot of heart and has no shame playing with 10 men behind the ball for 80 % of the game. i think a coin toss would be the most accurate way to call that game . Costa Rica showed a lot of heart and speed and some very interesting individual talent in two of their players. They also have an excellent keeper.
I don't think Costa Rica have ever faced a team like Greece. Greece is arguably the worst team in terms of technical ability in the world cup. But the have heart. Lots of it. And a very seasoned, experienced coach at both the club and international level. Greece is not ashamed to play 10 men behind the ball for most of the game. They don't claim they will play pretty football. They are efficient. They also have a few interesting role players. Karagounis is old and can't play 90 minutes anymore but he can still show flashes of his old playmaking skills. He is also not afraid to have a shot from 30 yards out.
Mitroglou is a solid striker but has been struggling with health issues and we don't even know if he will play. But this Greece side promised to play a very compact and disciplined defensive game waiting for their opportunities for rapid counter attacks led mainly by samaras on the wing. So while Costa Rica does have some good weapons and speed on the wing, its nothing Greece hasn't seen before playing in Europe and qualifying from there. They have many many times shut down and defeated teams that are much better than them.
So very hard to make a call either way. Costa Rica is a superior team with far superior technical ability. They also have few players experienced in the top elite competition of european club football. Best way to call this game is with a coin toss.
I don't think Costa Rica have ever faced a team like Greece. Greece is arguably the worst team in terms of technical ability in the world cup. But the have heart. Lots of it. And a very seasoned, experienced coach at both the club and international level. Greece is not ashamed to play 10 men behind the ball for most of the game. They don't claim they will play pretty football. They are efficient. They also have a few interesting role players. Karagounis is old and can't play 90 minutes anymore but he can still show flashes of his old playmaking skills. He is also not afraid to have a shot from 30 yards out.
Mitroglou is a solid striker but has been struggling with health issues and we don't even know if he will play. But this Greece side promised to play a very compact and disciplined defensive game waiting for their opportunities for rapid counter attacks led mainly by samaras on the wing. So while Costa Rica does have some good weapons and speed on the wing, its nothing Greece hasn't seen before playing in Europe and qualifying from there. They have many many times shut down and defeated teams that are much better than them.
So very hard to make a call either way. Costa Rica is a superior team with far superior technical ability. They also have few players experienced in the top elite competition of european club football. Best way to call this game is with a coin toss.
Mexico vs Holland
My followers know that I have called the best three teams in the Cup to be France, Germany and Mexico. This is a good disputed game. I hope Mexico wins. But it could go either way.
What I can say is that Holland is very overrated much like Colombia. They got hyped up for facing a Spain that had no heart or intention to win in this cup. They should have lost to Chile. They really are not that strong. Anyone who follows football year round knows that they have many players that are above average and a Super Robben. But this is in no way a team with sufficient quality to win the WC.
Mexico has more quality at most positions and an exceptional keeper. Mexico is extremely well coached and the climate is not a issue for them. I think Mexico is world cup final material. I think there are two teams they would have trouble beating - France and Germany, but that on a good day they could even win against those teams too.
Remember I very early identified Mexico as a legitimate title contender. Thats why you read the Prophet. Because Im always right !
What I can say is that Holland is very overrated much like Colombia. They got hyped up for facing a Spain that had no heart or intention to win in this cup. They should have lost to Chile. They really are not that strong. Anyone who follows football year round knows that they have many players that are above average and a Super Robben. But this is in no way a team with sufficient quality to win the WC.
Mexico has more quality at most positions and an exceptional keeper. Mexico is extremely well coached and the climate is not a issue for them. I think Mexico is world cup final material. I think there are two teams they would have trouble beating - France and Germany, but that on a good day they could even win against those teams too.
Remember I very early identified Mexico as a legitimate title contender. Thats why you read the Prophet. Because Im always right !
Saturday, 28 June 2014
A must read article
I came across this article in Canada's leading national newspaper the Globe and Mail. The author, Mr. Doyle perfectly describes the unbelievable luck that Brazil has had. This Brazil team is the worst and weakest I have ever seen in my life. They should not still be in the tournament. If they weren't the hosts I doubt they would have qualified.
Remember they stole the game via the referee against Croatia and would not have advanced to the second round without that brazen robbery. In todays game they scored an offside goal by David Luiz and then let a Chile team beat themselves. Pure luck. No talent. It will surely come to an end against Colombia. ANd their exit can't come soon enough. Its a gross stain on the sport to see a team so lacking in talent remain alive in this tournament. Anyways here is the article:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/world-cup/doyle-only-outrageous-one-time-luck-keeps-brazil-alive-at-world-cup/article19384426/
Remember they stole the game via the referee against Croatia and would not have advanced to the second round without that brazen robbery. In todays game they scored an offside goal by David Luiz and then let a Chile team beat themselves. Pure luck. No talent. It will surely come to an end against Colombia. ANd their exit can't come soon enough. Its a gross stain on the sport to see a team so lacking in talent remain alive in this tournament. Anyways here is the article:
"The great wheel of the world can keep turning. The stars have not fallen from the sky. The seas have not run dry.
