FIFA WC Soccer 2014, GROUP D (Italy, England, Uruguay, Costa Rica): All previews, reviews and matches thread

[al-Sagar]

sturridge off lallana on .... rooney should have been off

[al-Sagar]

time running out for england

[al-Sagar]

lallana has two different colors of boot

[al-Sagar]

that ball was going to argentina

[al-Sagar]

looks like Italy have this one in pocket

[One World]

Rahim Sterling booked.

[al-Sagar]

italy did the job .... but needs to improve a lot

[Sohel]

Originally Posted by al-Sagar
italy did the job .... but needs to improve a lot

Indeed. Agree with you 100%. The Italians have such a defensive mindset that their offensive forays look good and organized only when they're on the counterattack. When not, they seem to be lacking imagination when putting together a string of moves. They tend to play the low percentage long ball hoping for a lone striker to do something with it. Boring. They had a much more organized and exciting offense in 2006 with Toni, Gilardino and Iaquinta being fed by Pirlo at his most imaginative.

I thought the English offense looked way better in comparison whenever Sterling and Sturridge were involved.

[shaad]

The Italians have always gone for the catenaccio defense, especially when they have a lead -- it saps the opponent's energy and leaves them open to a counterattack. I thought they were getting over it after the last WC when they showed a much more sparkling attack, but it seems like they'll never give it up. Yes, it's boring -- one of the reasons I can't bring myself to really support them, despite having brilliant players like Pirlo -- but one can't deny that it's effective.

[Sohel]

Originally Posted by shaad
The Italians have always gone for the catenaccio defense, especially when they have a lead -- it saps the opponent's energy and leaves them open to a counterattack. I thought they were getting over it after the last WC when they showed a much more sparkling attack, but it seems like they'll never give it up. Yes, it's boring -- one of the reasons I can't bring myself to really support them, despite having brilliant players like Pirlo -- but one can't deny that it's effective.

It's effective but negative soccer like Tiki-effing-Taka and I hate it. Don't get me wrong, I love watching good defensive units and appreciate the skills involved. Those skills are less flashy because they prevent rather than result in goals, but they are no less incredible. Think of guys like Beckenbauer, Matthaus, Baresi, Bossis, Maldini, Davids, Dunga, Zidane, Riquelme, Ronaldinho, Xavi, Iniesta, and Essien. Each was physical with the ability to win and then hold the ball with minimal touches that create space and passing lanes. Some attack more than the others but all are solid 2-way players with vision. Watch Messi play defense and win balls. It's beautiful.

I played defense and holding midfield for my high school in Europe and in college. Also played in the highly competitive Latino league in the Bay Area before I stopped playing at a high level around 1998.

But negative soccer is about deliberately subverting the defense-offense balance which makes the game truly beautiful. Gotta plan on the fly and execute whilst trying to score and preventing your opponent from scoring. Like Ali before he discovered rope-a-dope out of the necessity of fighting a bigger, stronger and younger opponent in Foreman.

[shaad]

No disagreement there, Sohel. Part of the reason why we play football and also watch is because of the sheer aesthetics; and Italy's catenaccio robs the game of that pleasure.

[Nocturnal]

Originally Posted by One World
Where are all the Azurri's of BC!!??

here!

like the way team played against Eng.
hope Buffon coming back soon.
Pirlo is still the best!

[One World]

^Hello brother.

Uruguay might trample England tomorrow.

[Sohel]

Don't really care who wins this one, but England would probably lose due to one of their traditional gaffes at a critical time.

[Sohel]

Bilati defense is suspect. Amazing how technically excellent the Uruguaso defence is!

[Sohel]

Ingrej central defenders are especially narbhas. Kichhukkhoner moddhei hishi kore dibe.

[Sohel]

Welbek: one touch too many and not a good passer under pressure.

[Sohel]

Rooney: ball beautifully headed onto the bar. That's the type of skill that has kept him scoreless in the World Cup for a century. Bravo!

[Sohel]

And there you go! Another reality check for England, this time delivered by Cavani and Suarez. 1-0 Uruguay.

[Sohel]

Sturridge: the new Shearer. A genuine striker, unlike Welbek and Rooney at this level. Not talking about the EPL here.

[Sohel]

Arekta khaite nisilo ...

[Sohel]

Suarez misses. Good way to keep playing in England.

[Sohel]

Now Cavani misses to make his case for a contract in the EPL.

[Sohel]

Rooney: skilled at not scoring in the World Cup. He should play for Mohammedan.

[Sohel]

Welbek: why be on time? Why score?