Tao:- Okey i do know where you coming from .....but 4 the trend nowdays teams that are doing well are those that have what we call " Attacking Mid-fielders"
If you watch ROBINHO or ADRIANO playing...they do pull back in the mid- field to work 4 the ball....but Ronaldo nooooo....he is always at the edge of the box waiting 4 a cross..
So what happens if brasil meets a time that has a good defence and is able to intersect those crosses b4 they reach Ronaldo .....then they r done
I'm, just a big awld Grimm Tao today binary. Sorry if I came across a bit : rolleyes : kind of thing
Brasil play a different style of football than any other side I have seen in the WC or the domestic leagues here. I think I've heard it refered to as "Total Football" I agree that perhaps no other side in the world would tolerate a forward seemingly "out for a stroll in the park" and Ronaldo himself is well under par by his own excellent standards.
I'm sure he was kept on for the full ninety minutes yesterday to help him gain more match fitness. As much as we like to look at the undoubted footballing talent of each of the individuals in the Brasil side we can forget just what a great team they are too. As a team they have decided that they would rather have a 60% fit Ronaldo sitting on the shoulder of the defence than not.
Remember this too, he was on a yellow card before that match. Most other managers were having huge debates with their teams (and the filthy press) about resting players on yellow cards in case they got another one and missed the next match. Carlos Alberto Parreira (the manager) decided he needed Ronaldo to play, the team needed Ronaldo to play and Ronaldo himself needed and wanted to play.
I understand your point of view binary and would agree with you if it were any other player in any other team.
This is no ordinary team and an extaordinary player.
JK: "the US is a winner by spirit" yeah right ....but they could go join the Samba girls in supporting brasil
if you noticed through out the game most of the players we trying to pass the ball to him...One thing abt the brazillian players is that they are like a family unit...
"Winner by spirit" was referring to our national personality and the fact that we won't stick our tails between our legs and o ccry. We'll look at why we didn't win and figure out how to get better. We did as any sane rational soccer fan expected. The US press may have hyped the team but anyone that follows the team and the sport in this country knew that this was the most likely end product. My statement had nothing to do with our performance in this tournament. Sicne you obviously misinterpreted my statement I won't tell you to stick your samba girl comment squarely up your own ass
RE Ronaldo - The man's a legend and you'll never hear a bad word out of my mouth for him, he's already done so much in the game. I've followed him since he was just a boy at PSV and I've seen him do things over his career that noone's come close to since. This i why I respect and cheer for him still.
That said I think you're right on to a large degree, if I were the manager I wouldn't have Ronaldo on as a starter, or I'd bring him off much earlier. Maybe he gives the team a psychological lift or something but he's not mobile at all, he's not the best player for the choosing at the moment. Look at his goals in that game, the header goal in the past he would have attackedn that ball quickly from a good angle but the current Ronaldo barely got there, he moves like a turtle now where he used to be lightening. I'd always pick him over Adriano tho
The quickness of his game is gone but he's always had other dimensions, he can get into positions unmarked and if can get a good ball to feet he doesn't need any time or hhelp to score in those situations still. His shooting is still deadly accurate, quick and instinctive. His days of running 60 yards with the ball and sticking it in the net are probably over His days of doing his lightening fast step-over shimmy at full speed around 18 yards to get past defenders is probably over. But you still get lot of goals from the guy otherwise, more I think than you can expect from a fully fit Adriano even.
There's talk that Ronaldo's depressed or somethin. You can see that, for a few years now, since his move to Madrid. Weight gain, how many different model girlfriends/wives? Slumps, injuries. This is a guy that was close to Michael Jordan celebrity status on a global scale for many years and all that's fading. It all started when he was stil la teenager as well. He's got a lot on his mind no doubt.
I'm glad to see some people finally respecting Robinho. He's a massivey good player. I argued his merits to a bunch of friends of mine that are Madristas. They did not want him and thought he was useless, I thought he could be the best player on the team after getting some experience under his belt. I think he's definitely getting there and hopefully this WC is his launching pad.
Spain and the Ukraine with wins this morning
The trial dates over MoggiGate stuff in Italy are set and Juventus, Milan, Lazio and Firoentina are named. Meanwhile Italy looks like they have a possible easy route to the semis!
France ... playing better without Zidane! Who would have thought that?On the other hand
me me me! He's long past his sell by date To me the biggest factor in this performance is DummYech pulling head from butt and playing Trezeguet finally. That and the fact that Togo are pretty listless looking.