Brazil is still in the World Cup.
But, boy that was close. A crossbar and an upright did it for Brazil, the team and the country. Not samba soccer, not the pace and prowess of the young star Neymar. Only outrageous fortune is keeping the party going.
Little wonder so many of Brazil’s players were in tears, tormented by the agony of near-defeat when they spoke immediately afterwards. A penalty-kick shootout is what it came down to. And luck. Brazil is very lucky to still be in this World Cup. And as such it is exposed, the sinews of the home team exposed as shaky, insubstantial. A 1-1 tie with Chile that went to extra-time, then penalties and ended with the narrowest of misses by Chile.
The first match of the knockout Round of 16 was just what everyone hoped for - committed, passionate play from both sides and skillful on a level that made you think, “They can’t keep doing it at this level.” But they did. Utterly gripping drama minute by minute.
Chile, knocked out by Brazil at the same second-round stage in their last two World Cup appearances, in 1998 and 2010, were fierce in attack as well as defense. Not awed at all by the Brazil that turned up to play.
On 18 minutes David Luiz was lucky to see his header go into the net off Chile defender Gonzalo Jara. Fifteen minutes later Alexi Sanchez equalized for Chile. This looked like an epic in the making, and it was.
Inevitably it went from fabulous to frantic as the 90 minutes ticked down. Brazil’s Neymar faded in the second half. Fewer dazzling speedy runs and, as soon he seemed to tire, Brazil looked less sure, more manic. More like fighters for a cause than a free-flowing, permanently accelerating team unit.
The added thirty minutes amounted to wasted chances. Brazil eventually put Chile under siege but it was frenzied stuff. On a rare break forward for Chile, substitute Mauricio Pinilla, a rare pair of fresh legs on the field, gave Brazil the country a national near heart-attack when he struck the crossbar with a blistering shot.
Then it all stopped. The penalty kicks that seemed imminent for some time, were obliged to unfold. A few kicks, one player against one keeper, the simplicity of that setting, was the stage on which Brazil’s entire World Cup would be enacted.
Brazil had been held to 0-0 draw with Mexico thanks to an inspired performance from a goalkeeper. That set the country’s nerves on edge. Could it happen again?
It was the most see-saw of penalty kick dramas. Some purists hate the game ending in this way. But this is the game at its most basic, elemental. And flawed – one awful miss by Chile, then a miss by Brazil. They were even, as they were throughout. And then it was the unlucky Gonzalo Jara, again, the man who had directed Luiz’s header into the net, who failed to score the vital penalty. It hit the upright post.
Crazy-lucky and insanely-unlucky. That’s the theme out of this one, Brazil is very, very lucky to still be in the tournament.
Many in the crowd in Belo Horizonte, and most of Brazil doing running commentary online seemed to feel that English referee Howard Webb was unfair, anti-Brazil. He wasn’t. As he did when handling the World Cup final in 2010, between Spain and the Netherlands, he let the game flow, unwilling to allow it to stop and start endlessly
There had been some serious brooding here about Brazil’s chances before this game. Realists knew that tinkering done by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari during the match with Cameroon – replacing Paulinho with Fernandinho in midfield - had made the national team, “the seleção” play more collectively, but there was luck too, and one man, Neymar, making the difference. Shaky values on which to progress.
It was the venerated pundit and former player Tostão, who was the most cautious: “After all, Brazil only topped the group on goal difference, and might have been facing the intimidating looking Netherlands. Instead up comes Chile. Brazil never lose to them, either at home or in World Cups. So easy, right? Maybe not. History recounts what has happened. Ahead, everything remains dark.”
Correct. An outrageous stroke of luck is what mattered. It’s unlikely to intervene again.
Follow on Twitter: @MisterJohnDoyle"
Colombia vs Uruguay
Don't get caught up in the hype with Colombia. They are very overrated. They are not even as strong as people are making them seem now when they have their best player - Falcao - healthy. They had a super weak group. Now they have to face a real team. Uruguay is very strong and experienced and has an abundance of talent at all positions. They are not dependant on Suarez at all as they have two great stars up front in Cavani and Forlan who are serious playmakers and can make the difference.
I am rooting for Uruguay here as they have a better chance of beating Brazil in the next round. I will be surprised if Colombia can win this match.
But note I am not calling a prediction either way as I think whoever is having a better day can take it as the teams match up pretty evenly.
I am rooting for Uruguay here as they have a better chance of beating Brazil in the next round. I will be surprised if Colombia can win this match.
But note I am not calling a prediction either way as I think whoever is having a better day can take it as the teams match up pretty evenly.
