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Jon_Snow
Guest
Registered: Not Yet
Location:
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quote: | Originally posted by djdk
Wow, absolute howler from Caballero there |
Yes it is.
Loved that strike by Eriksen
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Jun-21-2018 22:04
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DJ RANN
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: May 2001
Location: Hollywood....
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I'm glad Croatia got the win, not just for colonial reasons; Argentina were just outplayed and Messi was locked down the whole game. It reminded me of Neymar against Switzerland although even more guys on him.
Rebic's finish was great, even if it was a gift, but Modric's goal was nothing short of sublime. World class player with a goal to match. I have a feeling that if Croatia continue to pay like that, they've got a real shot. It easily could have been a couple of goals more for them and by the end, Argentina were just broken.
If Iceland win against Nigeria, Argentina are out. I can't really believe that they won't even make it through the group stage but frankly Iceland and Coratia deserve it more.
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Jun-21-2018 22:16
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DJ RANN
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: May 2001
Location: Hollywood....
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quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
He didn't play well, but Croatia did a job on him tonight. Every time he got the ball they had two or even three players hustling him in possession. And more than that, his team couldn't get any supply into him.
By far Argentina's biggest problem is that they lack any kind of midfield passer who can join defence and attack. They used to excel in this position - there was a time when they had Riquelme, Aimar and Veron in the squad all at once. What they would give now for just one of those players who can receive the ball on the half-turn in midfield, shield it and pass it on. Croatia pressed them superbly and their only answer was to tackle like brutal bastards. By contrast, you look at Modric, who just can't be dispossessed. You can press him all day long but he'll play through it. That's what did for Liverpool in the Champion's League final and it's what happened to Argentina today.
For me, Messi needs to be playing in midfield, with the mission statement of dictating rhythm. He's shown many times for Barcelona he can dictate the play from deep. He has the technique and the intelligence to do it, no question. It wouldn't be a glamorous role for him, but it's what the team needs. Instead I thought Sampaoli's substitution of Aguero for Higuain was utterly pointless. He swapped a striker who was getting no service for another striker who's got a far worse touch and is only useful for finishing off moves. The actions of a manager with no clue how to solve his team's structural problems. And he deserves the sack just for that suit jacket and V-neck combo. |
Cesc Fabregas agrees with you:
quote: | Argentina played with a 5-0-5 formation. No midfield. This is what any opposition in the world wants to face. Argentina players did not play for each other but they played against each other. The passing was terrible. They offered nothing, nothing." |
It seems Jorge Sampaoli admits he didn't have a clue:
quote: | "I am responsible for the loss. I made the decisions. I did not read the game well. We have not found the best team to accompany Messi." |
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Jun-21-2018 22:21
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sensorium
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Jun 2004
Location:
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quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
As I said earlier in the thread, anyone who thought Argentina were a favourite is going purely on their name, because they've been playing terribly for some time now, and barely even made it to the tournament.
I was reading this morning that Croatia actually had more players on the pitch from Europe's top four leagues. Argentina had several players I'd never even heard of, so maybe this result shouldn't be a surprise at all.
I also read that Messi told Sampaoli months ago that 3-4-3 doesn't work for him tactically as it encourages defenders to clog his zones. Sampaoli duly came up with a new formation ahead of the tournament, but after the draw with Iceland he went straight back to 3-4-3 against Croatia. By the end of the match it was difficult to tell what system Argentina were supposed to be playing.
I'm interested to see how Brazil get on today. I thought they looked good against Switzerland for 45 minutes, but something obviously went wrong in the second half. |
Argentina was a favorite because of the players, most of them anyway. It was harder to qualify because every other team was hungrier and more motivated from the start. Brazil had that embarrassing 7-1 defeat and they had the pressure to qualify first.
Unfortunately, Argentina was playing better with the non-Europeans players because they're the ones that have something to prove. I don't think they are the ones to be blamed here for the loss. The 'Europeans' seem apathetic, specially Messi in the last game. It was terrible to watch.
Anyway, Armani, the goalie who should have been the starter from the beginning, must start the game against Nigeria. Many experts said that as soon as Romero got injured. Why Sampaoli put a "European" goalie who rarely plays over a better goalie who is more constant is beyond me.
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Jun-22-2018 17:22
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