Korea's down 2-0 and not looking like they're going to get anything from this. So the French teams go through at this point from this group
I'm totally suprised by the Swiss, they were not even on my radar before the WC started. I only knew that Senderos was quality from watching him at Arsenal last season but the Swiss as a team? I need to study up on the boys.
And yes, condolences on your loss Suho and all those fantastic supporters!
quote: binary said:
i was just giving my condolences by offering you guys the SAMBA girls
*that* would be a fine consolation indeed
I'm going out of town to play soccer all weekend, I'm sure there'll've (double contraction!!! YES!!) been an upset or two. 99% chance Ghana's going home tho! Too bad too, their colorful support will be missed. The clearly need a rest however as helf their team lay down in the 2nd half of their last group game
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-24-2006 20:20
There is no excuse for how the US played.
It was shitty, crappy, and totally screwed.
They deserved to be sent packing with that un-performance.
It is the big league folks! Either come to play and be a contender, or stay home.
Well, the Germans destroyed Sweden. Either come to play, or go home is the message.
I guess the Swedes will be going home.
At least Mexico understood this. What a game! Argentina was really pressed to pull out a win! Now THAT is what I call playing with heart and soul! Though they lost, Mexico gets my respect. Well done!
It will be interesting to see if Germany can put forth that type of effort for over 90 minutes.
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-26-2006 07:39
England squeeks out a win against a poor looking Ecuador. A truly uninspiring match, and I think that unless England really improves its game, it will be gone after the next match.
And now for the shocker of the day!
Portugal defeats Holland!
And what an ugly match it was! Set new WC records for number of red cards (4) and I believe yellow as well (11)!!
9 vs 9, and somehow, Portugal managed to hang onto the 1-0 lead and win.
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
From: Darwin, NT, Australia Insane since: Dec 2003
posted 06-26-2006 07:53
Coming up tonight Australian time, Australia v Italy; should be an interesting match. It's all or nothing for the Aussies..... most of them will never play again together if they lose this one!
Here's hoping for a bit of a**e to beat that Italian class..... just one more round so the lads can go out in style
Now why should you be suprised. From the way the Ned started you could tell that they were in no hurry of playing. What i love watching is a team that takes the fight to its opponents not holding back and waiting for a lucky break.
Imajin if the Ned had gone through and they met England..that would have been a very very boring match to watch
My theory on what caused the match to be that ugly:
The tackle on CRISTIANO RONALDO was the genesis of all this. Ouch that must have hurt and I truly believe that was so on purpose. If Ronaldo had stayed on the Ned's would have found it very very tough.
I truly hope Ronalodo will be fit. coz him out , Deco out; England might be having a lucky break
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-26-2006 09:13
Actually, Portugal got lucky the entire game. For some reason, the Portugese Goal was cursed for Holland.
Holland definitely played a much better game than Portugal did - examine the statistics. Portugal was obviously studying the Golden rules. However, Holland forgot the Golden Rule # 1 - if you want to win, then you MUST shoot goals.
And they didn't, although they did shoot alot of balls at the goal!
I think Portugal has a very good chance of beating England, to be honest.
Aussies vs Italy. This should be a very interesting match. I am not sure who will win, so I expect it to be very close.
The Swiss vs Ukraine - well, I expect the Swiss to stomp the Ukraine. Next opponent, please!
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
quote: binary said:
i was just giving my condolences by offering you guys the SAMBA girls.
i'm ok with that
to catch up a bit, the officiating definitely not in favor at the tournament but at the same time we really just didn't show up. I see Arena gone and hopefully some more creative talent coming up through the ranks, we shall see. interesting article in the Houston newspaper that i somewhat agree with.
as far as upcoming matches, i've now hopped on the Aussie bandwagon. i'm also REALLY curious to see what Ghana does against Brazil, i think that could be a more interesting match than people expect. England has yet to have a really strong performance and i'd be surprised to see them make the semi (but stranger things have happened). other than that my money is on Spain and Torres...the kid knows how to finish
that just sucked...what it is it with officials calling penalties in extra time?! especially in a tied match you just can't make that call unless it's a horribly blatant penalty.
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-26-2006 21:22
THAT was the STUPIDEST thing I have seen a Team do yet.
WTF was Australia thinking? First of all, there shouldn't have BEEN a man from Italy anywhere near the Goal area. Australia totally screwed the pooch on that one! And then to let that italian player have a chance at getting an 11 meter...
With 10 seconds to go in extended play?
Wow.
I sure am glad that didn't happen to the US team. Bad enough to have a dumb a$$ foul another and get a red card in the first half.
But give Italy a chance with only 10 seconds left before regular play was over?
I'm still digesting that one!