Chile defeated by offside goal and self
David Luiz was offside when Brazil scored 18 minutes in. That seemed to shake Chile off their game. They have only themselves to blame after that. But once again, as I predicted, Brazil could only get past Chile with the assistance of the referee. He not only allowed David Luiz to score an offside goal, but gave him free reign to commit unlimited dirty fouls all game without so much as seeing a yellow card.
Brazil needed the ref to tie and get it to penalty shots where their exceptional goalkeeper saved their butts. But when Brazil has to face France or Germany, even the refs won't be able to save them. It will be a bloodbath.
For the sake of the game, lets hope this below average Brazil gets booted out of this World Cup as soon as possible. Its a crying shame and injustice that such a terrible side is still in the tournament.
Brazil needed the ref to tie and get it to penalty shots where their exceptional goalkeeper saved their butts. But when Brazil has to face France or Germany, even the refs won't be able to save them. It will be a bloodbath.
For the sake of the game, lets hope this below average Brazil gets booted out of this World Cup as soon as possible. Its a crying shame and injustice that such a terrible side is still in the tournament.
Brazil vs Chile - first half review
Good 1st half. Brazil is playing better than expected. All heart and Neymar tho. David Luiz is lucky not to have a yellow card yet given his cumulative conduct.
Chile needs to settle down and use their superiority in midfield and stop trying to force it too soon. Neymar is too dangerous on the counter and forcing it can lead to too many of those. 2nd half id like to see chile use a 4-2-3-1 and make Brazil chase.
This game is getting very chippy. I think someone is gonna lose control and give uo a stupid penalty in the 2nd half. Question is, with the intimidating home crowd, will the ref have the cajones to call a penalty if its against Brazil ? That remains to be seen.
Since Brazil played over their heads in the 1st half I think half time will really benefit Chile. The coach can get them back on game plan as the first goal by Brazil seemed to have shaken Chile up a little. Chile needs to assert their game of constant pressure and high intensity, circulate a little more and pick their spots a bit better for the attack. David Luiz is losing his temperament so I would recommend passing the ball often to whoever he is covering to get him a yellow very early and possibly worse.
Lets hope the second half is as exciting as the first !
And don't forget, I predicted the Chile victory as predicted in my previous post : http://thesoccerprophet.blogspot.pt/2014/06/still-hurt-but-calling-la-roja.html
Chile needs to settle down and use their superiority in midfield and stop trying to force it too soon. Neymar is too dangerous on the counter and forcing it can lead to too many of those. 2nd half id like to see chile use a 4-2-3-1 and make Brazil chase.
This game is getting very chippy. I think someone is gonna lose control and give uo a stupid penalty in the 2nd half. Question is, with the intimidating home crowd, will the ref have the cajones to call a penalty if its against Brazil ? That remains to be seen.
Since Brazil played over their heads in the 1st half I think half time will really benefit Chile. The coach can get them back on game plan as the first goal by Brazil seemed to have shaken Chile up a little. Chile needs to assert their game of constant pressure and high intensity, circulate a little more and pick their spots a bit better for the attack. David Luiz is losing his temperament so I would recommend passing the ball often to whoever he is covering to get him a yellow very early and possibly worse.
Lets hope the second half is as exciting as the first !
And don't forget, I predicted the Chile victory as predicted in my previous post : http://thesoccerprophet.blogspot.pt/2014/06/still-hurt-but-calling-la-roja.html
Friday, 27 June 2014
I'm still hurt but calling a Chile win !
My injuries are healing up. I need to indicate my choice of Chile to win tomorrow. The only way Brazil can take this game is if FIFA interferes via the referees they way they did to steal the game for brazil vs croatia.
The chilean team has better fitness and speed and constant pressure high intensity mode of play that Brazil just doesnt have the team to handle. Brazil has a very weak midfield as well as a supremely overrated defender in David Luiz. Not to mention their lousy strikers. I expect Brazil to struggle to hold any meaningful chunks of possession.
Their youth will likely result in a panicked approach when they do touch the ball.
Some will think Neymar can turn this game in Brazils favour with a few flashes of brilliance. To those who say that, my response is: yes Neymar is good and may make some plays but Chile aint no Cameroon my friends !
Given the odd Brazil worship that so many in the world including FIFA tend to engage in, I definately expect the officiating to tilt in Brazil's favour. Whether its as scandalous as the "robbed in broad daylight" approach the japanese Brazil worshipping ref took remains to be seen. Hopefully FIFA felt enough anger and backlash for the outrage that was necessary for Brazil to even make it to the second round will restrain any brazen attempts to force Brazil through.
In any event, even if FIFA cheats today, brazil will get crushed by winner of Germany vs France.
So Chile, better team, with a roster and style of play that are perfect to overwhelm the glaring weaknesses of Brazil should take this. Barring referree match fixing Chile will win.
