World Cup Thread.

[BritPat]

Strong words from Martin O'Neill on ITV. The most inept Brazilian team in the history of their federation.

 

[BritPat]

There's a lot of over-looking Van Persie, for me. Robben has been the best Dutch player on show, but Van Persie is lethal if given the chance.

 

[BritPat]

Some interesting personnel decisions from Sabella tonight. Enzo Perez has had a terrific season for Benfica.

 

[Wheelman]

Wtf is wrong with Robben! He had a perfect opportunity to dive!

 

[BritPat]

Great save by Cillessen from Leo.

 

[Mike the Brit]

There's a lot of over-looking Van Persie, for me. Robben has been the best Dutch player on show, but Van Persie is lethal if given the chance.

It's always about the last match for the tele-pundits. Admittedly, Van Persie wasn't good against CR, while Robben was outstanding. But he was outstanding early in the tournament (THAT goal against Spain!)

But so far there's only been one team in it -- and it's not been Holland.

 

[BritPat]

Aye, all Argentina so far. Perez and Zabaleta getting a lot of joy down the right.

 

[Mike the Brit]

I can't see clearly enough but are the Dutch leaving their left open because they're putting two guys on Messi on the other side?

 

[BritPat]

Messi's floating really, although he does seem to have two markers.

Sabella seems to have recognised the biggest weakness of the 3-5-2 and that is overloading on the flanks against the fullbacks.

 

[CelticPatriot]

I said this yesterday (not on here). Brazil aren't anywhere near as good as people think. They've scraped through every game bar the one against Cameroon. Colombia should beat them easily.They are carrying a lot of luck though, they're pretty match a one man team, and their one man isn't Messi/Ronaldo/Suarez/anyone else that good.

If they somehow get through, it would be funny to watch the Germans completely destroy them in their own backyard, it would be more of a hammering tham Pats=Ravens last year.

*Clears throat*

 

[BritPat]

A superbly intriguing tactical battle so far, which the Argies are winning, just.

 

[BritPat]

Really enjoyed the first 45 minutes. A real game of cat and mouse.

 

[Wheelman]

lol, that's why you like soccer BritPat. I've been yawning the entire game. I liked the back and forth between Brazil and Germany before Germany went on a rampage. I loved that.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Really enjoyed the first 45 minutes. A real game of cat and mouse.

Yes, me too.

The Argentinians have been a real eye-opener for me. I hadn't really watched their games closely so far and I'd bought into the "not much of a team bailed out by the genius of Messi". But they've been skilful and used a lot of intelligence to try to make space. Those gaps that Levezzi has been finding are the result of really good movement.

And the Dutch have really defended well -- not just by keeping formation but by timing their headers and tackles.

 

[Wheelman]

Lol nice tackle by Vlaar. I like the Argentinian coach standing near the sideline. I like his style!

 

[Mike the Brit]

Don't care who wins -- either team will give the Germans a game.

 

[Wheelman]

Lmfao Robben! just fall lol!

 

[BritPat]

Maxi! Maxi Rodriguez runs down the wing for me! Der der der der der der der der der der.....Quality player.

 

[BritPat]

Penalties it is.

 

[BritPat]

Cool as you like from Leo after Romero saves Vlaar's poor effort. 0-1 after the first two.