The Swiss vs Ukraine is looking to be an interesting match so far.
As for Brazil vs Ghana, Brazil has steadily been improving game play. It remains to be seen if Brazil picks up where they left off with Japan - if they do, then Ghana will get buried, as well as the rest of the world...hehe.
Ghana certainly hasn't improved their game as the 2-1 over the US was anything other than spectacular.
I am personally looking forward to the Argentina vs Germany game! I think that is going to be a Huuuuge game!
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
I've been listening to an off-tube internet audio broadcast from The Sun to catch games during the day, and the very British announcers are just hysterical. they couldn't stop talking about how unexciting the Ukraine/Swiss match was, and going into penalties were saying things like "Well this should be interesting, once they've got the ball at the penalty spot they'll look up and perhaps realize the goalmouth is what they were supposed to be shooting at the entire match."
From: Darwin, NT, Australia Insane since: Dec 2003
posted 06-27-2006 01:35
Took a while to get to sleep last night..... boy what coulda been....dream...even losing a penalty shootout woulda felt better!
Ah well, only 4 years ta go Go Germany
^WS
I'm with you on THAT penalty in Aus v Ita...WTF.... still.... shit happens.... it should never have got to there.... at that level at that moment, a desperate team shoulda taken play/the man/whatever down BEFORE it got into the penalty area
Swiss vs Ukraine
To say the truth...i watched 10 to 15 min of this game and i swicthed the
channel immediately i could tell it would be one of those matches.
It's really bad to see some teams still out there..still hanging on ...while very good teams like Mexico, Cote D' have already gone home. Am sure if all the teams that played yesterday were pitched with Mexico...they would all be packing.
Anyway thats the world Cup..i guess it really doesnt matter when good teams play against each other coz eventually they would be only one winner.
Now back to today's match Brasil vs Ghana:-
You should all mark this day in your dairy...as i predict a Major Major upset
today...and you wouldnt want to forget this day...
Brasil 2 Ghana 3
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-27-2006 08:11
Ian, you are absolutely correct - that first defender should have mowed Toti down (and have taken the yellow), instead of trying to play a fresh Toti down. That missed opportunity set up the encounter inside the goal area, and with an Italian player all alone in front of the goal and not offsides, even a little bit of perceived disruption to Toti's advance was likely to end in an 11 meter call.
Bitter, but true.
Australia definitely played better than Italy, but in the end only the Golden rule counts - to win, you must score goals.
I admire that Australia played fair to the end. You have to admire that. Fair dinkum!
The only upset there is going to be in the Brazil vs Ghana game is that Ronaldo will probably not score a goal and break the all time high goal score in the WC! Brazil will squash Ghana like a bug! I predict 4-0 Brazil.
I also expect Spain to teach the French some lessons about soccer!
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
Totti is a wee fella, Grosso was the spindly Italian taken down in the box
Brasil wil murderize the Ghanaians! I actually hold a little hope for Ghana but that hope leads me to a conclusion of a close victory for Brasil intead of a blowout. But Robinho's out and Adriano's in so who knows, mebbe they nick it?! Doubtful but stranger things have happened.
binary: If Ghana wins I'll buy you many beers truly deserved!
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-27-2006 09:31
quote:Totti is a wee fella, Grosso was the spindly Italian taken down in the box
Oops!
Er...yeah, what he said!
I am interested in seeing how Brazil plays. Will they pick up where they left off against Japan, or will they go back to their earlier form? Too bad I have to work
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
Swiss vs Ukraine
To say the truth...i watched 10 to 15 min of this game and i swicthed the channel immediately i could tell it would be one of those matches.
It's really bad to see some teams still out there..still hanging on ...while very good teams like Mexico, Cote D' have already gone home.
Well, if they've already gone home, it probably means they're not that good, somehow. And if I agree it wasn't an exciting game, they still took their chance, and didn't play the only boring game in the Cup by far.
And it's Switzerland, not Swiss.
You can call it Helvetia, Suisse, Confédération Helvétique, Confédération Suisse, Schweiz, Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, Svizzera, Confederazione Svizzera, Confederaziun Svizra, Svizra, Switzerland or Swiss Confederation if you like.
But by no means Swiss
posted 06-23-2006 13:26
.....but 4 the trend nowdays teams that are doing well are those that have what we call " Attacking Mid-fielders"
...he is always at the edge of the box waiting 4 a cross..
.....then they r done
His days of doing his lightening fast step-over shimmy at full speed around 18 yards to get past defenders is probably over. But you still get lot of goals from the guy otherwise, more I think than you can expect from a fully fit Adriano even. 