The chilean team has better fitness and speed and constant pressure high intensity mode of play that Brazil just doesnt have the team to handle. Brazil has a very weak midfield as well as a supremely overrated defender in David Luiz. Not to mention their lousy strikers. I expect Brazil to struggle to hold any meaningful chunks of possession.
Their youth will likely result in a panicked approach when they do touch the ball.
Some will think Neymar can turn this game in Brazils favour with a few flashes of brilliance. To those who say that, my response is: yes Neymar is good and may make some plays but Chile aint no Cameroon my friends !
Given the odd Brazil worship that so many in the world including FIFA tend to engage in, I definately expect the officiating to tilt in Brazil's favour. Whether its as scandalous as the "robbed in broad daylight" approach the japanese Brazil worshipping ref took remains to be seen. Hopefully FIFA felt enough anger and backlash for the outrage that was necessary for Brazil to even make it to the second round will restrain any brazen attempts to force Brazil through.
In any event, even if FIFA cheats today, brazil will get crushed by winner of Germany vs France.
So Chile, better team, with a roster and style of play that are perfect to overwhelm the glaring weaknesses of Brazil should take this. Barring referree match fixing Chile will win.
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Justice in Group E
As my Facebook followers will recall, I very early on warned people to be on the look for France to do serious things this world cup. They are a powerhouse. The advancing of France and Switzerland here was predicted by me publicly. Ecuador finished with 4 points but they were really much weaker than a 4 point team. Case and point was their inability to get a goal they needed desperately to stay alive against an unmotivated France who had already qualified and rested some key players. Ecuador is a weak team which really had no business playing in a world cup. Unfortunately, FIFA in its lack of wisdom awards too many places to South America which deserves no more than 4 spots for the quality of football on that continent. Well justice was done. The best two advance. Look for France to do some real damage.
Fake Italy fans shouldn't comment on a game they know nothing about
My Facebook and twitter pages have many "fans" of Italy who reside in Canada. The vast majority of these people literally don't watch a single football match outside of the world cup. They know nothing of the sport, the players, the intricacies of the game. All they know is bullheaded egotistical gibberish which they confuse and misplace for national pride. As a side note I should emphasize how little these people even know about being italian as most of them cannot speak it in more the a cursory manner. Few have ever been there, and the ones that have generally have only been there once on a family vacation. They know nothing of what it means to be Italian, and even less what it means to be an Italian football fan.
Italy has a great and proud history of football. And part of the reason for this is the demanding and knowledgeable fans there. As someone who lived in Italy in the earlier part of the decade I can attest to this. A quick glance of the leading Sport Newpapers in Italy shows the same conclusions drawn by them that any reasonably knowledgeable football fan anywhere else would have arrived at. Italy has only themselves to blame. The newspapers document blame at the Federation, the coach, Balotelli, and the attack (or lack thereof). Nobody in Italy is blaming the referres. Nobody is blaming Suarez.
Primarily from what I gathered in reviewing the Italian sport news the lack of attack is blamed on the coach. As it should be. Anyone who watched the Costa Rica vs Italy match could see how tactically masterful Costa Rica's game plan was. They at all times placed five men pressuring Italys defensive midfield, the zone of construction. If this process of the game is disrupted, no meaningful attacks can emerge. It worked like a charm. Italy struggled to get any decent attack mounted. What is more shocking is that even after half time the coach made no adjustments to overcome this tactical approach. Without making adjustments to a tactic that is suffocating your team for a whole half, one can only expect the result that came. The loss.
Against Uruguay, the quality of the match was poor. Uruguay was aggressive in cluttering the midfield and waiting for a counterattack opportunity. Again, Italy's coach did not have the proper game plan to approach this game. His attack was non existent. Nobody who knows anything about the game would say Italy showed even a sign of being able to win. The kleets up foul for the red card has some saying it should have been a yellow. But when you put your kleets up like that as a player, and you know the referee may see it, you are aware that you can get a red. Regardless, Italy didn't need a win, they needed a tie. By the way the game was going it was only a matter of time until Cavani or Suarez scored.
With respect to the bite. The referee didn't see it. Many aggressions happen in every instance of EVERY game when the ref is not looking. Players know this and expect this and play through it. The bite in no way impacted the game our the outcome. Suarez will be suspended for it. But anyone who suggests the bite in anyway impacted the game reveals that they are one of the once every 4 year fans like the italy "fans" in Canada.
In summary, the Italian media blasts their own team. Makes no excuses and is going through the correct process which is looking in the mirror to fix the problem. They are doing this because they love the game and know the game. And are all time greats at the game. And anyone with such knowledge and passion for the game knows that Italy can only blame itself.
The Italian daily Gazzetto dello Sport quotes the legendary Italy keeper's comments: "Buffon may seem rude and even ungenerous but he is absolutely right when, after speaking of "elimination deserved," points the finger at the new recruits." While the other Italian soccer daily Corriere dello Sport quotes legendary coach Galliani explaining how the blame should not be solely on Balotelli but the entire tournament revealed how weak and pathetic Italy's attack was: "Gli altri attaccanti non si sono visti in campo" - going as far as saying Italy's attack was not seen on the field during the world cup. These are football legends. Italian ones at that. Masters of the game, Italian ones at that. They aren't blaming referees or Suarez. They know the game well enough that saying such nonsense would probably get them mobbed by fans throwing tomatoes at them in the streets.
So to the people who decide they want to pretend to be football fans or italy fans every four years, maybe you should get more in touch with being Italian. That means watching football at least twice a week all year every year. Reading the football newspaper daily and perhaps thinking before you speak. Maybe watch some little league games to get a rudimentary understanding of the sport before portraying a false expertise.
True Italians and true Italian football fans have the wisdom and class to know that the answer to Italy's woes lies before them in the mirror. No blame should be deposited on third parties.
Below are the sources for the Italian media quotes cited above:
1. http://translate.google.pt/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.gazzetta.it/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgazetto%2Bdello%2Bsport%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den
2.http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/mondiali_2014/girone-d/italia/2014/06/25-366747/Galliani%3A+«Non+è+solo+colpa+di+Balotelli»
Italy has a great and proud history of football. And part of the reason for this is the demanding and knowledgeable fans there. As someone who lived in Italy in the earlier part of the decade I can attest to this. A quick glance of the leading Sport Newpapers in Italy shows the same conclusions drawn by them that any reasonably knowledgeable football fan anywhere else would have arrived at. Italy has only themselves to blame. The newspapers document blame at the Federation, the coach, Balotelli, and the attack (or lack thereof). Nobody in Italy is blaming the referres. Nobody is blaming Suarez.
Primarily from what I gathered in reviewing the Italian sport news the lack of attack is blamed on the coach. As it should be. Anyone who watched the Costa Rica vs Italy match could see how tactically masterful Costa Rica's game plan was. They at all times placed five men pressuring Italys defensive midfield, the zone of construction. If this process of the game is disrupted, no meaningful attacks can emerge. It worked like a charm. Italy struggled to get any decent attack mounted. What is more shocking is that even after half time the coach made no adjustments to overcome this tactical approach. Without making adjustments to a tactic that is suffocating your team for a whole half, one can only expect the result that came. The loss.
Against Uruguay, the quality of the match was poor. Uruguay was aggressive in cluttering the midfield and waiting for a counterattack opportunity. Again, Italy's coach did not have the proper game plan to approach this game. His attack was non existent. Nobody who knows anything about the game would say Italy showed even a sign of being able to win. The kleets up foul for the red card has some saying it should have been a yellow. But when you put your kleets up like that as a player, and you know the referee may see it, you are aware that you can get a red. Regardless, Italy didn't need a win, they needed a tie. By the way the game was going it was only a matter of time until Cavani or Suarez scored.
With respect to the bite. The referee didn't see it. Many aggressions happen in every instance of EVERY game when the ref is not looking. Players know this and expect this and play through it. The bite in no way impacted the game our the outcome. Suarez will be suspended for it. But anyone who suggests the bite in anyway impacted the game reveals that they are one of the once every 4 year fans like the italy "fans" in Canada.
In summary, the Italian media blasts their own team. Makes no excuses and is going through the correct process which is looking in the mirror to fix the problem. They are doing this because they love the game and know the game. And are all time greats at the game. And anyone with such knowledge and passion for the game knows that Italy can only blame itself.
The Italian daily Gazzetto dello Sport quotes the legendary Italy keeper's comments: "Buffon may seem rude and even ungenerous but he is absolutely right when, after speaking of "elimination deserved," points the finger at the new recruits." While the other Italian soccer daily Corriere dello Sport quotes legendary coach Galliani explaining how the blame should not be solely on Balotelli but the entire tournament revealed how weak and pathetic Italy's attack was: "Gli altri attaccanti non si sono visti in campo" - going as far as saying Italy's attack was not seen on the field during the world cup. These are football legends. Italian ones at that. Masters of the game, Italian ones at that. They aren't blaming referees or Suarez. They know the game well enough that saying such nonsense would probably get them mobbed by fans throwing tomatoes at them in the streets.
So to the people who decide they want to pretend to be football fans or italy fans every four years, maybe you should get more in touch with being Italian. That means watching football at least twice a week all year every year. Reading the football newspaper daily and perhaps thinking before you speak. Maybe watch some little league games to get a rudimentary understanding of the sport before portraying a false expertise.
True Italians and true Italian football fans have the wisdom and class to know that the answer to Italy's woes lies before them in the mirror. No blame should be deposited on third parties.
Below are the sources for the Italian media quotes cited above:
1. http://translate.google.pt/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.gazzetta.it/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgazetto%2Bdello%2Bsport%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den
2.http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/mondiali_2014/girone-d/italia/2014/06/25-366747/Galliani%3A+«Non+è+solo+colpa+di+Balotelli»
Kudos to this article
I came across this article by Victor Belanciano in the newspaper "O Publico". The title of it in Portuguese is "Thank You Spain". I ran it in google translate for the convenience of my english audience. Here it is below:
"Unlike most, I liked to moderation in Brazil's World. It is true that there have been games with excitement and goals, but the level exhibitional almost always leaves something to be desired.
I see players listed tired, unprepared referees and most unbalanced teams, disharmonic, matches without thread, which favors competition, but leveled underneath.
There is a new reality. The World is for the contemporary football, as the festival of Eurovision for music, is a dressed up storefront, which has extensive translation into reality. Who wants to see good football nowadays makes you see the teams play European elite and not the World Cup games.
This reality has been masked in recent years by a selection: Spanish. After mythical match Brazil-Italy World Cup Spain 1982, the Italians won 3-2 football lost out. Winning at any cost, dividing the movements of the enemy, enfastiando it began to be the norm. Began to avenge the pragmatism of income, physical obsession, this idea that runneth over has more chances of winning. In the limit until you can play poorly, since it leave it on the field. It was stated that imbecile notion that playing with finesse was synonymous with losing.
Other teams have bucked this trend over the past few years, but none made lasting both in time and with results as victorious as the Spanish selection.The Spaniards not only won on the field. Also be heard outside. And in this world it found itself. During and after the holocaust against the Netherlands would be easy to come up the worst of the human being when you have to manage frustration. But no.
There was no hysteria, victimization charges. What happened was maturity and nobility. A dash in victory as in defeat. The air-end party had already noticed in the game with Chile and, in farewell, surely something similar happened on Monday against Australia. The champions also prescribe.
As in Barcelona, also in the selection, the problems seem to be psychic and physical. There is no question the standard of play. It is a matter of intensity, speed and space. A second or a few inches more or less. The secret of possession football is not about having the ball, but how fast is driven in the field. If nobody plays like Barcelona or Spain squad is not because you do not want.
It is because it is extremely difficult. It is a process. It takes time. Do not just take the best player in the world, this current obsession. Has is that to have an exquisite team, where the game is not built by running the ball and running around to please the bench.
The speed, as the explosive capacity is lost with age. Without competitive pressure, the model of the Spanish selection, easily succumbs But hopefully not waive their style, being capable of renewal. There are teams that earn the results. And there are teams that get to history by style, like Brazil 1982. Either Spain in recent years.
It is true that Brazil won after this team, but that is what the reference is there. And this is what football fans worldwide remember. The same applies to Spain who won two European and one World, a selection which forced us to look for the game otherwise, became a reference, mark a before and after, is to the story."
Tuesday, 24 June 2014
Why is China not in the World Cup
Well this would be a good explanation:
http://9gag.com/gag/aAY8ReZ?ref=fb.s
http://9gag.com/gag/aAY8ReZ?ref=fb.s
The Portuguese Mess
This post will detail why I cannot, despite ethnicity, support Portugal.
The team in my view, in no way represents Portugal, the people or even the portuguese footballers. The FPF (Portuguese Federation) is run by a clan of elites who support a miserable pro club in portugal called Sporting Clube de Portugal (SCP).
SCP tends to be supported by the more well to do individuals in Portugal, political elites, and social climbers. Benfica tends to be supported by the working class and the citizens of former portuguese colonies. FC Porto has a regional base which is the north of Portugal. Benfica has a glorious history of success having the most titles in portuguese history, oodles of cups and european titles. FC Porto also has an incredible history of success in much the same way.
SCP has no such history. Despite being backed by the elites in the country they can't find success if it hit them in the face. The club Sporting CP has a deep and engrained culture of failure, losing and contempt for talent. Anyone, coach or player who shows any promise in that club is immediately shown the door. Cristiano Ronaldo started there, for example. He played less than one pro season and was immediately sold. There is a countless list of players and coaches that are welcome to stay a decade at SCP if they suck. Once they show any quality, they are shown the door. This is why they never win anything. Not in Portugal and not in the european competitions.
Portugal's coach Paulo Bento is one of these degenerate losers from the SCP power structure. He coached there and made close friendships with many of the athletes who played there at the time. He selects his roster and starting 11 not on talent but on the relationships he forged there. His decisions are not in the interest of Portugal winning, but in rewarding his SCP mates and attempting to insult Benfica and its supporers.
This year for instance. Benfica won the Portuguese league, Cup and League Cup. Porto did the same in the past two years. Clearly Benfica and Porto have far superior talent than SCP who didn't even finish top 6 to qualify for the european competitions last year. Well you wouldn't know it by the players he selected. One of the most decisive Portuguese players this year was Ricardo Quaresma. He saved Porto from the brink and had a brilliant season. He wasn't even picked for Portugal's team. But his old SCP mate Miguel Veloso - who is by far and away the WORST PLAYER IN THE WHOLE WORLD CUP, not only makes the team, he starts. He makes Rui Patricio the starting goalie despite his history of "frangos" (total mistakes resulting in a goal). He played awful in qualifying, but in line with SCP culture, failure is the goal, so he stuck with him. This despite having this years european champion Beto from Sevilla languishing on the bench.
Against the US, Portugal's first goal came from Andre Almeida - a benfica player, who got his first minutes this world cup. He made the cross that led to the goal. Played a stellar first half in defence and kept the US off the scoreboard. So in SCP culture, what does setting up goals and defending perfectly get you? - the bench. At halftime he was substituted off, the US immediately sensed the weakness and scored two goals. In desperation, he summoned Porto winger Varela off the bench -- who scored. I would bet Varela will be punished for his success by not getting anymore playing time.
It would take too long to get into how profoundly sick the culture is at SCP and how they truly hate success and love failure. IT takes a special kind of loser to be a part of that club and support that club. But that is who is running the federation. Portugal barely qualified. They had to go to the playoff against sweden and save for an individual performance from Ronaldo who singlehandledy won the game, Portugal would have been out. How did the federation react to a coach who almost didn't qualify ? They renewed his contract. By contrast 2010 coach Carlos Queiroz got 7 points in the first round of the world cup with no goals allowed and emerged from the group. The response to that was his immediate firing. This is the culture of Sporting Clube de Portugal.
So being a huge Benfica supporter, how can I say that this team management represents me ? When Benfica players are good enough to win all three titles in Portugal and make the european final, but apparently now not one of their players is good enough to start. That is not representing the best interests in portugal or portuguese football. That is the culture of failure from SCP. SCP only represents a small number of Portuguese. This FPF team is run by losers, degenerates failures. They don't represent the vast majority. They don't have the best 23 portuguese footballers on the roster and definitely don't start the best 11. Portuguese players have been dropping like flies with no contact muscular injuries - a sign of inadequate physical training and preparation. Defender Pepe got bonehead red area in game 1 - a sign of lacking psychological preparation. Its total abject failure. Failure so bad it got rewarded with a two year contract extension in true SCP fashion.
So no, I do not support Portugal, I do not want them to win because this team is not legitimate. It is a cabal of SCP losers who only know how to do one thing well - FAIL.
The team in my view, in no way represents Portugal, the people or even the portuguese footballers. The FPF (Portuguese Federation) is run by a clan of elites who support a miserable pro club in portugal called Sporting Clube de Portugal (SCP).
SCP tends to be supported by the more well to do individuals in Portugal, political elites, and social climbers. Benfica tends to be supported by the working class and the citizens of former portuguese colonies. FC Porto has a regional base which is the north of Portugal. Benfica has a glorious history of success having the most titles in portuguese history, oodles of cups and european titles. FC Porto also has an incredible history of success in much the same way.
SCP has no such history. Despite being backed by the elites in the country they can't find success if it hit them in the face. The club Sporting CP has a deep and engrained culture of failure, losing and contempt for talent. Anyone, coach or player who shows any promise in that club is immediately shown the door. Cristiano Ronaldo started there, for example. He played less than one pro season and was immediately sold. There is a countless list of players and coaches that are welcome to stay a decade at SCP if they suck. Once they show any quality, they are shown the door. This is why they never win anything. Not in Portugal and not in the european competitions.
Portugal's coach Paulo Bento is one of these degenerate losers from the SCP power structure. He coached there and made close friendships with many of the athletes who played there at the time. He selects his roster and starting 11 not on talent but on the relationships he forged there. His decisions are not in the interest of Portugal winning, but in rewarding his SCP mates and attempting to insult Benfica and its supporers.
This year for instance. Benfica won the Portuguese league, Cup and League Cup. Porto did the same in the past two years. Clearly Benfica and Porto have far superior talent than SCP who didn't even finish top 6 to qualify for the european competitions last year. Well you wouldn't know it by the players he selected. One of the most decisive Portuguese players this year was Ricardo Quaresma. He saved Porto from the brink and had a brilliant season. He wasn't even picked for Portugal's team. But his old SCP mate Miguel Veloso - who is by far and away the WORST PLAYER IN THE WHOLE WORLD CUP, not only makes the team, he starts. He makes Rui Patricio the starting goalie despite his history of "frangos" (total mistakes resulting in a goal). He played awful in qualifying, but in line with SCP culture, failure is the goal, so he stuck with him. This despite having this years european champion Beto from Sevilla languishing on the bench.
Against the US, Portugal's first goal came from Andre Almeida - a benfica player, who got his first minutes this world cup. He made the cross that led to the goal. Played a stellar first half in defence and kept the US off the scoreboard. So in SCP culture, what does setting up goals and defending perfectly get you? - the bench. At halftime he was substituted off, the US immediately sensed the weakness and scored two goals. In desperation, he summoned Porto winger Varela off the bench -- who scored. I would bet Varela will be punished for his success by not getting anymore playing time.
It would take too long to get into how profoundly sick the culture is at SCP and how they truly hate success and love failure. IT takes a special kind of loser to be a part of that club and support that club. But that is who is running the federation. Portugal barely qualified. They had to go to the playoff against sweden and save for an individual performance from Ronaldo who singlehandledy won the game, Portugal would have been out. How did the federation react to a coach who almost didn't qualify ? They renewed his contract. By contrast 2010 coach Carlos Queiroz got 7 points in the first round of the world cup with no goals allowed and emerged from the group. The response to that was his immediate firing. This is the culture of Sporting Clube de Portugal.
So being a huge Benfica supporter, how can I say that this team management represents me ? When Benfica players are good enough to win all three titles in Portugal and make the european final, but apparently now not one of their players is good enough to start. That is not representing the best interests in portugal or portuguese football. That is the culture of failure from SCP. SCP only represents a small number of Portuguese. This FPF team is run by losers, degenerates failures. They don't represent the vast majority. They don't have the best 23 portuguese footballers on the roster and definitely don't start the best 11. Portuguese players have been dropping like flies with no contact muscular injuries - a sign of inadequate physical training and preparation. Defender Pepe got bonehead red area in game 1 - a sign of lacking psychological preparation. Its total abject failure. Failure so bad it got rewarded with a two year contract extension in true SCP fashion.
So no, I do not support Portugal, I do not want them to win because this team is not legitimate. It is a cabal of SCP losers who only know how to do one thing well - FAIL.
The trio
Early on I began to publish lists on Facebook where I would list a group of teams and say that final four would emerge from that group. So far so good. I would like to further that prediction and indicate that I am prepared to boldly state at this point the following:
The winner of the World Cup will be from the following list of teams:
France
Germany
Mexico
All three have shown identity, very high quality, the ability to rout opposition. They have tremendous athletes, difference makers, solid goal keeping, and are all very well coached.
Brazil is not a contender and but for the blatant theft of the game from Croatia, would not even be in the second round. Look out for more cheating by referees to help Brazil but at the end of the day they are lacking quality to such a great degree than even referee assistance won't be able to save them. They have no midfield to speak of and very weak strikers. David Luiz is an overrated defender. Their coach is a motivator not a tactician and look for him to get soundly out coached once he faces serious opposition.
Argentina is a good team despite Messi being a wasted pass 99% of the game. He has had the stroke of luck in two matches but I don't expect that to continue. At the end of the day, if Messi got hurt I would include Argentina in my contenders list. But he just can't carry a team too far when he gets the ball passed to him 40 times a game and loses it to the opposition 39 of those 40 times. Argentina will have to face a team that can score multiple goals on them. And when they do, Messi on the pitch will be the reason they can't recover.
The winner of the World Cup will be from the following list of teams:
France
Germany
Mexico
All three have shown identity, very high quality, the ability to rout opposition. They have tremendous athletes, difference makers, solid goal keeping, and are all very well coached.
Brazil is not a contender and but for the blatant theft of the game from Croatia, would not even be in the second round. Look out for more cheating by referees to help Brazil but at the end of the day they are lacking quality to such a great degree than even referee assistance won't be able to save them. They have no midfield to speak of and very weak strikers. David Luiz is an overrated defender. Their coach is a motivator not a tactician and look for him to get soundly out coached once he faces serious opposition.
Argentina is a good team despite Messi being a wasted pass 99% of the game. He has had the stroke of luck in two matches but I don't expect that to continue. At the end of the day, if Messi got hurt I would include Argentina in my contenders list. But he just can't carry a team too far when he gets the ball passed to him 40 times a game and loses it to the opposition 39 of those 40 times. Argentina will have to face a team that can score multiple goals on them. And when they do, Messi on the pitch will be the reason they can't recover.
Welcome by reminder
Well after purveying my vast insight and knowledge of the beautiful game for years in cafes. bars, Facebook, twitter, phone calls, etc. I decided to begin documenting the treasure chest of football wisdom and share it with the world.
I will take us back 6 months ago My Facebook friends will clearly remember the day of the FIFA World Cup 2014 draw. When I saw Portugal's group I immediately predicted at that time 6 months ago that Portugal would not advance. I was right.
When I saw Greece's group, combination of knowing the incredible quality of their coach Fernando Santos quite well, with the knowledge that Japan and Ivory Coast are vastly overrated. I predicted Greece would emerge from that group on the Draw date 6 months ago. I was right.
I will take us back 6 months ago My Facebook friends will clearly remember the day of the FIFA World Cup 2014 draw. When I saw Portugal's group I immediately predicted at that time 6 months ago that Portugal would not advance. I was right.
When I saw Greece's group, combination of knowing the incredible quality of their coach Fernando Santos quite well, with the knowledge that Japan and Ivory Coast are vastly overrated. I predicted Greece would emerge from that group on the Draw date 6 months ago. I was right.
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